Screening tool for identification of hip fractures in the prehospital setting.

Objectives: This study aims to develop a screening tool that will help first responders identify patients with proximal femur fractures, commonly referred to as hip fractures, on site and direct these patients to hospitals with orthopaedic surgery services.

Study Design: Prospective survey.

Methods: Literature and expert opinion defined parameters for the Collingwood Hip Fracture Rule (CHFR) which predict a patient's likelihood of hip fracture.

Counseling children with chronic physical illness.

We examine the needs of children with chronic physical illness and discuss how their needs may be met by counseling. Initially counseling is defined and boundaries with other activities established. Issues involved in counseling children with chronic illness are outlined and children's special needs regarding psychosocial issues discussed, with examples relating to asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and epilepsy presented.