International Emergency Nursing RSS feed: Current Issue. International Emergency Nursing is a peer-reviewed journal devoted to nurses and other professionals involved in emergency care. It aims to promote excellence through dissemination of high quality research findings, specialist knowledge and discussion of professional issues that reflect the diversity of this field. With an international readership and authorship, it provides a platform for practitioners worldwide to communicate and enhance the evidence-base of emergency care. The journal publishes a broad range of papers, from personal reflection to primary research findings, created by first-time through to reputable authors from a number of disciplines. It brings together research from practice, education, theory, and operational management, relevant to all levels of staff working in emergency care settings worldwide. Publication Ethics This journal is a member of and subscribes to the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics. This code will guide the editorial board and reviewers in their approach to any ethical issues arising in respect of papers submitted to International Emergency Nursing . http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. International Emergency Nursing1755-599X183July 2010 © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X10000418/abstract?rss=yesEditorial board10.1016/S1755-599X(10)00041-8International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9iihttp://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X10000388/abstract?rss=yesAnyone who has ever looked at or listened to a patient complaint will understand just how important the most basic elements of care are to our patients. Never mind the highly technical equipment, or the latest diagnostic test, it is often the time taken to explain a procedure or a hand on an arm in time of distress that the patient remembers. McBrien’s paper (119–126) describes these very issues in his exploratory examination of spiritual care in the emergency department. Dealing with the patient’s (or family’s) psychological distress, and their spiritual needs is an essential component of high quality patient care, is as important as their physical care, and may have greater long-term impact.EditorialHeather McClelland10.1016/j.ienj.2010.05.001International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9117118http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X0900086X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Background: The researcher’s interest in spiritual care arose during clinical experience in an emergency department. Over a 10-year period, I have observed, that in midst of a busy and increasingly overcrowded setting, nurses find time to provide spiritual care. Although this dimension of nursing practice is not explicitly labelled as spiritual care, it is apparent that interventions such as active listening, touch and ultimately connecting with the patient has, on most occasions, positive effects on the patient’s spiritual dimension. Subsequently, this has provided the momentum to carry out a study on how nurses provide spiritual care, in an emergency setting. The findings revealed that participants regarded spiritual care to be an integral component of their role. In addition, participants reported that they derived positive personal outcomes from providing this aspect of nursing care. Nevertheless, although most participants would argue that spiritual care is central to nursing practice, concerns were expressed with regard to its provision, in the emergency setting.Nurses’ provision of spiritual care in the Emergency Setting – An Irish PerspectiveBarry McBrien10.1016/j.ienj.2009.09.004International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9119126http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X09000366/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The aim of this study was to develop a systematic review using international research to describe the role of teamwork and communication in the emergency department, and its relevance to physiotherapy practice in the emergency department. Searches were conducted of CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, Scopus, Cochrane, PEDro, Medline, Embase, Amed and PubMed. Selection criteria included full-text English language research papers related to teamwork and/or communication based directly in the emergency department, involvement of any profession in the emergency department, publication in peer-reviewed journals, and related to adult emergency services. Studies were appraised using a validated critical appraisal tool. Fourteen eligible studies, all of mid-range quality, were identified. They demonstrated high levels of staff satisfaction with teamwork training interventions and positive staff attitudes towards the importance of teamwork and communication. There is moderate evidence that the introduction of multidisciplinary teams to the ED may be successful in reducing access block, and physiotherapists may play a role in this. The need for teamwork and communication in the ED is paramount, and their roles are closely linked, with the common significant purposes of improving patient safety, reducing clinical errors, and reducing waiting times.The role of teamwork and communication in the emergency department: A systematic reviewEmily Kilner, Lorraine A. Sheppard10.1016/j.ienj.2009.05.006International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9127137http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X09000585/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Objectives: This study evaluates a computerized alcohol intervention implemented in a Swedish emergency department (ED) with regard to the effectiveness of two different types of tailored brief feedback on patients’ drinking patterns and the reach of the intervention.Methods: The study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of ED patients. The designated target population was the ED population aged 18–69years who registered at the triage room before receiving care. Patients who were categorized as risky drinkers and completed the computerized test were randomized to either a long or a short feedback. The feedback was tailored on the basis of the individual patient’s responses to questions on their drinking patterns.Results: The computerized intervention reached 41% of the target population. Those who completed the computerized test and received the feedback were younger than those who did not receive the intervention. Among those who could be followed up, the feedback was effective in reducing the patient’s weekly alcohol consumption and the number of heavy episodic drinking occasions. The long feedback was slightly more effective than the short feedback, but the differences were not statistically significant.Reach and