Emergency department presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Queensland (to June 2021): Interrupted time series analysis

 

Full-text avaibale here

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To assess emergency department (ED) presentation numbers in Queensland during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to mid-2021, a period of relatively low COVID-19 case numbers. Design Interrupted time series analysis. 

Setting: All 105 Queensland public hospital EDs. 

Main outcome measures: Numbers of ED presentations during the COVID-19 lockdown period (11 March 2020 – 30 June 2020) and the period of easing restrictions (1 July 2020 – 30 June 2021), compared with pre-pandemic period (1 January 2018 – 10 March 2020), overall (daily numbers) and by Australasian Triage Scale (ATS; daily numbers) and selected diagnostic categories (cardiac, respiratory, mental health, injury-related conditions) and conditions (stroke, sepsis) (weekly numbers). 

Results: During the lockdown period, the mean number of ED presentations was 19.4% lower (95% confidence interval, –20.9% to –17.9%) than during the pre-pandemic period (predicted mean number: 5935; actual number: 4786 presentations). The magnitudes of the decline and the time to return to predicted levels varied by ATS category and diagnostic group; changes in presentation numbers were least marked for ATS 1 and 2 (most urgent) presentations, and for presentations with cardiac conditions or stroke. Numbers remained below predicted levels during the 12-month post-lockdown period for ATS 5 (least urgent) presentations and presentations with mental health problems, respiratory conditions, or sepsis. 

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and related public restrictions were associated with profound changes in health care use. Pandemic plans should include advice about continuing to seek care for serious health conditions and health emergencies, and support alternative sources of care for less urgent health care needs.

REFERENCE

Sweeny A, Keijzers G, Marshall A, Hall E, Ranse J, Zhang P, Grant G, Huang YL, Palipana D, Teng YD, Gerhardy B, Greenslade J, Jones P, Crilly J. Emergency department presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Queensland (to June 2021): Interrupted time series analysis. Medical Journal of Australia.

Read More

Experiences of rural and remote nurses during and following disasters: a scoping review

ABSTRACT 

Introduction: Rural and remote nurses are often involved in disaster response. These nurses are faced with unique challenges in their daily practice due to geographical isolation and reduced resources. Nurses’ roles and experiences in times of disaster have been discussed in the past; however, in the setting of rural and remote areas it remains largely underreported. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the literature regarding the experiences of rural and remote nurses during and following disasters. Disasters affect all areas of the world. 

Methods: This scoping review was guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework for scoping reviews. Electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane, Joanna Briggs Institute and Embase were searched. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was used to guide the reporting of this review. Key concepts and themes were identified using Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework for thematic analysis. 

Results: Eight articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Themes that were identified included disaster roles, pre-disaster preparations, psychological and emotional states, and community involvement and relationships. 

Conclusion: Minimal literature exists that explores what rural and remote nurses experience in times of disaster. In this review, the experience of rural and remote nurses included the relationships between their personal and professional obligations and their influence on nurses’ ability to respond to disasters. Further research is required in this domain to better understand the phenomena and address knowledge gaps that exist in the existing literature. 

REFERENCE

Brewer C, Hutton A, Hammad K, Ranse J. Experiences of rural and remote nurses during and following disasters: a scoping review. Rural and Remote Health. 22(4), 7230-7230.

Read More

Expression of ethical principles in Australia's disaster plans

 

ABSTRACT 

Objective: This qualitative study explores whether Australian mass casualty and disaster plans explicitly acknowledge or implicitly draw upon ethical principles. 

Methods: Federal, state and territory governmental websites were searched to identify mass casualty incident and/or disaster plans. The authors examined the documents to identify whether ethical principles were overtly stated or implied, and what those values or principles were. 

Results: Ten governmental documents were identified – two federal and one for each of the eight States and Territories. One of the documents had an explicit statement of the ethical values that informed the mass casualty and disaster planning decisions which were present. Utilitarianism was the dominant ethical principle informing the document in another seven documents. 

