Introduction: Background Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) is rapidly becoming the mainstay in clinical care and has the potential to improve provider efficiency and accuracy. However, this hinges on careful planning and implementation. Poorly planned CPOE order sets can lead to undetected errors and waste. In our emergency department (ED), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was bundled into various blood work panels, but had little clinical value. Aim Statement This quality improvement initiative aimed to reduce unnecessary LDH testing in the ED. Methods: Methods A group of ED physicians reviewed CPOE blood work panels and uncoupled LDH in conditions where it was deemed not to provide any clinically useful information. We measured the daily number of LDH tests performed before and after its removal. We tracked the frequency of other serum tests as controls. We also analyzed the number of add-on LDH (i.e. to add LDH to samples already sent to the lab) as a balancing measure, since this can disrupt work flow and delay care. Results: Results Through this intervention, we reduced the number of LDH tests performed by 69%, from an average of 75.1 tests per day to 23.2 (p<0.0005). The baseline controls did not differ after the intervention (e.g. a complete blood count was performed 197.7 and 196.1 times per day pre- and post-intervention, respectively [p=0.7663]). There was less than 1 add-on LDH per day on average. This translates to a cost savings of $33,340.65 at our institution. Conclusion: Conclusions CPOE care templates can be powerful in shaping behaviours and reducing variability. However, close oversight of these panels is necessary to prevent errors and waste.

Introduction: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) continues to carry a very high mortality rate, with approximately 10% surviving to hospital discharge. In 2015, the American Heart Association release updated guidelines dictating best practices in post-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) care, advocating for more liberal utilization of emergent coronary angiography. We sought to determine if the post-ROSC care at our centre during our study period adhered to the previously published (2010) guidelines. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis (Sept. 2011 - June 2015) of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) database, which contains pre-hospital, hospital and outcomes data on adult, EMS-treated, non-traumatic OHCA. Patients under 18 years, with missing age data or with obvious non-cardiac causes of arrest were excluded. Key variables included rates of post-ROSC emergent angiography, survival to hospital discharge and survival to hospital discharge with favourable neurologic outcome (modified Rankin score 2). Results: During the study period, there were a total of 997 OHCA; 86 met exclusion criteria. Of the 911 remaining patients, 557 (61.1%) were transported to a local ED. Of those transported to the ED, 262 (47.0%) achieved sustained ROSC, defined as survival to ED discharge. Of those who achieved sustained ROSC, median age was 65 years (IQR=21.75), 66.8% were male. ECG interpretation data was available on 214 patients, of whom 56 had definite STEMI, and 135 had definite absence of STEMI. 37/56 (66.1%) definite STEMI patients received coronary angiography within 24 hours of presentation, as per AHA guidelines. 58/262 (22.1%) post-ROSC patients overall received coronary angiography within 24 hours of presentation to the ED. Of those 58 patients who received emergent angiography, 38 (65.5%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). No patients received fibrinolysis. Of post-ROSC patients who received emergent coronary angiography, 40/58 (69.0%) survived to hospital discharge and 37/58 (63.8%) survived with good neurologic outcome. In comparison, 55/204 (27.0%) who did not receive emergent angiography survived to hospital discharge and 18.8% survived with good neurologic outcome. Conclusion: Only 22.1% of patients with OHCA, and only 66.1% with ECG-proven STEMI underwent emergent coronary angiography post-ROSC. Further investigation into causes for delay or the withholding of emergent angiography is necessary.

Introduction: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) continues to carry a very high mortality rate, with approximately 10% surviving to hospital discharge. We sought to determine if outcomes from out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) at our centre were consistent with recently published North American outcomes data from the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis (Sept 2011 June 2015) of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) database, which contains pre-hospital, in-hospital and outcomes data on adult, EMS-treated, non-traumatic OHCA. Patients under 18 years, with missing age data or with obvious non-cardiac causes of arrest were excluded. Results: During the study period, there were a total of 997 OHCA; 86 met exclusion criteria. Of the 911 remaining patients, 557 (61.1%) were transported to a local ED. 92 (35.1%) were receiving ongoing CPR at the time of their presentation to the ED. Of those transported to the ED, 262 (47.0%) achieved sustained ROSC, defined as survival to ED discharge. A total of 95 patients survived to hospital discharge (36.3% of patients who achieved sustained ROSC, 17.1% of those who were transported to the ED, and 10.4% of the all OHCA). Of those who survived to hospital discharge who had neurologic outcome data, 90.5% had a modified Rankin score of 2. Initial presenting rhythm with EMS was ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia in 233 patients. Of these, 212 (91.0%) were transported to the ED, 134 (57.5%) achieved sustained ROSC, and 71 (30.5%) survived to hospital discharge. 54/60 (90.0%) of those with a documented neurologic exam had a favourable neurologic outcome. Initial presenting rhythm with EMS was PEA or asystole in 636 patients. Of these, 320 (50.3%) were transported to the ED, 115 (18.1%) achieved sustained ROSC, and 17 (2.7%) survived to hospital discharge. 9/10 (90%) of those with a documented neurologic exam had a favourable neurologic outcome. 358 of the arrests were witnessed. Of these, 274 (76.5%) were transported to the ED, 150 (41.9%) achieved sustained ROSC, and 51 (15.9%) survived to hospital discharge. 47/53 (88.7%) of those with a documented neurologic exam had a favourable neurologic outcome. Conclusion: Outcomes from out of hospital cardiac arrest in London, Ontario are comparable to other sites across North America.

