Emergency medicine as a specialty in Asia

Abstract

Aim:We aim to examine the similarities and differences in areas of EM development, workload, workforce, and capabilities and support in the Asia region. Emerging challenges faced by our EM community are also discussed. Methods:The National Societies for Emergency Medicine of Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey participated in the joint Japanese Association of Acute Medicine (JAAM) and Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) Special Symposium held in October 2013 at Tokyo, Japan. The findings are reviewed in this paper.Results: Emergency medicine (EM) has over the years evolved into a distinct and recognized medical discipline requiring a unique set of cognitive, administrative and technical skills for managing all types of patients with acute illness or injury. EM has contributed to healthcare by providing effective, safe, efficient and cost-effective patient care. Integrated systems have developed to allow continuity of emergency care from the community into emergency departments. Structured training curriculum for undergraduates, and specialty training programs for postgraduates are in place to equip trainees with the knowledge and skills required for the unique practice of EM. Conclusion:The practice of EM still varies among the Asian countries. However, as a region, we strive to continue in our efforts to develop the specialty and improve the delivery of EM.

Burnout among female emergency medicine physicians: A nationwide study

“…But the resources and inpatient beds are limited and consequently, the ED are almost always overcrowded. 18 These features are to some extent similar to other developing countries in Asia, as described by Pek et al 17 EE is considered as the key subscale of burnout and the first component developing in the process of this syndrome. 19 One possible explanation for the high level of EE in our study may be that female physicians are more psychologically vulnerable.…”

“…But the resources and inpatient beds are limited and consequently, the ED are almost always overcrowded . These features are to some extent similar to other developing countries in Asia, as described by Pek et al …”

“…Most of the academic EP are junior academic faculties and it is not going to be easy to be a junior academic faculty, balance the personal life, work as a clinical practitioner, do research activities, teach under‐ and post‐graduate students and at the same time gain acceptance, manage conflicts with other services, introduce EM as a legitimate specialty to the consultants, residents of other specialties, administrators of medical schools, hospital managers and authorities. Reviewing the literature shows that these challenges are to some extent the same in other parts of the words involving in developing EM as a new specialty . As Wen et al .…”

“…Lack of continuity in patient care, long duration of ED stay for patients waiting inpatient beds to become available, also might lead to the sense of inefficiency. Overcrowding is reported to negatively influence the staff morale …”

“…Overcrowding is reported to negatively influence the staff morale. 17 In Iran, academic hospitals are committed to providing health care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Most people consider the ED of academic hospitals as the only way to access rapid, high-quality medical care at the lowest price.…”