Variation in CT use for paediatric head injuries across different types of emergency departments in Australia and New Zealand.

Objectives: CT of the brain (CTB) for paediatric head injury is used less frequently at tertiary paediatric emergency departments (EDs) in Australia and New Zealand than in North America. In preparation for release of a national head injury guideline and given the high variation in CTB use found in North America, we aimed to assess variation in CTB use for paediatric head injury across hospitals types.

Methods: Multicentre retrospective review of presentations to tertiary, urban/suburban and regional/rural EDs in Australia and New Zealand in 2016.

Randomized clinical trial of rapid versus 24-hour rehydration for children with acute gastroenteritis.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of 2 nasogastric rehydration regimens for children with acute viral gastroenteritis.

Methods: Children 6 to 72 months of age with acute viral gastroenteritis and moderate dehydration were recruited from emergency departments (EDs) at 2 metropolitan, pediatric, teaching hospitals. After clinical assessment of the degree of dehydration, patients were assigned randomly to receive either standard nasogastric rehydration (SNR) over 24 hours in the hospital ward or rapid nasogastric rehydration (RNR) over 4 hours in the ED.

Evaluation of the impact of a paediatric procedural sedation credentialing programme on quality of care.

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to describe changes in documentation, risk assessment and patient care resulting from implementation of a credentialing process for medical and nursing staff in paediatric procedural sedation (PPS) in two EDs - one an urban mixed ED and the other a specialist paediatric ED.

Methods: Chart review of 100 patients undergoing PPS prior to and 100 patients following introduction of the PPS programme. Information was extracted from medical records and sedation checklists.

Development and implementation of an education and credentialing programme to provide safe paediatric procedural sedation in emergency departments.

Objective: In the conduct of paediatric procedural sedation (PPS) within the ED the combination of powerful drugs, variable competency levels and high staff turnover carry the potential for sedation-associated adverse events. Yet, currently, there is no set programme for education and accreditation of ED staff in PPS. We set out to develop such a programme.

Application of topical local anesthetic at triage reduces treatment time for children with lacerations: a randomized controlled trial.

Study Objectives: We determine whether application of topical local anesthetic at triage reduces total treatment time for children with simple lacerations.

Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted in an urban pediatric emergency department (ED). Participants were children who were aged 1 to 10 years and had simple lacerations.