Jacqueline Fraser

Emergency department point-of-care ultrasound in out-of-hospital and in-ED cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND Point-of-care ultrasound has been suggested to improve outcomes from advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), but no large studies have explored how it should be incorporated into ACLS. Our aim was to determine whether cardiac activity on ultrasound during ACLS is associated with improved survival. METHODS We conducted a non-randomized, prospective, protocol-driven observational study at 20 hospitals across United States and Canada. Patients presenting with out-of-hospital arrest or in-ED arrest with pulseless electrical activity or asystole were included. An ultrasound was performed at the beginning and end of ACLS. The primary outcome was survival to hospital admission. Secondary outcomes included survival to hospital discharge and return of spontaneous circulation. FINDINGS 793 patients were enrolled, 208 (26.2%) survived the initial resuscitation, 114 (14.4%) survived to hospital admission, and 13 (1.6%) survived to hospital discharge. Cardiac activity on US was the variable most associated with survival at all time points. On multivariate regression modeling, cardiac activity was associated with increased survival to hospital admission (OR 3.6, 2.2-5.9) and hospital discharge (OR 5.7, 1.5-21.9). No cardiac activity on US was associated with non-survival, but 0.6% (95% CI 0.3-2.3) survived to discharge. Ultrasound identified findings that responded to non-ACLS interventions. Patients with pericardial effusion and pericardiocentesis demonstrated higher survival rates (15.4%) compared to all others (1.3%). CONCLUSION Cardiac activity on ultrasound was the variable most associated with survival following cardiac arrest. Ultrasound during cardiac arrest identifies interventions outside of the standard ACLS algorithm.

Burnout in emergency department healthcare professionals is associated with coping style: a cross-sectional survey.

Introduction Ineffective coping may lead to impaired job performance and burnout, with adverse consequences to staff well-being and patient outcomes. We examined the relationship between coping styles and burnout in emergency physicians, nurses and support staff at seven small, medium and large emergency departments (ED) in a Canadian health region (population 500 000). Methods Linear regression with the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to evaluate the effect of coping style on levels of burnout in a cross-sectional survey of 616 ED staff members. CISS measures coping style in three categories: task-oriented, emotion-oriented and avoidance-oriented coping; MBI, in use for 30 years, assesses the level of burnout in healthcare workers. Results Task-oriented coping was associated with decreased risk of burnout, while emotion-oriented coping was associated with increased risk of burnout. Discussion Specific coping styles are associated with varied risk of burnout in ED staff across several different types of hospitals in a regional network. Coping style intervention may reduce burnout, while leading to improvement in staff well-being and patient outcomes. Further studies should focus on building and sustaining task-oriented coping, along with alternatives to emotion-oriented coping.

Detection of soft tissue foreign bodies by nurse practitioner-performed ultrasound

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of emergency nurse practitioner (NP)-performed point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for the detection of soft tissue foreign bodies (FBs).MethodsFollowing a 2-h training session, ten NPs were assessed on their ability to detect various FBs in an experimental model. FBs (wood, metal and plastic) were inserted randomly into eight experimental models (uncooked chicken thighs) by an independent observer. Control experimental models had no FB inserted, but all had a 1-cm incision made on their surface. NPs, blinded to the type of model, were then assessed on their ability to detect the FBs by ultrasound examination using high-frequency linear transducers (Toshiba Nemio). Models were also scanned by two experienced emergency physicians (EPs) as a further control.ResultsOverall, NP-performed POCUS detected 47 of the 60 foreign bodies with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 78.3%, 50%, 82% and 43%, respectively, compared with 83.3%, 75%, 90.9% and 60% for EPs. Sensitivity for detecting specific types of FB was 95%, 85% and 50% for wood, metal and plastic, respectively, for NP-performed POCUS, compared with 100%, 100% and 50% in the EP group.ConclusionsNPs with no previous ultrasound experience can detect soft tissue FBs with accuracy comparable to that of EPs in an experimental model. Test sensitivity was high for wood and metal foreign bodies. Specificity was generally low.

