BACKGROUND:This study aimed to evaluate the discriminatory performance of 11 vital sign-based early warning scores(EWSs)and three shock indices in early sepsis prediction in the emergency department(ED).METHODS:We per...BACKGROUND:This study aimed to evaluate the discriminatory performance of 11 vital sign-based early warning scores(EWSs)and three shock indices in early sepsis prediction in the emergency department(ED).METHODS:We performed a retrospective study on consecutive adult patients with an infection over 3 months in a public ED in Hong Kong.The primary outcome was sepsis(Sepsis-3 definition)within 48 h of ED presentation.Using c-statistics and the DeLong test,we compared 11 EWSs,including the National Early Warning Score 2(NEWS2),Modified Early Warning Score,and Worthing Physiological Scoring System(WPS),etc.,and three shock indices(the shock index[SI],modified shock index[MSI],and diastolic shock index[DSI]),with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome(SIRS)and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(qSOFA)in predicting the primary outcome,intensive care unit admission,and mortality at different time points.RESULTS:We analyzed 601 patients,of whom 166(27.6%)developed sepsis.NEWS2 had the highest point estimate(area under the receiver operating characteristic curve[AUROC]0.75,95%CI 0.70-0.79)and was significantly better than SIRS,qSOFA,other EWSs and shock indices,except WPS,at predicting the primary outcome.However,the pooled sensitivity and specificity of NEWS2≥5 for the prediction of sepsis were 0.45(95%CI 0.37-0.52)and 0.88(95%CI 0.85-0.91),respectively.The discriminatory performance of all EWSs and shock indices declined when used to predict mortality at a more remote time point.CONCLUSION:NEWS2 compared favorably with other EWSs and shock indices in early sepsis prediction but its low sensitivity at the usual cut-off point requires further modification for sepsis screening.展开更多
Dear editor,Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is popular in many countries,especially in the Chinese population.^([1,2]) In Hong Kong,it has been estimated that around 15%of the population consumed Chinese medicine p...Dear editor,Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is popular in many countries,especially in the Chinese population.^([1,2]) In Hong Kong,it has been estimated that around 15%of the population consumed Chinese medicine products/herbs in the preceding month.Common reasons for consumption include regulating bodily functions,curing disease,and building up health.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Simulation-based medical education has been growing rapidly and becomes one of the most popular teaching methods for improving patient safety and patient care. The Simulation Subcommittee of the Hong Kong ...BACKGROUND: Simulation-based medical education has been growing rapidly and becomes one of the most popular teaching methods for improving patient safety and patient care. The Simulation Subcommittee of the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine organized an educational program emphasizing the team training, clinical decision-making and communication skills. This study aimed to evaluate the attitude of the participants toward a new training program and the change in the knowledge on clinical performance in emergency physicians and nurses after attending the educational program.METHODS: A course evaluation form was filled in by the participants at the end of the workshop. An assessment of 20 multiple-choice questions with 5 options was administered to the participants before and after the 2-day simulation-based training workshop.RESULTS: A total of 72 doctors and nurses working in the Accident and Emergency Department were enrolled. The average pretest and posttest scores were 12 and 14.3 respectively. The percentage improvement in the mean score of the pretest and posttest was 11.5%. The Chi-square test showed signifi cant improvement in the pretest and posttest score grading(P=0.00). Paired t-test revealed signifi cant difference between the mean scores of the pretest and posttest(P=0.00).CONCLUSIONS: Participants had positive attitude toward this new training program. Significant improvement of the knowledge on clinical performance in healthcare professionals in the Accident and Emergency Department was observed after the participation in this simulation-based educational program.展开更多
Dear editor,China is the most populated country and the second economic entity worldwide.Hong Kong and Shenzhen are two adjacent cities in southern China,with similar environmental,cultural,ethnic groups,and economic ...Dear editor,China is the most populated country and the second economic entity worldwide.Hong Kong and Shenzhen are two adjacent cities in southern China,with similar environmental,cultural,ethnic groups,and economic development.They both have a very interesting turning point in their destiny,leading to a miraculous economic development.However,their government structure and health care system are totally different.[1]This is a vivid example of Deng Xiaoping’s formulation of the principle of“one country,two systems”.展开更多