Introduction: Online medical education resources are widely used in emergency medicine (EM), but strategies to assess quality remain elusive. We previously derived the Medical Education Translational Resources: Impact and Quality (METRIQ) 8 instrument to evaluate quality in medical education blog posts. Methods: As part of a subsequent validation study (The METRIQ Blog Study), a mixed-methods usability analysis was performed to obtain user feedback on the quality assessment instrument in order to improve its clarity and reliability. Participants in the METRIQ Study were first asked to rate five blog posts using the METRIQ-8 Score. They then evaluated the METRIQ-8 instruments ease of use and likelihood of being recommended to others using a 7-point Likert scale and free text comments. Participants were also asked to flag and comment on items within the score that they felt were unclear. Global usability ratings were summarized using median scores or percent rated unclear. We used ANOVA to test associations between ease of use and demographic factors. A thematic analysis was performed on the comments. Results: 309 EM medical students, residents, and attendings completed the survey. Global ratings were generally very favorable (median 2 [IQR 2-3], with 7 being the lowest score) for ease of use and likelihood of recommendation, and did not vary by participants country of origin, frequency of blog use, or learner level. Participants stated that the score was structured, systematic, and straightforward. They found it useful for junior learners and for guiding blog creation. Four questions in the score (questions 2, 4, 5, and 7) were identified by 10% of subjects to be unclear. Thematic analysis of comments identified suggested four main themes for improving the score: adding clearer definitions with marking rubrics; shortening the 7-point scale; adding items evaluating blog post presentation and utility; and, rephrasing the wording of certain questions for clarity. Conclusion: A mixed methods usability analysis of the METRIQ-8 instrument for assessing blog quality was globally well received by EM medical students, residents, and attendings. Qualitative analyses revealed multiple areas to improve the instruments clarity and usability. The METRIQ score is a promising instrument for evaluating the quality of blogs; further development and testing is needed to improve its utility.

Introduction: Le syndrome aortique aigu (SAA) est une condition rare et généralement mortelle qui demeure difficile à diagnostiquer. Le Score de détection de la dissection aortique (DDA) et le ratio de neutrophiles sur lymphocytes (NL) ont été proposés comme des éléments pouvant contribuer à exclure le diagnostic du SAA. Lobjectif primaire de cette étude est de déterminer la valeur diagnostique (sensibilité et spécificité et rapport de vraisemblance négatif [RV-]) de ces deux éléments de façon indépendante et combinée chez les patients suspectés de SAA au département durgence. Methods: Les patients ayant subi une angiographie par tomodensitométrie (angioCT) à la recherche dune dissection aortique entre 2008 et 2014 à lurgence dun hôpital tertiaire montréalais ont été inclus dans cette étude de cohorte rétrospective. Le score DDA a été établi à partir des dossiers médicaux et le ratio NL calculé à partir de la première formule sanguine prélevée chez ces patients. Pour le score DDA, un score de 1 ou plus et de 2 ou plus ont été évalués comme seuils de positivité. Pour le ratio NL, une valeur de plus de 4,6 a été choisie comme seuil puisquil sagissait du ratio proposé afin de différencier les patients atteints dun SAA de ceux souffrant dun anévrysme chronique. Pour lévaluation de la combinaison des deux tests, afin de maximiser la sensibilité, un score DAA de 1 ou plus ou un ratio NL de plus de 4,6 serait considéré comme positif. Le test de référence pour tous les patients était langiographie par tomodensitométrie. À partir de cela, la sensibilité, la spécificité et le rapport de vraisemblance négatif de chacun de ces tests/combinaison de tests et leurs intervalles de confiance (IC) ont été calculés. Results: Un total de 198 patients (99 hommes et 99 femmes) dun âge moyen de 63 ans (±16) ont été inclus dans létude, parmi lesquels 26 (13%) souffraient dun SAA. Un score DDA de 1 ou plus avait une sensibilité de 84,6% (IC 95% 65,1-95,6), une spécificité de 65,7% (IC 95% 58,1-72,8) et un VR- de 0,23 (IC 95% 0,09-0,58). Un score DDA de 2 ou plus avait une sensibilité de 23,1% (IC 95% 9,0-43,7), une spécificité de 95,3% (IC 95% 91,0-98,0) et un VR- de 0,81 (IC 95% 0,65-1,00). La sensibilité dun ratio NL de plus de 4,6 était de 42,3% (IC 95% 23,4-63,1), la spécificité de 58,7% (IC 95% 51,0-66,3) et le VR- de 0,98 (0,69-1,40). La combinaison du score DDA et du ratio NL avait une sensibilité de 88,5% (IC 95% 69,9-97,6), une spécificité de 38,4% (IC 95% 30,9-46,0) et un VR- de 0,30 (IC 95% 0,10-0,89). Conclusion: Avoir un score de DDA inférieur à 1 diminue significativement les chances davoir un SAA, nélimine pas cette possibilité et ne devrait pas être utilisé, sauf chez les patients ayant une probabilité pré-test déjà très faible. Le ratio NL en utilisant un seuil de 4,6 na aucune utilité diagnostique pour le SAA.

