Introduction: In April and June 2012, two outbreaks of Campylobacter gastroenteritis were investigated in an Australian aged-care facility (ACF); a Campylobacter -positive puppy was identified as a potential source of infection. Methods:An expert panel was convened to assess transmission risk from the puppy to elderly residents and to guide further public health action. Criteria considered as part of the panel’s assessment included the puppy’s infectivity, the bacterium’s transmissibility, puppy–resident contact, infection control and cleaning practices and animal management at the facility. A literature review was used to assist the panel, with a final risk being determined using a likelihood and consequence matrix. Results:The panel determined that the setting and low infective dose made transmission likely despite varying degrees of contact between the puppy and cases. While infection control practices were generally appropriate, the facility’s animal policy did not adequately address potential zoonotic risk. Conclusion:In summary, puppies should not be considered as companion animals in ACFs due to high rates of Campylobacter carriage and the underlying susceptibility of the elderly. Infection control and animal policies in ACFs should reflect an awareness of zoonotic disease potential.

Therapeutic injections into the craniofacial region can be a complex procedure because of the nature of its anatomical structure. This technical note demonstrates a process for creating an extra-oral template to inject therapeutic substances into the temporomandibular joint and the lateral pterygoid muscle. The described process involves merging cone-beam computed tomography data and extra-oral facial scans obtained using a mobile device to establish a correlated data set for virtual planning. Virtual injection points were simulated using existing dental implant planning software to assist clinicians in precisely targeting specific anatomical structures. A template was designed and then 3D printed. The printed template showed adequate surface fit. This innovative process demonstrates a potential new clinical technique. However, further validation and in vivo trials are necessary to assess its full potential.

Therapeutic injections into the craniofacial region can be a complex procedure because of the nature of its anatomical structure. This technical note demonstrates a process for creating an extra-oral template to inject therapeutic substances into the temporomandibular joint and the lateral pterygoid muscle. The described process involves merging cone-beam computed tomography data and extra-oral facial scans obtained using a mobile device to establish a correlated data set for virtual planning. Virtual injection points were simulated using existing dental implant planning software to assist clinicians in precisely targeting specific anatomical structures. A template was designed and then 3D printed. The printed template showed adequate surface fit. This innovative process demonstrates a potential new clinical technique. However, further validation and in vivo trials are necessary to assess its full potential.

Objective: Team-based resuscitation in emergency departments (EDs) is an excellent opportunity for hot debriefs (HDBs). In creating a bespoke HDB model for emergency medicine resuscitations, we sought to optimize learning from clinical experience, identify team strengths, challenges, encourage honest reflection and focus on ways of improving future performance. Methods: Multidisciplinary ED focus groups reviewed existing models, identified benefits/barriers and created new frame works, testing and adapting further using fottage of a simulated complex resuscitation case. The new HDB tool was coined: “STOP5” (STOP for 5 minutes). Cases targeted were prehospital retrievals, major trauma, cardiac arrests, deaths in resuscitation, and staff-triggered. The framework details included a specifically scripted introduction followed by core elements that were S: summarize the case; T: things that went well; O: opportunities to improve; P: points to action and responsibilities. Staffs were surveyed at 1 month prior then 6 and 18 months post-introduction. Data collection forms were used to identify and track hard outcomes/system improvements resulting directly from HDBs. Results: Potential benefits identified by respondents included: improved staff morale; team cohesion; improved care for future patients; promoting a culture for learning, patient safety and quality improvement. Ten process and equipment changes resulted directly from STOP5 over 12 months. Conclusion We anticipate the STOP5 framework to be globally generalizable and effective for many ED teams.