bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MP47: A systematic review of local complications from central and peripheral administration of vasopressors in the pediatric population
Authors: Sadoway R. , Loubani O. , Foster J. , Parker R.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Vasopressors are routinely utilized to treat systemic shock, a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Local tissue ischemia has been classically implicated with peripheral use of these medications. However, peripheral administration (PVC) has theoretical benefits, and avoids many of the risks associated with central venous catheter (CVC) placement. There appears to be paucity of literature in pediatrics examining this subject. We conducted a systematic review investigating local tissue complications and extravasations of both PVC and CVC administration in the pediatric population. Specifically we examined the type of vasopressor used, the site used, the duration of the infusion, and finally the overall outcome for patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases. Terms for IV administration, specific vasopressor use, complication of interest, and pediatric population were combined. We included studies that satisfied our predetermined criteria. All search results were imported into Covidence software where the primary author conducted an initial title and abstract review. Papers that met the pre-identified criteria were selected for full text review. Papers selected for full text review were independently reviewed by two of the authors. Agreement between the authors was measured utilizing a κ statistic. Results: Our search yielded 14784 results, of which 237 were assessed for full text review. The κ between the authors is pending. 13 studies were selected for final inclusion. There were 14 patients with 15 total events. 13 were from PVC use while 2 occurred with CVC's. 11 of the 13 complications associated with PVC administration occurred through extravasation, with 2 events from local ischemia. 9 children were administered dopamine, 1 norepinephrine, and 14 were on multiple vasopressors. 3/13 events were “proximal” or occurring at or above the AC or popliteal fossa while 10/13 events were “distal”. The average time to ischemic injury or extravasation peripherally was 56.1 hours with a range of 1.5 to 360 hours. 9 of the total patients did not have any long-term sequelae. One patient had toe amputations, while two others died because of illness. One CVC patient died as a result extravasation leading to asphyxiation. Conclusion: There is a lack of significant literature reporting serious adverse events related to peripheral or central administration of vasopressors in the pediatric population.
MP48: White blood cells count and C-reactive protein performance to identify severe bacterial infection in the fever without a source workup of infants 22 to 60 days old
Authors: Gravel G. , Vachon K. , Giguère M. , Lajeunesse L. , Morin J. , Ouellet-Pelletier J. , Turgeon R. , Berthelot S.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Identification of severe bacterial infections (SBI) among infants presenting to the emergency department (ED) for fever without a source (FWS) remains challenging. Controversies persist on the usefulness of blood biomarkers, especially when used for assessing infants 22 to 60 days old. Although C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells count (leucocytes) are commonly prescribed, this practice relies on poor and conflicting evidence. Our objective was to determine the performance of those two markers at identifying SBI. Methods: This is a sub-analysis of an ongoing retrospective cohort study conducted in an academic pediatric ED in Quebec City, that aims to determine whether a lumbar puncture should routinely be performed in the FWS workup of 22 to 60 days old infants. All consecutive charts of eligible febrile infants were reviewed. Premature infants (<37 weeks), as well as infants with chronic diseases, immunodeficiency, previous antimicrobial therapy, in-dwelling catheters, or septic shock were excluded. Among others, data related to final diagnosis and investigations were gathered. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values, positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios were estimated for each blood biomarkers. Results: Out of 1261 charts reviewed, 920 patients were included in this analysis. SBI prevalence was 13.0% (95%CI: 10.9-15.2) among infants of our cohort. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR+ and LR- of the leucocytes <5000 or≥15000/□L were 43% (95%CI: 34-53%), 80% (95%CI: 77-83%), 25% (95%CI: 21-30%), 90% (95%CI: 88-91%), 2.1 (95%CI: 1.7-2.8), and 0.72 (95%CI: 0.61-0.84), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of CRP >= 25 mg/L were 46% (95%CI: 37-56%), 96% (95%CI: 94-97%), 65% (95%CI: 55-73%), and 91% (95%CI: 89-92%), respectively. ROC curves analysis indicates that a CRP≥25 mg/L offers the best LR+ (10.4; 95%CI: 6.9-15.6) with a corresponding LR- of 0.56 (95%CI: 0.47-0.67). Conclusion: When evaluating febrile infants in the ED, leucocytes appear to have limited added value, while CRP≥25 mg/L significantly increases the pre-test probability of SBI. CRP should be considered for inclusion in the workup of FWS for infants of 22 to 60 days of age.
