eFAST exam errors at a level 1 trauma center: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesExtended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (eFAST) ultrasound exams are central to the care of the unstable trauma patient. We examined six years of eFAST quality assurance data to identify the most common reasons for false positive and false negative eFAST exams.MethodsThis was an observational, retrospective cohort study of trauma activation patients evaluated in an urban, academic Level 1 trauma center. All eFAST exams that were identified as false positive or false negative exams compared with computed tomography (CT) imaging were included.Results4860 eFAST exams were performed on trauma patients. 1450 (29.8%) were undocumented, technically limited, or incomplete (missing images). Of the 3410 remaining exams, 180 (5.27%) were true positive and 3128 (91.7%) were true negative. 27 (0.79%) exams were identified as false positive and 75 (2.19%) were identified as false negative. Of the false positive scans, 7 had no CT scan and 8 had correct real-time trauma paper documentation of eFAST exam results when compared to CT and were excluded, leaving 12 false positive scans. Of the false negative scans, 11 were excluded for concordant documentation in real-time trauma room paper documentation, 20 were excluded for no CT scan, and 2 were excluded as incomplete, leaving 42 false negative scans. Pelvic fluid, double-line sign, pericardial fat pad, and the thoracic portion of the eFAST exam were the most common source of errors.ConclusionThe eFAST exams in trauma activation patients are highly accurate. Unfortunately poor documentation and technically limited/incomplete studies represent 29.8% of our eFAST exams.Pelvic fluid, double-line sign, pericardial fat pad, and the thoracic portion of the eFAST exam are the most common source of errors.     

Prevalence,documentation, and communication of incidental findings in focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examinations

BackgroundAs the focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examination becomes increasingly ubiquitous in the emergency department (ED), a parallel increase in incidental findings can also be expected. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, documentation, and communication of incidental findings on emergency physician-performed FAST examinations.MethodsRetrospective review at two academic EDs. Adult trauma patients undergoing FAST examinations used for clinical decision-making at the bedside were identified from an ED ultrasound image archival system. Expert sonologists reviewed ultrasound images for incidental findings, as well as electronic medical records for demographic information, mechanism of injury, type of incidental findings, documentation of incidental findings, and communication of incidental findings to the patient.ResultsA total of 1,452 FAST examinations were reviewed. One hundred and thirty-seven patients with incidental findings were identified (9.4%); 7 patients had an additional incidental finding. Renal cysts were most common (49/144, 34.0%), followed by pelvic cysts in women (32/144, 22.2%). While 31/144 (21.5%) incidental findings were identified and documented in the ultrasound reports or medical records by ED providers, only 6/137 (4.4%) patients were noted to be informed of their incidental findings.ConclusionIncidental findings were often encountered in FAST examinations, with cysts of the kidneys and pelvis being the most common findings. A vast majority of incidental findings were not documented or noted to be communicated to patients, which can be a barrier to follow-up care.     

Frequency and follow-up of incidental findings on trauma computed tomography scans: experience at a level one trauma center

Objectives: Incidental findings found on computed tomography (CT) scan during the Emergency Department evaluation of trauma patients are often benign, but their presence must always be communicated to patients, who should be referred for follow-up care. Our objective was to quantify the frequency of these incidental CT findings in trauma patients. A secondary goal was to determine how often these lesions were communicated to patients and how often patients were referred for follow-up. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 500 consecutive patients presenting as trauma activations. Subjects received head, chest, or abdomen/pelvis CT scans at our hospital. Patients were identified using our trauma registry. Final CT reports were examined and discharge summaries were reviewed for basic demographics. Scans with incidental findings prompted detailed secondary review of discharge summaries to determine follow-up. Investigators reviewed incidental findings and classified them into three groups by clinical importance, using predetermined criteria. Results: Of the 500 patient charts identified for review, 480 (96%) were available, yielding 1930 CT reports for analysis. Incidental findings were noted in 211 of 480 (43%) patients and on 285 (15%) of the 1930 CT studies performed for the 480 patients. Of available patient records, only 27% of patient charts had mention of the finding in the discharge summary, had documentation of an in-hospital workup, or had documentation of a referral for follow-up. Most-concerning lesions, such as suspected malignancies or aortic aneurysms, accounted for 15% of all incidental findings and were referred for follow-up in only 49% of cases. Conclusions: Incidental findings were noted in 15% of trauma CT scans. Follow-up was poor, even for potentially serious findings. Further studies should examine the long-term outcome of patients with these findings.     