BACKGROUND：In Shenzhen, the Emergency Medical Service （EMS） system has been in service since 1997. This study aims to examine the operation of Shenzhen 120 EMS center and to identify the reasons of calling EMS.BACK...BACKGROUND：In Shenzhen, the Emergency Medical Service （EMS） system has been in service since 1997. This study aims to examine the operation of Shenzhen 120 EMS center and to identify the reasons of calling EMS.BACKGROUND：In this retrospective quantitative descriptive study, the data from the Shenzhen 120 EMS registry in 2011 were analyzed.RESULTS：Shenzhen 120 EMS center is a communication command center. When the number of 120 are dialed, it is forwarded to the closest appropriate hospital for ambulance dispatch. In 2011, the Shenzhen 120 EMS center received 153 160 ambulance calls, with an average of 420 calls per day. Calling emergency services was mainly due to traffic accidents. Trauma and other acute diseases constituted a majority of ambulance transports. The adult patients aged 15-60 years are the principal users of EMS. There are no recognized ＇paramedic＇ doctors and nurses. The pre-hospital emergency service is under the operation of emergency departments of hospitals. Shenzhen at present does not have specialized pre-hospital training for doctors and nurses in posttrauma management. Moreover, specialized pre-hospital training, financial support, and public health education on proper use of EMS should be emphasized.CONCLUSION：The Shenzhen 120 EMS center has its own epidemiology characteristics. Traumatic injury and traffic accident are the main reasons for calling ambulance service. In-depth study emphasizing the distribution and characteristics of trauma patients is crucial to the future development of EMS.展开更多
BACKGROUND： This study aimed to evaluate emergency medicine doctors＇ accuracy in predicting the need of film printing in a simulated setting of computed radiography and assess whether this can facilitate optimal pat...BACKGROUND： This study aimed to evaluate emergency medicine doctors＇ accuracy in predicting the need of film printing in a simulated setting of computed radiography and assess whether this can facilitate optimal patient care.METHODS： Cross sectional study was conducted from 20 March 2009 to 3 April 2009 in 1334 patients. After clinical assessment of those patients who needed X-ray examination, doctors in the emergency department would indicate whether film printing was necessary for subsequent patient care in a simulated computed radiography setting. The fi nal discharge plan was then retrieved from each patient record. Accuracy of doctors＇ prediction was calculated by comparing the initial request for radiographic film printing and the final need of film. Doctors with different level of emergency medicine experience would also be analyzed and compared.RESULTS： The sensitivity of predicting fi lm printing was 84.5% and the specifi city of predicting no fi lm printing was 91.2%. Positive predictive value was 88.4% while negative predictive value was 88.2%. The overall accuracy was 88.2%. The accuracy of doctors stratified into groups of fellows, higher trainees and basic trainees were 85.4%, 90.5% and 88.5% respectively （P=0.073）.CONCLUSIONS： Our study showed that doctors can reliably predict whether film printing is needed after clinical assessment of patients, before actual image viewing. Advanced indication for film printing at the time of imaging request for selected patients can save time for all parties with minimal wastage.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Intravenous fluid(IVF) is commonly used in acute clinical management. This study aimed to review the choice and primary considerations in IVF prescriptions and to evaluate the adequacy of guidelines and tr...BACKGROUND: Intravenous fluid(IVF) is commonly used in acute clinical management. This study aimed to review the choice and primary considerations in IVF prescriptions and to evaluate the adequacy of guidelines and trainings on it in the New Territories West Cluster(NTWC) of Hong Kong.METHODS: This is a descriptive study based on data collected from an online survey. Data were processed by SPSS for statistical analysis. This study focused on a general description and doctor-nurse between group comparison. Participants were asked the choice of IVF for nine acute clinical scenarios and provide reason. A 1–10 scale was used to assess the sufficiency of guideline, training and information, and time for revision on IVF prescription.RESULTS: 0.9% sodium chloride