MP53: Management of cutaneous abscesses in the emergency department: a survey of Canadian practice patterns
Authors: Rostas B. , Pringle D. , Columbus M. , Yan J.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The treatment of cutaneous abscesses in the Emergency Department (ED) is common. While most sources describe only incision and drainage (I&D) followed by healing through secondary intention, recent literature suggests that primary repair following I&D results in similar rates of healing as well as treatment failures when compared to standard care in the ED. The primary goal of this research project was to describe the variability in practice with respect to self-reported management of abscesses among Canadian ED physicians and explore potential reluctance in adopting primary repair as a management strategy. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed through the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP). Practicing physician members of CAEP were invited to complete the survey. The 9-question survey probed the willingness of physicians to perform primary closure of abscess in the ED as well as factors that dissuade them from performing this type of closure. The primary outcome was the quantification of practice variability among ED physicians with respect to abscess closure in the ED. The data was presented with simple descriptive statistics. Results: 217 surveys were completed out of 1145 eligible physicians. Physicians working at academic centres comprised 53% of responses, with 47% coming from community centres. Over half of responses were from physicians in practice at least ten years (65.9%). The overwhelming majority of physicians indicated that they manage abscesses following I&D by secondary closure (96.3%). The two main concerns dissuading respondents from performing primary closure of abscesses included risk of treatment failure (47.8%) and the procedure not being considered standard of care (36.7%). Despite these concerns, 67.3% of physicians indicated a willingness to perform primary closure if further evidence supported its use. These physicians were most likely to consider primary closure at the head and neck, breast, trunk, and extremities, however, only 1.5% considered primary closure appropriate for perianal or pilonidal abscesses. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that almost all Canadian ED physicians, regardless of experience or practice centre, manage cutaneous abscesses with I&D followed by healing via secondary intention. With increasing evidence supporting the use of primary closure, many physicians may be willing to adopt primary closure as part of the management of cutaneous abscesses in the ED.
P002: Effectiveness of video-based learning modules in emergency medicine procedural skill training
Authors: Dong K. , Agarwal S. , Wojtowicz J. , Hanel E.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Competence in procedural skills is vital within the emergency department. Challenging procedures such as cricothyroidotomy are difficult to master as they are rare and hard to train for. Additionally, common procedures such as chest tube insertions require practice to become sufficiently competent. Opportunities to hone these skills are essential in residency training. This project aimed to create instructional video modules for specific emergency medicine (EM) procedures and gauge their utility as adjunctive resources for procedural learning in the EM residency curriculum. Methods: Tutorial videos for clamshell thoracotomy, cricothyroidotomy, and chest tube insertion were filmed within a cadaver lab with step-by-step instructions. The footage was edited and overlaid with a pre-prepared audio narration using Camtasia®/Apple® Video Editing software. These videos were embedded within modules that included foundational knowledge relevant to the procedures, including anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. The modules were peer-edited by licensed EM staff physicians and distributed to EM residents and staff physicians for analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis relied upon participants’ answers to questions and a Modified Task Value Scale, respectively. Results: Ten participants were included in the analysis, including EM residents (n = 6) and staff emergency physicians (n = 4). Qualitative feedback suggested that positive aspects of the modules included visuals, content, narration, and review of anatomy. Negative aspects included the lack of indications for procedures, technical details, real patient examples, and a speed up function. Quantitative feedback resulted in scores of 4 and above out of 5 on the Motivated Task Value Scale across all aspects for all the modules. Furthermore, analysis revealed an average score of 3.9 for inclination to access more modules such as these, and a score of 4.4 for overall perception of the modules. Conclusion: Participants found the video modules valuable to their learning, both qualitatively and quantitatively. This study was limited by a small sample size of modules and a low number of participants. Furthermore, a more detailed analysis with further measures, including self-efficacy and self-confidence, would yield more comprehensive conclusions. However, video-based modules provide an effective and easily accessible adjunctive tool to acquire skill and confidence with EM procedures, for medical learners and staff physicians.
P004: Effect of telephone triage (811) calls on a regional poison centre
Authors: Alrobaian S. , Hurley K. , Fitzpatrick E. , Mosher L. , Young M. , Murphy N. , Matheson K.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Telephone Triage Services (TTS) manage phone calls from the public regarding general medical problems and provide telephone advice. This telephone based care can overlap with care provided by Poison Centres. Our objective was to examine the impact of a provincial 811 TTS on the IWK Regional Poison Centre (RPC). Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study using interrupted time series methodology. We compared monthly IWK RPC call volume in the pre-811 era (January 2007-July 2009) and the post-811 era (September 2009-December 2017). We summarized the characteristics of callers who accessed the IWK RPC in terms of client age, sex, intentionality, time of day, call disposition and outcome. Caller characteristics were compared between the pre- and post-811 eras using chi-square test for categorical variables. We used segmented regression analysis to evaluate changes in slope of call volume in the pre- and post 811 eras. The Durbin-Watson statistic was performed to test for serial correlation and the Dickey-Fuller test to investigate seasonality. Results: The dataset included 82683 calls to the IWK RPC – 27028 pre-811 and 55655 post-811. Overall, 55% of calls were for female clients and the largest age group was children aged 0-5 years (37%). Most calls originated from home (47%), followed by a health care facility (23%). Most calls were managed at home (65%). Less than 3% of calls resulted in major effect or death. The Durbin Watson statistic was not statistically significant (p = 0.94). The Dickey-Fuller test indicated series stationarity (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant change in call volume to the IWK RPC due to the introduction of 811 (p = 0.39). There was no significant variation by time of day, day of week or month, with most calls occurring in the evening. There were significantly more calls regarding intentional ingestions in the post-811 era (23% vs. 19% pre-811, p < .001). Outcomes in the pre and post 811 eras were as follows: minor/no effect/non-toxic/minimal 80% vs. 78%; moderate 7% vs. 10%; and, major/death 1.7% vs. 2.0%. Conclusion: The introduction of a TTS did not change call volumes at our RPC. The increase in the percentage of calls about intentional ingestions may reflect an increase in call acuity as the 811-TTS likely manages calls about minor/non-toxic ingestions without consulting with the RPC. Our future research will examine the nature of poison related calls to the 811-TTS.
