Teaching Hospital In Queensland Research Articles

Fibrinogen concentrate use in the operating theatre at a quaternary hospital in Australia

AbstractAt our quaternary teaching hospital in Queensland, Australia, there has been a rapid increase from 2019 to 2022 in the usage of fibrinogen concentrate (FC) in preference to cryoprecipitate for cardiac surgery. FC is indicated for patients having major trauma requiring haemostatic resuscitation, major intraoperative haemorrhage, or liver transplant patients with major intraoperative haemorrhage. These patients must exhibit severe hypofibrinogenaemia, which is assessed using assay cut‐offs of thromboelastogram (TEG) (citrated functional fibrinogen [CFF] ≤ 10 mm) or rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) (FIBTEM A5 ≤ 8 mm). FC usage over cryoprecipitate for cardiac surgery is an ongoing debate due to advantages such as dose predictability, rapid reconstitution, viral inactivation, and minimal transfusion‐related adverse events; however, it is expensive. The aim of this study was to capture prescribing patterns of FC and appropriateness against local guidelines. Retrospective data were analysed, and the practice was compared to hospital guidelines. Data from 52 patients over a 4‐year period (2019–2022) showed intraoperative haemorrhage was the leading indication for FC use (65%, n = 34), followed by liver transplantation (27%, n = 14), and major trauma (8%, n = 4). When breaking down the cause of intraoperative haemorrhage, cardiothoracic surgery, both elective (50%, n = 17) and emergency procedures (41%, n = 14), accounted for 91% of all operative bleeding requiring FC. There were 34 (65%) of 52 patients who received a differing dose of FC compared to what was recommended in the hospital guideline, with 50% (n = 17) receiving a higher than recommended dose and 50% (n = 17) receiving lower than recommended doses. This project was exempt due to the local policy requirements that constitute research by the Metro South Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: CM2305202303). The justification for this exemption was as follows: the study presented no foreseeable risk of patient harm as it involved evaluation of standard care involved the use of existing non‐identifiable patient records.

Exploration of clinicians' decision-making regarding transfer of patient care from the emergency department to a medical assessment unit: A qualitative study.

Hospitals face immense pressures in balancing patient throughput. Medical assessment units have emerged as a commonplace response to improve the flow of medical patients presenting to the emergency department requiring hospital admission and to ease overcrowding in the emergency department. The aim of this study was to understand factors influencing the decision-making behaviour of key stakeholders involved in the transfer of care of medical patients from one service to the other in a large, tertiary teaching hospital in Queensland, Australia. We used a qualitative approach drawing on data from focus groups with key informant health and professional staff involved in the transfer of care. A theoretically-informed, semi-structured focus group guide was used to facilitate discussion and explore factors impacting on decisions made to transfer care of patients from the emergency department to the medical assessment unit. Thematic analysis was undertaken to look for patterns in the data. Two focus groups were conducted with a total of 15 participants. Four main themes were identified: (1) we have a process-we just don't use it; (2) I can do it, but can they; (3) if only we could skype them; and (4) why can't they just go up. Patient flow relies on efficiency in two processes-the transfer of care and the physical re-location of the patient from one service to the other. The findings suggest that factors other than clinical reasoning are at play in influencing decision-making behaviour. Acknowledgement of the interaction within and between professional and health staff (human factors) with the organisational imperatives, policies, and process (system factors) may be critical to improve efficiencies in the service and minimise the introduction of workarounds that might compromise patient safety.

Identifying ‘at-risk’ critically ill patients who present to the emergency department and require intensive care unit admission: A retrospective observational cohort study

BackgroundEmergency department (ED) triage is the process of prioritising patients by medical urgency. Delays in intensive care unit (ICU) admission can adversely affect patients. ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify characteristics associated with ICU admission for patients triaged as Australasian Triage Scale (ATS) 3 but subsequently admitted to the ICU within 24 h of triage. MethodsThis retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted in a public teaching hospital in Queensland, Australia. Patients older than 18 y triaged with an ATS 3 and admitted to the ICU within 24 h of triage or admitted to the ward between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012, were included. The demographic and clinical profiles of ICU admissions vs. all other ward admissions for patients triaged an ATS of 3 were compared. Multivariable regression analysis compared characteristics of patients triaged with an ATS of 3 who did and did not require ICU transfer. Descriptive data are reported as n (%) and median and interquartile range (IQR). Regression analysis is reported as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). ResultsOf the 27 454 adult ED presentations triaged with an ATS of 3, 22.4% (n = 6138) required hospital admission, comprising 5302 individuals, 2.1% of whom (n = 110) were admitted to the ICU within 24 h of triage. Age- and sex-adjusted predictors of ICU admission for patients triaged with an ATS of 3 included infectious (aOR: 3.7; 95% CI: 2.0–6.9), neurological (aOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.6–5.0), and gastrointestinal disorders (aOR: 2.2; 95% CI 1.2–3.5); arriving by ambulance; arriving after hours; or arriving on weekends. Regardless of diagnosis or sex, persons older than 80 y were less likely to be admitted to the ICU (aOR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2–0.8). ConclusionsPatients triaged as ATS 3 presenting on weekends or after hours, and those with infectious, gastrointestinal, or neurological conditions warrant careful attention as these factors were associated with higher odds of ICU admission. Ongoing staff education regarding triage and signs of deterioration are important to prevent avoidable outcomes.