Introduction: TREKK is a national knowledge mobilization network of clinicians, researchers and parents aimed at improving emergency care for children by increasing collaborations between general and pediatric emergency departments (ED). This study aimed to determine patterns of knowledge sharing within the network and identify connections, barriers and opportunities to obtaining pediatric information and training. Methods: Social network analysis (SNA) uses network theory to understand patterns of interaction. Two SNAs were conducted in 2014 and 2015 using an online network survey distributed to 37 general EDs. Data was analyzed using UCI Net and Netdraw to identify connections, knowledge sharing and knowledge brokers within the network. Building on these results, we then conducted 22 semi-structured follow-up interviews (2016) with healthcare professionals (HCPs) at General EDs across Canada, purposefully sampled to include individuals from connected and disconnected sites, as identified in the SNA. Interviews were analyzed by 2 reviewers using content and thematic analysis. Results: SNA data was analyzed for 135 participants across the network. Results from 2014 showed that the network was divided along provincial lines, with most individuals connecting with colleagues within their own institution. Results from 2015 showed more inter-site interconnectivity and a reduction in isolated sites over time from 17 to 3. Interview participants included physicians (59%) and nurses (41%) from 18 general EDs in urban (68%) and rural/remote (32%) Canada. HCPs sought information both formally and informally, by using guidelines, talking to colleagues, and attending pediatric related training sessions. Network structure and processes were felt to increase connections, support practice change, and promote standards of care. Participants identified personal, organizational and system-level barriers to information and skill acquisition, including resources and personal costs, geography, dissemination, and time. Providing easy access to information at the point of care was promoted through enhancing content visibility and by embedding resources into local systems. There remains a need to share successful methods of local dissemination and implementation across the network, and to leverage local professional champions such as clinical nurse liaisons. Conclusion: This study highlights the power of a network to increase connections between HCPs working in general and pediatric EDs. Findings reinforce the critical role of ongoing network evaluation to improve the design and delivery of knowledge mobilization initiatives.

Introduction: Hospital-based gun violence is devastatingly traumatic for everyone present and recent events in Cobourg, Ontario underscore that an active shooter inside the emergency department (ED) is an imminent threat. In June 2016, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) added Code Silver to the list of standardized emergency preparedness colour codes and advised member hospitals to develop policies and train staff on how best to respond. Given that EDs are particularly susceptible to opportunistic breach by an active shooter, the impact of a Code Silver on ED functioning and staff members may be particularly acute. We hypothesized that there may not be a simple, one-size-fits-all-hospital-staff solution about how best to prepare EDs to respond to Code Silver. In order to inform and support future staff training initiatives related to Code Silver and other disaster situations in hospitals, we sought to investigate staff perspectives and behaviour related to personal safety at work and, in particular, an active shooter. Methods: We undertook a qualitative interview study of multi-disciplinary ED staff (MDs, RNs, clericals, allied health, administrators) at a single tertiary care centre in Toronto. The primary methods for data collection were in-depth qualitative interviews and focus groups. Participants were recruited using stakeholder and maximum variation sampling strategies. Data collection and analysis were concurrent and standard thematic analysis techniques were employed. Results: Sixteen (16) staff members participated in interviews and 40 participated in small focus group discussions. Data analysis revealed workplace violence and personal health risks have been normalized as expected, acceptable features of everyday life at work in the ED given that patients are perceived to be sick people in need of help that ED staff are trained for and prepared to provide. In contrast, weapons and active shooters challenge the boundaries of professional responsibility and readiness to respond to Code Silver is perceived by staff as a fallacy. Conclusion: Knowledge from this study gives us crucial insight into important areas for targeted training and opportunities for knowledge translation on the topic of implementing Code Silver in EDs across the country. Future interventions must include how to overcome normalization of workplace violence in the ED setting and negotiating competing professional obligations during crisis situations. Attention to these are crucial if we are to truly keep our staff safe during these traumatic events.