Conclusion: In Australian government documents for mass casualty and disaster management, although ethics is definitely considered, the ethical principles on which decisions are made are rarely explicit. Mass casualty and disaster decision-making could be improved by making the ethical basis for decision-making clear, transparent and comprehensively reasoned. 

REFERENCE: 

Coco A, Patel B, Jensen M, Ranse J. The Expression of Ethical Principles in Australia's Disaster Plans. Emergency Medicine Australasia. 34(6):989-994.

Read More

Psychosocial problems and support for disaster medical assistance team members in the preparedness, response and recovery phases of natural hazards resulting in disasters: A scoping review

ABSTRACT 

Background: Clinicians responding to disasters are at risk of experiencing psychosocial problems that can negatively impact them during, upon their return and years after the deployment. Clinicians often respond to disasters as members of organised Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs). The aim of this paper was to review and synthesise the literature regarding psychosocial problems and support provided to medical personnel in the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of a disaster. 

Methods: A comprehensive search for literature was conducted using four databases: EMBASE; CINAHL; MEDLINE; and PsychInfo. Medical Subject Heading and key terms used in the search included: Disasters; First Responder; Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT); Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

Results: Psychosocial problems were identified amongst DMAT members in all phases (preparedness, response and recovery) of disaster assistance. These ranged from pre-existing stress and anxiety to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Psychosocial support was mostly reported in the recovery phase of the disaster deployment. 

Conclusion: A range of strategies exist to support psychosocial problems DMAT members experience, however, these tend to focus on the recovery phase of deployment with limited focus on preparedness and response phases. Further research is required to identify, implement, and evaluate short and long term psychosocial support needs and strategies for DMAT members in all phases of a disaster deployment. 

REFERENCE 

Zahos H, Crilly J, Ranse J. Psychosocial problems and support for Disaster Medical Assistance Team members in the preparedness, response and recovery phases of a disaster: A scoping review of the literature. Australasian Emergency Care

Read More

Disaster education in undergraduate nursing curriculum: A Delphi study to prioritise content for nursing students

ABSTRACT 

Background: When a disaster occurs, a health response must adapt to meet the needs of the community. Nursing students may be able to assist in supporting the nursing workforce to meet the community’s health needs during and/or following a disaster. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding the educational needs of nursing students regarding disaster preparedness. Further, the disaster-related content that is important to be included in undergraduate nursing curricula is poorly understood. 

Methods: This study used a modified three-round Delphi design guided by the principles of the Guidance on Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies. Data was collected from Australian clinical and academic nurses via online surveys. Analysis was undertaken using descriptive statistics including means of central tendency, with disaster content topic areas and statements considered a priority if they obtained a mean score of four out of five, or greater. 

Results: A total of 38 nurses participated in this study. Across the three rounds, eight topic areas and 37 different statements were included. High priority statements for topic inclusions in undergraduate curricula were “disaster knowledge,” “assessment and triage,” “critical thinking,” and “technical skills.” Additionally, statements relating to “mental wellbeing” and “teamwork in stressful situations” were ranked as the highest. 

Conclusions: Disaster-related content should be included in undergraduate nursing curricula. This content could be embedded within existing units of study and/or delivered as a standalone unit of study. The educational method for delivering disaster content could vary from a didactic approach to simulation exercises depending on the content and local context.

REFERENCE: 

Ranse J, Ituma W, Bail K, Hutton A. Disaster education in undergraduate nursing curriculum: A Delphi study to prioritise content for nursing students. Collegian. 29(5):590-597

Read More

Phenomenology of Australian civilian hospital nurses’ lived experiences of the out-of-hospital environment following a disaster

ABSTRACT 

Background: Disasters disrupt the fabric of communities. This includes disruption to the healthcare system that supports a disaster-affected community. Nurses are important members of disaster response teams. However, there is limited literature that describes nurses’ roles or experience in responding to disasters. 

Aim: This paper employs a phenomenological approach to uncover moments of being an Australian civilian hospital nurse in the out-of-hospital environment following a disaster. 

Method: This study uncovers moments of what it is like being an Australian civilian hospital nurse deployed to the out-of-hospital environment following a disaster. Individual interviews were undertaken at two points in time with each participant. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed to textual narratives, which was then analysed. Several activities were undertaken to uncover moments and provide exemplars of moments, from the narrative. 

Findings: Eight hospital nurses participated in this study. Five moments were uncovered: ‘on the way to a disaster’, ‘prior to starting work’, ‘working a shift in a disaster’, ‘end of a shift’, and ‘returning home’. Each moment has its uniqueness and singularity exemplifying an experience of nurses in the out-of-hospital disaster environment. 

Discussion: When compared to a hospital context, assisting during and/or following a disaster in the out-of-hospital environment is challenging. For example, nurses may need to do more with less resources, provide more frequent psychosocial support for more extenuating circumstances, and experience an unsettling return home at the end of the deployment. 

Conclusions: This paper has provided new insights into what it may be like being an Australian civilian hospital nurse in the out-of-hospital disaster environment as part of a disaster medical assistance teams. Strategies to support nurses who assist during and/or following a disaster are important, so nurses can in turn provide care to people in disaster-affected communities.

The full-text article is available here (PDF) 

Ranse J, Arbon P, Shaban R, Cusack L. Phenomenology of Australian civilian hospital nurses’ lived experience of the out-of-hospital environment following a disaster. Collegian

Read More

Disaster preparedness: A concept analysis and its application to the intensive care unit

Objectives: The aim of the study is to understand the concept of disaster preparedness in relation to the intensive care unit through the review and critique of the peer-reviewed literature. 

Review method used: Rodgers' method of evolutionary concept analysis was used in the study. Data sources: Healthcare databases included in the review were Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Public MEDLINE, Scopus, and ProQuest. Review methods: Electronic data bases were searched using terms such as “intensive care unit” OR “critical care” AND prep* OR readiness OR plan* AND disaster* OR “mass casualty incidents” OR “natural disaster” OR “disaster planning” NOT paed* OR ped* OR neonat*. Peer-reviewed articles published in English between January 2000 and April 2020 that focused on intensive care unit disaster preparedness or included intensive care unit disaster preparedness as part of a facility-wide strategy were included in the analysis. 

Results: Eighteen articles were included in the concept analysis. Fourteen different terms were used to describe disaster preparedness in intensive care. Space, physical resources, and human resources were attributes that relied on each other and were required in sufficient quantities to generate an adequate response to patient surges from disasters. When one attribute is extended beyond normal operational capacities, the effectiveness and capacity of the other attributes will likely be limited. 

Conclusion: This concept analysis has shown the varied language used when referring to disaster preparedness relating to the intensive care unit within the research literature. Attributes including space, physical resources, and human resources were all found to be integral to a disaster response. Future research into what is required of these attributes to generate an all-hazards approach in disaster preparedness in intensive care units will contribute to optimising standards of care. 

Full-text article is available here (PDF)

REFERENCE 

Sellers D, Crilly J, Ranse J. Disaster preparedness: A concept analysis and its application to the intensive care unit. Australian Critical Care. [in-press]

Read More

Disaster education for Australian nursing students: An integrative review of published literature to inform curricula

ABSTRACT

Background: Globally, families and communities are impacted by disasters every day. Nurses are integral to assisting in disasters, in the support and enablement of individuals and communities. However, some studies indicate that nurses feel ill-equipped to assist, partially because disaster content is not thoroughly addressed in the undergraduate curriculum. Therefore, nursing schools need to equip undergraduate nursing students with the knowledge and preparation required to assist effectively during and/or following a disaster. 

Aim: To explore priority disaster topic areas aimed at preparing Australian undergraduate nursing students to assist in caring for survivors in the aftermath of disasters. 

Method: This study used an integrative review methodology. Various databases and platforms were searched for literature published between 2000 and 2018 using Medical Subject Heading terms and keywords relating to the undergraduate nursing curriculum. A thematic analysis of the included papers was conducted. 

Results: A total of 10 articles were identified that meet the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies highlighted that the areas of disaster knowledge, assessment and triage, critical thinking, teamwork, technical skills, mental wellbeing, legal and ethical consideration, and socio-cultural contexts, are relevant for the undergraduate curriculum. 

Discussion: This review highlights disaster education and training topic areas that could be considered for inclusion in Australian undergraduate nursing curricula. The content relating to disaster assistance must be incorporated into nursing schools’ curriculum. Conclusion The incorporation of disaster-related content in the undergraduate nursing curriculum may enhance the disaster preparedness of nursing students and the nursing workforce more broadly.

The full-text article is available here (PDF)

Ituma W, Ranse J, Bail K, Hutton A. Disaster education for Australian nursing students: An integrative review of published literature to inform curricula. Collegian

Read More

Novel respiratory viruses in the context of mass-gathering events: A systematic review to inform event planning from a health perspective

ABSTRACT 

Background: Mass-gathering events (MGEs) occur regularly throughout the world. As people congregate at MGEs, there is an increased risk of transmission of communicable diseases. Novel respiratory viruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1), Influenza A Virus Subtype H1N1 Strain 2009 (H1N1pdm09), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), may require specific infection prevention and control strategies to minimize the risk of transmission when planning MGEs. This literature review aimed to identify and analyze papers relating to novel respiratory viruses with pandemic potential and to inform MGE planning.

Method: This paper used a systematic literature review method. Various health care databases were searched using keywords relating to MGEs and novel respiratory viruses. Information was extracted from identified papers into various tables for analysis. The analysis identified infection prevention and control strategies used at MGEs to inform planning before, during, and following events.

Results: In total, 27 papers met the criteria for inclusion. No papers were identified regarding SARS-CoV-1, while the remainder reported on H1N1pdm09 (n = 9), MERS-CoV (n = 15), and SARS-CoV-2 (n = 3). Various before, during, and after event mitigation strategies were identified that can be implemented for future events.

Conclusions: This literature review provided an overview of the novel respiratory virus epidemiology at MGEs alongside related public health mitigation strategies that have been implemented at these events. This paper also discusses the health security of event participants and host communities in the context of cancelling, postponing, and modifying events due to a novel respiratory virus. In particular, ways to recommence events incorporating various mitigation strategies are outlined.

The full-text article is available here (PDF)

Ranse J, Beckwith D, Khan A, Yezli S, Hertelendy A, Hutton A, Zimmerman PA. (2021). Novel respiratory viruses in the context of mass gathering events: A systematic review to inform event planning from a health perspective. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. [in-press]

Read More

Planning and assessment approaches towards disaster resilient hospitals: A systematic literature review

Background: Hospitals play a critical role as a frontline agency in disasters, with staff often working within extraordinary circumstances in these facilities to deliver care. This study was inspired by the authors’ interdisciplinary experiences in health and resilience engineering. Observing increasing dialogue about how hospitals could improve their resilience to disasters we sought to understand the construct of ‘hospital resilience during disasters’ and how it could be improved. 

Method: The study involved a systematic literature review of publications related to hospital resilience during disasters, conducted at the end of January 2020. Of the 553 articles found initially, 49 remained after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality appraisal tools designed for different types of research were used. 

Results: The findings are described using language and constructs drawn from the Plan-Prepare-Respond-Recover (PPRR) discourse and Resilience Engineering Theory. The review found broad consensus that staff awareness, education, and training about disaster-related plans needs to be improved. The articles documented a wide variety of approaches to evaluating hospital resilience to disasters, wherein the importance of infrastructure and organisational resilience is clear. This included insightful guidance for developing, disseminating, communicating, and implementing disaster plans. 

Conclusion: Through distilling the literature review findings, we propose a ‘Decision-Support Model for Disaster Resilient Hospitals’ to foster proactive and systemic improvements, from anticipating to managing and monitoring organisational performance during disasters. We also propose a hybrid of two methods towards a more holistic evaluation of hospital disaster resilience. The findings have immediate implications for supporting hospital leadership strategically and operationally. 

Full-text article available here.

REFERENCE

Ali HM, Desha C, Ranse J, Roiko A. Planning and assessment approaches towards disaster resilient hospitals: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. [in-press]

Read More

Drug- and alcohol-related emergency department patient presentations during the 2018 Commonwealth Games: A multi-site retrospective analysis

Objective: To examine the impact of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on ED patient presentations related to drug(s) and/or alcohol. 

Methods: Retrospective observational study comparing ED patient presentations made pre, during and post the 2018 Commonwealth Games with either an International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnosis or presenting complaint related to drug and or alcohol misuse. 

Results: Drug- and alcohol related presentations accounted for 5% (n = 890) of all ED presentations across the 36-day study period with no significant difference between pre (n = 312), during (n = 301) and post (n = 277) periods (P = 0.2). Overall, drug- and alcohol-related patient presentations made to the EDs tended to be young (median age 35 years, interquartile range 24–48), Australian (n = 820, 92%) and male (n = 493, 55%). The majority arrived by ambulance (n = 650, 73%), were allocated an Australasian Triage Scale category of 3 (n = 505, 57%), and arrived between 15.00 and 22.59 hours (n = 365, 41%). No demographic characteristics, ED characteristics or outcomes differed significantly over time. 

Conclusions: During the 2018 Commonwealth Games, minimal impact on the ED was noted pertaining to drug and alcohol misuse. Further research is required to understand whether this held true for other types of ED presentations and during other types and locations of mass gathering events.

Full-text article available here (PDF)

Delany C, Crilly J, Ranse J. (2021). Drug- and alcohol-related emergency department patient presentations during the 2018 Commonwealth Games: A multi-site retrospective analysis. Emergency Medicine Australasia.

Read More

Measuring the masses: A series of papers

I was part of an international team that published a number of papers relating to mass gatherings. These papers focused on the need for consistency in the reporting of mass gathering events from a health perspective. These papers were published in a series in the journal Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. The various papers in this series are listed below.

REFERENCES

Lund A, Turris S, Rabb H, Munn MB, Chasmar E, Ranse J, Hutton A. (2021). Measuring the masses: mass gathering medical case reporting, conceptual modelling – The DREAM model (Paper 5). Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. Full-text article available here (PDF)

Turris S, Rabb H, Chasmar E, Munn MB, Callaghan CW, Hutton A, Ranse J, Lund A. (2021). Measuring the masses series: A proposed template for post-event medical reporting (Paper 4). Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. Full-text article available here (PDF) 

Turris S, Lund A, Munn MB, Chasmar E, Rabb H, Callaghan CW, Ranse J, Hutton A. (2021). Measuring the masses series: Domains driving data collection and analysis for the health outcomes of mass gatherings (Paper 3). Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. Full-text article available here (PDF) 

Turris S, Rabb H, Chasmar E, Callaghan CW, Ranse J, Lund A. (2021). Measuring the masses: Understanding health outcomes arising from mass gatherings, reporting gaps and recommendations (Paper 2). Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. Full-text article available here (PDF) 

Turris S, Rabb H, Munn MB, Chasmar E, Callaghan CW, Ranse J, Lund A. (2021). Measuring the masses: The current state of mass gathering medical case reporting (Paper 1). Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. Full-text article available here (PDF)

Read More

The impact of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive events on Emergency Departments: An integrative review

 

I was invited to speak at the Qatar Health 2021 conference on the topic of disaster health. This presentation focused on the findings of an integrative literature review relating to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear [CBRN] events and their impact on Emergency Departments [EDs]. The literature review aimed to identify papers relating to the impact of CBRN events on ED and to analyze these papers for lessons learnt to strengthen ED preparedness. The presentation explored the global epidemiology of disasters, the nature of CBRN events, ED preparedness, clinician education, willingness and resources. The Qatar Health 2021 conference theme related to mass gathering events. As such, this presentation discussed the intersect between ED preparedness for CBRN events in the context of mass gathering events. 

