Emergency Medicine Fellowship Research Articles

Improved simulated ventilation with a novel tidal volume and peak inspiratory pressure controlling bag valve mask: A pilot study

IntroductionThe dangers of hyperventilation during resuscitation are well known. Traditional bag valve mask (BVM) devices rely on end users to control tidal volume (Vt), rate, and peak inspiratory pressures (PIP) of ventilation. The Butterfly BVM (BBVM) is a novel device intending to give greater control over these parameters. The objective of this pilot study was to compare the BBVM against a traditional device in simulated resuscitations. MethodsSenior emergency medicine residents and fellows participated in a three-phase simulation study. First, participants used the Ambu Spur II BVM in adult and pediatric resuscitations. Vt, PIP, and rate were recorded. Second, participants repeated the resuscitations after a brief introduction to the BBVM. Third, participants were given a longer introduction to the BBVM and were tested on their ability to adjust its various settings. ResultsNineteen participants were included in the adult arm of the study, and 16 in the pediatric arm. The BBVM restricted Vt delivered to a range of 4–8 ml/kg vs 9 ml/kg and 13 ml/kg (Ambu adult and Ambu pediatric respectively). The BBVM never exceeded target minute ventilations while the Ambu BVMs exceeded target minute ventilation in 2 of 4 tests. The BBVM failed to reliably reach higher PIP targets in one test, while the pediatric Ambu device had 76 failures of excessive PIP compared to 2 failures by the BBVM. ConclusionThe BBVM exceeded the Ambu Spur II in delivering appropriate Vts and in keeping PIPs below target maximums to simulated adult and pediatric patients in this pilot study.

Interprofessional Immersive Virtual Reality Training on Sepsis Recognition

Introduction: The implementation of evidence-based care relies on timely recognition of sepsis. Virtual reality (VR) represents a new simulation modality that can evaluate pediatric sepsis situation awareness. Methods: We evaluated situation awareness through a multiuser immersive VR experience (Fig. 1). A physician/APRN and nurse donned VR headsets to assess and provide initial management for a pediatric patient with sepsis during a team-based clinical simulation scenario. Participants were paused at 3 time points and asked to independently complete open-ended questions, including “what is the most likely cause for the patient’s clinical condition?” We compared experienced providers (nurses with ≥5 years’ experience and critical care or emergency medicine APRNs, fellows, or attendings) and novice providers (nurses with <5 years’ experience and pediatric residents) recognition of sepsis. Odds ratios were calculated for sepsis recognition with group differences assessed via the T test. Results: From January to July of 2021, 144 participants (72 physicians/APRNs and 72 nurses) participated in the experience (Table 1). When assessing for recognition of sepsis at the 2-minute time point, 81% of experienced nurses (N = 48) and 50% of novices (N = 24) recognized sepsis for, on odds ratio (OR) of 4.37 (1.28–14.96), P = 0.019. For physicians/APRNs, 92% of experienced (N = 37) compared to 71% of novices (N = 35) recognized sepsis [OR, 4.61 (0.87–14.97), P = 0.078]. When combined, 85.9% of experienced clinicians (N = 85) and 62.7% of novices (N = 59) recognized sepsis [OR, 3.70 (1.15–9.07), P = 0.004]. Conclusions: These data provide validity evidence for use of this immersive VR experience for assessment and training; potentially addressing a remaining barrier to improving pediatric sepsis outcomes.

The paucity of pediatric emergency medicine fellowship training programs in Africa.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest burden of childhood and adolescent mortality in the world. The leading causes of mortality in pediatric populations in Africa include preterm birth complications, pneumonia, malaria, diarrheal diseases, HIV/AIDS, and road injuries. These causes of childhood and adolescent mortality often lead to emergency room utilization due to critical presentation, placing emphasis on the importance of pediatric emergency services in Africa. Despite the criticality of pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) in the region, there is a paucity of PEM training programs in Africa. Ongoing interventions focused on addressing the poor access to PEM training and services include isolated efforts to provide PEM-specific training to nonemergency medicine (EM)-trained practitioners and expand current EM training to include PEM piloted in a single center in Kenya. Sustainable efforts require organized efforts with government and graduate medical education bodies. We discuss the existing infrastructure that can be utilized in promoting the establishment of PEM training programs and urge local governments' investment as well as other stakeholders, including graduate medical education, to address the issue of childhood mortality in Africa through the improved provision and access to PEM training.

Reply to: Leach R, Kaur D, Laribi S, et al. The role of the European Society for Emergency Medicine in wartime. Eur J Emerg Med 2022; 29:156-157.

Reply to: Leach R, Kaur D, Laribi S, et al. The role of the European Society for Emergency Medicine in wartime. Eur J Emerg Med 2022; 29:156-157.

Management of comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Europe: current treatment practice and adherence to guidelines. A joint survey by the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC) of the ESC, the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), the European Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM), and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM).

International guidelines give recommendations for the management of comatose out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors. We aimed to investigate adherence to guidelines and disparities in the treatment of OHCA in hospitals in Europe. A web-based, multi-institutional, multinational survey in Europe was conducted using an electronic platform with a predefined questionnaire developed by experts in post-resuscitation care. The survey was disseminated to all members of the societies via email, social media, websites, and newsletters in June 2021. Of 252 answers received, 237 responses from different units were included and 166 (70%) were from cardiac arrest centres. First-line vasopressor used was noradrenaline in 195 (83%) and the first-line inotrope was dobutamine in 148 (64%) of the responses. Echocardiography is available 24/7 in 204 (87%) institutions. Targeted temperature management was used in 160 (75%) institutions for adult comatose survivors of OHCA with an initial shockable rhythm. Invasive or external cooling methods with feedback were used in 72 cardiac arrest centres (44%) and 17 (24%) non-cardiac arrest centres (P < 0.0003). A target temperature between 32 and 34°C was preferred by 46 centres (21%); a target between 34 and 36°C by 103 centres (52%); and <37.5°C by 35 (16%). Multimodal neuroprognostication was poorly implemented and a follow-up at 3 months after discharge was done in 71 (30%) institutions. Post-resuscitation care is not well established and varies among centres in European hospitals. Cardiac arrest centres have a higher coherence with guidelines compared with respondents from non-cardiac arrest centres. The overall inconsistency in approaches and deviation from recommendations could be a focus for improvement.

See one, see one, teach one - Decisions on allocating intubation opportunities in pediatric emergency medicine.

Decisions about who should perform tracheal intubation in academic settings must balance the needs of trainees to develop competency in pediatric intubation with patient safety. Airway protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic may have reduced opportunities for trainees, representing an opportunity to examine the impact of shifting laryngoscopy responsibilities away from trainees. This observational study combined data from 11 pediatric emergency departments in North America participating in either the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children (NEAR4KIDS) or a national pediatric emergency medicine airway education collaborative. Sites provided information on airway protocols, patient and procedural characteristics, and clinical outcomes. For the pre-pandemic (January 2017 to March 2020) and pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021) periods, we compared tracheal intubation opportunities by laryngoscopist level of training and specialty. We also compared first-attempt success and adverse airway outcomes between the two periods. There were 1129 intubations performed pre-pandemic and 283 during the pandemic. Ten of 11 sites reported a COVID-19 airway protocol-8 specified which clinician performs tracheal intubation and 10 advocated for videolaryngoscopy. Both pediatric residents and pediatric emergency medicine fellows performed proportionally fewer tracheal intubation attempts during the pandemic: 1.1% of all first attempts versus 6.4% pre-pandemic for residents (p < 0.01) and 38.4% versus 47.2% pre-pandemic for fellows (p=0.01). Pediatric emergency medicine fellows had greater decrease in monthly intubation opportunities for patients <1year (incidence rate ratio=0.35, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.57) than for older patients (incidence rate ratio=0.79, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.99). Neither the rate of first-attempt success nor adverse airway outcomes differed between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The COVID-19 pandemic led to pediatric institutional changes in airway management protocols and resulted in decreased intubation opportunities for pediatric residents and pediatric emergency medicine fellows, without apparent change in clinical outcomes.

The preanalytical process in the emergency department, a European survey.

Clinical decision-making in emergency medicine is under constant pressure from demand and performance requirements, with blood tests being a fundamental part of this. However, the preanalytical process has received little attention. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the quality of preanalytical phase processes in European emergency departments (EDs) from the perspectives of the three main providers: clinicians, nurses, and laboratory specialists. This online survey, distributed among European EDs and laboratories, was supported by the European Society for Emergency Nursing (EUSEN), European Society for Emergency Medicine (EuSEM), and the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM). The size of the centres, the European region, the responder's profession and the country's economic condition were used as co-variables. We included 376 responses from all ED-related professions from 306 European centres. In 66.9% of all EDvisits, at least one blood test was performed. Tests were requested mostly by nurses (44.6%) using electronic Order/Entry systems (65.4%). Only a minority (19%) reported not using laboratory quality indicators (QIs). Mostresponders defined the TAT starting point "when thelaboratory receives the sample" (66.1%), defining the goal to be "less than 60min" (69.9%), but only 42.4% of the centres estimated achieving this goal. Our survey illustrates the current situation on preanalytical blood sample processing in European EDsfrom the clinical and laboratory perspectives. The results emphasise the importance of the IT infrastructure and QI usage in this process and highlight some differences between European regions.

35 GERIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE (GEM)’ PEARLS AND PITFALLS’- AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO EDUCATION

Abstract Background In recent years we have seen increased awareness of the terms ‘frailty’ and ‘GEM’ in many of our Emergency Departments (ED). A clear understanding of these terms within the context of ED is essential to provide a holistic care and to best meet the needs of older adults. It has been highlighted internationally that current training programmes do not sufficiently address learning needs of trainees to optimise care of this cohort of patients. The European Geriatric Medicine Society and the European Society for Emergency Medicine has attempted to address this gap through the introduction of a core GEM curriculum in 2016, however, at a local level many EDs are not utilising this resource for a number of reasons including lack of awareness and prioritisation of other local learning needs as determined by specialist training. To address the GEM learning needs at a local level an initiative idea was trialled in the form of a GEM teaching wall with dedicated monthly topics chosen from the above curriculum. Methods The initiative was led by a Senior Physiotherapist working on the Frailty Intervention Therapy Team and a Senior House Officer (SHO) working in ED with collaboration from other ED members as identified. A brainstorming session took place to identify potential topics. A poster was created by the project leads each month focusing on a core topic including an overview on the subject, national/international guidelines and top tips how to best manage in ED. Relevant team members contributed to different topics. Monthly posters were displayed in the ED. Results The project has been successfully running for 4 months with topics including Abdominal pain, Silver trauma Delirium and Falls. Conclusion GEM teaching is a cornerstone of successful management of older adults presenting to our EDs. Novel MDT teaching approaches can address the identified learning gap in this area and highlight international recommendations with minimum cost.

Interprofessional Trauma Team Training: Leveraging Each Specialties’ Expertise to Teach Procedural-Based Skills

