  Cognitive support for a better handoff: does it improve the quality of medical communication at shift change in an emergency department?Gillet, Aline  ; GHUYSEN, Alexandre ; BONHOMME, Suzanne et alin European Journal of Emergency Medicine (in press) In order to improve the communication during shift handover in an emergency department, we observed the handover process and analysed the discourse between physicians at shift change first, then we ... [more ▼] In order to improve the communication during shift handover in an emergency department, we observed the handover process and analysed the discourse between physicians at shift change first, then we created two cognitive tools and tested their clinical impact on the field. We used different measures to evaluate this impact on the health care process including frequency and type of information content communicated between physicians, duration of the handoff, physician self-evaluation of the quality of the handoff and a post-handover study of patient handling. Our results showed that the patient's medical history, significant tests results, recommendations (treatment plan) and patient follow-up were communicated to a greater extent when the tools are used. We also demonstrated that physicians spent more time at the bedside and less time consulting medical records using these tools. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 31 (10 ULg) Are Belgian hospitals prepared for an H5NI1-pandemic?; ; D'Orio, Vincenzo in European Journal of Emergency Medicine (2007), 14(4), 204-206 Objective Virulent airborne diseases can be a real burden to a nation's health system. The most recent threat is the fear of a mutation-induced H5N1-influenza pandemic. We studied whether Belgian ... [more ▼] Objective Virulent airborne diseases can be a real burden to a nation's health system. The most recent threat is the fear of a mutation-induced H5N1-influenza pandemic. We studied whether Belgian hospitals are able to deal with H5N1-influenza infected patients in the case of a pandemic. Many patients, including children, may require artificial ventilation within 48h after admission. Methods A survey aimed at determining 'availability and preparedness' was sent by e-mail to the different Belgian Emergency Departments. Results and discussion Sixty-five hospitals were finally included. The amount of patients being potentially admitted is limited, owing to the reduced number of intensive care beds equipped with automatic ventilators. Furthermore, the number of available intensive care beds for children is still lower than for adult patients. The number of mortuary places, in the case of a catastrophe, is also insufficient. Although most hospitals set up a disaster plan on H5N1, there are only limited stocks of antiviral medication to protect the hospital staff in the acute phase. A separate triage area is only available in a limited number of hospitals. We conclude that Belgian hospitals and emergency departments are not equipped to deal with potential pandemic situations. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 31 (6 ULg) |
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