Articles tagged with Emergency Rooms
A West Virginia University study found that patients treated for motor vehicle collision injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic used more drugs, including cannabinoids, opioids, and stimulants. The study suggests public health interventions may be needed to curb this behavior in rural areas.
A study found that immediate reductions in child abuse and neglect-related emergency department visits occurred after the disbursement of expanded child tax credit payments. The results suggest that making the temporary expansion permanent could lead to improved child welfare outcomes.
A diabetes screening program in an urban emergency department found high rates of undiagnosed prediabetes and type 2 diabetes among racial and ethnic minority individuals and low-income patients. The study suggests that targeted outreach to those with higher hemoglobin A1c levels may be more cost-effective.
Researchers found that primary care physicians using community health information exchanges (HIEs) reduced the likelihood of re-hospitalizations and follow-up emergency department visits. By accessing data about patient care transitions, doctors increased hospital admission lengths from 99 to 238 days.
Researchers modified an algorithm to detect urinary tract infections (UTIs) in primary care settings, removing microscopy features that weren't available. The new algorithm performed well and suggests withholding antibiotics from low-risk patients to reduce antibiotic overuse.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of rapid evaluation for TIA, which can lead to full-blown stroke. The statement offers a standardized approach to evaluating people with suspected TIA, including guidance for hospitals in rural areas with limited resources.
A new study reveals that older adults are hesitant to seek emergency care due to financial worries. Among those who may need care, 22% skip the visit altogether. Those in their 50s and early 60s, women, uninsured individuals, low-income households, and those with poor mental health are disproportionately affected.
Rates of complications, death, and subsequent surgery were similar for gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents with severe obesity. Adolescents who underwent sleeve gastrectomy had lower emergency room visits and hospital admissions compared to those who had gastric bypass surgery.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine estimates the economic burden of acute firearm injuries at a Level I Trauma Center in New Orleans, resulting in a net loss of $20.3 million over four years. The study highlights the significant financial impact of gun violence on healthcare systems and society.
Research highlights the significant role emergency departments play in end-of-life care, with nearly one-third of decedents visiting the ED just before death. The study's findings emphasize the need for emergency medicine practitioners to identify patients in need of end-of-life care and provide necessary resources.
Researchers found that structural racism and insurance barriers limit access to advanced epilepsy care for minority groups in New Jersey. Black patients with private insurance and Medicaid had the lowest EMU admission rates relative to emergency room visits.
The $2.4 million grant will provide direct training for new community health workers in Lubbock and throughout the state through registered apprenticeship programs and job placements. The program aims to increase access to healthcare and address public health needs for underserved communities.
This study found a significant increase in sexual assault emergency department visits from 2006 to 2019, surpassing the growth of law enforcement reports. Meanwhile, admission rates for sexual assault patients decreased during this period.
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 study of 1.6 million Medicare patients found significant disparities in surgical consultation rates based on race, with Black patients receiving fewer consultations for emergency general surgery conditions than their white counterparts.
A study of over 100,000 emergency room visits and 95,000 mental health hospitalizations found that less than half received follow-up care within 30 days. Having established primary care and mental health care before an acute psychiatric service use is crucial for improving follow-up rates.
Researchers found a significant association between extreme heat exposure and emergency room visits for acute kidney injury, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections. The impact of extreme heat exposure lasted up to a week, with stronger effects during transitional months.
A study found pediatric firearm-related injuries at a hospital ED increased during the first two years of the shutdown, with significant increases in African American and mentally ill patients. The total number of firearm-related injury cases rose from 88 in 2019 to 118 in 2020 and remained elevated in 2021.
Research found that hospital occupancy greater than 85% is associated with prolonged emergency department (ED) boarding beyond the 4-hour standard. ED boarding increased even when hospital occupancy remained stable, posing a challenge for healthcare systems.
A recent study published in Ear, Nose & Throat Journal found that twice-daily nasal irrigation with saline solution significantly reduced hospitalizations and deaths among patients with COVID-19, particularly those aged 55 and older. The technique is safe, effective, and inexpensive, offering a vital public health impact.
