Smartphone App for Prehospital ECG Transmission in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Activation: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Background: Timely diagnosis and treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires a coordinated response from multiple providers. Rapid intervention is key to reducing mortality and morbidity. Activation of the cardiac catheterization laboratory may occur through verbal communication and may also involve the secure sharing of electrocardiographic images between frontline health care providers and interventional cardiologists.

Assessing the Impact of ED Triage Directives on Febrile Oncology Patient Wait Times.

Introduction: Fever during chemotherapy is a common and potentially severe complication being increasingly evaluated in emergency departments to minimize morbidity and mortality. Streamlining triage of these patients may improve health outcomes and wait times in the health care system.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of febrile patients undergoing chemotherapy was conducted at a local emergency department to assess the impact of nurse-initiated protocols on wait times.

Design and Implementation of a Trauma Care Bundle at a Community Hospital.

The Niagara Health System (NHS) in Ontario, Canada is comprised of three non-designated trauma center (NTC) hospitals which provide primary care to approximately 100 trauma patients annually. NTCs often lack standardized resources such as trauma surgeons, trauma-trained emergency room physicians, Advanced Trauma Life Support certified staff, trauma protocols, and other resources commonly found at designated trauma centers. Studies indicate that these differences contribute to poorer outcomes for trauma patients treated at community hospitals in Ontario, including the NTC hospitals of the NHS.