Introduction of point-of-care ROTEM testing in the emergency department of an Australian level 1 trauma centre and its effect on blood product use.

Objective: To assess whether the introduction of point-of-care rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) analysis influences blood product transfusion and coagulation management in a modern Australian level 1 trauma centre.

Methods: Retrospective blood transfusion data collection from all level 1 trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >12 presenting to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 2016 and 2018. Evaluation of changes in blood product administration with the addition of point-of-care viscoelastic testing in the ED in 2018.

What proportion of patients with chest pain are potentially suitable for computed tomography coronary angiography?

Objectives: Serial electrocardiographic and biomarker data are used to rule out acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in emergency department (ED) patients with chest pain. These do not identify coronary artery disease (CAD). Functional tests are often used but have limitations.

Factorial trials as a method of studying physiotherapy.

This article discusses the need for research in the field of physiotherapy, and the difficulties involved in carrying out this type of research. It describes a factorial trial, and the advantages of using it in physiotherapy. The appendix is a letter from a statistician, and discusses some of these advantages in more detail.