Timing of respiratory virus molecular testing in emergency departments and its association with patient care outcomes: a retrospective observational study across six Australian hospitals.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

A rapid molecular diagnostic test (RMDT) offers a fast and accurate detection of respiratory viruses, but its impact on the timeliness of care in the emergency department (ED) may depend on the timing of the test. The aim of the study was to determine if the timing of respiratory virus testing using a RMDT in the ED had an association with patient care outcomes.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Linked ED and laboratory data from six EDs in New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

Adult patients presenting to EDs during the 2017 influenza season and tested for respiratory viruses using a RMDT. The timing of respiratory virus testing was defined as the time from a patient's ED arrival to time of sample receipt at the hospital laboratory

SUBMITTER: Wabe N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6701571 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature