No abstract

Background The patient-as-professional concept acknowledges the expert participation of patients in interprofessional teams, including their contributions to managing and coordinating their care. However, little is known about experiences and perspectives of these teams.

The difference between IV and IM routes of administration of widow spider antivenom is, at best, small and does not justify routinely choosing one route over the other. Furthermore, antivenom may provide no benefit over placebo.

No abstract

No abstract

The interdisciplinary context of the emergency department encompasses diverse clinical presentations requiring teamwork by doctors, nurses and allied health workers to achieve optimal patient care. This interdisciplinary focus is extended by adding a research perspective. This project sought to systematically examine the current research capacity of emergency department staff at a major Australian tertiary urban hospital and to derive information about further research-related needs with a view to enhancing research capacity. The mixed method project utilized a department-wide staff survey followed by focus groups and individual interviews. Adequate response rates to the two phases were achieved (n = 67, n = 17 respectively). Not surprisingly, 89% of participants reported that they needed help with developing their research skills. Clinicians reported little or no experience with (i) finding literature (35%) and critical review (50%), (ii) research skills and techniques, both qualitative (72%) and quantitative (63%), and (iii) research output: publishing (68%), writing& presenting (34%). Data from focus groups and individual interviews yielded themes around developing research skills, communication, meaningfulness, team work and interdisciplinary strategies, forming part of the Dimensional Enhancing Research Capacity (DERC) model. This project highlighted not only interdisciplinary needs for research but also the way that research may additionally assist with building interprofessional linkage.

Consumers unexpectedly accessing the complex and confusing context of the emergency department (ED) need appropriately communicated information to minimize unrealistic expectations leading to stressed and frustrated behaviour. This pilot project sought consumer opinions to develop an ED informational brochure to improve communication strategies. Thirty-two ED consumers attending a large tertiary hospital completed an anonymous one-page questionnaire comprising 22 topic areas. Descriptive data analysis indicated consumers' interest in information about waiting times, how the ED works, the triage system, identifying staff and parking. Most interest was shown by 31- to 50-year-old consumers. Pragmatically grouped results suggested the need for three information brochures to enhance health communication in the ED, in turn leading to a safer and more congenial health-care context.

No abstract