African Journal of Emergency Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Consensus-based research priorities for post-collision care in the Western Cape province of South Africa","authors":"Naseef Abdullah ,&nbsp;Tim Nutbeam ,&nbsp;Colleen J. Saunders ,&nbsp;Craig Wylie ,&nbsp;Nigel Lang ,&nbsp;Willem Stassen","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100900","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100900","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Road traffic injuries constitute a significant global health burden, causing 1.3 million deaths and 50 million injuries annually, with 92 % of fatalities occurring in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite this disproportionate impact, research priorities in post-collision care often reflect high-income country contexts, creating a critical misalignment between evidence generation and contextual realities in LMICs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This mixed-methods study employed a three-phase approach to identify research priorities for post-collision care in the Western Cape, South Africa. Phase 1 consisted of a comprehensive literature review to identify preliminary thematic areas and research questions. Phase 2 involved a stakeholder engagement workshop using modified nominal group techniques (NGT) with purposively sampled participants representing emergency medical services, fire services, law enforcement, community members and academia. Phase 3 entailed systematic prioritisation, where participants independently scored each theme and associated research questions on a Likert scale.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eight thematic domains were identified and ranked in order of priority. EMS safety (highest priority), communication and coordination, public awareness and prevention, transportation and access to care, first-responder capabilities, training implementation, resource optimisation, disaster and mass casualty management, and specialised care accessibility. The highest-ranked individual research question concerned the minimum set of practical skills and resources required by first responders to effectively provide immediate post-collision care. Technological integration emerged as a cross-cutting priority across multiple themes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study represents the first published systematic approach to identifying post-collision care research priorities in South Africa. Diverging from previous exercises that emphasise advanced interventions or system integration, this study highlights foundational challenges of EMS safety and communication as top priorities, reflecting the contextual realities of emergency service delivery in South Africa. The findings provide a strategic roadmap for researchers, funders, and policymakers to direct resources toward questions with maximal potential to improve post-collision care and strengthen health systems in similar LMIC contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100900"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145004446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving emergency care capacity with the WHO-ICRC Basic Emergency Care (BEC) course","authors":"Boris Arnaud Nteungue Kouomogne ,&nbsp;Bissouma-Ledjou Tania ,&nbsp;Chanceline Bilounga Ndongo ,&nbsp;Alvine Choula Noulala ,&nbsp;Hyppolite Kalambay Ntembwa ,&nbsp;Pierre Claver Kariyo ,&nbsp;Baonga Ba Pouth ,&nbsp;Douba Epée ,&nbsp;Bitang Louis Joss ,&nbsp;Bertolt Brecht Kouam Nteungue ,&nbsp;Dieudonnée Reine Ndougou ,&nbsp;Mochache Trufosa ,&nbsp;Simon Tumusiime ,&nbsp;Ambomo Sylvie Myriam ,&nbsp;Lauren Lai King ,&nbsp;Annet Ngabirano Alenyo ,&nbsp;Antoinette Naidoo ,&nbsp;Linda Endale Esso ,&nbsp;Yap Boum ,&nbsp;Habimana Phanuel ,&nbsp;Lee Wallis","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100892","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100892","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Globally, the demand for acute care is surging, disproportionately burdening low- and middle-income countries. Training for healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in reducing related mortality and improving overall health and well-being, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the potential for impact, the World Health Organization- International Committee of the Red Cross <u>(</u>WHO-ICRC) Basic Emergency Care (BEC) course is yet to be fully rolled out in Francophone African nations such as Cameroon, Djibouti, Haiti, Morocco, and Tunisia. In this paper, we describe the introduction of this training in these countries.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study utilized pre- and post-course surveys to gauge change in knowledge and confidence in delivering acute care. A comprehensive 4-day French BEC course and a concise 1-day Training of Trainer (ToT) course were delivered in Yaounde, Cameroon, in early 2023. Participants undertook surveys pre- and post-training, offering insights into their acute care knowledge, skills, and self-assurance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The courses were attended by 50 participants. The post-course evaluation highlighted a marked improvement in scores, showcasing a median score elevation from 72% pre-course to 88% post-course (p &lt; 0.001). Participants’ self-confidence in handling acute care scenarios doubled. Universal acclaim was received for the quality of training materials, courses, and facilitation methodology, with nearly half feeling no amendment was necessary in the course design. However, 30% felt a longer duration should be dedicated to the practical/skills components of the course.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The WHO-ICRC BEC course significantly enhanced the acute care knowledge, skills, and self-confidence of participants from these five countries, laying a solid foundation for future training sessions. Provisional trainers are now proficient in expanding such training within their regions. Evaluating patient outcomes post-training presents significant challenges, highlighting a crucial area for future research and scrutiny.