Short summary

This study aims to clarify whether thermographic images taken at the door, immediately after patients have arrived at the emergency department, can predict acute deterioration (death, cardiac arrest, admission to intensive care or conversion to critical care) within 24 hours. Previous studies suggest that patients at high risk of dying within a short time have a significantly higher temperature gradient on thermographic images than others. These are the patients that need to be identified.

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Rationale

More and more patients arrive at emergency departments worldwide, which is why emergency departments are increasingly dependent on being able to quickly prioritize and decide which patients should be seen first. Traditionally, triage is used for this task, where predefined algorithms with integrated information on vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, pulse, breathing and temperature), a clinical assessment by an experienced nurse and the patient's symptoms are used to decide whether the patient should be seen urgently by a doctor or whether the patient can wait, and how long.

Aim of the study This study aims to clarify whether thermographic images taken at the door, immediately after patients have arrived at the emergency department, can predict acute deterioration (death, cardiac arrest, admission to intensive care or conversion to critical care) within 24 hours.

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Description of the cohort

Medical patients admitted to the emergency department. Must be 18 years old or older. Must be able to sign a consent form.

Data and biological material

Data from the patient journal (vital signs, mortality, admission to the ICU) . A thermal picture of the patients face.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Emergency department, Slagelse Sygehus

• Michael Arvig. Doctor.
• Ann Kristensen. Nurse.

Emergency department, Holbæk Sygehus

• Jytte Mortensen. Nurse.

Emergency department, Esbjerg Sygehus

• Mette Rahbek. Nurse.