The goal of this study was to utilize interprofessional trauma team training to teach procedural-based skills, teamwork, and assess the impact on the procedural comfort and interprofessional collaboration. Interdisciplinary skills sessions were created to focus on chest tube placement and advanced ultrasound techniques. Chest tube sessions were taught by senior general surgery (GS) residents and faculty. Ultrasound sessions were taught by emergency medicine (EM) fellows and faculty. Mock trauma simulations for EM and GS residents and EM nurses, were developed to also focus on improving interprofessional trauma-bay collaboration. Sessions were held throughout the year for 2 consecutive academic years. After completing skills sessions and trauma scenarios, participants were surveyed on skill comfort, session utility, and willingness to collaborate with the other specialty. Likert scale responses were analyzed by specialty cohort and in aggregate. Free-text feedback responses were analyzed for common themes. Large, tertiary, urban academic medical center PARTICIPANTS: Forty seven EM residents and 32 GS residents completed instructional chest tube and ultrasound simulations, respectively. Twenty two EM residents, 24 GS residents, and 29 EM nurses participated in interprofessional trauma simulations. For chest tube placement: 71% of EM residents reported feeling uncomfortable with the procedure prior to the session, with 100% reporting improved confidence afterwards. Seventy percent stated the model was realistic. One hundred percent thought it improved their procedural skills. All participants thought it was worthwhile, should be offered again in future years, and planned to incorporate what they learned in their future practice. For the ultrasound sessions: 61% of GS residents felt uncomfortable with the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma prior to the simulation. Ninety four percent reported the improved skill and confidence, and felt the model was realistic. All participants felt sessions were worthwhile, should be offered again, and planned to incorporate what they learned in their future practice. For trauma simulations: 97% of participants felt scenarios were realistic and clinically relevant and planned to incorporate lessons learned in their future clinical practice. All participants thought participation was worthwhile. Ninety seven percent thought it improved their confidence with trauma clinical management and 56% reported it improved their skills. Many participants reported they appreciated learning from the other specialty's perspective, with greater than 95% of all participants reporting improved comfort and willingness to collaborate across disciplines when caring for future trauma patients. All participants requested the simulation sessions continue in future academic years. Interprofessional trauma simulation sessions can harness the unique skill sets of different disciplines to teach procedural-based skills and improve interprofessional collaboration within the trauma bay.

71 Barriers to providing optimal care to children with medical complexity in the emergency department: A physicians' perspective

Abstract Background Children with medical complexity (CMC) are a subset of the pediatric population with chronic medical conditions requiring specialized care and high health resource utilization. Due to the nature of their underlying diseases, along with the medical devices that they are reliant on, they account for a large proportion of annual pediatric emergency department (ED) visits in tertiary centres and about one third of the children admitted. ED physicians are often the first to interact with CMC patients and thus the quality of care they provide influences the hospital course of those patients. Objectives To determine and explore the barriers that ED physicians face when providing care to CMC in the ED and identify potential areas of improvement in care provided in the ED. Design/Methods Semi-structured personal interviews were conducted virtually with 20 pediatric emergency medicine physicians and fellows. Each participant was asked the same set of questions and given extra time to elaborate. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and manual coding was conducted to identify commonalities across the interviews. Results We identified four major themes and 12 sub-themes as barriers to optimal care of CMC in the ED. Major themes included time, training, medico-legal concerns, and care plans. The two most commonly identified barriers were time required to care for CMC patients, identified by 90% (n=18) of the participants, and limited exposure during fellowship training, identified by 80% (n=16) of the participants. Only 20% (n=4) identified medico-legal challenges as a unique barrier when managing CMC. All the participants (n=20) emphasized the importance of a care plan, a detailed document given to caregivers of CMC by the primary care team with details about their medical condition, and if not available, 85% (n=17) indicated that it will affect the efficiency and quality of care provided. Even if a care plan is available, 50% (n=10) of the participants would still contact the complex care team for further management recommendations. Conclusion Care plan accessibility and time restraint in the ED are major barriers faced by PEM physicians in the ED when caring for CMC. Additional training during fellowship in complex care medicine and providing patients with an updated care plan are two interventions suggested to optimize care of CMC in the ED.

Simulation-Based Training for Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Catheter Placement in Pediatric Patients.

IntroductionCentral venous catheter (CVC) placement in pediatric patients is lifesaving but associated with complications. To standardize training and decrease complications, we developed a simulation-based ultrasound-guided CVC placement training program for pediatric critical care providers.MethodsWe implemented our CVC placement training program with several groups of learners, including pediatric critical care medicine (PCCM) fellows, pediatric emergency medicine fellows, and PCCM advanced practice providers. Learners completed prework assignments and a knowledge test before participation. The session started with group activities including a learner-led CVC site-selection debate and a team-based competition to list the steps in CVC placement. Next, the learners rotated between four stations for deliberate practice on separate components of CVC placement. Finally, they performed CVC placement on a task trainer. Evaluation included assessment of learner confidence, a knowledge test, and measurement of procedure time before and after training.ResultsTwenty-seven learners participated in the training. Learner confidence in CVC placement increased significantly after participation (median confidence level: 1.5 vs. 4.0, p < .001). Learner CVC knowledge also increased significantly after participation (median test score: 68% vs. 88%, p < .001). CVC placement procedure time, a marker for skill in CVC placement, decreased significantly after participation (median procedure time: 264 seconds vs. 146 seconds, p < .001).DiscussionOur simulation-based training program effectively increased knowledge, skill, and confidence in CVC placement for a variety of learners. Future work should evaluate the optimal frequency and structure of maintenance training and the impact of training on clinical outcomes.

Geriatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Journal Club: Operational Changes for Recognizing Prevalent Delirium and Preventing Incident Delirium

Geriatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Journal Club: Operational Changes for Recognizing Prevalent Delirium and Preventing Incident Delirium

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program Directors' Viewpoint: Minimum Levels of Entrustment for Graduating Fellows and Practicing Physicians to Perform the Subspecialty's Professional Activities.

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are essential tasks physicians perform within their professions. Entrustment levels that pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship program directors (FPDs) expect graduating fellows to achieve for PEM-specific and common pediatric subspecialty EPAs remain unreported. This study aims to determine minimum entrustment levels FPDs require fellows to achieve to graduate from fellowship and to compare FPD expectations for fellows versus practicing PEM physicians. Secondary analysis of PEM-specific data from a national multispecialty cross-sectional survey of pediatric subspecialty FPDs. For 6 PEM-specific and 7 common pediatric subspecialty EPAs, PEM FPDs indicated (1) minimum entrustment levels fellows should achieve by training completion, (2) whether they would allow a fellow to graduate below these minimum levels, and (3) minimum levels for safe and effective practice by PEM physicians. Minimum levels were defined as the level that more than 80% of FPDs would not drop below. Sixty of 77 PEM FPDs (78%) completed the survey. Most respondents did not require fellows to achieve the highest level (level 5-no supervision) by graduation for any PEM-specific EPAs. The median level FPDs expected for practicing PEM physicians was 5 (trusted to perform without supervision) for EPAs 1 and 4 and level 4 (indirect supervision for complex cases) for the remaining PEM-specific EPAs. Minimum levels expected by FPDs for common subspecialty pediatric EPAs were lower for both groups. Most PEM FPDs indicated that they would graduate fellows before their achievement of the highest entrustment level for all EPAs. Most also indicated that they do not expect practicing PEM physicians to perform all EPAs without supervision. These findings indicate need for stakeholders to evaluate current structure and outcomes of PEM fellowship programs and for institutions and organizations to ensure adequate support in time and resources for ongoing learning for practicing PEM physicians.