REFERENCE 

Ranse J. (2021). The impact of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive events on Emergency Departments: An integrative review; invited speaker for Qatar Health 2021, Doha, Qatar, 22nd January. [online]

Read More

Recommencing mass gathering events in the context of COVID-19: Lessons from Australia

I was invited to speak at the Qatar Health 2021 conference on the topic of mass gathering events. This presentation focused on the recommencement of mass gatherings in the Australian context. In particular, this presentation focused on the Australian COVID-19 epidemiology, an overview of mass gathering events and COVID-19 in Australia, case studies from national and grass-root sports, and strategies for recommending mass gathering events during COVID-19. 

REFERENCE 

Ranse J. (2021). Recommencing mass gathering events in the context of COVID-19: Lessons from Australia; invited speaker for Qatar Health 2021, Doha, Qatar, 22nd January. [online]

Read More

Novel respiratory viruses in the context of mass gathering events: A systematic review to inform event planning from a health perspective

I was invited to speak at the Qatar Health 2021 conference on the topic of mass gathering events. This presentation focused on a review of the literature regarding novel respiratory viruses in the context of mass gathering events. This presentation synthesised the literature relating to SARS-CoV-1, H1N1pdm09, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in the context of mass gathering events.  Previously published infection prevention and control strategies were presented against a framework of pre, during, and after mass gathering event considerations. These infection preventions and control strategies o have implications for both event organisers and health officials when recommencing events in the context of COVID-19.

Ranse J. (2021). Novel respiratory viruses in the context of mass gathering events: A systematic review to inform event planning from a health perspective; invited speaker for Qatar Health 2021, Doha, Qatar, 21st January. [online]

Read More

Rethinking mass gathering domains for understanding patient presentations: A discussion paper

Aim: The aim of this paper is to further develop an existing data model for mass-gathering health outcomes. 

Background: Mass-gathering events (MGEs) occur frequently throughout the world. Having an understanding of the complexities of MGEs is important to determine required health resources. Environmental, psychosocial, and biomedical domains may be a logical starting point to determine how data are being collected and reported in the literature; however, it may be that other factors influencing health resources are not identified within these domains. 

Method: Based on an exhaustive literature synthesis, this paper is the final paper in a series that explores the collection of variables that impact biomedical presentations associated with attendance/participation in MGEs. Findings: The authors propose further evolution of the Arbon model to include the addition of several domains, including: event environment; command, control, and communication (C3); public health; health promotion; and legacy when reporting the health outcomes of an event. 

Conclusions: Including a variety of domains that contribute to an MGE allows for formal evaluation of the event, which in turn informs future knowledge and skill development for both the event management group and the wider community.

Full-text article is available here (PDF)

Hutton A, Ranse J, Zimmerman P. (2020). Rethinking mass gathering domains for understanding patient presentations: A discussion paper. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine.

Read More

Vulnerability: A concept synthesis and its application to the Emergency Department (ED).

Aim: The aim of this concept synthesis was to add clarity to the concept of vulnerability with application to the Emergency Department (ED) by critiquing, analysing and amalgamating published concept analyses. 

Background: The concept of vulnerability has been used widely, however it has various meanings. A clearer understanding of vulnerability and application to the ED may help healthcare professionals provide high quality care responsive to the needs of vulnerable individuals. 

Method: Nine concept analyses of vulnerability were retrieved using Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. After extracting data on each analysis, Walker and Avant’s concept synthesis method was used to structure this synthesis, with a thematic synthesis approach used in the analysis. 