effectiveness of a computer-based alcohol intervention in a Swedish emergency roomAnna Trinks, Karin Festin, Preben Bendtsen, Per Nilsen10.1016/j.ienj.2009.08.004International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9138146http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X09000858/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Background: In 1998 in Victoria, Australia, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) model was considered with projects exploring the potential for NP implementation in emergency departments. (EDs)Aims: The aim of this study is to explore the perceived barriers to progression and sustainability of the NP role in Victoria. A survey of the 17 EDs involved in the initial projects was undertaken targeting NP candidates, nurse managers and project officers. A total of 48 individuals were identified and contacted. The survey comprised of demographic details and statements about NP role sustainability and progression using a Likert scaleFindings: A total of 37 participants (77%) completed the survey. Participants strongly agreed that there were barriers to sustainability, especially lack of ongoing funding from their own organisation and external sources. Other barriers included a lack of understanding from the organisation and medical staff about the role. The main barriers to role progression were the legislative constraints (n=29, 78%) and the cost of Masters programmes (n=29, 78%)Conclusion: This survey revealed a myriad of barriers to role sustainability and progression. These barriers need to be explored and progressed if the NP role is to continue to develop and expandPerceived barriers to the sustainability and progression of nurse practitionersSimon F.J. Keating, John P. Thompson, Geraldine A. Lee10.1016/j.ienj.2009.09.003International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9147153http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X09000913/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: There has been much debate about the use of activated charcoal in patients who have taken overdoses and then present to Emergency Departments. There are clinical trials, research and position statements that have examined the effectiveness of activated charcoal in a number of overdoses of different medications, but there is still a debate surrounding the evidence based practice of administering activated charcoal in patients who have taken a drug overdose due to lack of evidence. This article will examine on the two main guidelines on activated charcoal, one produced by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the second produced by American Academy of Clinical Toxicology. It will discuss the methods of administration on activated charcoal, contraindications and the difficulties or challenges in adhering to these guidelines in the clinical setting.Activated charcoal: To give or not to give?Georgina M. Elder10.1016/j.ienj.2009.10.005International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9154157http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X08001262/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Previous parts to this series on thoracic and neck trauma discussed the anatomy and physiology of the thorax, assessment and initial nursing interventions, imaging and adjuncts to diagnosis. Part 2 describes specific chest wall and lung injuries, types of pneumothoraces and their diagnosis and management. This section, part 3 of 4, discusses other types of thoracic injuries and their management, such as trauma to the diaphragm and heart.Thoracic and neck trauma. Part threeCaesar Ursic, Kate Curtis10.1016/j.ienj.2008.11.012International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9158165http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X09001104/abstract?rss=yesHow well do vital signs identify children with serious infections in paediatric emergency care? Thompson, M., Coad, N., Harnden, A., Mayon-White, R., Perera, R., Mant, D., 2009. Archives of Disease in Childhood 94, 888–893Research ReviewAlastair Gray10.1016/j.ienj.2009.12.001International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9166168http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X10000340/abstract?rss=yesThis 5year old male attended the Emergency Department following a fall onto his forearm. He presented with a swollen tender mid radius.What is your diagnosis? The x-rays show a slightly angulated fracture to the midshaft of the ulna and anterior dislocation of the radial head. This is a Monteggia fracture dislocation (note the radio-capitellar line on the lateral projection does not bisect the capitellum).The forearm is composed of the radius and ulna, joined by proximal and distal radio-ulnar joints and intraosseous ligament.Film quizSara Lawrence, Jane Sacks10.1016/j.ienj.2010.04.002International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9169170http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X09000949/abstract?rss=yesA new addition to the self assessment series this book provides a clear and concise approach to reviewing Axial Skeleton Musculoskeletal Trauma X-rays. Its target audience is that of radiographers and nurse practitioners working in advanced roles and therefore those with a degree of existing axial musculoskeletal trauma knowledge. However this text with its plethora of clearly presented radiographic examples along with schematic diagrams would be of use to both medical and allied health professionals, who find themselves reviewing axial skeletal trauma radiographs.Julia Booth10.1016/j.ienj.2009.11.003International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9Book Reviews171171http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X09000962/abstract?rss=yesThe subject of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is important to all healthcare professionals in all areas of clinical practice. Therefore, it is good to see a book that can be used by all healthcare professionals to further enhance their knowledge and understanding of resuscitation. The book is structured in an easy-to-navigate manner and is divided into six sections: professional issues, prevention and preparation, adult basic life support, advanced life support and further considerations in resuscitation. Each section is easy to follow, clear and applicable to a wide range of healthcare professionals, including nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals.Bobby Pawar10.1016/j.ienj.2009.11.005International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9Book Reviews171172http://www.internationalemergencynursing.com/article/PIIS1755599X10000479/abstract?rss=yesNews and Notices10.1016/S1755-599X(10)00047-9International Emergency Nursing 18, 3 (2010)2010-07-01International Emergency Nursing2010-07-01183S1755-599X(10)X0003-9Book Reviews173173