P012: Mortality rate of cancer patients by type presenting to the intensive care unit with sepsis.
Authors: Beckett S. , Karreman E. , Hughes R.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Sepsis in cancer patients is associated with higher mortality rates than non-cancer patients. As a whole, hematological or solid tumor cancers have not demonstrated a prognostic link to sepsis survival rates in intensive care units (ICU), however poor-prognosis solid tumours (less than 25% 5-year survival) have not been investigated. This study examined ICU mortality rate and its predictive factors of patients with sepsis and poor-prognosis solid tumors in comparison to patients with higher prognosis solid tumours. Methods: A 6-year retrospective chart review of 79 patients with sepsis and solid tumour cancers and/or metastatic cancers admitted to the ICU was conducted. Information regarding mortality rate within 14 days, length of ICU stay, incidence of intubation, and other primary reasons for ICU admission was collected. Data was analysed using logistic regression. Results: Logistic regression results showed intubation as the only significant factor contributing to patient mortality (p < .001), with the odds of mortality being 12.3 times higher for intubated than non-intubated patients. Five-year cancer survival rate was the second best predictor (p = .082), while age, sex, and metastasis were also not significant predictive factors for survival. Intubated patients with poor prognosis cancers had the lowest survival chance as further indicated by the 16 patients who met this criterion, of which 14 died within two weeks of ICU admission. Conclusion: The fact that poor prognosis cancers in sepsis were not significantly predictive of ICU mortality supports current literature regarding solid tumors in general, while intubation being a significant predictor for mortality in patients with sepsis and cancer regardless of type builds on previous research. A limitation of this study is the relative low number of included cases with poor-prognosis cancer types. Further evaluation is needed to understand the implications of our results for end-of-life care and ICU admission for patients with these characteristics.
P013: A new efficient and accurate scanning protocol for traumatic pneumothorax
Authors: Bignucolo A. , Acton C. , Ohle R. , Socransky S.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: According to the International Evidence-Based Recommendations for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound published in 2012, the sonographic technique for evaluating a patient for a pneumothorax (PTX) “consists of exploration of the least gravitationally dependent areas progressing more laterally” in the supine patient. However, there is a wide variety of scanning protocols in the literature with varying accuracy and complexity. We sought to derive an efficient and accurate scanning protocol for diagnosing pneumothorax using point of care ultrasound in trauma. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of a tertiary care trauma registry from Nov 2006 to Aug 2016. We included patients with a PTX diagnosed on computed tomography (CT). Patients were excluded if they did not have an identifiable PTX on the CT scan or if they underwent a tube thoracostomy prior to the CT scan. Penetrating and blunt trauma were eligible. Data were extracted with a standardized data collection tool and 20% of charts reviewed by two reviewers. Pre defined zones were used to map area of PTXs on CT. Sensitivity, specificity and 95% CI are reported for presence of PTXs in each individual or combination of lung zones as identified on CT scan. Results: Data were collection yielded 170 traumatic PTX on chest CT with an average age of 44.2 and 77.8% male. The kappa for data extraction was 0.88. 19.4% of patients had bilateral PTX leading to a total sample size of 203. The average ISS score was 20.7 and 93% of patients survived to discharge. The length of ICU stay and hospital stay was 3.7 and 11.2 days respectively. The most accurate and efficient protocol would involve scanning the inferior border of the clavicle at the para-sternal border and again at the mid-clavicular line down to the cardiac (left hemithorax) and liver lung points (right hemithorax). The sensitivity of this scanning area in the detection of PTXs was 91.6% (95% CI 86.9-95%,). Limiting the area to the most anterior point of the chest wall increased the risk of missing a PTX (Sensitivity 89.7% (95%CI 84.6-93.5)). Conclusion: We have derived an evidence-based standardized accurate and efficient scanning protocol to rule out a pneumothorax on point of care ultrasound.