was the most familiar IVF(36%), followed by 5% Dextrose solution(26%). In the nine scenarios, the most chosen IVF was 0.9% sodium chloride(37%–61%). There was significant difference in the choice of IVF between doctors and nurses in 7 cases. The second most chosen IVF for doctors was Plasma-Lyte A while that for nurses was Gelofusine. Departmental practice was the most chosen reason to account for the prescription. The adequacy of guideline, information and training, and time for revision was rated 5. Doctors had significantly more time at work than nurses to update knowledge in IVF prescription(5.41 versus 4.57).CONCLUSION: 0.9% sodium chloride was mostly chosen. The choice of IVF was mainly based on departmental practice. Adequacy of guideline, information and training, and time for revision on IVF prescription were average, indicating significant training deficit.展开更多
Dear editor, In July 2015, a 39-year-old gravida 2, para 0 lady at 35 weeks＇ gestation was found collapsed at home and sent to the emergency department （ED） by ambulance. She had a background of chronic hypertensio...Dear editor, In July 2015, a 39-year-old gravida 2, para 0 lady at 35 weeks＇ gestation was found collapsed at home and sent to the emergency department （ED） by ambulance. She had a background of chronic hypertension on anti- hypertensives and aspirin, but repeatedly refused in- patient treatment for her uncontrolled hypertension. She had received pre-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation （CPR） for 17 minutes en route to the ED.展开更多
BACKGROUND: We commonly encounter fractures secondary to trauma on and off in our daily practice. While it is not uncommon to see fractures due to underlying pathology, we need to be on the alert when patients present...BACKGROUND: We commonly encounter fractures secondary to trauma on and off in our daily practice. While it is not uncommon to see fractures due to underlying pathology, we need to be on the alert when patients present atypically because the treatment for pathological fractures is far different from that for simple fractures.METHODS: We presented a case of left clavicle fracture secondary to minor trauma, in which the initial X-ray shows suspicious lesion around the fracture site and further investigation reveals multiple myeloma. The patient received treatment at the clinical oncology department upon diagnosis. Since he was relatively young and fi t, he was started on the induction therapy of VTD, which was followed by high dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplant.RESULTS: He is currently free from symptoms and on maintenance thalidomide.CONCLUSIONS: Though multiple myeloma is not commonly encountered in emergency practice, earlier identification of relatively subtle symptoms can allow early treatment. Missing this diagnosis will delay treatment and produce severe outcome to the patient. We should be on the alert for such important condition.展开更多
基金supported by the Health and Medical Research Fund of the Food and Health Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(Project No.19201161)Seed Fund from the University of Hong Kong.
文摘BACKGROUND:This study aimed to evaluate the discriminatory performance of 11 vital sign-based early warning scores(EWSs)and three shock indices in early sepsis prediction in the emergency department(ED).METHODS:We performed a retrospective study on consecutive adult patients with an infection over 3 months in a public ED in Hong Kong.The primary outcome was sepsis(Sepsis-3 definition)within 48 h of ED presentation.Using c-statistics and the DeLong test,we compared 11 EWSs,including the National Early Warning Score 2(NEWS2),Modified Early Warning Score,and Worthing Physiological Scoring System(WPS),etc.,and three shock indices(the shock index[SI],modified shock index[MSI],and diastolic shock index[DSI]),with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome(SIRS)and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(qSOFA)in predicting the primary outcome,intensive care unit admission,and mortality at different time points.RESULTS:We analyzed 601 patients,of whom 166(27.6%)developed sepsis.NEWS2 had the highest point estimate(area under the receiver operating characteristic curve[AUROC]0.75,95%CI 0.70-0.79)and was significantly better than SIRS,qSOFA,other EWSs and shock indices,except WPS,at predicting the primary outcome.However,the pooled sensitivity and specificity of NEWS2≥5 for the prediction of sepsis were 0.45(95%CI 0.37-0.52)and 0.88(95%CI 0.85-0.91),respectively.The discriminatory performance of all EWSs and shock indices declined when used to predict mortality at a more remote time point.CONCLUSION:NEWS2 compared favorably with other EWSs and shock indices in early sepsis prediction but its low sensitivity at the usual cut-off point requires further modification for sepsis screening.
