Westmead Trauma Algorithm vs ASCAR

PURPOSE The Westmead Hospital Trauma Clinical Algorithms have been developed utilising evidence-based information to enhance patient and clinical decision-making and improve efficiency in delivery of safe, standardised health care. INTENDED AUDIENCE The algorithms presented are intended primarily for health professionals and the following audiences, specifically at Westmead Hospital, Sydney NSW Australia: Physicians, nurses and other health care professionals Health care administrators Researchers OTHER AUDIENCES INCLUDING PATIENTS If you are a patient and accessing these algorithms, you should understand that the information presented is designed for the use of the expert audiences, identified above. You should seek assistance from your health care professional in interpreting these materials and applying them in individual cases. MEDICAL ADVICE The algorithms are evidence-based processes that are intended to assist physician and patient decisions regarding the health care of trauma patients at Westmead Hospital. Although designed to standardise decision plans for trauma, the algorithms cannot address the unique needs of each patient or the combination of resources available to a particular community or health care professional. The algorithms are not entirely inclusive or exclusive of all methods of reasonable care that can result in the same outcome. Deviation from these algorithms may be justified by individual circumstances. The use of these algorithms outside Westmead Hospital must be applied based on individual patient requirements using expert, professional judgment. DISCLAIMERS The algorithms are for use specifically at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia. The creator and contributors to these algorithms do not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the use/application or resulting outcomes thereof these guidelines, both within or outside Westmead Hospital. Westmead Hospital does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, and/or clinical efficacy of these algorithms.

Integrate cognitive aids into your anaesthetic practice today! The ASCAR app has been designed by clinicians for clinicians with the aim of supporting Operating Theatre (OT) teams to plan and brief for complex cases effectively as well as respond appropriately to crises. The app allows you to carry in your pocket, the ever expanding library of ASCAR cognitive aids – so they are available in their most up-to-date version on your device whenever and wherever you are. Just select the subspecialty to locate the cognitive aid you are looking for… or, alternatively, use our advanced search function. The next time you find yourself in an OT full of responding staff, why not contribute by opening the app to assist the team in focusing on the clinical priorities and avoiding blindspots. Features: • Complete ASCAR library: automatically updated suite of cognitive aids from the ASCAR group across the whole array of anaesthetic sub-specialties. • Paediatric Dose Calculator: Proprietary paediatric anaesthesia calculator to assist you with looking after our most vulnerable patients. • Offline access: all files and our calculator remain accessible – even offline. But any updates will require an internet connection. • Advanced search function: to minimise the time and facilitate the ergonomics of finding the aid that you need at that moment of crisis. About us: ASCAR stands for AnaeSthesia Cognitive Aids and Research. We are a not-for-profit Human Factors interest group that was conceived at the Anaesthetic Department, at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. Our mission is to support our colleagues to perform excellently during crises, by researching, designing, and testing cognitive aids that are optimised for our high stakes environment. Through an understanding of strong aesthetic design, team dynamics, and ergonomics our goal is to advance the creation of clinical support tools for anaesthetists worldwide.