P014: Does a positive Dix-Hallpike rule out a central cause of vertigo?
Authors: Bodunde O. , Regis A. , LePage R. , Turgeon Z. , Ohle R.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Dizziness is a common presentation in emergency departments (ED), accounting for 2-3% of all visits. The majority are due to benign causes the most common of which is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is used to diagnose BPPV with an affected posterior semicircular canal. A positive Dix-Hallpike exam should lead physicians to exclude central causes for a patient's symptoms and confirm no need for further imaging. The purpose of our study was to verify the accuracy of the Dix-Hallpike maneuver for ruling out a central cause of dizziness. Methods: We performed a medical records review of adult patients with dizziness/vertigo presenting to a tertiary care ED (September 2014 and March 2018). We included those with a suspicion for BPPV and underwent a Dix-Hallpike maneuver. We excluded patients who presented with dizziness for longer than two weeks, syncope, systolic hypotension <90 or a GCS <15. Individual patient data were linked with the Institute of Clinical Evaluation Science (ICES) database. Our outcome was a central cause defined as: ischemic stroke (IS), brain tumour, intra cerebral haemorrhage (ICH), or multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosed on either neurology assessment, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or diagnostic codes related to central causes found within ICES. Results: 3109 patients were identified of these 469 patients underwent a Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre. Central causes of dizziness accounted for 1.1% of all diagnoses. Probability of a central cause for dizziness in those with a positive Dix-Hallpike was 1.3%(3/229). Only 85(18.1%) patients were appropriate for the Dix-Hallpike(intermittent, position-evoked vertigo without any neurological deficits). In appropriate patients the prevalence of central cause of dizziness was 3%(1/31). This patient had > 3 risk factors for stroke (age > 65, hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease). A positive Dix-Hallpike in appropriate patients with <3 risk factors for stroke was 100% (95%CI 88.8% -100%) sensitive in ruling out a central cause for dizziness. Conclusion: The Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre is performed on a large number of inappropriate patients. When performed on appropriate patients with <3 risk factors for stroke a positive Dix-Hallpike can rule out a central cause of vertigo. Educating physicians as to the appropriate patient population could reduce unnecessary imaging and improve diagnostic accuracy.
P015: A phase IV protocol for a real world study on the use of low dose methoxyflurane (PENTHROX™) for the treatment of moderate to severe trauma pain in the Canadian emergency department (ADVANCE-ED)
Authors: Campbell S. , Belle Blagrove L. , Piraino P. , Dhani S.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Pain is a significant driver of demand in emergency care and 65% of adult patients with trauma also report moderate to severe pain. Inhaled low dose methoxyflurane (MEOF) a rapid-acting patient administered inhalational analgesic was recently approved in Canada for the short-term relief of moderate to severe acute pain associated with trauma or interventional medical procedures in conscious adult patients. This study will generate real-world evidence to complement the global clinical development program through evaluation of the effectiveness of MEOF in Canadian emergency departments. Methods: This is a phase IV, prospective open label, multi-centre study. Approximately 100 adult (≥18 yrs) patients with moderate to severe acute pain (NRS0-10≥4) associated with single system trauma will be enrolled at 5-10 EDs across Canada. Patients will receive a single treatment of up to 2 x 3 mL MEOF (2nd 3 mL to be provided only upon request), self-administered by the patient under medical supervision. Rescue medication will be permitted at any time, if required. Results: Planned Assessments and Outcome Measures: Pain will be assessed using the NRS0-10 at 4 time points: screening/triage, 5 minutes and 20 minutes post-start of administration (STA) of MEOF, and when ready for discharge. Secondary assessments will include the speed of action of analgesia (from STA of MEOF); patient and physician satisfaction with treatment (as assessed through Global Medical Performance (GMP) at 20 minutes post-STA and when ready for discharge); patient and physician fulfilment of pain relief expectations (assessed when ready for discharge); use of rescue medication and treatment-emergent adverse events. Exploratory outcomes will include the time to disposition, time to readiness for discharge and responder analysis. The primary outcome measure will be the change in pain intensity over 20 minutes from the start of administration of MEOF as measured on the NRS0-10. Conclusion: We report on the methodology of a phase IV, prospective open label, multi-centre study, evaluating the use of MEOF for the management of acute traumatic pain in Canadian Emergency Departments.
