ISO 8601:2000 : Data elements and interchange formats - Information interchange - Representation of dates and times
Data element attributes
Collection and usage attributes
Guide for use:
An Emergency Department service event can be commenced by a doctor, nurse, mental health practitioner or other health professional, when investigation, care and/or treatment is provided in accordance with an established clinical pathway defined by the Emergency Department. Placement of a patient in a cubicle and observations taken to monitor a patient pending a clinical decision regarding commencement of a clinical pathway, do not constitute commencement.
The following examples illustrate the commencement of an Emergency Department service event.
Example 1
A patient presents at the Emergency Department with mild asthma. At triage, the patient is categorised as category three and returns to the waiting area.
The patient has a more severe asthma attack in the waiting area, is re-triaged to category two and shown to a cubicle where standard observations are taken.
A nurse comes to the cubicle and commences treatment based on an acknowledged clinical pathway of the Emergency Department. At this point : Emergency Department service event has commenced.
Example 2
A patient presents at the Emergency Department in an agitated, delusional state. At triage, the patient is categorised as category two and placed in a cubicle and the mental health practitioner notified.
Observations are taken and nursing staff continue to observe the patient.
The mental health practitioner arrives, assesses the patient and develops a management plan. At this point : Emergency Department service event has commenced.
Example 3
A patient presents at the Emergency Department with an ankle injury from football. At triage, the patient is categorised as category four and moved to the 'fast track area'.
The physiotherapist attends, examines the patient, makes an assessment (including diagnostic imaging requirements) and determines a treatment plan. At this point : Emergency Department service event has commenced.
Example 4
A patient presents at the Emergency Department with a sore arm, following a fall, with limited arm movement possible.
The patient is categorised as category three at triage and placed in a cubicle.
A nurse provides analgesia and assesses the patient, including ordering diagnostic imaging. At this point : Emergency Department service event has commenced.
Example 5
A patient presents at the Emergency Department feeling vague and having been generally unwell for a day or two. The patient has a slight cough. At triage, the patient is categorised as category three.
The patient is placed in a cubicle where standard observations are taken. Respiration is 26 bpm, BP is 90/60 and the patient is hypoxic. The patient is given oxygen, and the treating clinician attends and provides instruction regarding patient care. At this point : Emergency Department service event has commenced.
Example 6
A patient presents at the Emergency Department with chest pain. Triage category two is allocated. The patient is placed in a cubicle and a nurse gives oxygen and Anginine, takes blood samples and conducts an ECG. The ECG is reviewed. At this point : Emergency Department service event has commenced.
A doctor subsequently arrives and the patient is transferred to the catheter lab after examination.
Example 7
The Emergency Department is notified by ambulance that a patient is being transported having severe behavioural problems.
The patient is taken to an appropriate cubicle and restrained.
A clinician administers sedation and requests the attendance of a mental health practitioner. At this point : Emergency Department service event has commenced.
Collection methods:
Collected in conjunction with emergency department service episode service commencement date.
Source and reference attributes
Submitting organisation:
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