文摘Dear editor,Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is popular in many countries,especially in the Chinese population.^([1,2]) In Hong Kong,it has been estimated that around 15%of the population consumed Chinese medicine products/herbs in the preceding month.Common reasons for consumption include regulating bodily functions,curing disease,and building up health.
基金sponsored by the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong
文摘BACKGROUND: Simulation-based medical education has been growing rapidly and becomes one of the most popular teaching methods for improving patient safety and patient care. The Simulation Subcommittee of the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine organized an educational program emphasizing the team training, clinical decision-making and communication skills. This study aimed to evaluate the attitude of the participants toward a new training program and the change in the knowledge on clinical performance in emergency physicians and nurses after attending the educational program.METHODS: A course evaluation form was filled in by the participants at the end of the workshop. An assessment of 20 multiple-choice questions with 5 options was administered to the participants before and after the 2-day simulation-based training workshop.RESULTS: A total of 72 doctors and nurses working in the Accident and Emergency Department were enrolled. The average pretest and posttest scores were 12 and 14.3 respectively. The percentage improvement in the mean score of the pretest and posttest was 11.5%. The Chi-square test showed signifi cant improvement in the pretest and posttest score grading(P=0.00). Paired t-test revealed signifi cant difference between the mean scores of the pretest and posttest(P=0.00).CONCLUSIONS: Participants had positive attitude toward this new training program. Significant improvement of the knowledge on clinical performance in healthcare professionals in the Accident and Emergency Department was observed after the participation in this simulation-based educational program.
文摘Dear editor,China is the most populated country and the second economic entity worldwide.Hong Kong and Shenzhen are two adjacent cities in southern China,with similar environmental,cultural,ethnic groups,and economic development.They both have a very interesting turning point in their destiny,leading to a miraculous economic development.However,their government structure and health care system are totally different.[1]This is a vivid example of Deng Xiaoping’s formulation of the principle of“one country,two systems”.
文摘BACKGROUND：In Shenzhen, the Emergency Medical Service （EMS） system has been in service since 1997. This study aims to examine the operation of Shenzhen 120 EMS center and to identify the reasons of calling EMS.BACKGROUND：In this retrospective quantitative descriptive study, the data from the Shenzhen 120 EMS registry in 2011 were analyzed.RESULTS：Shenzhen 120 EMS center is a communication command center. When the number of 120 are dialed, it is forwarded to the closest appropriate hospital for ambulance dispatch. In 2011, the Shenzhen 120 EMS center received 153 160 ambulance calls, with an average of 420 calls per day. Calling emergency services was mainly due to traffic accidents. Trauma and other acute diseases constituted a majority of ambulance transports. The adult patients aged 15-60 years are the principal users of EMS. There are no recognized ＇paramedic＇ doctors and nurses. The pre-hospital emergency service is under the operation of emergency departments of hospitals. Shenzhen at present does not have specialized pre-hospital training for doctors and nurses in posttrauma management. Moreover, specialized pre-hospital training, financial support, and public health education on proper use of EMS should be emphasized.CONCLUSION：The Shenzhen 120 EMS center has its own epidemiology characteristics. Traumatic injury and traffic accident are the main reasons for calling ambulance service. In-depth study emphasizing the distribution and characteristics of trauma patients is crucial to the future development of EMS.
