Articles tagged with Emergency Rooms
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...
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
Every year, approximately 30,000 sports-related eye injuries in the United States result in ER visits, with most cases occurring among children under 18. Basketball and cycling are identified as the most common causes of these injuries. Protective eyewear can significantly reduce the incidence of such injuries.
A 10-year retrospective study at a level-1 trauma center found that competitive youth motocross athletes suffer life-threatening injuries despite wearing helmets and other safety gear. Most injuries occurred during competitions, with nearly half suffering concussions.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a $10.8 million contract to launch the LITES Network, which will create a nationwide trauma system capable of conducting detailed research on trauma care. The network aims to reduce preventable deaths after injury and minimal trauma-related disability.
Trauma centers treating high proportions of uninsured patients would see significant gains in financial margins from Medicaid expansion, according to a nationwide study. The simulation model found nearly three times as many patients would gain health insurance through Medicaid in expansion states than non-expansion states.
The EPR-CAT study seeks to test whether rapid cooling of the body temperature can give surgeons extra time to find and repair injuries, improving patient outcomes. By decreasing oxygen demand, cooling may protect vital organs from permanent damage.
Researchers report two cases of accidents caused by playing Pokémon Go while driving and walking. Players became distracted by the game and lost control of their vehicles or swerved into obstacles. The study highlights the potential risks of augmented reality games on physical safety.
Research by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlights the need to educate the public about preventable chemical eye burns in young children. The study found that one- and two-year-olds are at the greatest risk, with injuries most commonly occurring at home and among those in lower-income households.
Researchers found that each 1% decrease in trauma center volume is linked to a two-fold worsening in patient survival odds. The study suggests that unnecessary trauma centers can have a significant negative impact on patient outcomes.
Airbags and seat belts significantly reduce the likelihood of facial fractures in motor vehicle collisions. The study found that using an airbag alone reduced the risk by 18%, a seat belt by 43%, and combining both devices by 53%. Facial fractures were more common among young males who used alcohol during the collision.
A study mapped the transmission of MERS virus in a South Korean hospital, identifying an 'super-spreader' patient linked to 82 cases. The outbreak highlights the risks of overcrowding and super-spreaders in healthcare settings.
A new Canadian Syncope Risk Score tool can predict the risk of patients experiencing a serious adverse event after a fainting episode. The eight-factor screening tool helps identify low-risk patients who can be quickly and safely discharged from hospital, reducing emergency room wait times.
Researchers developed a nine-question tool to predict patients' risk of adverse events from fainting. The tool, based on eight factors, can discharge low-risk patients quickly and safely, reducing emergency room wait times.
A study published in JAMA found that firearm injury severity and in-hospital fatality rates have increased over the past two decades. From 2000 to 2013, the number of severe firearm injuries per patient rose significantly, resulting in higher death rates.
A new study by Children's Minnesota found that children treated at Level I pediatric trauma centers have lower risks of complications and adolescents face greater odds of death compared to adult trauma centers. Pediatric trauma centers provide conservative care approaches, leading to better outcomes for injured children.
The Occupant Transportation Decision Algorithm (OTDA) helps emergency responders and hospitals evaluate a crash victim's need for trauma care by analyzing data from electronic data recorders on board vehicles. The algorithm can aid in triage, reducing overtriage and undertriage rates.
A study by Northwestern University found that out-of-state visitors to Colorado's marijuana dispensaries are increasingly visiting the emergency room, with a 109% increase in 2014 compared to 2012. Adverse side effects of cannabis use include anxiety, hallucinations, and cardiovascular issues.
A novel Critical Care Resuscitation Unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center significantly speeds access to specialized care, cutting transfer time in half. The unit has decreased wait times and increased transfers, leading to better patient outcomes.
The Critical Care Resuscitation Unit (CCRU) at the University of Maryland Medical Center has seen a significant increase in transfers of critically ill surgical patients, with median arrival times cut by nearly half and median time to surgery reduced by over two-thirds. This faster intake and treatment strategy has led to improved outc...
A new study found that while prescriptions for Adderall remain unchanged among young adults, non-medical use and emergency room visits have risen significantly. The majority of non-medical use comes from family or friends, with 60% of cases occurring among 18-25-year-olds.
A new study found that damage control resuscitation (DCR) practices originating in military settings have been widely adapted in civilian trauma care. The majority of responding Trauma Medical Directors reported routine use of a 1:1:1 blood product ratio, which increases patient survival rates.
A new study by the University of Iowa found that parents' conversations with their children after an injury play a crucial role in shaping their safety values. The study revealed that parents are more likely to urge daughters than sons to be more careful and discuss why certain activities are dangerous, especially for older children. B...
A Johns Hopkins surgeon calls on hospitals to end preventable bouts of food and sleep deprivation in emergency rooms and surgical units. The expert argues that acute malnutrition and sleep deprivation have increased with busier hospitals and an aging population, leading to delayed healing and readmissions.
A 11-year study in Maryland showed that changes to trauma triage protocols decreased helicopter transport for trauma patients while improving patient outcomes. Ground transport increased by 33%, saving the state considerable money.
A recent study found that Medicaid dental coverage does not reduce emergency room visits for nontraumatic dental conditions in urban areas. Despite an adequate supply of dentists, patients struggle to find providers who accept Medicaid, leading to increased ER use.
A UCLA-led study found that despite high compliance rates with guidelines for treating traumatic brain injuries, hospitals do not necessarily provide better care. The study analyzed data from 14 Los Angeles County trauma centers and found significant variability in mortality rates and procedure adherence.
Researchers found a new treatment approach for blood clots that allows patients to go home the same day, reducing hospital stays and costs. The treatment, rivaroxaban, also reduces recurrent thrombosis and bleeding rates.
A new national study will develop guidelines for patients released from the emergency room after treatment for suspected acute heart failure symptoms. The Wayne State University School of Medicine and Detroit Receiving Hospital will serve as a site for the three-year project, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
Researchers suggest that level I trauma centers can provide training opportunities for military surgeons to maintain their skills. The study found that level I trauma centers closely resemble military Role 3 facilities in terms of case density and work schedules, making them ideal for sustaining combat surgical skills.
A study by the American Heart Association found that culturally tailored educational materials can decrease racial disparities in stroke preparedness outcomes. Interactive interventions and enhanced educational materials led to a significant increase in patients arriving at emergency departments within three hours of symptom onset.
Researchers find smokers are four times more likely to visit emergency rooms, while substance abuse and psychiatric illnesses also contribute to frequent ER use. Overall medical care visits have soared, driven by chronic diseases and increased health insurance coverage.
A University of Alberta study found that youth from families receiving government subsidies and First Nations children accounted for disproportionately high rates of self-harming behavior at Alberta's emergency rooms. The study suggests that social determinants, such as living conditions, play a crucial role in mental health outcomes.
Researchers created a model that predicts asthma-related emergency room visits with 75% accuracy by analyzing Twitter data and air quality sensors. The study highlights the potential of big data to address health challenges, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.
Researchers report improved diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients with Mobile Stroke Treatment Units, reducing median alarm-to-CT scan completion times by 41 minutes. The units provide pre-hospital evaluation and treatment, allowing for earlier clot-busting medication administration and better outcomes.
A study found that Medicaid copayments for nonurgent emergency room visits had little impact on usage rates, with no significant difference in states with and without copayments. The researchers suggest that lack of access to primary care physicians may be a reason why patients continue to seek ER care.
A new study by UMass Chan Medical School found that opioids administered in the emergency room do not influence patient satisfaction scores. Factors such as wait time and communication play a greater role, according to the study's authors.
A new study published by the American Chemical Society finds that switching to cleaner heating oils could prevent up to 290 premature deaths and 550 emergency room visits in New York City annually. The study estimates that emissions reductions would benefit high-poverty neighborhoods the most.
Atrial fibrillation hospital admission rates have increased significantly in the US, with elderly females and those with low income experiencing higher rates. Patient characteristics such as Medicare insurance and living in areas with low median income contribute to these disparities.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that strengthening medical malpractice laws did not lead to lower costs of care in emergency rooms. Despite increased protection from lawsuits, physicians continued to order unnecessary tests and hospitalize patients more frequently.
Researchers at UCSF found a nurse-led intervention program did not improve 30-day hospital readmission rates among ethnically and linguistically diverse older patients. The study suggests hospitals evaluate such programs before implementing or continuing.