A Study of Bedside Ocular Ultrasonography in the Emergency Department

The use of ocular ultrasonography for the evaluation of emergency patients has recently been described in the emergency medicine (EM) literature. There are a number of potential uses that may greatly aid the emergency physician (EP) and avoid lengthy consultation or other diagnostic tests. OBJECTIVE: To examine the accuracy of bedside ultrasonography as performed by EPs for the evaluation of ocular pathology. METHODS: This prospective, observational study took place in a high-volume, suburban community hospital with an EM residency program. All patients arriving with a history of eye trauma or acute change in vision were eligible to participate in the study. A 10-MHz linear-array transducer was used for imaging. All imaging was performed through a closed eyelid, using water-soluble ultrasound gel. Investigators filled out standardized data sheets and all examinations were taped for review. All ultrasound examinations were followed by orbital computed tomography or complete ophthalmologic evaluation from the ophthalmology service. Statistical analysis included sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were enrolled in the study; 26 were found to have intraocular pathology on ultrasound. Of these, three had penetrating globe injuries, nine had retinal detachments, one had central retinal artery occlusion, and two had lens dislocations. The remaining pathology included vitreous hemorrhage and vitreous detachment. Emergency sonologists were in agreement with the criterion standard examination in 60 out of 61 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency bedside ultrasound is highly accurate for ruling out and diagnosing ocular pathology in patients presenting to the emergency department. Further, it accurately differentiates between pathology that needs immediate ophthalmologic consultation and that which can be followed up on an outpatient basis.     

Emergency ultrasound credentialling for focused assessment sonography in trauma and abdominal aortic aneurysm: A practical approach for Australasia

Objective: Focused assessment with sonography for trauma and emergency ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysm are now practiced widely by non‐radiologists in emergency departments worldwide. Various credentialling programs have been proposed for novice sonographers; however, their feasibility has been questioned. We adopted the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) credentialling process for emergency ultrasound to determine whether it is feasible for emergency physicians in the Australasian environment. Methods: Three full‐time emergency medicine specialists and a post‐Fellowship Examination trainee at Auckland Hospital undertook the credentialling process. Results: All four participants had sufficient scans to complete the process after 16 months. Accuracy for focused assessment with sonography for trauma, 90% (95% CI 83–95%), and abdominal aortic aneurysm, 99% (95% CI 90–100%), is similar to that previously reported. Conclusion: The ACEM credentialling process for focused assessment with sonography for trauma and abdominal aortic aneurysm is practical and achievable for emergency medicine specialists working in the Emergency Department at Auckland Hospital. Further studies are necessary to determine whether this holds true for other major trauma centres in Australasia.     

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma patients by clinicians: Initial experience and results

Objectives: To describe the establishment of a service to provide bedside focused assessment sonography in trauma and to evaluate the service to date. Setting: Emergency department of an urban trauma centre. Methods: A prospective study of trauma patients who received a focused assessment sonography in trauma examination performed by a clinician managing the trauma in the emergency department. Accuracy was determined by comparing the scan interpretation with abdomino‐pelvic computerized tomography, laparotomy or postmortem examination. Results: The study period ran from 1 January 2000 to 11 September 2001 inclusive (20 months). One hundred and forty patients were included, with a final diagnosis established by computerized tomography (n = 124) and/or laparotomy (n = 18). There were 26 true‐positives, 101 true‐negatives, two false‐positives and 11 false‐negatives. Ten of the false‐negative studies were performed by clinicians who had not reached accreditation. The sensitivity of focused assessment sonography in trauma was 70%, specificity 98% and diagnostic accuracy 91%. Conclusions: We have described the implementation of a clinician‐based focused assessment sonography in trauma service within the emergency department with the support of radiology/ultrasound and trauma service. Processes for credentialling, quality assurance and training need to be in place. Significant issues exist with the length of time it takes clinicians to reach accreditation, in order that a critical mass of clinicians exists to provide a consistent service. The credentialling process should mandate a minimum number of supervised examinations.     