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100892"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145020454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An assessment of emergency care capacity at three hospitals in the Harare metropol, Zimbabwe: A descriptive cross-sectional study using the WHO Hospital Emergency Assessment Tool (HEAT)","authors":"Prince Deka,&nbsp;Peter Hodkinson","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100915","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100915","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Zimbabwe has experienced significant population growth, as well as a rise in noncommunicable diseases, impacting the demand for emergency care services. However, there is limited data on the state of Zimbabwe's emergency care systems to meet this growing need. This pilot study aimed to assess the capacity of Emergency Departments at three major referral hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using the World Health Organization’s Hospital Emergency Assessment Tool (HEAT). Key participants from each hospital were interviewed in 2023 to gather data on facility characteristics, human resources, diagnostic services, and signal functions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Three large hospitals offering round-the-clock emergency care services were included. A core of dedicated doctors and nurses manned the Emergency Department in all three facilities, yet none had specific training in emergency medicine. There were various significant challenges to the operation of emergency departments, including access to water for one, and two with limited capacity to perform emergency diagnostic tests as they lacked the necessary equipment and consumables. One hospital reported a sufficient set of emergency protocols and guidelines, while the other two hospitals exhibited varying levels of availability in these areas. Two facilities reported adequate capacity in performing &gt;85 % of signal functions. Common challenges included the absence of emergency-trained staff, lack of a formal triage system, and equipment deficiencies, all of which constrained their ability to deliver certain signal functions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This assessment revealed a spectrum of service availabilities across the three hospitals, with common barriers identified. To strengthen the country's emergency care system, efforts should be focused on improving consumable supplies, prioritising training initiatives in emergency medicine to build a skilled workforce and implementing standardised protocols and triage systems across facilities. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of implemented interventions are necessary to ensure sustainable improvements in emergency care delivery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100915"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Embracing 3D printing in emergency medicine training in Africa","authors":"Marvin Jansen,&nbsp;Fahmi Adams","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100904","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100904","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Africa's emergency medicine training faces challenges of limited resources, inadequate simulation tools, and few locally relevant training models. This article explores how three-dimensional (3D) printing can help address these gaps by enabling the creation of affordable, customizable models for procedural skills and simulation-based education. We discuss the context of emergency medicine training in Africa, where limited access to high-fidelity manikins and other teaching aids hampers skills acquisition. The model printing format may be of limited applicability in the context of dynamic simulations, where the model is required to interact and perform a function, versus static simulation, with the emphasis on identification and directed procedures. We highlight illustrative use cases, including a 3D-printed airway management manikin and a basic suturing practice pad, to demonstrate the technology’s potential for hands-on learning. Key benefits of integrating 3D printing into training programs are examined, such as improved access to simulation, better local adaptability, and increased opportunity for producing affordable task trainers that are suited for hands-on emergency procedures. We also acknowledge challenges, from startup costs and infrastructure needs to the learning curve of 3D printers and suggest practical steps for implementation. This commentary encourages educators and institutions in Africa to explore 3D printing for education, and we envision it becoming integral to emergency medicine training across the continent; fostering skill development, self-sufficiency, and ultimately improving patient care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100904"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nurses’ knowledge and self-reported adherence to advanced life support guidelines during in-hospital cardiac arrest in a referral hospital in Ghana","authors":"Gyimaa Nti –Darkwah ,&nbsp;Susana Erica Somuah ,&nbsp;Amos Prince Otuah ,&nbsp;Mary Agongo","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100903","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100903","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Adherence to Advanced Life Support guidelines is vital for improving patient survival during a cardiac arrest. Nurses are often the first responders during inhospital cardiac arrests. This study assessed nurses’ knowledge of advanced life support guidelines and their self-reported adherence to recommended practices during in-hospital cardiac arrest.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Using simple random sampling, 138 registered nurses were recruited from the New Tafo Government Hospital in Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant data on the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge on and self-reported adherence to advanced life support guidelines. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Less than half (39.9%) of nurses demonstrated good knowledge of advanced life support guidelines, with a similar proportion (34.8%) showing high self-reported adherence to advanced life support guidelines in simulated scenarios, and confidence level (39.8%) in responding to a cardiac arrest. Most respondents (65.2%) had never performed CPR in a clinical setting, and only 22.5% had participated in a simulation exercise. Recent advanced life support training (within the past 12 months) and greater years of clinical experience were significantly associated with higher knowledge levels.