Reliability of Patient-Led Screening with the Malnutrition Screening Tool: Agreement between Patient and Health Care Professional Scores in the Cancer Care Ambulatory Setting

BackgroundThe prevalence of malnutrition in patients with cancer is reported as high as 60% to 80%, and malnutrition is associated with lower survival, reduced response to treatment, and poorer functional status. The Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) is a validated tool when administered by health care professionals; however, it has not been evaluated for patient-led screening. ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the reliability of patient-led MST screening through assessment of inter-rater reliability between patient-led and dietitian-researcher–led screening and intra-rater reliability between an initial and a repeat patient screening. Design/participantsThis cross-sectional study included 208 adults attending ambulatory cancer care services in a metropolitan teaching hospital in Queensland, Australia, in October 2016 (n=160 inter-rater reliability; n=48 intra-rater reliability measured in a separate sample). Main outcome measurementsPrimary outcome measures were MST risk categories (MST 0-1: not at risk, MST ≥2: at risk) as determined by screening completed by patients and a dietitian-researcher, patient test–retest screening, and patient acceptability. Statistical analysisPercent and chance-corrected agreement (Cohen’s kappa coefficient, κ) were used to determine agreement between patient-MST and dietitian-MST (inter-rater reliability) and MST completed by patient on admission to unit (patient-MSTA) and MST completed by patient 1 to 3 hours after completion of initial MST (patient-MSTB) (intra-rater reliability). ResultsHigh inter-rater reliability and intra-rater reliability were observed. Agreement between patient-MST and dietitian-MST was 96%, with “almost perfect” chance-adjusted agreement (κ=0.92, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.97). Agreement between repeated patient-MSTA and patient-MSTB was 94%, with “almost perfect” chance-adjusted agreement (κ=0.88, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.00). Based on dietitian-MST, 33% (n=53) of patients were identified as being at risk for malnutrition, and 40% of these reported not seeing a dietitian. Of 156 patients who provided feedback, almost all reported that the MST was clear (92%), questions were easy to understand (95%), and completion time was ≤5 minutes (99%). ConclusionPatient-led screening with the MST is reliable and well accepted by patients. Patient-led screening in the cancer care ambulatory setting has the potential to improve patient autonomy and screening completion rates.

Impact of community pharmacist intervention discussing patients' beliefs to improve medication adherence.

Adherence to evidence based medicines in patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction remains low. Individual's beliefs towards their medicines are a strong predictor of adherence and may influence other factors that impact on adherence. To investigate if community pharmacists discussing patients' beliefs about their medicines improved medication adherence at 12 months post myocardial infarction. This study included 200 patients discharged from a public teaching hospital in Queensland, Australia, following a myocardial infarction. Patients were randomised into intervention (n = 100) and control groups (n = 100) and followed for 12 months. All patients were interviewed between 5 to 6 weeks, at 6 and 12 months post discharge by the researcher using the repertory grid technique. This technique was used to elicit the patient's individualised beliefs about their medicines for their myocardial infarction. In the intervention group, patients' beliefs about their medicines were communicated by the researcher to their community pharmacist. The pharmacist used this information to tailor their discussion with the patient about their medication beliefs at designated time points (3 and 6 months post discharge). The control group was provided with usual care. The difference in non-adherence measured using a medication possession ratio between the intervention and control groups at 12 months post myocardial infarction. There were 137 patients remaining in the study (intervention group n = 72, control group n = 65) at 12 months. In the intervention group 29 % (n = 20) of patients were non-adherent compared to 25 % (n = 16) of patients in control group. Discussing patients' beliefs about their medicines for their myocardial infarction did not improve medication adherence. Further research on patients beliefs should focus on targeting non-adherent patients whose reasons for their non-adherence is driven by their medication beliefs.