Impact of a Statewide Trauma System on Rural Emergency Department Patient Assessment Documentation

Objective: To determine the association of rural ED patient assessment documentation with state trauma system implementation, hospital trauma categorization level (i.e., Level-3 vs Level-4), injury diagnosis, and patient demographics. Methods: A pre- vs post-system implementation (historical control) analysis of trauma documentation was performed using a sample of rural ED trauma patients from 4 Level-3 and 5 Level-4 trauma hospitals. The medical records of patients with specific index diagnoses in 4 anatomic regions (head, chest, liver/spleen, and femur/open-tibia) were reviewed for 3-year periods before statewide trauma system implementation and after hospital categorization. Vital sign, % inspired O², and O² saturation determinations were identified relative to the first and the last vital signs documented on the ED record. If not documented in the medical chart within 5 minutes of the first or last ED vital sign assessment, these measurements were considered missing. Separately, neurologic documentation (initial and final) also was sought for patients meeting criteria for an index head injury. Results: Of 1,057 patients entered into the database, 532 were evaluated during the pre-system period and 525 were evaluated during the post-system period. Overall, 47% had a head injury, 34% had a chest injury, 23% had a femur/open-tibia injury, and 12% had a spleen/liver injury. There were 142 (13%) patients with an injury in >1 index area. Except for initial systolic blood pressure, documentation of all other initial and final patient vital signs increased significantly (p < 0.05). Documentation of the Glasgow Coma Scale score (initial and final; p = 0.0001) and a final pupil examination on head-injured patients (p = 0.025) also increased. The effects of hospital level, injury diagnosis, and patient demographics on documentation rate were minimal. Conclusion: The study found overall improved ED documentation of trauma patient status in association with implementation of a statewide trauma system. This improvement in documentation suggests an enhanced process of care with trauma system participation.     

重型颅脑外伤患者急诊抢救护理体会

目的:总结重型颅脑外伤患者,急诊抢救护理经验。方法:对92例重型颅脑损伤患者进行抢救,围绕“急”、“快”、“准”、“细”实施相应护理措施。结果:92例中抢救成功84例,抢救成功率为91%。结论:迅速对病情作出判断,快速准确地降低颅内压、吸氧、吸痰、气管内插管、包扎伤口止血,细心、严密观察患者的意识、瞳孔和生命体征的变化及病情发展趋势,做好紧急手术的术前准备,能为抢救患者生命赢得时间。     

不同院前干预救治模式对重症多发创伤患者预后的影响

目的 探讨不同院前救治模式对重症创伤患者预后的影响.方法 收集2008年1月1日至2012年1月1日因严重创伤就诊于北京同仁医院急诊科患者相关资料[创伤严重度评分(injury severity score,ISS) ≥25分].以2010年1月1日为界,此后就诊于我院创伤患者采用的是本院急诊医师随车出诊的“急救型”急救模式分为研究组,而此日期以前是传统由120及999担任院前急救的急救模式则为对照组,采用创伤数据库记录创伤患者伤情、救治与结局信息,比较严重创伤救治效率和质量.结果 研究组较对照组在急诊处理时间、住院时间、入住ICU率、住院前病死率、远期(6个月)致残率、并发症出现率等方面有所降低,分别为(78.23 ±21.57) min vs.(96.45±35.14)min,(23.55 ±12.46) d vs.(28.67±20.72)d,8.1％ (18/222)vs.65.5％ (114/174),13.3％ (34/256)vs.21.6％ (48/222),4.1％ (9/222)vs.9.2％ (16/174),8.1％ (18/222)vs.18.4％ (32/174),差异均具有统计学意义(P＜0.05);在住院病死率方面,研究组也较对照组低,为8.1％(18/222)vs12.6％ (22/174),但差异无统计学意义(P＜0.05).两组患者受伤到医院的时间差异无统计学意义.结论 由医院急诊医师随车出诊的“急救型”院前急救模式相对于常规采用的急救模式在提高多发严重创伤的救治成功率以及降低病死率方面有一定优势,是一种良好的备选急救模式.     