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Nurses’ knowledge of and self-reported adherence to advanced life support guidelines, as well as confidence level in responding to a cardiac arrest situation were low. Regular, structured advanced life support refresher training incorporating simulation and practical drills is essential to enhance nurses’ readiness and performance during cardiac emergencies</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100903"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145096470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prehospital care utilization and associated factors among trauma patients during armed conflict: A mixed-methods study in west Amhara, Ethiopia referral hospitals","authors":"Temesgen Ayenew ,&nbsp;Mengistu Abebe Messelu ,&nbsp;Haile Amha ,&nbsp;Mamaru Getie Fetene ,&nbsp;Fentahun Minwuyelet Yitayew ,&nbsp;Anteneh Belayneh ,&nbsp;Abere Kassie ,&nbsp;Getinet Nibret ,&nbsp;Bekele Getenet Tiruneh","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100931","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100931","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Prehospital care is vital for reducing mortality from traumatic injuries, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study determined prehospital care utilization and associated factors among trauma patients in referral hospitals in West Amhara, Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design was employed from March–August 2024 in Debre Markos, Tibebe Ghion, and Felege Hiwot hospitals. Quantitative data were collected from 518 trauma patients via questionnaire, with proportional allocation based on patient flow, and analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with prehospital care use. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals and trauma patients, reported in line with the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. Reflexive thematic analysis guided by the WHO Emergency Care System Framework was used, integrating quantitative and qualitative findings while maintaining reflexivity to understand prehospital care utilization.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prehospital care utilization rate was 49.8 %. The majority of patients (84.2 %) arrived at hospitals via taxi or on foot, reflecting reliance on non-EMS transport. Rural residence (AOR = 4.80), lower education (AOR = 0.54), violence/quarrel-related injuries (AOR = 2.60), motor vehicle accidents (AOR = 2.00), gunshot injuries (AOR = 8.61), and penetrating injuries (AOR = 0.34) were significantly associated with prehospital care use.</div></div><div><h3>Qualitative findings revealed challenges across four themes</h3><div>Limited awareness and lack of emergency communication systems during initial contact and dispatch (<em>Scene</em>); scarce ambulances, long response times, and reliance on non-EMS transport in prehospital treatment and transportation (<em>Transport</em>); resource and personnel shortages that indirectly affect prehospital response within facility-based emergency care linkages (<em>Facility</em>); and the need for <em>Advocacy and Public Education.</em></div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Prehospital care utilization is sub-optimal, influenced by sociodemographic and injury-related factors. Qualitative insights reveal systemic and community challenges that warrant further investigation through larger, more representative studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100931"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing junior doctors' knowledge and attitude on advanced life support in Egypt: a cross-sectional study","authors":"Yasser Ahmed Khalid ,&nbsp;Mohamed Bosily Saad ,&nbsp;Mohamed Ezzat Nasreddin","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100927","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100927","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with cardiac arrest survival heavily dependent on timely and effective resuscitation efforts. Junior doctors often serve as first responders in hospitals, yet their advanced life support (ALS) knowledge and training adequacy remain underinvestigated in Egypt. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of junior doctors in Egypt regarding basic life support (BLS) and ALS, identified knowledge gaps, and suggests improvements in resuscitation training programs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 184 junior doctors, including house officers, general practitioners, and residents, across multiple healthcare centres in Egypt. Data was collected via an online questionnaire based on European Resuscitation Council guidelines, evaluating demographic factors, BLS/ALS knowledge, and attitudes toward cardiac arrest management. Statistical analysis explored associations between knowledge scores and participant characteristics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants demonstrated inadequate knowledge with mean BLS and ALS scores of 59 % and 61.8 %, respectively. Significant deficiencies were noted in pediatric resuscitation, cardiac arrest diagnosis, IV access, and capnography interpretation. Residents and those attending ALS workshops scored significantly higher (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), while prior clinical exposure did not correlate with higher knowledge scores. Most participants (91.3%) expressed a need for further ALS training.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Junior doctors in Egypt show deficient ALS knowledge with critical gaps that may impact patient outcomes. Structured ALS training and curriculum reforms are urgently needed to enhance emergency preparedness and improve cardiac arrest survival.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100927"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency care providers on obstetric haemorrhage in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A cross-sectional study","authors":"S Govender ,&nbsp;OP Khaliq ,&nbsp;T Abel ,&nbsp;J Moodley","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100909","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100909","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Obstetric haemorrhage (OH) is a leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide. The South African Department of Health recommends that all childbirths be managed by skilled personnel who can identify and manage complications to reduce adverse maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes. Emergency Care (EC) providers are prehospital personnel mandated to fulfil this role; however, little is known about their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) for OH emergencies. This study assesses EC providers’ knowledge (specifically pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment), attitude and practices regarding OH management in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional KAP survey was administered to public-sector EC providers at designated central locations in each of the 11 KZN districts, with participants representing multiple ambulance stations in their respective districts. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire completed by 417 participants enrolled between July 2022 and August 2023. Modified Bloom’s cut-off points were used to develop KAP scores, enabling categorical assessment. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants (<em>n</em> = 417) were predominantly male (75.3 %, <em>n</em> = 314). The majority were aged ≥40 years (66.4 %, <em>n</em> = 277), ranging from 18 to 60 years. Regarding OH, 95.7 % demonstrated poor knowledge, 65.5 % a positive attitude and 96.6 % poor practices. The Kruskal-Wallis test (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) showed knowledge scores varied substantially by qualification level. Logistic regression indicated higher qualifications were associated with better knowledge, attitude and practices.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Targeted up-skilling and mandatory obstetric simulation for EC providers in KZN are needed to close knowledge-practice gaps. Despite a positive attitude, EC providers demonstrated poor knowledge and practices in OH management. These shortcomings appear influenced by systemic and contextual barriers and require further investigation. Nevertheless, our findings highlight the importance of sustained, targeted training and EMS support to address critical gaps and improve obstetric outcomes in emergency settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100909"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Workplace violence against nurses in the Emergency Department in a Ghanaian Tertiary Hospital","authors":"Florence Nana Amoah ,&nbsp;Cecilia Eliason ,&nbsp;William Wilberforce Amoah ,&nbsp;Philemon Adoliwine Amooba","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100905","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100905","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Workplace Violence (WPV) is a shared problem in healthcare settings as well as a complex and perilous universal concern, specifically for the nursing profession. Violence in various Emergency Departments (ED) has increased in recent years, with accumulative data of nursing staff exposed to violent behaviors in the health sector that negatively affect the quality of care provided. However, limited research conducted in the Ghanaian context has subdued the understanding of workplace violence and its impact on emergency nurses.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative approach, using an explorative-descriptive design to delve into the experiences of nurses who have had WPV at the ED. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 participants. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide until saturation was attained. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four themes identified were understanding of WPV, coping strategies, effects on work performance, and experiences and responses to WPV. Participants reported encountering incidences of violence at the workplace. Abuse was perceived as predictable and increasing in intensity and frequency which victims acknowledged significantly affected both their level of devotion to their jobs and capacity to care for patients. The normalization of WPV has led to significant under-reporting of incidents.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study identified verbal abuse as the leading cause of WPV, which greatly affects the service rendered to patients. Safe working environments, occupational health measures, and effective prevention policies and interventions are needed in emergency department settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100905"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trauma beyond the limbs: Epidemiology and outcomes of non-extremity penetrating trauma in a tertiary hospital Emergency Department, Eastern Cape, South Africa","authors":"Laetitia Lüttich,&nbsp;Sian Geraty,&nbsp;Roshen Maharaj","doi":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100916","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.afjem.2025.100916","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Trauma is a major health burden in low- to middle-income countries, with penetrating injuries being a leading cause of death. South Africa’s trauma rates are estimated to be 5–9 times higher than the global average. Penetrating injuries, compared to blunt trauma, carry higher morbidity and mortality. This study describes the epidemiology and resource burden of penetrating non-extremity injuries presenting to a teriary hospital Emergency Department (ED) in Gqeberha, South Africa.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This descriptive retrospective study was conducted at Livingstone Tertiary Hospital (LTH) ED in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, and included all patients with non-extremity penetrating trauma from 1 June 2020 to 31 January 2021.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During the study period, there were 6020 consecutive trauma presentations to the ED, of which 1107 cases met inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The study revealed a male predominance, with a male-to-female ratio of 5.6:1 (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). The median age was 29 years (range: 1–80 years). Most patients presented over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) [<em>N</em> = 488, 44%, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001] and after hours on weekdays (<em>N</em> = 444, 40%). Resource utilisation in the ED increased during these periods, including increased diagnostic imaging, procedural interventions, and blood product requests. Of the study participants, 828 (75%) were brought to the ED using private transport. There were a total of 30 deaths (3%), of which 17 (57%) were deceased on arrival in the ED; the remaining 13 deaths (43%) occurred while in the ED or after disposition to a specialist.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study offers insight into the epidemiology and outcomes of non-extremity penetrating trauma, including prolonged hospital stays and ICU admissions. It underscores the need for multidisciplinary prevention strategies, structured trauma systems, and comparative research to guide best practices, improve resource allocation, and reduce the broader economic impact of trauma on individuals and communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48515,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":"15 4","pages":"Article 100916"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}