A randomised controlled trial pilot study assessing use of clinical digital photography for specialist referral process: can its use reduce length of stay of patients with minor burns within an Emergency Department
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Date
2013
Authors
McLeay, Kate Jane
Editors
Advisors
Foley, David C.
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Thesis
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Abstract
Emergency departments around Australia are facing increasing demands. Significant
contributing factors for growing emergency department (ED) attendances are an aging
population, increased occurrence of chronic disease and insufficient hospital, aged
care and rehabilitation beds. Other factors include a lack of access to community
services and low socio-economic conditions. The increasing demand on ED resources
primarily because of increasing presentations increases patient length of stay and
leads to overcrowding, this has a negative effect on patient outcomes and decrease in
the quality of care. Despite a national focus on improving all Australian EDs, there
continues to be limited interventional research that highlights successful strategies to
reduce length of stay and thereby reduce overcrowding. There is a wealth of literature
on the positive outcomes resulting from clinical photography being utilised within
healthcare settings and in remote specialist referrals. Limited research exists on
referral practices of ED practitioners and the use of clinical photography within an ED
setting. By identifying the research gaps, reviewing findings and analysing current
health care demands, the aim of this study was to trial an alternative referral method -
clinical photography. The study was conducted by an emergency nurse practitioner
candidate, who used clinical photographs of bum injuries as part of the referral
process to the bums specialist. This study hoped to assist with decreasing length of
stay in ED and therefore adds a plausible way to reduce overcrowding. Additionally,
it piloted a study in preparation for a randomised control trial. To the researcher's
knowledge, there has been no study to date trialling the effectiveness of this
intervention.
School/Discipline
School of Nursing
Dissertation Note
Thesis (MNPractitioner) -- University of Adelaide, School of Nursing, 2013
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