The Impact of a Temporary Medical Ward Closure on Emergency Department and Hospital Service Delivery Outcomes

To describe the effect of a 3-week closure of a 28-bed medical ward on Emergency Department (ED) and hospital outcomes. This was a prospective comparative observational study of all ED attendances (visits; n = 11 383) made to a regional teaching hospital in Queensland, Australia, during a 9-week period (November 24, 2008-January 4, 2009). A 3-week period of ward closure was compared with equal time periods before and after. Hospital health information systems data were linked manually to describe and compare outcomes: median ED length of stay, access block, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Ward closure reduced hospital bed capacity by 5.9%. During ward closure there was a higher proportion of access block (38% vs 33% in both pre- and posttimes), longer wait time to see a doctor, and longer overall ED length of stay, compared with pre-ward closure time period. Temporarily closing a medical ward had a negative effect on some ED and hospital outcomes. When major refurbishments are required, alternative capacity measures need to be considered to minimize the impact on health service delivery and patient outcomes. Reducing elective surgery and opening replacement beds elsewhere in the hospital are possible solutions.

Part B: A survey of staff attitudes immediately post-resuscitation to Family Presence during resuscitation

Summary Background In March 2007 part of a staff attitudes to Family Presence during resuscitation project were presented as part of a 3-year research project examining the relatives and staff attitudes to family presence during resuscitation (Holzhauser K, Finucane J, De Vries SM. Family presence during resuscitation: a randomised controlled trial of the impact of family presence. Australas Emerg Nurs J 2006; 8 (4):139–147). This article presents the results of staff attitudes immediately post-resuscitation. Methods This study is a descriptive study using survey methods. Outcome measures were advantages and disadvantages of family present and absent from the resuscitation room during resuscitation. The setting of the study was the emergency department of a major tertiary referral teaching hospital in Queensland. Participants were any staff member present during resuscitation of a patient that meets the inclusion criteria for the study. Results Staff reported there were more advantages than disadvantages to having relatives present during resuscitation. These included being able to get a history quickly (23%), the patient was comforted by having relatives' present (14.9%), the relatives benefited by being present (25.7%) and thought it was easier to manage family while they were present (9.9%). Conclusions Surveying staff immediately post-resuscitation identified advantages and disadvantages of family presence that reflect other research projects. One new theme was identified that is not reflected it the literature and that related to the improved ability to manage family while they were present.

Family presence during resuscitation: A randomised controlled trial of the impact of family presence

Summary Introduction This study was undertaken to determine effects on relatives of family presence in an emergency resuscitation room during resuscitation. Methods This study was undertaken using a randomised controlled trial using survey methodology. The setting of the study was the emergency department of a major tertiary referral teaching hospital in Queensland. Participants were relatives over 18 years of age, related to patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Relatives were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The control group followed the established procedure of placement in the relatives' waiting room, while the experimental group was given the option to be present during the resuscitation with a supportive officer for assistance. Results An association was found between those who were present (and their relative survived) and their belief that their presence was beneficial to the patient. Demographic data identified characteristics of the relatives. Conclusions This work has identified that relatives find it beneficial to be present in the resuscitation room. Their presence helped with communication between staff and family, and helped relatives to cope with the situation.

Risk of injury from acute alcohol consumption and the influence of confounders.

To quantify the relationship between acute alcohol consumption and risk of injury, in the context of other potential confounding factors (i.e. usual alcohol intake, risk-taking behaviour and substance use-defined as prescription/over-the-counter medication or illicit substances), using three separate measures of alcohol consumption. A hospital-based, case-control study. The accident and emergency department at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in Queensland, Australia. Four hundred and eighty-eight cases were matched to 488 population controls on gender, age group, neighbourhood, day and time of injury. Risk factor and injury information was obtained by questionnaire and medical record review. After controlling for demographic and situational variables (i.e. activity, location and companions at time of injury), consuming any alcohol in the 6 hours prior to time of injury significantly increased risk of injury [odds ratio (OR) = 2.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-3.9]. Drinking at levels above low-risk guidelines for short-term health (i.e. drinking > 40 g alcohol per occasion if female, and drinking > 60 g alcohol if male) increased injury risk by a factor of almost 2.5 (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.1-5.2). Finally, drinking beer (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 0.9-3.9), spirits (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 1.1-8.2) or a combination of beverages (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.1-8.8) increased risk of injury. When usual alcohol consumption patterns were adjusted for, substantial increases in the alcohol-injury odds ratios were observed for all measures of alcohol. When risk-taking behaviour and substance use were considered, changes in the effect of alcohol on injury risk were observed, for all measures of alcohol. These data support the hypotheses that some confounding exists in the alcohol-injury relationship due to usual drinking patterns, risk-taking and substance use. In this study, acute alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk of injury, even when situational and other risk factors were considered. However, the relationship between alcohol and injury appears confounded by usual drinking patterns, risk-taking behaviour and substance use. Therefore, these variables should be considered in any analysis of the alcohol-injury relationship, and also considered when developing public health strategies to reduce alcohol-related injury. Further research is required to elucidate the nature of this relationship, and to identify the effect of risk-taking and substance use on different types of injuries (e.g. mechanism of injury; body region injured) and injury severity. The stability of the models and the consistency of the findings across all measures of alcohol used support claims for the validity of the observed effects.