Sonographic assessment of blunt abdominal trauma: a 4-year prospective study

PURPOSE: Emergency abdominal sonography has become a common modality worldwide in the evaluation of injuries caused by blunt trauma. The sensitivity of sonography in the detection of hemoperitoneum varies, and little is known about the accuracy of sonography in the detection of injuries to specific organs. The purpose of this study was to determine the overall accuracy of sonography in the detection of hemoperitoneum and solid-organ injury caused by blunt trauma. METHODS: From January 1995 to October 1998, 3,264 patients underwent emergency sonography at our institution to evaluate for free fluid and parenchymal abnormalities of specific organs caused by blunt trauma. All patients with intra-abdominal injuries (IAIs) were identified, and their sonographic findings were compared with their CT and operative findings, as well as their clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-six (12%) of the 3,264 patients had IAIs. Sonography detected free fluid presumed to represent hemoperitoneum in 288 patients (9%). The sonographic detection of free fluid alone had a 60% sensitivity, 98% specificity, 82% positive predictive value, and 95% negative predictive value for diagnosing IAI. The accuracy was 94%. Seventy patients (2%) had parenchymal abnormalities identified with sonography that corresponded to actual organ injuries. The sensitivity of the sonographic detection of free fluid and/or parenchymal abnormalities in diagnosing IAI was 67%. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency sonography to evaluate patients for injury caused by blunt trauma is highly accurate and specific. The sonographic detection of free fluid is only moderately sensitive for diagnosing IAI, but the combination of free fluid and/or a parenchymal abnormality is more sensitive.     

Initial imaging assessment of severe blunt trauma

OBJECTIVES: Total body computed tomography (CT) scan is increasingly used in traumatised patients, but the need for an initial rapid imaging assessment beforehand remains unknown. To address this problem, we assessed the value of an initial imaging assessment (chest X-ray, pelvic X-ray, abdominal ultrasonography) in severely traumatised patients in a prospective study. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study of a cohort in a level 1 trauma centre of an university teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: 400 patients with severe blunt trauma. Within 30 min of arrival in the hospital, these patients underwent a rapid imaging assessment at the bedside, including chest and pelvic X-ray, and an abdominal ultrasonography. The decision taken for each imaging technique (chest drainage or thoracotomy, pelvic angiography, and laparotomy, respectively) was judged as appropriate or inappropriate. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Emergency chest drainage or thoracotomy was performed in 78 cases (78 appropriate), pelvic angiography in 8 cases (5 appropriate) and immediate laparotomy in 48 cases (47 appropriate). Emergency treatment was decided in 108 patients, and the decisions were considered appropriate in 392 (98%, 95% CI: 97%-99%) cases. Three variables (heart rate, systolic arterial pressure and Glasgow Coma Scale) were independent predictors of the need for an emergency decision, but among patients who had none of these criteria, 16% required an emergency decision. CONCLUSIONS: A simple and rapid initial imaging assessment enabled appropriate emergency decisions before further imaging assessment was performed. We recommend that every patient with severe blunt trauma receive this initial assessment.     

Sonography as the primary screening method in evaluating blunt abdominal trauma

PURPOSE: The radiological evaluation of patients with blunt abdominal trauma can be done with either ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) with strategies varying considerably among institutions. We evaluated the efficacy of our current strategy in which US is used at our hospital as the primary screening tool for patients with blunt abdominal trauma. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all patients admitted to our hospital with possible blunt abdominal trauma who underwent abdominal US, abdominal CT and/or a laparotomy during the initial trauma assessment from 1998 until 2002 (n = 1149). RESULTS: Nine-hundred sixty-one of the 1149 patients had a negative US, of which 922 were true negative, resulting in a negative predictive value of 96%. A CT of the abdomen was performed in 7%. In 1.7% there was delayed diagnosis with no significant additional morbidity. Fourteen of the 103 laparotomies (14%) were non-therapeutic; in 5 of these cases the patients underwent non-therapeutic laparotomy despite the performance of a CT. Seven were emergency operations. CONCLUSIONS: In our practice, the use of US for the evaluation of acute blunt abdominal trauma is adequate, with a high negative predictive value, a small number of delayed diagnoses, and an acceptable rate of non-therapeutic laparotomies.     