Patients who received early physical therapy had significantly lower incidence of health care resource use, including ER visits, in the first month and year after symptom onset. They also spent less money on lower back pain-related services in the first 30 days after symptom onset.
Research suggests that individuals with PTSD exhibit decreased activity in the hippocampus, leading to impaired threat reactivity and memory formation. This study reveals a significant interaction between hippocampal activity and physiological arousal in predicting PTSD symptoms.
Researchers examined law enforcement interactions with patients and clinicians in an urban emergency department, highlighting their impact on patient care. The study's findings suggest that effective communication between law enforcement officers and healthcare providers is crucial for safe and efficient patient treatment.
The study provides guidelines for healthcare facilities to respond effectively to mass shooting incidents. The clinicians identified the importance of modified triage plans, prioritizing patients based on anatomical considerations, and clear communication with emergency responders. By implementing these strategies, hospitals can better...
A phone call two days after discharge significantly reduces the likelihood of patients returning to the emergency room. The study found that nearly 4,000 patients who received an automated telephone call had lower return rates compared to those without calls.
A new study analyzing data from 1,621 US hospitals found that self-pay ER facility fees vary widely, with median prices ranging from $161 to $1,097. Hospitals in areas with higher poverty rates tend to have lower cash prices for ER facility fees.
Researchers analyzed data from trauma centers to determine if patients with seat belt injuries and negative CT scans can be safely discharged. The study found that some patients with abdominal bruising from a seat belt following a car crash may not need hospital admission.
Research finds that cannabis users have a significantly higher risk of emergency room visits and hospital admissions for any cause. However, the study did not find a significant link between cannabis use and respiratory health issues. The authors conclude that further research is needed to confirm their findings.
A new study published in PNAS found that physicians prescribe less pain medication during night shifts than during the day. Researchers attribute this discrepancy to reduced empathy among doctors on night shifts. The study analyzed data from 13,482 discharge letters and found a significant bias towards prescribing fewer painkillers at ...
Researchers at FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine are conducting a two-year study to investigate emergency department-based prevention strategies for high-risk older patients. The project aims to identify effective fall prevention strategies that target limited resources to improve patient outcomes, safety, and reduce healthcare costs.
A global study found a combination of two drugs dramatically reduces the chances of suffering an asthma attack. The combination of albuterol and budesonide lowers the number of sudden episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing in patients.
A study analyzing over 11,000 medical records found Hispanic patients with chest pain face unwarranted delays in emergency care. Language barriers, cultural values, immigration status, and inadequate healthcare professionals contribute to these disparities.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that women (18-55) and people of color with chest pain were evaluated less thoroughly and took longer to be seen in the ER. The delay could have implications for treatment and outcomes, highlighting the need for future research.
A retrospective study examined deaths, injuries, and hospital costs after a 30-foot border wall was built in San Diego and Imperial counties. The study found that raising the US-Mexico wall resulted in increased migrant deaths, trauma center admissions, and severity of injuries.
A new study reveals that Latine children who prefer speaking Spanish are more likely to visit a community health center for their acute asthma symptoms than non-Hispanic white peers. Non-Hispanic Black children are also more likely to receive asthma-related care in emergency departments.
A study found that 25.3% of children with mild head injuries continue to suffer from persistent post-concussion syndrome for years, often misdiagnosed as ADHD or sleep disorders. The syndrome causes chronic symptoms like forgetfulness, memory problems, and sensitivity to light and noise.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health-related emergency department visits surged, revealing persistent racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
A controlled trial found therapy dog visits significantly reduced pain, anxiety, and depression in ED patients. After just 10 minutes with a therapy dog, patients experienced notable reductions in these symptoms.
A single-center study found that trauma patients were less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, even as vaccines became more widely available. The study suggests that trauma centers can play a crucial role in introducing the vaccination conversation with high-risk patients.