Introduction: Most studies evaluating prescription opioid dependence or misuse are retrospective and are based on prescription filling rates from pharmaceutical databases. These studies cannot evaluate if opioids are really consumed nor differentiate if used for a new pain, chronic pain, or for misuse/dependence. The aim of this study was to assess the opioid consumption in emergency department (ED) patients three months after discharge with an opioid prescription. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in the ED of a tertiary care centre with a convenience sample of patients aged 18 years and older, recruited 24/7, who consulted and were discharged for an acute pain condition ( 2 weeks). We excluded patients who: did not speak French or English, were using opioid medication prior to their ED visit, with an ED stay > 48 hours, or suffering from cancer or chronic pain. Three months post-ED visit, participants were contacted by phone for a structured interview on their past two-week opioid use, their reasons for consuming them, and also answered the Rapid Opioid Dependence Screen (RODS) questionnaire. Results: In the 524 participants interviewed at three months (mean age ± SD: 51±16 years, 47% women), 44 (8.4%) patients consumed opioids in the previous two weeks. Among those, 72% consumed opioids for their initial pain, 19% for a new unrelated pain, and 9% for another reason. In this entire cohort, only five patients (1%) tested positive to opioid dependence from the RODS test. The low dependence incidence could be affected by a social desirability bias. Conclusion: This study suggests that opioid use at 3-month, for patients initially treated for acute pain, is associated with opioid dependency in 1% or possible misuse in only 9%. Additional prospective studies using multiple methods to measure opioids consumption, misuse, and dependence are needed.

Introduction: Objective: To identify self-perceived knowledge deficits of paramedics, barriers to training and desired methods of self-directed continuing education. Methods: A written 58 question survey was delivered to all 1262 paramedics under the jurisdiction of a single base-hospital in Ontario, Canada. Respondents were asked to select deficit, no deficit or not applicable from a 37-point, anatomic systems-based list. They were then asked to identify from a 15-point list which educational modalities they would choose to address any knowledge deficits. Finally, they were asked which factors they took into consideration when choosing their self-directed continuing education. Results: Seven hundred forty-six of 1262 paramedics (59.11%) completed the surveys. Of these respondents, 82 (10.99%) were advanced care paramedics, while 664 (89.01%) were primary care paramedics. Of the 645 who responded with their primary geographical setting: 136 (21.09%) listed a primary urban practice, 126 (19.53%) listed a primary rural practice and 287 (44.50%) reported a split urban and rural practice. The most common perceived deficits (respondent number, percentage); were electrolyte disturbance (418, 56.03%), neonatal resuscitation (386, 51.74%), pediatric respiratory disorder (381, 51.07%), arrhythmia (377, 50.53%), and pediatric cardiac arrest (317, 42.49%). The top 5 educational opportunities they were most likely to choose included online module (464, 62.20%), in-class lecture (423, 56.70%), web-based review (403, 54.02%), webinar (301, 40.35%) and peer consult (237, 31.77%). The top 3 barriers to choosing continuing education were work scheduling (479, 64.21%), location/ease of attending (382, 51.21%), and cost (305, 40.88%). Conclusion: Paramedics in this base hospital system identified pediatric critical care situations, electrolyte abnormalities and cardiac arrhythmia as self-perceived deficits. The most commonly selected educational opportunities included online learning, in-person training and peer consult. These preferred modalities are consistent with the identified barriers of work scheduling, ease of attending and cost. Targeted educational needs based assessments can help ensure that appropriate topics are delivered in a fashion that help overcome identified barriers to self-directed learning.

Introduction: In Ontario, Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs) are required to perform a minimum of 24 educational credits per year of Continuing Medical Education (CME). Of these 24 credits, 12 are chosen by the paramedic, while 12 credits are mandated by the Base Hospital. The combined mandatory and optional CME frame is used so paramedics can target their personal needs appropriately, while ensuring new medical directives and global knowledge deficits identified by Quality Assurance (QA) means can be addressed by the Base Hospital. Objective: To determine if there is a difference between what ACPs identify as their knowledge deficits and what CME they complete. Methods: Methods: Request for participation in a written survey was delivered to all ACPs in an Ontario Base Hospital, prior to the CME cycle for the year. Respondents were asked to identify deficits from a 37-point, organ systems-based list, with free-text option for any deficits not itemized. Following the annual cycle, CME credits were evaluated by the Regional Base Hospital education coordinator, and Base Hospital medical directors for content. The deficits identified prior to the CME cycle were then compared to the CME attended for each respondent. In order to best represent the individual ACP response to their perceived deficits, a percentage of deficits identified and addressed was chosen. Respondents were not aware that their responses would be compared to the credits obtained for the year, to minimize bias in CME selection. Results: Of the 140 ACPs in the region, 42 (30%) completed the survey. From the 37-point list, the median number of perceived deficits identified was 7.00 (IQR 3.00-10.00). The median number of CME events that addressed perceived deficits was 2.00 (IQR 1.00-3.00). The median number of perceived deficits addressed by either paramedic-chosen or mandatory CME were identical at 1.00 (IQR 0.00-2.00). The percentage of perceived deficits identified and addressed via CME was 35.07% (range 0-100%). Paramedic-chosen CME covered 22.48% (range 0-100%) of perceived deficits, while mandatory CME covered 20.14% (range 0-100%) of perceived deficits. Conclusion: In the current system, only 35.07% of perceived deficits were addressed through mandatory and paramedic-chosen CME. Further information regarding barriers to paramedics obtaining CME that meets their perceived deficits needs to be elucidated.

Introduction: Patients in ventricular fibrillation (VF) who do not respond to standard Advanced Cardiac Life Support treatments are deemed to be in refractory VF (rVF). The ideal prehospital treatment for patients with rVF remains unknown. Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) has been proposed as a viable option for patients in rVF. Although the mechanism by which DSED terminates rVF remains unknown, one theory is that the change in defibrillation vector that occurs may contribute. The objective of this study was to describe clinical outcomes for patients presenting in rVF during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) for those who underwent vector change defibrillation, compared to those who received standard treatment. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of adult (18 years) patients presenting in rVF during OOHCA over 15 months beginning in March 2016. Patients who underwent vector change defibrillation had a change in pad position (anterior-anterior to anterior-posterior) after 3 or more consecutive shocks. Termination of rVF was defined as the absence of VF after a vector change or standard shock during the next rhythm analysis. Results: There were 372 OOHCA, with 25 (6.7%) patients meeting our definition of rVF. Of these, 16 (64.0%) patients (median age 62 years, 81.3% male) had vector change after a median (IQR) of 3 (3.0-4.0) paramedic defibrillation attempts. Median (IQR) time to vector change defibrillation was 8.8 (7.1-11.1) minutes. Eight (50%) patients had termination of rVF after the first vector change shock, 6 (37.5%) had prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and 5 (31.3%) patients survived to hospital discharge. Of the 9 rVF patients who did not have vector change, median age was 63 years and 88.9% were male. The median (IQR) number of defibrillations within this group was 5 (4.5-7.0). No patients converted after the 4th defibrillation. Prehospital ROSC was achieved in 3 (33.3%) patients and 5 (55.5%) patients were transported while in rVF . Three patients (33.3%) survived to hospital discharge. Conclusion: This is preliminary evidence that vector change defibrillation in patients with rVF may result in VF termination. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to test whether or not vector change has a role in the termination of rVF.

Introduction: Increasingly, hospitals are adopting electronic charting systems. Recent literature suggests that physicians are spending roughly 2:1 hours on charting as compared to actual patient care raising questions as to whether manual electronic charting is the best use of scarce physician resources. To counter these effects, some hospitals have introduced scribes into their departments. A medical scribe is a person, or paraprofessional, who specializes in charting physician-patient encounters in real time. In this pilot study, we assessed the impact of having a scribe on the mental and physical fatigue, patient and healthcare-team engagement, and overall work satisfaction of emergency physicians at an urban emergency department (St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon). Methods: Three research participants (emergency physicians) were recruited to the study. Each participant completed a typing test to determine typing skills. The student researcher then provided scribe services for each participant for two shifts. The scribe charted physician-patient interactions in real time and also completed order sets, wrote orders, imaging requisitions, and prescriptions. Physicians completed surveys after each shift with the scribe as well as after 2 shifts without a scribe (for a total of 12 shifts in the study, 6 with the intervention). Physicians were asked to rate their mental and physical fatigue, enjoyment of work, and impact on patient/team engagement on a 10-point Likert scale. Results from the questionnaires were analyzed to determine individual and group mean responses. Given the small sample size, no further statistical calculations were completed. Results: Typing test results (in words per minute) were as follows: Scribe 93, Physician A 64, Physician B 40, Physician C 25. In terms of both mental and physical fatigue post shift, all 3 participants recorded being less fatigued after working shifts with a scribe. Mean group scores were as follows: mental fatigue decreased by 33%, physical fatigue decreased by 23%. Physicians work enjoyment improved by 10%. Team and patient interaction did not seem impacted by the intervention. Conclusion: It appears that regardless of typing skills, all physician participants noted a measurable benefit from having a scribe on shift. This suggests that off-loading documentation to the scribe has a positive effect on mental and physical endurance. These results warrant further investigations.

Introduction: Cameras are a common in public spaces. London England is estimated to have 500,000 and Beijing China over 800,000. Smartphone penetration exceeds 60% of the population in 20 countries worldwide. Hundreds of sudden cardiac arrests are captured on video annually. This study searches publically available cardiac arrest videos with two objectives i) describe sudden cardiac arrest behaviour and ii) explore potential opportunities for machine learning. Methods: The search terms: “sudden death”, “heart attack”, “cardiac arrest” and “public death” were used. English sources included: Youtube.com, Dailymotion, vimeo.com, vidamax.com, LiveLeak.com and documentingreality.com Whereas, iqiyi.com, youku.com, le.com, fun.tv, pptv.com and tudou.com were searched using simplified Chinese. Inclusion criteria required that the subject in the video be completely visible five seconds prior to the event and at least ten seconds after and the quality of the video be adequate to visualize movement. Exclusion criteria included trauma or precipitating event (substance misuse, toxic exposure or asphyxiation). Each video source was searched until 30 consecutive irrelevant videos were obtained. Results: Four hundred and eighty eight videos met inclusion criteria. Of those videos, 112 could be confirmed as a “cardiac arrest” by at least two sources (news, or family social media account). In 53 (47%) of these videos the person touches their face or head within five seconds of collapse. Of the 98 videos where the person is upright, in 41 (37%) instances they hip-flexes and with their hands on their upper legs prior to collapse. This pattern of behaviour is combined in 36 (32%) instances. After collapse, 68 (61%) appeared to exhibit extension posturing activity. Agonal breathing was visible in 39 instances (35%). Conclusion: Sudden out of hospital cardiac arrest has a recognizable pattern. This represents an opportunity for machine learning, using shape tracking and edge detection, to recognize this event and activate the emergency response system.

Introduction: Following life-threatening hemorrhage the goal is to temporize blood-loss and expedite definitive-rescue. Junctional (abdominal-pelvic) trauma, between the inguinal ligament and umbilicus; is a leading cause of potentially survivable mortality. Numerous devices such as junctional tourniquets and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta have been suggested for this injury pattern, but we propose an immediately available and expedient bimanual maneuver that may act as a bridge to device application, proximal external aortic compression (PEAC). Of note, external aortic compression has been used for centuries in life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: Twelve paramedic volunteers were recruited from a continuing education event. Participant demographics, blood pressure, abdominal circumference, body mass index and procedural discomfort were recorded. In pairs, six participants were taught PEAC and performed the maneuver, then exchanged roles. Training consisted of researcher led demonstration and participant return demonstration with feedback. The duration of training was less than five minutes for all participants. Femoral artery hemostasis was measured by doppler ultrasound. Results: Participant mean age was 28.6 (range 22 to 46) and their mean systolic blood pressure was 128.25 mmHg (range 102 to 145). Mean body mass index was 24 (range 22 to 28) and abdominal girth was 80 cm (range 70 to 110). Bilateral common femoral artery blood flow became undetectable in all participants, by doppler ultrasound. Participant discomfort was reported as a mean of 4.4 (range 3 to 6) on a zero to ten scale. No complications were reported with seven and 30 days follow-up. Conclusion: This study demonstrates successful PEAC in twelve healthy participants. However, our limitations include a small sample and the relatively modest abdominal circumferences of our participants. If light of these limitations, PEAC may be a potentially life-saving maneuver which is immediately deployable and easy to learn, for patient temporization until device application and/or operative rescue.

Introduction: Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED) accounting for significant morbidity, mortality and health care resource usage. In Alberta, a provincial care pathway was recently developed to provide an evidence informed approach to managing patients with an UGIBs in the ED. Pantoprazole infusions are a commonly used treatment despite evidence that suggests they are generally not indicated prior to endoscopy in the ED. The goal of this project was to optimize management of patients with a NVUGIB, in particular reduce pre-endoscopy pantoprazole infusions. Methods: In July 2016, we implemented a multi-faceted intervention to optimize management of ED patients with NVUGIB including 1. de-emphasizing IV pantoprazole infusions in the ED, 2. clinical decision support (CDS) embedded (for endoscopy, disposition and transfusions) within the order set and 3. educating clinicians about the care pathway. We used a pre/post-order set design, analyzing 391 days pre and 189 days post-order set changes. Data was extracted from our fully integrated electronic health records system. The primary outcome was the % of patients receiving IV pantoprazole infusion ordered by an emergency physician (EP) among all patients with NVUGIB. Secondary outcomes included % transfused with hgb >70g/L and whether using the GIB order set impacted management of NVUGIB patients. Results: In the 391 days pre-order set changes, there were 2165 patients included and in the 189 days post-order set changes, there were 901 patients. For baseline characteristics, patients in the post-order set change group were significantly older (64.4 yrs vs 60.9 yrs p-value=0.0016) and had a lower hgb (115 vs 118, p-value=0.049) but otherwise for gender, measures of severity of illness (systolic blood pressure, heart rate, CTAS, % admitted) there were no significantly differences. For the primary outcome, in the pre-order set phase, 47.1% received a pantoprazole infusion ordered by an EP, compared to 31.5% in the post-order phase, for an absolute reduction of 15.6% (p-value= <0.001). For the secondary outcomes, transfusion rates were similar pre/post (22.08% vs 22.75%). Significant inter-site variability exists with respect to the reduction in pantoprazole infusion rates across the four sites (-23.3% to +6.12%). Conclusion: Our interventions resulted in a significant overall reduction in pantoprazole infusions in ED patients with NVUGIB. Reductions in pantoprazole infusions varied significantly across the different sites, future work in our department will explore and address this variability. Keys to the success of this project included engaging clinicians as well as leveraging the SCM order sets as well as the provincial care pathway. Although there were no changes in transfusion rates, it in unclear if this a function of the CDS not being effective or whether these transfusions were clinically indicated.

Introduction: There is a growing interest in providing clinicians with performance reports via audit and feedback (A&F). Despite significant evidence exists to support A&F as a tool for self-reflection and identifying unperceived learning needs, there are many questions that remain such as the optimal content of the A&F reports, the method of dissemination for emergency physicians (EP) and the perceived benefit. The goal of the project was to 1. evaluate EP perceptions regarding satisfaction with A&F reports and its’ ability to stimulate physicians to identify opportunities for practice change and 2. identify areas for optimization of the A&F reports. Methods: EP practicing at any of the four adult hospital sites in Calgary were eligible. We conducted a web survey using a modified Dillman technique eliciting EP perspectives regarding satisfaction, usefulness and suggestions for improvement regarding the A&F reports. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and free-text were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: From 2015 onwards, EP could access their clinical performance data via an online dashboard. Despite the online reports being available, few physicians reviewed their reports stating access and perceived lack of utility as a barrier. In October 2016, we began disseminated static performance reports to all EP containing a subset of 10 clinical and operational performance metrics via encrypted e-mail. These static reports provided clinician with their performance with peer comparator data (anonymized), rationale and evidence for A&F, information on how to use the report and how to obtain continuing medical education credits for reviewing the report. Conclusion: Of 177 EP in Calgary, we received 49 completed surveys (response rate 28%). 86% of the respondents were very/satisfied with the report. 88% of EP stated they would take action based on the report including self-reflection (91%) and modifying specific aspects of their practice (63%). Respondents indicated that by receiving static reports, 77% were equally or more likely to visit the online version of the eA&F tool. The vast majority of EP felt that receiving the A&F reports on a semi-annual basis was preferred. Three improvements were made to the eA&F based on survey results: 1) addition of trend over time data, 2) new clinical metrics, and 3) optimization of report layout. We also initiated a separate, real-time 72-hour bounceback electronic notification system based on the feedback. EP value the dissemination of clinical performance indicators both in static report and dashboard format. Eliciting feedback from clinicians allows iterative optimization of eA&F. Based on these results, we plan to continue to provide physicians with A&F reports on a semi-annual basis.

Introduction: To describe dosing, duration, and pre- and post-infusion analgesic administration of continuous intravenous sub-dissociative dose ketamine (SDK) infusion for managing a variety of painful conditions in the emergency department (ED). Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients aged 18 and older presenting to the ED with acute and chronic painful conditions who received continuous SDK infusion in the ED for a period over 6 years (2010-2016). Primary data analyses included dosing and duration of infusion, rates of pre- and post-infusion analgesic administration, and final diagnoses. Secondary data included pre- and post-infusion pain scores and rates of side effects. Results: 104 patients were enrolled in the study. Average dosing of ketamine infusion was 11.26 mg/hr, the mean duration of infusion was 135.87 minutes with 38% increase in patients not requiring post-infusion analgesia. The average decrease in pain score was 5.04. There were 12 reported adverse effects with nausea being the most prevalent. Conclusion: Continuous intravenous SDK infusion has a role in controlling pain of various etiologies in the ED with a potential to reduce need for co-analgesics or rescue analgesic administration. There is a need for more robust, prospective, randomized trials that will further evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of this modality across wide range of pain syndromes and different age groups in the ED.