急诊室创伤患者创伤评分与并发症和救治的关系

目的 探讨急诊室用创伤评分（TS）在创伤患者快速救治中的价值。方法 采用TS对1826例创伤患者进入和离开急诊室时的创伤严重程度进行评估，同时实施影像等检查和救治。结果 TS分值定为1～16分。分值越低表示伤情越重。1826例创伤患者入急诊室时。TS分值10分以上占73．06％，10分以下（包括10分）占26．94％；离开急诊室时，TS分值10分以上占91．84％．TS分值10分以下（包括10分）占8．16％；两者比较差异均有显著性（P均〈0．001）。TS分值越低，在诊治过程中低血压、休克等严重并发症发生率越高。液体需要量与TS分值有明显相关性，TS分值越低，液体需要量越大。结论 TS使用简便快速，能较好地反映损伤严重程度和伤情，对急诊室医生及早掌握病情，尽快完成急诊接诊程序和救冶很有价值。     

A risk management audit: are we complying with the national guidelines for sedation by non-anaesthetists?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of a preprinted form in ensuring an improved and sustained quality of documentation of clinical data in compliance with the national guidelines for sedation by non-anaesthetists. DESIGN: The process of retrospective case note audit was used to identify areas of poor performance, reiterate national guidelines, introduce a post-sedation advice sheet, and demonstrate improvement. SETTING: Emergency Department, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. SUBJECTS: Forty seven patients requiring sedation for relocation of a dislocated shoulder or manipulation of a Colles' fracture between July and October 1996 and July and October 1997. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evidence that the following items had been documented: consent for procedure, risk assessment, monitored observations, prophylactic use of supplementary oxygen, and discharging patients with printed advice. Case note review was performed before (n = 23) and after (n = 24) the introduction of a sedation audit form. Notes were analysed for the above outcome measures. The monitored observations analysed included: pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, electrocardiography, and conscious level. RESULTS: Use of the form significantly improved documentation of most parameters measured. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of the form, together with staff education, resulted in enhanced documentation of data and improved conformity with national guidelines. A risk management approach to preempting critical incidents following sedation, can be adopted in this area of emergency medicine.     

A risk management audit: are we complying with the national guidelines for sedation by non-anaesthetists?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of a preprinted form in ensuring an improved and sustained quality of documentation of clinical data in compliance with the national guidelines for sedation by non-anaesthetists. DESIGN: The process of retrospective case note audit was used to identify areas of poor performance, reiterate national guidelines, introduce a post-sedation advice sheet, and demonstrate improvement. SETTING: Emergency Department, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. SUBJECTS: Forty seven patients requiring sedation for relocation of a dislocated shoulder or manipulation of a Colles' fracture between July and October 1996 and July and October 1997. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evidence that the following items had been documented: consent for procedure, risk assessment, monitored observations, prophylactic use of supplementary oxygen, and discharging patients with printed advice. Case note review was performed before (n = 23) and after (n = 24) the introduction of a sedation audit form. Notes were analysed for the above outcome measures. The monitored observations analysed included: pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, electrocardiography, and conscious level. RESULTS: Use of the form significantly improved documentation of most parameters measured. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of the form, together with staff education, resulted in enhanced documentation of data and improved conformity with national guidelines. A risk management approach to preempting critical incidents following sedation, can be adopted in this area of emergency medicine.     

Evaluation of focussed assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) by UK emergency physicians

Objectives

To evaluate the introduction of a focussed assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) scan into the early assessment of trauma patients in the UK.

Methods

The setting was an inner city teaching hospital emergency department (annual attendance 100 000). All patients aged 16 or over admitted to the resuscitation room after blunt trauma were included in a prospective observational study. Patients had a FAST scan performed at the end of the primary survey. Results were compared to results of other investigations, laparotomy, postmortem examination, or observation.

Results

153 patients were entered into the study. The sensitivity of the FAST scan was 78% and specificity was 99%.

Conclusion

FAST is a highly specific “rule in” technique and is useful in the initial assessment of trauma patients. Emergency physicians can perform FAST after a brief training period.     

Sonographic Detection of Pneumothorax by Radiology Residents as Part of Extended Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of sonographic pneumothorax detection by radiology residents as a part of extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (eFAST). Methods. In a prospective study, a sonographic search for pneumothoraces was performed as part of a standard FAST examination by the on‐call resident. Each lung field was scanned at the second to fourth anterior intercostal spaces and the sixth to eighth midaxillary line intercostal spaces. A normal pleural interface was identified by the presence of parietal‐over‐visceral pleural sliding with “comet tail” artifacts behind. Absence of these normal features indicated a pneumothorax. The sonographic diagnosis was correlated with supine chest radiography and chest computed tomography (CT). Results. A total of 338 lung fields in 169 patients were included in the study. Patients underwent eFAST, chest radiography, and chest CT when clinically indicated. Chest CT was considered the reference standard examination. Computed tomography identified 43 pneumothoraces (13%): 34 small and 9 moderate. On chest radiography, 7 pneumothoraces (16%) were identified. Extended FAST identified 23 pneumothoraces (53%). Compared with CT, eFAST had sensitivity of 47%, specificity of 99%, a positive predictive value of 87%, and a negative predictive value of 93%. All of the moderate pneumothoraces were identified by eFAST. Twenty small pneumothoraces missed by eFAST did not require drainage during the hospitalization period. Conclusions. Extended FAST performed by residents is an accurate and efficient tool for early detection of clinically important pneumothoraces.     

