Articles tagged with Emergency Rooms
A highly unusual case of a right-handed patient performing unconscious 'mirror-writing' with her left hand while in the midst of having epileptic seizures was reported by doctors. The study, published at Euroanaesthesia, suggests that mirror writing may occur in patients with epilepsy affecting one limb.
A recent study by Washington State University's Bidisha Mandal found that the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion program has reduced the number of uninsured low-income residents, particularly in rural areas. However, the likelihood of repeated emergency room visits for non-urgent reasons has not decreased.
Researchers have developed a machine learning model that analyzes speech and facial movements to diagnose strokes with high accuracy, potentially saving valuable time in diagnosing the condition. The tool was tested on over 80 patients and achieved 79% accuracy comparable to clinical diagnostics by emergency room doctors.
A new study published in INFORMS Journal found that increasing telemedicine availability in emergency rooms (ERs) can significantly reduce average patients' length of stay and waiting time. This improvement comes without compromising care quality or patient cost, offering a promising solution to ER congestion.
The study found that non-physician team members, particularly Army reservists, spent more time treating patients in civilian centers than active duty members. The researchers highlighted the importance of integrating active duty FRST members into civilian trauma centers to provide optimal training and care before deployment.
A new study suggests that as lockdowns took effect, COVID-19 patients' viral loads decreased, leading to lower proportions requiring intensive care. This association may be linked to the previously observed relationship between viral load and less severe clinical manifestations.
A study published in Population Health Management found that socially isolated elderly individuals are more likely to experience future hospital admissions and emergency room visits. The research highlights the importance of providing support services to prevent unnecessary healthcare utilization.
A recent study found that social distancing measures significantly decreased paediatric emergency room visits and hospital referrals due to viral respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia. The incidence of lower respiratory tract infections decreased by around one-fifth.
A new survey found that 53% of Americans know some or a lot about burn injuries and treatment, but many are unaware of common risks like applying ice to burns. The survey highlights the importance of being aware of fire-related hazards during summer activities like grilling and using fireworks.
Researchers developed a novel clinical decision support system to predict individual trauma patient outcome based on historical data and real-world evidence. The system uses an evidential reasoning rule to process clinical signs and symptoms, identifying patients at risk of adverse events such as ICU admission or in-hospital death.
A simulated patient study in Northern California found that counties with limited new patient primary care appointments had higher rates of Medi-Cal patients' emergency room usage. Adequate access to primary care is crucial for improving health outcomes and controlling costs among Medicaid expansion beneficiaries.
A new protocol using highly sensitive blood tests can quickly determine whether someone is having a heart attack, allowing for efficient evaluation of patients with possible heart attacks. The study found that the process can 'rule out' heart attacks within one hour in over half of patients.
Researchers found that most mass shootings (71.1%) occurred more than 10 miles from a pediatric trauma center, highlighting the need for preparedness and resources in all hospitals.
Nontrauma center hospitals are disproportionately close to mass shootings in the US, according to a recent study published in JAMA Surgery. The researchers found that these hospitals were the nearest to most of the mass shootings that occurred in 2019, with an average distance of just 1.8 miles.
Emergency medicine physicians at MCG are equipping rural hospitals with mobile carts for remote consultation and basic diagnostic tests, guided by MCG physicians. This partnership aims to enable rural hospitals to provide higher-level emergency care, reducing transfers to larger hospitals.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Daniel S. Nagin found a strong positive correlation between statewide gun ownership and police use of lethal force, suggesting that more guns lead to more police shootings. The analysis also showed that access to trauma centers can lower rates of deaths in police encounters.
A novel intervention integrating psychological values-based approach with coordinated care management significantly improved daily functioning for vulnerable patients. The 'values-based' approach identified patients' values and goals to engage them in appropriate care, reducing hospital costs and improving quality of life.
Patients managing their health via electronic patient portals had fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Access to the portal was associated with more outpatient office visits, fewer emergency department visits, and fewer preventable hospital stays in patients with multiple complex chronic conditions.
A study of 1,154 patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) found that more mTBI patients reported limitations at 12 months post-injury compared to those with orthopedic injuries. At this time, 47% of mTBI patients and 62% of control group patients had returned to full pre-injury functioning.
A new study found that African American men are more likely to visit a doctor's office or clinic for healthcare due to higher threat sensitivity and having insurance. In contrast, those with lower threat sensitivity and no usual place for healthcare were more likely to frequent the emergency room.
Residents of historically redlined neighborhoods are more than twice as likely to visit emergency rooms for asthma, with significantly higher levels of diesel particulate matter in the air. Poverty and psychosocial stresses associated with living in divested neighborhoods also contribute to the disparity.
A digital procedural checklist for trauma centers has been developed and implemented, supporting trauma teams without hindering performance. The checklist, which includes over 55 tasks, was designed through years of collaborative research and testing, and its use in real trauma settings showed positive results.
Research from the UBC Sauder School of Business reveals that emergency patient acuity levels sometimes come second to wait time targets. Once wait time targets have passed, patient acuity levels are considered more seriously. The study's authors suggest revising policy guidelines to weigh wait times against patient acuity levels.
Researchers analyzed firearm-injured patients arriving at Philadelphia-area hospitals within 15 minutes of each other, revealing 54 cluster events over 11 years. These clusters were more likely to occur at night and be female, with lower mortality rates than traditional mass shootings.
A new study finds that urban African-Americans are significantly more likely to live in trauma deserts with limited access to advanced emergency medical care. The introduction of UChicago Medicine's Level 1 Trauma Center has reduced Chicago's disparity sevenfold, but racial disparities persist in New York City and Los Angeles.
Black-majority neighborhoods in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago face disparities in access to trauma centers, with racial/ethnic disparities only significant in New York after accounting for poverty. The study suggests trauma planning should address racial equity, particularly in densely populated areas like New York.
Researchers used AI to analyze electronic health records and identified 16 medical concepts predicting alcohol misuse in 78% of cases. This method could overcome staffing and patient barriers for screening and referral programs at trauma centers.
A University of Iowa study found that rural hospitals using tele-medicine to back up their emergency room health care providers save an average of $117,000 annually in healthcare provider costs. This model also helps recruit new physicians by offering better work-life balance and reducing burnout.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that air pollution from ozone and fine particulate matter may be responsible for nine to 33 million emergency room visits globally. The research suggests that policies aimed at cleaning up the air can reduce the global burden of asthma.
A new study mapped the incidence of motor vehicle collisions resulting in children's deaths across the US, revealing wide variations in mortality rates between states and counties. The researchers identified proximity to trauma centers and emergency response times as key factors influencing child mortality.
Research finds that states with poor access to a comprehensive trauma center have more deaths occurring before injured patients arrive at a hospital. Improving access to care and reducing prehospital deaths can lead to lower overall trauma-related mortality.
A global update on medically significant scorpions reveals over 100 species across dozens of countries, with key clusters in Asia, Africa, and South America. The study also highlights the need for improved communication between clinicians and scientists to combat misinformation and enhance research.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Maryland Health Enterprise Zones linked to significant reductions in inpatient stays (18,562 fewer) and overall health care cost savings ($93 million). Despite a jump in emergency room visits, the initiative brought large net cost savings.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that urgent care visits have increased significantly while emergency room visits for low-acuity conditions have decreased by 36 percent between 2008 and 2015. The growth of urgent care centers is attributed to their convenience, shorter wait times, and lower costs.
A new high-sensitivity blood test for cardiac troponin has been found safe and effective in diagnosing heart attacks faster than traditional methods. The test ruled out heart attack in 30-83.8% of patients within three hours, compared to 80.4% with conventional testing.
A nationwide study found that over half of concussion patients are lost in the healthcare system shortly after diagnosis, posing a significant risk to their health. The lack of follow-up care is particularly concerning, as it can lead to debilitating symptoms and prolonged recovery times.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine analysis shows that trauma patients are four times more likely to die from gunshot wounds and nearly nine times more likely to die from stab wounds before getting to a trauma center. The increased prehospital mortality suggests that violence is intensifying.
Depression affects cardiovascular disease patients, leading to poorer healthcare experiences, increased healthcare resource use, and higher health costs. Studies found that undiagnosed depression in cardiovascular patients can result in worse healthcare-related quality of life and more emergency room visits.
A new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that patients under 65 who are taken to a trauma center have a higher chance of being favorably discharged, while those over 65 have a lower risk of mortality. The study also highlights a serious care disparity for these severely injured patients.