Introduction: Emergency Department Systems Transformation (EDST) is a bundle of Toyota Production System based interventions implemented in two Canadian tertiary care Emergency Departments (ED) between June 2014 to July 2016. The goals were to improve patient care by increasing value and reducing waste. Longer times to physician initial assessment (PIA), ED length of stays (LOS) and times to inpatient beds are associated with increased patient morbidity and potentially mortality. Some of the 17 primary interventions included computerized physician order entry optimization, staff schedule realignment, physician scorecards and a novel initial assessment process ED access block has limited full implementation of EDST. An interim analysis was conducted to assess impact of interventions implemented to date on flow metrics. Methods: Daily ED visit volumes, boarding at 7am, time to PIA and LOS for non-admitted patients were collected from April 2014 -June 2016. Volume and boarding were compared from first to last quarter using an independent samples median test. Linear regression for each variable versus time was conducted to determine unadjusted relationships. PIA, LOS for non-admitted low acuity (Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) 4,5) and non-admitted high acuity (CTAS 1,2,3) patients were subsequently adjusted for volume and/or boarding to control for these variables using a non-parametric correlation. Results: Overall, median ED boarding decreased at University Hospital (UH) (14.0 vs 6.0, p<0.01) and increased at Victoria Hospital (VH) (17.0 vs 21.0, p<0.01) from first to last quarter. Median ED volume increased significantly at UH from first to last quarter (129.0 vs 142.0, p<0.01) but remained essentially unchanged at VH. 90th percentile LOS for non-admitted low acuity patients significantly decreased at UH (adjusted rs=-0.24, p<0.01) but did not significantly change at VH. For high acuity patients 90th percentile LOS significantly decreased at both hospitals (UH: adjusted rs=-0.23, p<0.01; VH: adjusted rs=-0.21, p<0.01). 90th percentile time to PIA improved slightly but significantly in both EDs (UH: adjusted rs=-0.10, p<0.01; VH: adjusted rs=-0.18, p<0.01). Conclusion: Persistent ED boarding impacted the ability to fully implement the EDST model of care. Partial EDST implementation has resulted in improvement in PIA at both LHSC EDs. At UH where ED boarding decreased, LOS metrics improved significantly even after controlling for boarding.

Introduction: Improving public access and training for epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs) can reduce time to initial treatment in anaphylaxis. Effective use of EAIs by the public requires bystanders to respond in a timely and proficient manner. We wished to examine optimal methods for effective training and skill retention for public use of EAIs. Methods: In this prospective, stratified randomized study, 154 participants at 15 sites receiving installation of public EAIs were randomized to one of three experimental education interventions: A) didactic poster (POS) teaching; B) poster with video teaching (VID), and C) Poster, video, and simulation training (SIM). Participants were tested by participation in a standardized simulated anaphylaxis scenario at 0-months, immediately following training, and again at follow-up at 3 months. Participants responses were videoed and assessed by blinded raters. Patient recorded experience measures (PREMs) assessed participant-patient interaction for every scenario. Data that was non-normally distributed was analyzed using non-parametric testing (Kruskall-Wallis-Rank Sum-Test). Results: Initial analysis showed differences between group baseline characteristics for age and first aid training; with a multivariable analysis providing the effect size of these differences. PREM data and video assessment data were not normally distributed. Analysis of PREM data revealed significantly higher scores in the SIM group at 0-months (median=6.5, IQR=5; p=0.05) and 3-months (median=5, IQR=3; p<0.01), compared to those groups that did not receive SIM. Video assessment performance scores show trends in higher skills and knowledge retention for SIM participants at 3-months; full data analysis will be performed at a later date. Final video assessment analysis will involve a weighted scoring system, using a consensus process, and an inter-rater agreement analysis. Conclusion: Simulation training improves interaction, essential skills, and retention of knowledge in simulated anaphylaxis response with public EAIs compared to non-simulation-based training.

Introduction: Interest groups have become increasingly popular as students explore potential career paths earlier in their undergraduate experience. Emergency medicine (EM) has grown as a specialty and the match has become quite competitive. Attractive features of EM cited by learners (diversity, procedural skills and flexible schedule) appeal broadly to the undergraduate population. Learners at Memorial University recognized this leadership opportunity and worked with faculty to reach this wide target audience through a streamlined iterative evaluation of their EM Interest Group (EMIG). Methods: The local EMIG was formed in 2010. Yearly, EMIG executive work with outgoing members using prior experiences, contacts and best practices to facilitate handover and progress. From 2015 to present, 305 surveys were collected, giving an 81.9% response rate. 59.7% of respondents were first year students, and 40.3% were second year. The survey consisted of Likert scale and open-response questions. The Likert scale questions yielded favorable responses. 304 students (99.6%) felt presenters were knowledgeable, 301 (98.6%) would recommend the sessions to others and 301 (98.6%) were satisfied they attended. Surprisingly, 133 students (43.6%) said they were not interested in Emergency Medicine, likely attending due to the appeal of session topics and transferrable of EM skills. 232 (76.0%) stated that attendance did increase their interest in EM. Top responses for aspects of EM most interesting to them included: ability to find a work/life balance, ability to work urban or rural, variety of cases seen, and the non-routine shifts. Results: Survey feedback is used to inform refinement of the content, delivery and format of EMIG activities, delivered by EM faculty. Hands-on sessions (eg. suturing & airway management) have been popular. Informational sessions, on specific medical topics (ECG, resuscitation cases) or broader topics (EM streams) have also been very well received. Inclusion of all interested students, particularly large numbers for hands-on sessions, has presented challenges. Beyond current survey results, it will be interesting to consider if EMIG participation translates to learning or behavioral changes relevant to later clinical encounters; a question that will be difficult to quantify. Conclusion: The EM interest group is one of the most active at Memorial University. Survey results indicate that participants enjoy the EMIG session content and the structured iterative approach used by the group has been successful in maintaining an effective student led organization.