Researchers found a significant association between extreme heat and increased mental health-related ED visits in the US. The study analyzed data from 2010 to 2019 and found that days of extreme heat were associated with higher rates of mental health-related emergency department visits.
Trauma centers in the US are increasingly screening and intervening for patients with alcohol and substance abuse issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. A survey found that over 95% of trauma centers screen and intervene for high-risk patients, leading to significant reductions in re-entry rates.
Researchers found that current screening protocols for compassionate dialysis are putting too much strain on emergency rooms, leading to longer wait times. The protocols can be adjusted to relieve congestion, but only if implemented effectively.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School developed a COVID-19 prediction model that performed well across gender, race, and ethnicity for three different outcomes. The logistic regression algorithm created to predict severe COVID-19 facilitated shared decision-making with patients regarding discharge, reducing undue de...
A study led by Dr. Aaron Bernstein found that heat increases the number of child and adolescent emergency department visits during summer months, underscoring the need for more aggressive adaptation measures. Children present to ED at higher temperatures for different reasons than adults, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities.
A large clinical trial involving over 5,000 patients found that commonly used saline solution is as effective at keeping people alive and their organs functioning as more expensive balanced solutions. The study's results provide greater certainty about the safety and benefits of saline solution for treatment.
Researchers estimated severe SARS-CoV-2 outcomes in youths tested positive in emergency departments, highlighting key risk factors. The study found higher risks of severe illness among younger patients with underlying health conditions.
A study published by UC San Diego researchers found that heat waves significantly increase emergency room visits among people experiencing homelessness. The study highlights the need for heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather conditions.
Researchers developed a web-based toolkit to integrate SafERteens into routine clinical care, which showed promising results in emergency departments and primary care settings. Both adapted interventions decreased violent behaviors among youth in diverse communities.
A Norwegian study reveals that out-of-hours emergency doctors with higher admission rates inflict significant unnecessary costs on hospitals. The study found that patients seen by these doctors have a greater chance of hospital stays, particularly those over 69 years old.
A Michigan Medicine study found that only 7.4% of patients received naloxone and 8.5% received buprenorphine prescriptions within 30 days of an opioid overdose. The low rates highlight missed opportunities for equipping patients with rescue medicines to use in case of future overdoses.
Researchers found no significant difference in mortality rates between rural and urban emergency departments for life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart attack. Despite facing funding challenges, rural ERs have proven lifesaving for patients treated at these facilities.
A University at Buffalo study explores how social and economic characteristics influence hospital readmissions and health inequity in the US. The research found that patients with lower household income, male gender, or treated in urban hospitals have a higher risk of being readmitted within a month of discharge.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that COVID-19 public health measures, such as social distancing and travel restrictions, were associated with a decrease in pink eye emergency department visits. The findings suggest these measures may have helped reduce the spread of infectious conjunctivitis.
A new study by Intermountain Healthcare finds that nearly 40% of patients reported new or continuing symptoms of depression during the pandemic. This increase in depression was associated with higher emergency department visits for anxiety and chest pain, highlighting the negative impact of the pandemic on physical and mental well-being.
A new study found that low-dose CT scans are as accurate as standard-dose scans in diagnosing appendicitis and differentiating between uncomplicated and complicated cases. This breakthrough could lead to reduced radiation exposure for young patients, improving treatment outcomes.
A new predictive tool has been developed to identify patients most at risk of experiencing a delayed discharge from hospital. The eight-variable model uses data collected when patients are admitted to hospital and is currently being piloted at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
US emergency department spending grew to $136.6 billion in 2016, with road injuries and falls accounting for the highest amount of ED spending. The study found that ED spending per visit increased at an annualized rate of 3.4% over the decade.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to significant increases in bicycle-related injuries and gun-related injuries across four US cities. Trauma cases at Level I trauma centers showed a 100% rise in bicycle-related trauma rates and a 23.5% increase in gunshot wounds.
Research found that horse riding has a higher risk of serious injury compared to other high-risk activities. The study analyzed data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open journal, revealing that chest injuries were the most common site, but head and neck injuries were the most lethal.