P016: Utilization and outcomes of children presenting to an emergency department by ambulance
Authors: Cantor Z. , Aglipay M. , Plint A.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Children account for a low proportion of paramedic transports. Evidence suggests that many pediatric transports are of low acuity, but there are few studies comparing these patients to those that self-present to the ED. Our primary objective was to determine if illness severity was associated with presentation by ambulance among pediatric patients. Methods: We undertook a single centre, retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care pediatric centre. All patients presenting to the ED in 2015 by any route other than air ambulance were eligible. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the route of presentation – ambulance or self-presentation. The primary outcome was disposition decision; the secondary outcome was CTAS level. To determine whether patient discharge disposition or CTAS was associated with method of arrival, we conducted generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for correlation within patients with multiple ED visits. Results: Of the 69,092 visits, 69,034 were eligible and analyzed. Of those, 4478 arrived by ambulance, while 64,556 self-presented. Those arriving by ambulance had a median age of 10 years [IQR: 2-5 years] vs. 4 years [IQR: 1.75-10 years] in the self-presenting group, and were 52.6% male (vs. 52.8%). Two percent of the ambulance cohort were admitted to the ICU (vs. 0.2%), and 16.6% were admitted to the ward (vs. 5%). Patients presenting by ambulance had higher CTAS scores – 5.3% CTAS 1 (vs. 0.3%), 16.4% CTAS 2 (vs. 7.0% ), 61.2% CTAS 3 (vs. 45.8%), and 17.1% CTAS 4-5 (vs. 46.9%). The odds of arriving by ambulance were 10.2 x higher for patients admitted to the ICU (OR = 10.2, 95%CI: 7.9 to 13.3) vs. those discharged home. The odds of arriving by ambulance was 64.2 x (OR = 64.2, 95% CI: 48.6 to 84.7) higher for patients CTAS 1 patients vs. CTAS 5 patients. The top 3 complaints among ambulance patients were respiratory (22.7%), orthopedic (14.7%), and general/minor (10.3%). Among self-presenting patients, the top three were general/minor (22.5%), respiratory (18.0%), and gastrointestinal (15.7%). Conclusion: Children presenting to the ED via ambulance are at higher risk for admission to the ward and critical care unit. It is important that EMS staff responsible for transporting children be well trained in managing critically ill children. Given the low proportion of pediatric transports, consideration must be given to how best to train EMS services in managing these children.
P017: Impact of the use of a checklist for transcutaneous cardiac pacing on competency of junior residents undergoing an advanced cardiac life support course
Authors: Chabot K. , Morris J. , Perron R. , Ranger C. , Paradis M. , Drolet P. , Cliche J. , Londei-Leduc L. , Robitaille A.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) is recommended for the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia, a life-threatening condition. Although TCP is taught in ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) courses, it is a difficult skill to master for junior residents. The main objective of this study is to measure the impact of having access to a checklist on successful TCP implementation. Our hypothesis was that the availability of a CL would improve performance of junior residents in the management of symptomatic bradycardia by facilitating TCP. Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, single-site study. First-year residents entering postgraduate programs and taking a mandatory ACLS course were enrolled. Students had didactic sessions on the management of symptomatic bradycardia followed by hands-on teaching on a low-fidelity manikin (ALS® simulator, Laerdal) using a CL conceived for this project as a teaching tool. Study participants were then assessed with a simulation scenario requiring TCP. Participants were randomly assigned to groups with and without CL accessibility. Performances were graded on six critical tasks. The primary outcome was the successful use of TCP, defined as having completed all tasks. Participants then completed a post-test questionnaire. Sample size estimation was based on a previous project (Ranger et al., 2018). Accepting an alpha error of 0.05 and a power of 80%, 45 participants in each group would permit the detection of 26.5% in performance gain. Results: Of 250 residents completing the ACLS course in 2017, 85 voluntary participants were randomized to a control group (no CL available during testing, n = 42) or an experimental group (CL available during testing, n = 43). Six participants in the experimental group adequately used TCP compared to five participants in the control group (p = 0.81, chi-squared test). Out of the 43 participants who had access to the CL, only 2 (5%) used it. Reasons why the CL was infrequently used were stated as the following: 24 participants (56%) mentioned not realizing it was available, 8 (19%) considered it was of little to no utility and 5 (19%) forgot a CL existed. Conclusion: Availability of a checklist previously used during simulation teaching did not increase junior residents’ capacity to correctly apply TCP. Non-recognition of CL availability and decreased perceived need for it were the main reasons for marginal use. Our results suggest that there are many limiting factors to CL effectiveness.
P018: How to get your departmental web content to work for you: one department's experience with free open access medical education
Authors: Chandra K. , Lewis D. , Atkinson P.