Sonography in Hypotension and Cardiac Arrest (SHoC): Rates of Abnormal Findings in Undifferentiated Hypotension and During Cardiac Arrest as a Basis for Consensus on a Hierarchical Point of Care Ultrasound Protocol

Introduction Point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) has become an established tool in the initial management of patients with undifferentiated hypotension. Current established protocols (RUSH and ACES) were developed by expert user opinion, rather than objective, prospective data. PoCUS also provides invaluable information during resuscitation efforts in cardiac arrest by determining presence/absence of cardiac activity and identifying reversible causes such as pericardial tamponade. There is no agreed guideline on how to safely and effectively incorporate PoCUS into the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) algorithm. We wished to report disease incidence as a basis to develop a hierarchical approach to PoCUS in hypotension and during cardiac arrest. Methods We summarized the recorded incidence of PoCUS findings from the initial cohort during the interim analysis of two prospective studies. We propose that this will form the basis for developing a modified Delphi approach incorporating this data to obtain the input of a panel of international experts associated with five professional organizations led by the International Federation of Emergency Medicine (IFEM). The modified Delphi tool will be developed to reach an international consensus on how to integrate PoCUS for hypotensive emergency department patients as well as into cardiac arrest algorithms. Results Rates of abnormal PoCUS findings from 151 patients with undifferentiated hypotension included left ventricular dynamic changes (43%), IVC abnormalities (27%), pericardial effusion (16%), and pleural fluid (8%). Abdominal pathology was rare (fluid 5%, AAA 2%). During cardiac arrest there were no pericardial effusions, however abnormalities of ventricular contraction (45%) and valvular motion (39%) were common among the 43 patients included. Conclusions A prospectively collected disease incidence-based hierarchy of scanning can be developed based on the reported findings. This will inform an international consensus process towards the development of proposed SHoC protocols for hypotension and cardiac arrest, comprised of the stepwise clinical-indication based approach of Core, Supplementary, and Additional PoCUS views. We hope that such a protocol would be structured in a way that enables the clinician to only perform views that are clinically indicated, which limits exposure to the frequent incidental positive findings that accompany the current “one size fits all” standard protocols.

A traumatic tale of two cities: a comparison of outcomes for adults with major trauma who present to differing trauma centres in neighbouring Canadian provinces

OBJECTIVES While the use of formal trauma teams is widely promoted, the literature is not clear that this structure provides improved outcomes over emergency physician delivered trauma care. The goal of this investigation was to examine if a trauma team model with a formalized, specialty-based trauma team, with specific activation criteria and staff composition, performs differently than an emergency physician delivered model. Our primary outcome was survival to discharge or 30 days. METHODS An observational registry-based study using aggregate data from both the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia trauma registries was performed with data from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2013. Inclusion criteria included patients 16 years-old and older who had an Injury Severity Score greater than 12, who suffered a kinetic injury and arrived with signs of life to a level-1 trauma centre. RESULTS 266 patients from the trauma team model and 111 from the emergency physician model were compared. No difference was found in the primary outcome of proportion of survival to discharge or 30 days between the two systems (0.88, n=266 vs. 0.89, n=111; p=0.8608). CONCLUSIONS We were unable to detect any difference in survival between a trauma team and an emergency physician delivered model.

Emergency department ultrasound for the detection of B-lines in the early diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES Dyspnea is a common presenting problem that creates a diagnostic challenge for physicians in the emergency department (ED). While the differential diagnosis is broad, acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a frequent cause that can be challenging to differentiate from other etiologies. Recent studies have suggested a potential diagnostic role for emergency lung ultrasound (US). The objective of this systematic review was to assess the accuracy of early bedside lung US in patients presenting to the ED with dyspnea. METHODS A systematic search of EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library was performed in addition to a grey literature search. We selected prospective studies that reported on the sensitivity and specificity of B-lines from early lung ultrasound in dyspneic patients presenting to the ED. Selected studies underwent quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal and Skills Program (CASP) questionnaire. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The search yielded 3674 articles; seven studies met inclusion criteria and fulfilled CASP requirements for a total of 1861 patients. Summary statistics from the meta-analysis showed that as a diagnostic test for ADHF, bedside lung US had a pooled sensitivity of 82.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]=66.4% to 91.8%) and a pooled specificity of 83.6% (95% CI=72.4% to 90.8%). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that in patients presenting to the ED with undifferentiated dyspnea, B-lines from early bedside lung US may be reliably used as an adjunct to current diagnostic methods. The incorporation of lung US may lead to more appropriate and timely diagnosis of patients with undifferentiated ADHF.

Delays to initial reduction attempt are associated with higher failure rates in anterior shoulder dislocation: a retrospective analysis of factors affecting reduction failure

Introduction Little is understood about the relationship between delay to treatment and initial reduction success for anterior shoulder dislocation. Our study examines whether delays to initial treatment, from injury and hospital presentation, are associated with higher reduction failure rates for anterior shoulder dislocation. Methods A retrospective database and chart review was performed for patients undergoing intravenous sedation for attempted reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation in the emergency department (ED). Stepwise regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of reduction failure. Key variables analysed were the duration of the wait in the ED, the interval between the time of injury and first intervention and the interval from time of injury to arrival at the ED. Possible confounding variables analysed included age, gender, dose of sedative agent, qualifications of the reducing physician and whether the dislocated shoulder was recurrent. Results The duration of the intervals from injury to first reduction attempt and from arrival at the ED to first reduction attempt were both independent predictors of a higher reduction failure rate (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.13; OR=1.19, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.34). Every interval of 10 min increased the odds of a failed reduction attempt by 7% and 19%, respectively. Overall, shoulder reduction was successful during the initial sedation event in 97 cases (92%) and unsuccessful in nine cases (8%). Conclusions Delays to first reduction attempt either from the time of injury or within the ED are associated with a lower reduction success rate for anterior shoulder dislocations.

Does Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Improve Clinical Outcomes in Emergency Department Patients With Undifferentiated Hypotension? An International Randomized Controlled Trial From the SHoC-ED Investigators

Study objective Point‐of‐care ultrasonography protocols are commonly used in the initial management of patients with undifferentiated hypotension in the emergency department (ED). There is little published evidence for any mortality benefit. We compare the effect of a point‐of‐care ultrasonography protocol versus standard care without point‐of‐care ultrasonography for survival and clinical outcomes. Methods This international, multicenter, randomized controlled trial recruited from 6 centers in North America and South Africa and included selected hypotensive patients (systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg or shock index >1) randomized to early point‐of‐care ultrasonography plus standard care versus standard care without point‐of‐care ultrasonography. Diagnoses were recorded at 0 and 60 minutes. The primary outcome measure was survival to 30 days or hospital discharge. Secondary outcome measures included initial treatment and investigations, admissions, and length of stay. Results Follow‐up was completed for 270 of 273 patients. The most common diagnosis in more than half the patients was occult sepsis. We found no important differences between groups for the primary outcome of survival (point‐of‐care ultrasonography group 104 of 136 patients versus standard care 102 of 134 patients; difference 0.35%; 95% binomial confidence interval [CI] –10.2% to 11.0%), survival in North America (point‐of‐care ultrasonography group 76 of 89 patients versus standard care 72 of 88 patients; difference 3.6%; CI –8.1% to 15.3%), and survival in South Africa (point‐of‐care ultrasonography group 28 of 47 patients versus standard care 30 of 46 patients; difference 5.6%; CI –15.2% to 26.0%). There were no important differences in rates of computed tomography (CT) scanning, inotrope or intravenous fluid use, and ICU or total length of stay. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial to compare point‐of‐care ultrasonography to standard care without point‐of‐care ultrasonography in undifferentiated hypotensive ED patients. We did not find any benefits for survival, length of stay, rates of CT scanning, inotrope use, or fluid administration. The addition of a point‐of‐care ultrasonography protocol to standard care may not translate into a survival benefit in this group.

