Invasive Procedures in the Emergency Department – Guideline

Authors: Tom Bannister / Codes: / Published: 17/06/2024

Scope / Reason for development

This document outlines the general approach to be taken by emergency medicine (EM) clinicians who undertake invasive procedures in adults and children in the emergency department.

Key principles of Standardisation, Harmonisation, and Education are emphasised, as well as a focus on organisational standards such as training (workforce) for safety, developing safer processes, and encouraging engagement for assurance and improvement. The aim of this document is to provide pragmatic recommendations for EM clinicians undertaking invasive procedures in the ED.

Summary of Recommendations

When undertaking invasive procedures, clinicians must gain patient consent (verbal or written) unless clinical circumstances dictate this is not possible and the procedure is considered to be in the patients best interests.
When undertaking invasive procedures, clinicians should ensure that two healthcare practitioners, one of whom should be ST4 or above, independently agree on the site (side) of the procedure, where appropriate.
When undertaking invasive procedures, the responsible clinician should ensure all assistants or team members are aware of, the proposed procedure, planned approach and requirements for post-procedure monitoring.
The use of checklists is strongly encouraged.
Departmental induction and procedure specific training should address safety issues related to invasive procedures.

Ensure that you read the full Invasive Procedures in the Emergency Department Guideline

Key Information

Modification of the ‘NatSSIPs Eight’ checklist