Published: May 2019

Innovation Concept: Free open access medical education (FOAM) is a quickly growing field. While there is an abundance of resources online, and on social media, the quality of those resources should always be questioned and reviewed. Furthermore, as medical learners progress in their training, they become lead consumers and producers of FOAM. Our educational innovation concept was the introduction of two FOAM streams into our residency program to assist learners to produce their own content with mentorship from our emergency medicine faculty. Methods: Medical students and residents training in the emergency department were encouraged to submit content to either our department website in the form of a clinical PEARL, or a research paper to the departmental Cureus online journal. All website content was reviewed by an attending physician and all Cureus content was submitted for further peer review and publication if approved. All published content was shared on social media through our department's Twitter account. A select number of residents were also mentored in reviewing and editing FOAM content and publishing it to our departmental website. Curriculum, Tool or Material: sjrhem.ca is the Saint John Regional Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine's website. A portion of the website is dedicated to posts arising from departmental rounds, case reviews as well as posts from learners in the form of clinical PEARLS. They are designed as succinct and informative clinical summaries and allow learners to share their content to a wider audience online. Cureus.com is an online journal of medical science, with a dedicated Dalhousie Emergency Medicine Channel. The editors are local emergency medicine faculty and senior residents, while reviewers are independent. In the last year, the clinical pearls received 5672 views, and the Cureus channel received 1143 content views. Conclusion: Feedback from learners regarding publication of their own FOAM has been positive and has allowed them to share their content to a much wider audience through our Departmental Website, Cureus Channel and Twitter stream. Furthermore, we are helping to prepare residents to produce their own high quality content, allowing our FOAM program to grow.
P019: Examining non-suicidal self injury at a Canadian pediatric emergency department
Authors: Cherry J. , Hurley K. , Lovas D. , LeBouthillier A. , Williams N. , Kennedy K. , Fitzpatrick E.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Adolescents who present to emergency departments (ED) following intentional injuries present a challenge in terms of ascertaining their intent and risk for future self-injurious or suicidal behaviour. Our ED has seen an 80% increase in visits for mental health issues over the past ten years. As usage of our Emergency Mental Health and Addictions Services (EMHAS) team continues to rise, it is increasingly important to understand the incidence of NSSI among our youth, explore if NSSI is reported at triage and identify characteristics that may distinguish these adolescents from others presenting for mental health assessment. Methods: This is an exploratory research study using retrospective data. Patients who had an Emergency Mental Health Triage (EMHT) form on their health record from an ED visit between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018 were eligible. Trained research assistants, using a structured data collection form in REDCap. abstracted data from the EMHT form, the EMHAS Assessment form, the Assessment of Suicide Risk Inventory and our CHIRPP (Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program) database. We calculated kappa values and 95% confidence intervals to describe the extent to which the forms agree with respect to identifying NSSI. We will compare the cohort who reports NSSI with the cohort who does not report NSSI using chi-square statistics depending. We will use descriptive statistics to characterize the NSSI patients. Results: During the one-year study period 955 patients had an EMHT form completed. In preliminary analysis 558 (58.4%) reported a history of NSSI. Patients reported NSSI on both the EMHT form and the EMHAS assessment form 64.7% of the time (kappa 0.56) indicating moderate agreement. In patients with NSSI, 9.5% of patients reported it only at triage and 25.8% of patients reported it only during their EMHAS assessment. Between group comparisons and descriptive analysis is underway. Conclusion: More than half of youth triaged with an emergency mental health complaint in our ED reported a history of NSSI. Screening at triage was moderately effective in identifying adolescents with NSSI compared to an in-depth assessment by the mental health team. Further research is needed to clarify how NSSI relates to risk for suicide.
P022: A multimodal evaluation of an emergency department (ED) electronic tracking board utility designed to improve throughput by optimizing stretcher utilization
Authors: Chisholm D. , Wang D. , Sherlock K. , Rich T. , Grabove M. , Lang E.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Access block is a pervasive problem, even during times of minimal boarding in the ED, suggesting suboptimal use of ED stretchers can contribute. A tracking board utility was embedded into the electronic health record in Calgary, AB, allowing MDs and RNs to consider patients who could be relocated from a stretcher to a chair. Objectives of this study were to evaluate the feature's impact on total stretcher time (TST) and ED length of stay (LOS) for patients relocated to a chair. We also sought to identify facilitators and barriers to the tool's use amongst ED MDs and RNs. Methods: A retrospective cohort design was used to compare TST between those where the tool was used and not used amongst patients relocated to a chair between September 1 2017 and August 15 2018. Each use of the location tool was time-stamped in an administrative database. Median TST and ED LOS were compared between patients where the tool was used and not used using a Mann-Whitney U Test. A cross sectional convenience sample survey was used to determine facilitators and barriers to the tool's use amongst ED staff. Response proportions were used to report Likert scale questions; thematic analysis was used to code themes. Results: 194882 patients met inclusion criteria. The tool was used 4301 times, with “Ok for Chairs” selected 3914(2%) times and “Not Ok for Chairs” selected 384(0.2%) times; 54462(30%) patients were moved to a chair without the tool's use. Mean age, sex, mode of arrival and triage scores were similar between both groups. Median (IQR) TST amongst patients moved to a chair via the prompt was shorter than when the prompt was not used [142.7 (100.5) mins vs 152.3 (112.3) mins, p < 0.001], resulting in 37574 mins of saved stretcher time. LOS was similar between both groups (p = 0.22). 125 questionnaires were completed by 90 ED nurses and 35 ED MDs. 95% of staff were aware of the tool and 70% agreed/strongly agreed the tool could improve ED flow; however, 38% reported only “sometimes” using the tool. MDs reported the most common barrier was forgetting to use the tool and lack of perceived action in relocating patients. Commonly reported nursing barriers were lack of chair space and increased workload. Conclusion: Despite minimal use of the tracking board utility, triggering was associated with reduced TST amongst ED patients eventually relocated to a chair. To encourage increased use, future versions should prompt staff to select a location.