A retrospective study of pulseless electrical activity, bedside ultrasound identifies interventions during resuscitation associated with improved survival to hospital admission. A REASON Study

OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine whether organized or disorganized cardiac activity is associated with increased survival in patients who present in pulseless electrical activity (PEA) treated with either 1) standard advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) medications or 2) other interventions. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of a prospective, multi-center observational study utilizing ultrasound in out-of-hospital or inemergency department PEA arrest. Bedside ultrasound was performed as ACLS protocol started and during pulse checks. Only cases with visible cardiac activity on ultrasound were included in the present analysis. Cardiac activity was categorized as disorganized (agonal twitching) or organized (contractions with changes in ventricular dimensions). Patients were categorized as receiving either standard bolus ACLS medications or alternative medications during the resuscitation (continuous adrenergic agents, thrombolytics, others). The primary outcome was survival to hospital admission. The secondary outcome was return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Multivariate modeling was performed to assess association between survival to hospital admission in patients with intravenous adrenergic agents and cardiac activity. RESULTS In our cohort of 225 patients in PEA cardiac arrest with cardiac activity on ultrasound, the overall survival rate was higher in patients with organized cardiac activity than with disorganized cardiac activity. PEA cardiac arrest patients with organized cardiac activity treated with standard ACLS interventions demonstrated improved survival to hospital admission compared to those with disorganized activity (37.7% (95%CI 24.8-50.2%) versus 17.9% (95%CI 10.9-28%). PEA cardiac arrest patients with organized cardiac activity who received continuous adrenergic agents during the resuscitation and prior to ROSC demonstrated higher survival to hospital admission 45.5% (95%CI 26.9-65.4%) and ROSC 90.9% (95%CI 71.0-98.7%) compared to those with disorganized cardiac activity who received continuous adrenergic agents during the resuscitation 0% (95%CI 0-23.0%) and 47.1% (95%CI 26-69%). Regression analysis demonstrates an association between increased survival in patients receiving intravenous adrenergic agents and organized cardiac activity. CONCLUSION Survival in patients following PEA arrest is higher in patients with organized cardiac activity. The initiation of continuous adrenergic agents during PEA was associated with improved survival to hospital admission in patients with organized cardiac activity on bedside ultrasound, but this improvement was not seen in patients in PEA with disorganized cardiac activity. Bedside ultrasound may identify a subset of patients that respond differently to ACLS interventions.

A comparative study of patient characteristics, opinions, and outcomes, for patients who leave the emergency department before medical assessment

OBJECTIVE The emergency department (ED) left-without-being-seen (LWBS) rate is a performance indicator, although there is limited knowledge about why people leave, or whether they seek alternate care. We studied characteristics of ED LWBS patients to determine factors associated with LWBS. METHODS We collected demographic data on LWBS patients at two urban hospitals. Sequential LWBS patients were contacted and surveyed using a standardized telephone survey. A matched group of patients who did not leave were also surveyed. Data were analysed using the Fisher exact test, chi-square test, and student t-test. RESULTS The LWBS group (n=1508) and control group (n=1504) were matched for sex, triage category, recorded wait times, employment and education, and having a family physician. LWBS patients were younger, more likely to present in the evening or at night, and lived closer to the hospital. A long wait time was the most cited reason for leaving (79%); concern about medical condition was the most common reason for staying (96%). Top responses for improved likelihood of waiting were shorter wait times (LWBS, 66%; control, 31%) and more information on wait times (41%; 23%). A majority in both groups felt that their condition was a true emergency (63%; 72%). LWBS patients were more likely to seek further health care (63% v. 28%; p<0.001) and sooner (median time 1 day v. 2-4 days; p=0.002). Among patients who felt that their condition was not a true emergency, the top reason for ED attendance was the inability to see their family doctor (62% in both groups). CONCLUSION LWBS patients had similar opinions, experiences, and expectations as control patients. The main reason for LWBS was waiting longer than expected. LWBS patients were more likely to seek further health care, and did so sooner. Patients wait because of concern about their health problem. Shorter wait times and improved communication may reduce the LWBS rate.