Findings: Four themes associated with vulnerability emerged from the synthesis. The first theme, vulnerability as a journey, reflected elements within an individual’s life that perpetuate and exacerbate vulnerability. The second theme, vulnerability as susceptibility and risk, highlighted intrinsic and extrinsic elements that contribute to a state of risk. The third theme, positive and negative repercussions, emphasised lessons that can be learned from experience, with the fourth theme of a shared understanding indicating the importance of understanding the concept of vulnerability for patient care. 

Conclusion: Findings from this synthesis highlight the multiple elements associated with a vulnerable state, evident in the context of the ED. With multiple ED-specific elements contributing to vulnerability, clarity of the term is important to inform ED-specific interventions designed to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

Full-text is available here (PDF) 

Wardrop R, Crilly J, Ranse J, Chaboyer W. (2020). Vulnerability: A concept synthesis and its application to the Emergency Department (ED). International Emergency Nursing.

Read More

The impact of disasters on emergency department resources: Review against the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction 2015–2030.

Free full-text article

ABSTRACT

Background: Emergency departments (EDs) are often first to feel the intra-hospital effects of disasters. Compromised care standards during disasters eventuate from increased demands on health resources; the facilities, supplies, equipment and manpower imperative for a functioning healthcare facility. Emergency departments must understand the effect of disasters on their health resources. This paper examines the impact on resources within the ED as a result of a disaster and provides a review against the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 priorities. 

Method: An integrative literature review design was utilised. Articles were extracted from databases and search engines. The Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis Guidelines for systematic literature reviews were used. 

Results: Seven papers met inclusion criteria. Disaster consumable stocking was used to mitigate disaster risk and improve resilience. Logistical challenges were exacerbated by poor building design. Ineffective human resource management, communications failure, insufficient ED space, diminished equipment and supplies and unreliable emergency power sources were described.

Conclusions: Disaster planning and preparedness strategies can address health resource deficits, increasing ED resilience. Further retrospective case studies are required to greater understand the effects of disasters on ED health resources.

REFERENCE: 

Carrington M, Hammad K, Ranse J. (2020). The impact of disasters on emergency department resources: Review against the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction 2015–2030. Australasian Emergency Care

Read More

Disaster evacuation shelters in the context of COVID-19

As a consultant to the World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, I led the development of technical guidance regarding disaster evacuation shelters in the context of COVID-19.

Full-text guidance is free online here

ABSTRACT 

The Western Pacific is the world’s most disaster-prone region. When a disaster occurs, people may need to seek accommodation in a disaster evacuation shelter. However, it may be difficult for people in a disaster evacuation shelter to avoid confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation; crowded places with many people nearby; and close-contact settings, such as close-range conversations. This document outlines key considerations and strategies that should be considered for the establishment of a disaster evacuation shelter in the context of COVID-19. In particular, considerations and strategies are outlined for the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of disasters.

Read More

Research in the context of coronavirus disease 2019: Considerations for critical care environments

Free full-text article

In this editorial, I discuss some key considerations of undertaking research in critical care environments in the context of COVID-19.

In summary, research during disasters and public health emergencies, such as COVID-19, should be carefully considered before it is commenced. First, for individual researchers, this means embarking on high-quality, collaborative, and meaningful research, resisting the temptation to quickly grasp low-hanging research, which has the potential to be expedited at the jeopardy of quality. Second, for organisations that facilitate research through funding support or access to potential participants, supporting research with high scientific rigour should be maintained and strategies implemented to facilitate collaborative research particularly when it becomes apparent that duplication of research efforts is imminent. Finally, journals must be agile so that they can quickly respond to the need for rapid dissemination of information while still maintaining established standards of good publishing practice.

REFERENCE:

Ranse J. (2020). Research in the context of coronavirus disease 2019: Considerations for critical care environments. Australian Critical Care. 33(4):309-310.

Read More