P026: Dominating the vent: A flipped classroom approach to enhance emergency medicine resident ventilator management
Authors: Cortel-LeBlanc M. , Landreville J. , Cheung W. , Pan A.
Published: May 2019

Innovation Concept: Ventilator management is an essential skill and a training objective for emergency medicine (EM) specialists in Canada. EM trainees obtain the majority of this training during off-service rotations. Previous attempts to strengthen ventilator knowledge include lectures and simulation – both of which are time and resource intensive. Given the unique features of ventilator management in the ED, we developed an ED-specific ventilator curriculum. The purpose of this study is to 1) identify resident needs regarding ventilator curricula and 2) assess resident response to this pilot curriculum. Methods: A needs-assessment survey administered to RCPSC- and CCFP-EM residents at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) showed the majority of residents (87%, n = 31 respondents) believe there is a need for more ED-focused ventilator management training, and only 13% felt confident in ventilator management. Ten on-line modules were prepared by an EM-Critical Care attending, and distributed on-line to all EM trainees at TOH (n = 52). Mid- and post-implementation surveys are used to assess residents’ confidence in ventilator management, and perceived usefulness of the curriculum. User feedback from focus groups constitutes part of the curriculum evaluation. Curriculum, Tool or Material: Employing a flipped classroom approach, ten on-line modules were distributed to RCPSC- and CCFP-EM trainees at TOH. Each module requires less than ten minutes to complete and focuses on a single aspect of ventilation. The modules are available for residents to complete at their own pace and convenience. At curriculum completion, an EM-Critical Care attending physician facilitates an interactive session. Conclusion: Mid-implementation survey results demonstrate increased confidence in independently managing ventilated patients in the ED (13% pre- vs. 56% mid-implementation), and an increased perception of having sufficient ventilator training (26% pre- vs. 78% mid-implementation). All respondents felt the modules were of appropriate length, content was easy to follow, and that the modules should be part of the residency curriculum. Our ED-specific online ventilator modules area a viable tool to increase residents’ confidence in ventilator management. This novel curriculum could be adopted by other residency programs and continuing professional development initiatives. Future work will include post-implementation data-gathering, and formal curriculum evaluation.
P032: Video-based learning modules as an adjunct for teaching emergency medicine procedural skills
Authors: Dong J. , Agarwal S. , Wojtowicz J. , Hanel E.
Published: May 2019

Innovation Concept: Competence in procedural skills is vital within the emergency department. Challenging procedures such as cricothyroidotomy are difficult to master as they are rare and hard to train for. Additionally, common procedures such as chest tube insertions require practice to become sufficiently competent. Opportunities to hone these skills are essential in residency training. This project aimed to create instructional video modules for specific emergency medicine (EM) procedures and to gauge its utility as an adjunctive resource for procedural learning in the EM residency curriculum. Methods: Tutorial videos for clamshell thoracotomy, cricothyroidotomy, and chest tube insertion were filmed within a cadaver lab with step-by-step instructions. The footage was edited and overlaid with a prepared audio narration using Camtasia®/Apple® Video Editing software. These videos were embedded within modules that included foundational knowledge relevant to the procedures including anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. The modules were peer-edited by licensed EM staff physicians and distributed to EM residents and staff physicians for analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis relied upon participants’ answers to questions and a Modified Task Value Scale (measures the value of a module for overall learning), respectively. Curriculum, Tool or Material: Ten participants were included in the analysis, including EM residents (n = 6) and staff emergency physicians (n = 4). Qualitative feedback suggested that positive aspects of the modules included visuals, content, narration, and review of anatomy. Negative aspects included the lack of indications for procedures, technical details, real patient examples, and a speed up function. Quantitative feedback resulted in scores of 4 and above out of 5 (1 = lowest value, 5 = highest value) on the Motivated Task Value Scale across all aspects for all the modules. Furthermore, analysis revealed an average score of 3.9/5 for inclination to access more modules such as these, and a score of 4.4/5 for overall perception of the modules. Conclusion: Participants found the video modules valuable to their learning, both qualitatively and quantitatively. This study was limited by a small sample size of modules and a low number of participants. Furthermore, a more detailed analysis with further measures, including self-efficacy and self-confidence, would yield more comprehensive conclusions. However, video modules provide an effective and easily accessible adjunctive tool to acquire skill and confidence with EM procedures, for medical learners and staff physicians.
