A nasal spray treatment has shown to provide rapid and effective pain relief for children in emergency departments, with 86.2% of children experiencing reduced pain 30 minutes after treatment. The treatment was well-tolerated with mild side effects, offering a simple and effective option for treating children in the emergency department.
A blood test that compares two molecules in the blood can accurately distinguish between bacterial and viral infections in newborn babies with fever. The test showed a high sensitivity and specificity, and could potentially improve treatment and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Researchers found that viewing natural landscapes with VR and listening to classical music reduced patients' blood pressure and anxiety. The study showed significant reductions in blood pressure and anxiety levels after 15 minutes, with no further significant difference after 60 minutes.
A new study found that drones can significantly reduce the time between cardiac arrest reporting and defibrillation, particularly in rural and congested areas. By combining fixed AEDs with drones, access times can be reduced by up to 3.76 minutes, with over 95% of cases covered within five minutes.
A new blood test and scoring system could reduce hospital visits for patients with chest pain by up to 34% by triaging them at home or to their general practitioner. The study found that 165 patients out of 483 assessed by ambulance crews using the test and scoring system were left at home, compared to 19 out of 539 without the test.
A survey of 1,300 health professionals worldwide reveals that 75.5% have witnessed violence, with patients and relatives being the main perpetrators. The study highlights overcrowding as a significant contributor to violence, with many respondents reporting psychological harm and diminished quality of care.
Research found that emergency department overcrowding increases patient mortality by one percent for every ten percent increase in occupancy. The study also linked corridor care to increased risk of deaths, highlighting the need for policy makers and hospital managers to prioritize emergency care.
A study of 676 patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest found that neurological outcomes were similar regardless of socioeconomic background. However, lower-income areas had lower bystander CPR rates, suggesting disparities in pre-hospital care.
Research presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress finds that doctors and nurses are more accurate than AI in triaging patients in emergency departments. While AI showed some promise in flagging critical cases, its overall accuracy was lower than clinicians' across most metrics.
A study suggests that nasal sprays are as effective as injection devices like EpiPens in delivering adrenaline to counter anaphylactic shock. The sprays can reach the bloodstream faster, with similar levels of adrenaline seen in blood plasma, and have a longer shelf life.
A pilot study found that hypnosis significantly improved patients' tolerance of masks, allowing them to breathe more comfortably. The study showed a substantial improvement in non-invasive ventilation (NIV) tolerance, reduced agitation, and lower requirements for sedation and anti-anxiety medication.
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found that unplanned, premature births outside hospitals in Austria posed significant challenges for emergency teams. The study identified key findings on how to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns, including the importance of standardised protocols, training, and equipment availability.
Researchers have quantified the costs of e-scooter injuries for the first time in Ireland, revealing an average cost of €1,726 per patient. The study found that e-scooter injuries mainly resulted in musculoskeletal injuries requiring major surgery, resulting in significant financial burdens on healthcare services.
The survey found that while job satisfaction was generally positive, with an average score of 25.37 out of 36, career development opportunities, work organisation, and workload received relatively low scores. Nurses and paramedics reported higher satisfaction levels than physicians, particularly in workload and organisational aspects.
Research finds that increases in air pollution levels correspond with a higher number of patients visiting the hospital emergency department, particularly for cases of trauma, breathing difficulties, and skin conditions. The study suggests that heavy traffic is directly responsible for increased trauma cases and indirectly contributes ...
The number of seizures in US children due to medication or substance exposure has more than doubled between 2009 and 2023. The main culprits are over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription antidepressants, painkillers, and synthetic cannabinoids.
A new study suggests that many cyclists fail to wear helmets due to perceived inconvenience and discomfort, yet incentivizing them with free helmets, education, and reminders can increase helmet use. The research found that 75% of participants who received incentives wore helmets consistently after one year.
Researchers found that certain factors increased the risk of death after sepsis, including advanced age, dementia, heart disease, cancer, and previous hospitalizations. A total of 50.6% of patients with sepsis died within two years, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and follow-up care.
International experts warn that climate change will have a significant impact on emergency medical services globally, with 62% of respondents saying no assessment or action has been taken. The need for mitigation actions, education, and research is considered crucial in all regions.
Researchers identified three key trauma features - boggy swelling to the head, abdominal bruising, and thigh swelling or deformity - that prompt immediate review and prioritized treatment. The study found children brought in by carers were seen within an average time of 58.5 minutes, highlighting the need for improved triage alerts.
A new study found that only one out of four recommended screening tools for sepsis is reliable, with NEWS-2 accurately predicting 72.2% of all sepsis cases. The study also highlights the need for better awareness and more frequent use of effective screening tools to improve early sepsis recognition and survival rates.
A study of 194 patients found that those with alcohol-related diagnoses made 44% more visits and had a 138% higher death rate over 20 years compared to controls. Targeted interventions in emergency departments may help reduce this significant health burden.
Research finds that women are less likely than men to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in public places, but the gap is narrower for older adults. In private settings, the likelihood of receiving CPR decreases with age, particularly for men.
A study found that ultrasound scans performed by emergency physicians can nearly halve the time patients spend in emergency departments. This technology, known as point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), enables faster diagnoses and treatment for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Researchers found that half of patients need only five tablets or fewer of morphine to manage acute pain, varying by condition. The study aims to adapt opioid prescriptions according to patient need and reduce long-term misuse.
A pilot study found that ChatGPT performed as well as doctors in suggesting the most likely diagnoses for patients being assessed in emergency medicine departments. The chatbot generated a list of likely diagnoses and suggested the most likely option, with a large overlap between its shortlist and those of doctors.
Emergency departments are currently unsafe due to staff shortages and overcrowding, leading to increased mortality and harm. Patients also report feeling uncomfortable with ED staff, citing exhaustion and frustration as contributing factors.
Researchers found that patients awaiting surgery experienced decreased pain and improved relaxation when given a music pillow to listen to during their wait. The study, which included over 30 participants, demonstrated a positive association between music and reduced anxiety in emergency department patients.
A new study found that using digital technology in care homes can reduce emergency department attendances by 10% each month. The HealthCall app provides staff with easy access to clinical advice, allowing for more targeted care and reduced hospital admissions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that pulse oximetry has a high false negative rate, making it inaccurate for triaging patients with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. The researchers recommend developing alternative methods for rapid screening of carbon monoxide levels in capillaries.
Only half of European hospitals have a policy in place to identify children who are being neglected or abused. Hospitals with such policies use effective strategies like screening tools and staff training. However, many staff lack the necessary tools and knowledge to spot maltreated children.
A survey of 89 countries found that 62% of emergency medicine professionals experienced burnout syndrome, with 31.2% showing two symptoms. The pandemic has worsened understaffing and limited resources, leading to lower-quality care and medical errors.