Studies show that home infusions can decrease infusion burden for selected patients and are cost-effective. Telemedicine may also improve outcomes but increases healthcare utilization. Urgent care access and patient education also lead to improved clinical outcomes and satisfaction.
A new video game has been shown to improve doctors' ability to recognize and triage severe trauma patients, outperforming traditional text-based education. The game, which uses narrative engagement to promote behavior change, recalibrated physicians' brains to make quicker decisions with incomplete information.
Hospitals investing in affordable housing can reduce emergency room visits and costly interventions, saving taxpayer dollars. By combining housing with wraparound services, hospitals can build healthy communities where families can thrive financially and physically.
A new study by University of Maryland School Medicine researchers found that nearly half of all US medical care is delivered by emergency departments. Emergency department visits increased by 44% over a 14-year period, with African-American patients and those without insurance using these services at a higher rate.
A new study from the University of Colorado Denver finds that medical scribes significantly decrease patient wait times by about 13 minutes per patient. The presence of a scribe also reduces the time physicians spend completing patient charts, lowering overtime costs for emergency departments.
The UNC School of Medicine will use the grant to develop a new protocol for Afib patients, allowing them to receive care in outpatient settings. The goal is to reduce hospitalizations and improve patient engagement in their own health.
One in five teens reported having suffered a concussion, with 5.5% experiencing multiple concussions over their lifetime according to a University of Michigan study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
A new analysis finds that victims of gunshots and stabbings are less likely to die if transported to a trauma center by private vehicle rather than ground emergency medical services. Penetrating injuries such as knife and gun wounds showed a significant reduction in mortality rates when transported privately.
A new study has identified four key strategies for preventing overcrowding in emergency rooms, including the involvement of executive leadership and a data-driven approach. High-performing hospitals use coordinated strategies, gather data to adjust operations in real-time, and hold staff accountable to reduce crowding.
Emergency room visits for shingles increased among patients aged 20-59 years old after vaccination, while decreases were seen in younger and older groups. Shingles-related costs rose by 111% from 2006 to 2013, with the majority attributed to middle-aged patients.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that trauma centers verified by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma have lower complication rates for pediatric and elderly patients. The study analyzed data from the National Trauma Data Bank and found that patients treated at non-verified trau...
A University of Alberta study found that women with atrial fibrillation have a 40% higher risk of dying within a month of hospital discharge compared to men. The study analyzed data from 21,062 Albertans and controlled for factors such as age and health-related variables.
Health promotion advocates in pediatric emergency rooms identify young people experimenting with substances and connect them with necessary resources and treatment. Over four years, advocates screened 2,149 patients for risky behaviors and referred 81% to substance use disorder treatment services.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that most patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis can safely go home with a prescription for oral antibiotics after their ER visit. The study, which evaluated 240 patients, revealed that about half of those admitted to hospital could have been sent home.
Patients with good provider communication are more likely to use prescribed cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, take aspirin, and comply with treatment plans. They also experience better health outcomes and lower healthcare expenditures compared to those with poor communication.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that city living can worsen asthma in poor children, with urbanization and black race being strong independent risk factors for increased asthma morbidity. The study analyzed data from over 16 million children enrolled in Medicaid between 2009-2010.
A study found that taking opioids with benzodiazepines increases the risk of opioid overdose by substantially. Researchers call for cautious prescribing and education programs to warn prescribers and patients about the risks of concurrent use.
A new study reveals that nearly one in four people who seek emergency care for eye problems have mild conditions, such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis, that don't require emergency treatment. The researchers recommend ways to reduce inappropriate ER visits, including telemedicine and after-hours appointments.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nearly one-third of gunshot wounds in Cook County, Illinois were treated outside designated trauma centers. The majority of these undertriaged cases were located in certain neighborhoods on the west side of Chicago and southern parts of Cook County.
A new report in JAMA Surgery found that only one in six gunshot patients with serious injuries are treated at designated trauma centers. The study found that these 'undertriaged' patients were more likely to live on the south and west sides of the county, where trauma centers are scarce.
A hospital-based injury prevention program helps teens understand the dangers of texting, cell phone use, and other distractions while driving. The program increased teens' awareness of the risks and encouraged them to adopt healthy driving behaviors, such as not making phone calls or sending texts while driving.