P040: Paramedic perception of their role in the emergency department
Authors: Snyder M. , Eby D.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Inter-disciplinary interaction in the Emergency Department (ED) is critical for good patient care. The perception of paramedics’ experience in this interaction is not well described in the literature. This project gives voice to paramedics’ understanding of their role in the ED. Methods: Qualitative thematic framework analysis of digitally recorded, semi-structured, telephone interviews of 11 paramedics from one urban and one rural Paramedic Service in southwestern Ontario. Recordings and field notes were repeatedly reviewed and discussed by two researchers. A conceptual framework was constructed from themes emerging from the data. Results: Paramedics interviewed had 7-33 years of primary, advanced, or critical care experience. Three major themes emerged. (1) Patient advocate – Paramedics present the patient pre-hospital context and course of care information. They feel this information is essential and must be communicated. (2) Communication – Concerns raised that information is not listened to and valuable information is lost or ignored. A formal 30-second ‘pause’ for a structured paramedic to ED staff handover was seen as beneficial. Paramedics also want clinical feedback and outcome information from ED staff. No formal mechanism exists to obtain this. (3) Respect – When it exists, it is often based upon personal relationships between individuals. Paramedics feel when ED staff don't understand their scope of practice, their skills and abilities are ignored. In smaller EDs, paramedics also see themselves as a resource to help the ED staff with technical procedures. They need respect to do this. Conclusion: Paramedics’ perceive themselves as providing valuable information and advocacy for their patients in the Emergency Department. In order to present this information, they require uninterrupted time, as short as 30-seconds, for communication. Their relationship with the ED staff is further strengthened by mutual respect and understanding of each discipline's scope of practice and interdisciplinary teamwork. Paramedics would like more feedback on clinical outcomes and on their pre-hospital care. Some areas for practice change suggested by this study include: time for un-interrupted communication of pre-hospital information, formal feedback, and reflection on how to improve interdisciplinary interactions.
P042: Pilot study for the inter-arm blood pressure systematic measurement during the diagnosis of transient ischemic attack in the emergency department
Authors: La Rochelle P. , Lavoie S. , Boucher V. , Émond M. , Perry J.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Our principal aim was to document the feasibility of the systematic measurement of the inter-arm blood pressure difference (IABPD) during an episode of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke diagnosed in the Emergency Department (ED). As secondary goal was to compare the systolic blood pressure (BP) at triage with the systolic BPs measured during the IABPD. Methods: This is a single center pilot study. Patients presenting in the ED for a diagnosis of TIA were recruited. Once patient has been triaged and diagnosed of TIA, a research assistant made sure that the patient lay on a stretcher for at least 5 minutes. Two automated sphygmomanometers were applied, on each arm. No specific device or device calibration were required. Three consecutive simultaneous BP readings were performed, inverting cuffs arm to arm between each reading. Only the last two set of readings were used to calculate the mean IABPD. This method enables to minimize the error coming from the potential sphygmomanometers’ inaccuracies. Results: 32 patients were recruited from June to September 2017 and all had a successful IABPD measurement. Four patients had an IABPD >10 mmHg, varying from 1.5 to 13 mmHg when the left arm was higher and from 1 to 61 mmHg when the right arm was higher. Of the 22 patients where the triage BP arm side selection was recorded, only 11 were congruent with the arm presenting the highest BP during the IABPD measurement. Selecting of the arm with the highest BP value may better reflect cerebrovascular risk exposition. The mean systolic BP at triage was 159.3 mmHg (95%CI: 144.9-173.7) compared to144.8 mmHg (95%CI: 132.9-156.7) if the arm with the highest value during the IABPD measurement is selected and 142.4 mmHg (95%CI: 130.8-154.0) if the same arm as triage is selected. The p-value for these differences were 0.003 and 0.001 respectively. The patient which presented the IABPD of 61 mmHg, had a stroke 3 days after its ED visit which subsequently led to her death 10 days later. Conclusion: Our results show that the systematic IABPD measurement using a pragmatic approach in the ED is feasible and is ready to investigate its use in the context of a new TIA or mild stroke. This information may contribute to a better discrimination of the short-term risk of stroke and may help to diagnose acute aortic dissection, monitor more accurately BP during hyperacute stroke or estimate intracerebral hemorrhage risk if systemic thrombolysis is considered.