Improving patient access to symptomatic treatment through self-serving nausea stations at Peace Arch Hospital emergency department.

Abstract

Background: Nausea is a common complaint among patients waiting at the emergency department (ED). Previous research indicates that isopropyl alcohol (IPA) can provide symptomatic relief for nausea. However, the number of studies investigating this effect is limited, especially in ED settings. This study investigates the effect of IPA administration on patients presenting with nausea to the ED. We aim to provide symptomatic relief to 20% of these patients.

Methods: In the Peach Arch Hospital (PAH) ED, patients who reported feeling nauseous were provided with a single IPA swab, instructional materials and feedback surveys. Patients inhaled IPA at a self-serving booth and completed a standardised survey immediately after. Patients were included in the study if they presented with nausea and excluded if they were under the age of 18, were pregnant, were allergic to alcohol, had cognitive impairment and/or were taking disulfiram. Multiple plan-do-study-act cycles were implemented to refine this study, including changes in feedback collection, instructional materials and presentation of IPA swabs.

Results: The total number of surveys completed over the 25-week period was 41 (n=41). These surveys showed that IPA inhalation is effective in improving nausea symptoms in the ED, with 53% of survey respondents suggesting 'great improvement' or 'good improvement'. 88% of respondents felt there was improvement in symptoms. There were very limited participants (12%) who reported that IPA administration showed 'no improvement'.

Conclusions: Self-serving nausea treatment stations may be an effective strategy in alleviating symptoms for patients awaiting to be seen by a physician while in the ED. These stations can enhance patient care through rapid treatment, optimise resources by reducing workload on nursing staff, and empower patients to manage their own symptoms.