09/09/2026
Why aren't more patients with rib fractures receiving nerve blocks in the ED?💡
That's the question Dr Erin Stirling from Logan Hospital is exploring through her recently funded EMF Emerge Grant.
Rib fractures can cause significant pain and lead to serious complications. While ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia can provide effective pain relief with less reliance on opioid medications, a recent audit at Logan Hospital found nerve blocks were being used much less often than recommended in the hospital's rib fracture pathway.
🔎 Through the RELIEF study, Dr Stirling and her team will investigate why, looking at clinicians' training and confidence, their decision-making at the bedside and the barriers to providing regional anaesthesia in the ED.
The findings will help identify practical ways to improve care for patients with rib fractures and could inform future work across Queensland EDs.
👏 The project is Dr Stirling’s first as Principal Investigator, supported by research mentor Dr Philip Jones, Research Co-Lead in Logan Hospital's ED.
EMF thanks the Queensland Government for funding the Queensland Research Program through Queensland Health.
Find out more about the Program here: https://emergencyfoundation.org.au/grants/queensland/
Metro South Health