Randomized controlled trial of intramuscular droperidol versus midazolam for violence and acute behavioral disturbance: the DORM study.

Study Objective: We determine whether droperidol, midazolam, or the combination is more effective for intramuscular sedation in violent and acute behavioral disturbance in the emergency department (ED).

Methods: We conducted a blinded randomized controlled trial of intramuscular sedation for violent and acute behavioral disturbance, comparing droperidol (10 mg), midazolam (10 mg), and droperidol (5 mg)/midazolam (5 mg). Inclusion criteria were patients requiring physical restraint and parenteral sedation.

The impact of a standardised intramuscular sedation protocol for acute behavioural disturbance in the emergency department.

Background: Acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) is an increasing problem in emergency departments. This study aimed to determine the impact of a structured intramuscular (IM) sedation protocol on the duration of ABD in the emergency department.

Methods: A historical control study was undertaken comparing 58 patients who required physical restraint and parenteral sedation with the structured IM sedation protocol, to 73 historical controls treated predominantly by intravenous sedation, according to individual clinician preference.

Exploratory study of mental health consultation-liaison nursing in Australia: Part 2. Preparation, support and role satisfaction.

Mental health Consultation-Liaison (CL) nursing continues to develop and gain recognition as a subspecialty of mental health nursing. CL roles are particularly important given the significant number of people experiencing mental illness and other mental health problems within the general health-care settings. However, despite the potential value of these roles, the literature provides little information about these roles and about the nurses who work in these roles.

Exploratory study of mental health consultation-liaison nursing in Australia: Part 1. Demographics and role characteristics.

Mental health nursing roles in Consultation-Liaison (CL) psychiatry and emergency departments are rapidly developing within Australia since the mainstreaming of mental health services within the general health-care system. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many of these positions have been initiated and developed in relative isolation and with little formalized support. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of these roles and the nurses who occupy them is limited.