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Prehospital Assessment of Non-Traumatic Abdominal Pain

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

1 1- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden. 2- 2- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

2 3- Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden 4- University of South-Eastern Norway, Vestfold, Norway.

3 1- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.

4 1- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden. 2- University of South-Eastern Norway, Vestfold, Norway. 3- Gothenburg Emergency Medicine Research Group, (GEMREG), Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Abstract

Background: Non-traumatic abdominal pain may have several causes and often needs physicians' consultation. In a pilot study, a template was used to assist ambulance nurses and technicians to assess this medical condition.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the use of the template and the outcome of the pilot study.
Methods: A prehospital template (protocol) consisting of validated physiological and clinical scales, such as "Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment Scale-Ambulances", "Patient Behavioral Pain Scale", and "Visual Analog Scale" were used to assist the ambulance crew in Shiraz, Iran, to assess all cases with non-traumatic abdominal pain. The outcome of the evaluation in this group was compared with a control group using the normal routine of assessment.
Results: Of 200 prehospital patients, 170 cases were eligible for evaluation. The majority of the patients in the protocol (n=88) and control groups (n=82) were males (n=46 and n=43, respectively). There was a slight but statistically significant difference between the two groups in favor of the protocol group concerning the need for ambulance transport and direct admission to the hospital (P<0.02).
Conclusion: Although prehospital assessment and management of non-traumatic abdominal pain continue to be challenging for emergency medical staff, educational initiatives together with prehospital guidelines may improve the accuracy of prehospital decision-making and open up for new fast-track diagnosis and direct admission to the hospital.

Keywords

References
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Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal (IRCMJ)
Volume 23, Issue 6 - Serial Number 6
2021
Files
History
  • Receive Date: 21 January 2021
  • Accept Date: 21 January 2021
  • First Publish Date: 01 June 2021
  • Publish Date: 01 June 2021
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