Potential Errors in the Diagnosis of Pericardial Effusion on Trauma Ultrasound for Penetrating Injuries

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ultrasound error in patients presenting with penetrating injury with a potential for pericardial effusion. METHODS: Residents and faculty from an emergency medicine training program at Level 1 trauma center with an active ultrasound program were asked to view digitized video clips of subxiphoid cardiac examinations in patients with chest trauma. Participants were asked to fill out a standardized questionnaire on each video clip asking whether a pericardial effusion was present. Other questions included size of effusion and presence of tamponade. The study also asked participants to rate their confidence in their impressions. Data were analyzed using interquartile ranges and confidence levels. RESULTS: All participants had difficulty distinguishing between epicardial fat pads and true pericardial effusions. The overall sensitivity was 73% and specificity was 44%. Confidence shown by participants in their answers increased with level of training or experience, regardless of whether they were correct or incorrect. Additional views were frequently requested to help decide whether an effusion was present. CONCLUSIONS: A serious potential exists for misdiagnosing epicardial fat pads as pericardial effusion in critically ill trauma patients. Emergency physicians need to be aware of this and should consider one of two suggested alternative methods to improve the accuracy of diagnosis.     

Documented assessments and treatments of patients seeking emergency care because of pain

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 764–771
Documented assessments and treatments of patients seeking emergency care because of pain Study rationale: Pain is one of the most frequent symptoms for which people seek emergency care. Studies show that pain management in emergency clinics is insufficient. No previous studies regarding pain documentation at emergency clinics in the Nordic countries have been undertaken. Objectives: The main purpose was to investigate the extent to which pain assessment, pain treatment and pain relief were documented in patient records. Design: Patient records were reviewed using a study‐specific protocol. Setting: Emergency unit at a Swedish university hospital. Participants: A total of 698 patient records randomly selected were reviewed using a study‐specific protocol. According to Swedish law and the university hospital’s quality and safety guidelines, there should be a note in each patient record regarding whether or not the patient was in pain on arrival. The guideline stresses the importance of using patient self‐assessment by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: In 361/698 (52%) records, there was a note by a doctor or a nurse as to whether or not the patient had been experiencing pain on arrival. In 319 of these 361 records (88%), a full pain assessment had been documented. In 15/319 (5%) cases, the pain assessment included patient VAS assessment. In 54/319 (17%) patient records, a note regarding pain treatment was found. Significantly more notes regarding pain treatment were found in the records with an initial documented pain assessment, when compared with the records without any such assessment (p < 0.01). In the 54 records with notes regarding pain treatment, 10 (19%) included documentation regarding the effect of the treatment. Conclusions: The results show an alarming lack of documentation regarding pain assessments, pain treatments and follow‐ups. This is in marked contrast to Swedish law, which clearly stipulates the responsibility of health care staff to document information relevant to providing safe care. Prompt action to improve pain documentation is warranted.     

创伤重点超声评估法在胸腹部创伤急诊中的应用研究

目的:分析创伤重点超声评估法在胸腹部创伤急诊中的应用。方法:选取2018年4月—2019年10月200例急诊收治胸腹部创伤患者,所有患者均采用常规彩超检查与创伤重点超声评估法检查,并以手术结果为金标准评价两种方法的诊断准确性。结果:两种检查方法在诊断准确率方面的差异无统计学意义,但创伤重点超声评估法检查时间明显短常规彩超检查(P<0.05)。结论:创伤重点超声评估法具有检测速度快且准确率高的优势,在急救检查中能够快速评估患者的病情状况,从而尽早实施有效的救治措施,有助于提高急救效率。