文摘BACKGROUND： This study aimed to evaluate emergency medicine doctors＇ accuracy in predicting the need of film printing in a simulated setting of computed radiography and assess whether this can facilitate optimal patient care.METHODS： Cross sectional study was conducted from 20 March 2009 to 3 April 2009 in 1334 patients. After clinical assessment of those patients who needed X-ray examination, doctors in the emergency department would indicate whether film printing was necessary for subsequent patient care in a simulated computed radiography setting. The fi nal discharge plan was then retrieved from each patient record. Accuracy of doctors＇ prediction was calculated by comparing the initial request for radiographic film printing and the final need of film. Doctors with different level of emergency medicine experience would also be analyzed and compared.RESULTS： The sensitivity of predicting fi lm printing was 84.5% and the specifi city of predicting no fi lm printing was 91.2%. Positive predictive value was 88.4% while negative predictive value was 88.2%. The overall accuracy was 88.2%. The accuracy of doctors stratified into groups of fellows, higher trainees and basic trainees were 85.4%, 90.5% and 88.5% respectively （P=0.073）.CONCLUSIONS： Our study showed that doctors can reliably predict whether film printing is needed after clinical assessment of patients, before actual image viewing. Advanced indication for film printing at the time of imaging request for selected patients can save time for all parties with minimal wastage.
文摘BACKGROUND: Intravenous fluid(IVF) is commonly used in acute clinical management. This study aimed to review the choice and primary considerations in IVF prescriptions and to evaluate the adequacy of guidelines and trainings on it in the New Territories West Cluster(NTWC) of Hong Kong.METHODS: This is a descriptive study based on data collected from an online survey. Data were processed by SPSS for statistical analysis. This study focused on a general description and doctor-nurse between group comparison. Participants were asked the choice of IVF for nine acute clinical scenarios and provide reason. A 1–10 scale was used to assess the sufficiency of guideline, training and information, and time for revision on IVF prescription.RESULTS: 0.9% sodium chloride was the most familiar IVF(36%), followed by 5% Dextrose solution(26%). In the nine scenarios, the most chosen IVF was 0.9% sodium chloride(37%–61%). There was significant difference in the choice of IVF between doctors and nurses in 7 cases. The second most chosen IVF for doctors was Plasma-Lyte A while that for nurses was Gelofusine. Departmental practice was the most chosen reason to account for the prescription. The adequacy of guideline, information and training, and time for revision was rated 5. Doctors had significantly more time at work than nurses to update knowledge in IVF prescription(5.41 versus 4.57).CONCLUSION: 0.9% sodium chloride was mostly chosen. The choice of IVF was mainly based on departmental practice. Adequacy of guideline, information and training, and time for revision on IVF prescription were average, indicating significant training deficit.
文摘Dear editor, In July 2015, a 39-year-old gravida 2, para 0 lady at 35 weeks＇ gestation was found collapsed at home and sent to the emergency department （ED） by ambulance. She had a background of chronic hypertension on anti- hypertensives and aspirin, but repeatedly refused in- patient treatment for her uncontrolled hypertension. She had received pre-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation （CPR） for 17 minutes en route to the ED.
文摘BACKGROUND: We commonly encounter fractures secondary to trauma on and off in our daily practice. While it is not uncommon to see fractures due to underlying pathology, we need to be on the alert when patients present atypically because the treatment for pathological fractures is far different from that for simple fractures.METHODS: We presented a case of left clavicle fracture secondary to minor trauma, in which the initial X-ray shows suspicious lesion around the fracture site and further investigation reveals multiple myeloma. The patient received treatment at the clinical oncology department upon diagnosis. Since he was relatively young and fi t, he was started on the induction therapy of VTD, which was followed by high dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplant.RESULTS: He is currently free from symptoms and on maintenance thalidomide.CONCLUSIONS: Though multiple myeloma is not commonly encountered in emergency practice, earlier identification of relatively subtle symptoms can allow early treatment. Missing this diagnosis will delay treatment and produce severe outcome to the patient. We should be on the alert for such important condition.