Pediatric Interfacility Transport Curriculum: Its Impact on the Pediatric Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine Fellows’ Performance and Confidence

ObjectivePediatric interfacility transports are frequent. Despite the absence of a formal pediatric transport curriculum in eastern Canada, directly managing patients during transport and medical direction of the referring center and transport team are part of the pediatric critical care medicine (PCCM) and pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) program requirements. The authors developed a pediatric interfacility transport curriculum and measured its impact on fellows’ confidence and performance. MethodsThis was a pilot interventional prospective study in Montreal, Canada. Postcurriculum surveys were used to measure confidence, and high-fidelity simulations were used to measure performance. A target threshold for confidence was defined before implementation, and pre- and post values were compared. The simulation scenario and assessment checklist were locally developed. ResultsThe participants were 11 PCCM and 3 PEM fellows. The content of the curriculum and educational methods were selected based on the literature and a needs assessment survey. All participants rated themselves as confident at the end of the curriculum. Eighty-three percent of the participants were deemed proficient with a perfect interrater agreement. ConclusionThe pediatric transport curriculum had a positive impact on PEM and PCCM fellows’ confidence and performance in transport. Further studies should look at the impact of such a curriculum on participants’ real-life performance and patient care.

Pediatric emergency department organization and social care practices among U.S. fellowship programs.

Social care has become increasingly relevant to the emergency physician and includes activities that address health-related social risk and social needs. The literature has consistently documented substantial health care provider challenges in incorporating social care into routine practice. Yet, interventions on the health care organizational level hold promise to bring about more widespread, sustainable impact. This study was a subanalysis of the 2021 National Social Care Practices Survey data set among pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) program directors (PDs) and fellows. The purpose was to investigate the association between health care organizational factors and PEM physician social care practices and perceptions among PEM PDs and fellows. We performed binary and ordinal logistic regressions of organizational factors and five specific PEM physician social care perspective and practice outcomes. The sample population included 153 physicians-44 PDs (49% response rate) and 109 fellows (28%). PDs and fellows with access to a social care systematic workflow in their pediatric emergency department (PED) had higher odds of comfort assessing social risk (odds ratio [OR] 2.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-4.0), valuation of social care (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-7.9), preparedness to assist families (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.2), screening tendency (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.5), and ability to refer to community resources (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.6). A similarly directed, but less pronounced pattern was noted with access to a community resource database for referrals and 24-h access to a social worker in the PED. PED organizational factors-particularly access to a social care systematic workflow-appear positively associated with PEM physician practices and perceptions of social care delivery. Further research is under way to advance understanding of PEM training factors in social care.

Asian Society for Emergency Medicine: Message from the President

Asian Society for Emergency Medicine: Message from the President

Emergency department evaluation, treatment, and functional outcomes among patients presenting with low back pain

ObjectivesLow back pain (LBP) leads to more than 4.3 million emergency department (ED) visits annually. Despite the number of ED visits for LBP, emergency medicine societies have not established clear guidelines for the evaluation and care of these patients. This study aims to describe patterns in the evaluation, treatment, and outcomes of patients presenting to an urban, academic ED for atraumatic LBP. MethodsWe prospectively identified a convenience sample of patients presenting with LBP to the University of Utah Hospital ED between January 2017 and June 2018. We collected baseline demographic information and calculated the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Short Form 12a (PROMIS PFSF-12a) score to assess patient function and mobility (50 = average PROMIS PFSF-12a score, with higher scores indicating better function). We contacted patients 6 weeks after the ED visit to assess outpatient follow-up and functional outcomes. ResultsOver the 18-month study period, 103 patients presented with a chief complaint of LBP and agreed to participate in the study. Average age of the cohort was 48.5 years (SD = 18.3) and 55 (53.4%) were female. Notably, 61 patients (59.2%) had been seen previously in the ED for LBP and 32 (31.1%) had received an opioid for LBP in the preceding 3 months. In the ED, 35.9% of patient received an opioid while 18.5% had an opioid prescription at discharge. While in the ED, 37 (35.9%) had an x-ray and 47 (45.6%) underwent computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. At 6-week follow-up, 22 of 68 (32.4%) patients reported having missed work due to pain. PROMIS PFSF-12a score improved from 32.2 (“low” range) at time of ED visit to 42.0 (“low-average” range) at the 6-week follow up. Regarding outpatient follow-up after the ED visit, 22 patients (21.4%) saw a primary care provider, 12 patients (17.8%) saw orthopedics or neurosurgery, and 8 patients (11.8%) attended physical therapy. ConclusionsPatients receiving ED care for LBP had a significant improvement in PROMIS PFSF-12a scores 6 weeks after the ED but return to function continued to lag despite interventions. Imaging patterns, medication prescriptions, and outpatient follow-up varied widely, emphasizing the needs for clear guidelines and treatment pathways for ED patients with LBP.

