Time to analgesia for musculoskeletal presentations in Tasmanian emergency departments: a case-controlled comparative observational study investigating the impact of advanced practice physiotherapists.

Objective To assess the timeliness of analgesia provided to patients presenting with musculoskeletal conditions, by advanced practice physiotherapists, medical officers and nurse practitioners in two Tasmanian emergency departments. Methods A retrospective case-controlled comparative observational study collected patient data over a 6 month period. Index cases were consecutive cases treated by an advanced practice physiotherapist, with a medical and nurse practitioner cohort case-matched based on clinical and demographic factors.

Shetty test in ankle and foot trauma: An emergency department pilot study assessing specificity and sensitivity.

Objective: To assess the potential impact of the Shetty test over Ottawa ankle foot rules (OAFR) on plain imaging utilisation in the ED.

Methods: Nursing and medical staff assessed both Shetty test and OAFR in ED. All patients received ankle and foot radiographs.