Burnout in emergency medicine professionals after 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic: a threat to the healthcare system?

BackgroundBurnout is a common problem among healthcare professionals (HCPs), in particular young doctors and nurses working in emergency medical services. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generated a substantial increase in the workload of those working in front-line services, and there is evidence of physical and mental distress among professionals that may have caused an increase in burnout.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to evaluate the level of burnout in the different professionals of emergency medical services.Design and participantsIn January and February 2022, we conducted an online survey based on the Abbreviate Maslach inventory with the addition of three questions focused on possible modifying factors. The survey was disseminated to HCP via the list of European Society for Emergency Medicine contacts.Outcome measuresThe analysis was based on two of the three elements of the Maslach burnout concept, ‘depersonalisation’, ‘emotional exhaustion’, and ‘personal accomplishment’. Overall burnout was defined when at least one of the two elements ‘depersonalisation’ or ‘emotional exhaustion’ reached the level of high burnout.ResultsThe number of responders was 1925, 84% of which were physicians, 12% nurses, and 2% paramedics. Burnout was present in 62% of all responders. A high burnout level was reported for depersonalisation, emotional exhaustion, and personal accomplishment in 47%, 46%, and 48% of responders, respectively. Females reported a higher proportion of burnout compared with males 64% vs. 59%, difference −6% [95% confidence interval CI, −8 to −1.9], and nurses higher than physicians, 73% vs. 60%, difference −13 (95% CI, −18.8 to −6). Less experienced professionals reported higher levels of burnout: those with less than 5 years of experience the burnout level was 74% compared with the group with more than 10 years, 60%, difference −26% (95% CI, −32 to −19.5). Reported frequent understaffing situations were associated with a higher risk of burnout: 70% vs. 37%, difference −33% (95% CI, −41 to −25). Burnout was associated with a higher risk of desire to change the workplace: 87% vs. 40%, difference −47% (95% CI, −52 to −42). Survey responders reported having access to support programmes in 41% of cases.ConclusionIn this study, there is a high reported level of burnout among emergency HCPs. Several risk factors were identified such as being understaffed, female, or having less experience. HCPs with burnout thought more frequently about leaving the workplace, posing a threat to healthcare systems.

American Board of Emergency Medicine Report on Residency and Fellowship Training Information (2021-2022)

The American Board of Emergency Medicine gathers extensive background information on the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education-accredited emergency medicine residency and fellowship programs, as well as the residents and fellows trainingin those programs. We present the 2022 annual report on the status of physicians training in Accreditation Council ofGraduate Medical Education-accredited emergency medicine training programs in the United States.

From intern to "accepted": A guide to preparing for fellowship in emergency medicine.

The number of fellowship options for emergency medicine (EM) physicians continues to expand. While guides exist to help residents explore individual fellowship pathways, we aimed to create a comprehensive guide for all residents considering fellowship. At the direction of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Board, 9members of the Fellowship Guide Workgroup, including members of the Fellowship Approval Committee, and 2 members of SAEM Residents and Medical Students (RAMS) group collaboratively developed the guide using available evidence and expert opinion when high-quality evidence was unavailable. The guide was reviewed and approved by all members. The guide offers advice to EM residents on how to conceptualize key aspects of their training with respect to preparation for fellowship, including scholarship, teaching, leadership, and electives. Additionally, it offers perspective on selecting a fellowship that matches the resident's interests and goals and successfully applying. This fellowship guide for EM residents considering fellowship summarizes the best currently available advice for residents considering fellowship training after residency.