Articles tagged with Emergency Rooms
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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.
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.
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.
A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 34% of major trauma patients are undertriaged in the United States. The most common diagnosis for undertriaged patients is traumatic brain injury, affecting over 40%. Increasing trauma center capacity by 51% would be needed to accommodate all undertriaged patients.
A study published in Population Health Management found that an Emergency Room Decision-Support (ERDS) program can significantly reduce ER visits and hospital admissions among older adults on Medicare. By improving care coordination, the program saved $1.24 in healthcare costs for every dollar invested.
A study published in Telemedicine and e-Health found that telemedicine can lead to fewer and shorter hospital stays, as well as fewer emergency room visits and even fewer deaths. The integration of telemedicine into healthcare adds great value in managing chronic disease.
A recent study found that emergency room visits for high blood pressure increased by 25% between 2006-11, while admission percentages fell. Additionally, the percentage of patients who died in the hospital decreased by 36%. The researchers attributed this decline to improved treatment skills among ER and hospital physicians.
Researchers developed an app that measures tremor strength using iPods, enabling clinicians to objectively assess patients' symptoms. The app's accuracy matches that of junior physicians and senior doctors, potentially improving treatment for alcohol withdrawal patients worldwide.
A Mayo Clinic study found that 1 in 5 patients who went to the ER with gallbladder pain were sent home to schedule surgery, but returned within a month needing urgent surgery. Younger and older patients, as well as those with other health problems, are likelier to need emergency gallbladder removal.
A new UCSF study reveals that emergency department closures can lead to a 5% higher risk of death for patients admitted to nearby hospitals, particularly those with time-sensitive conditions. The findings highlight the ripple effect on patient outcomes and surrounding communities.
A University of Washington researcher found that a 20-minute conversation with a social worker can significantly reduce functional decline in patients with mild traumatic brain injuries. Social workers can provide education, coping strategies, resources, and follow-up care to help patients recover from these types of injuries.
Researchers analyzed over 10 years of medical helicopter transports in Maryland, finding that 31% of trauma cases could have been transported by ambulance within the golden hour, saving thousands of dollars. GIS technology provides accurate estimates of transport times to trauma centers.
Injured patients who live near closed trauma centers are at a higher risk of dying due to increased travel time to other hospitals. A study analyzing over 270,000 patients found that those with decreased access to trauma care had 21% higher odds of in-hospital death.
A Stanford study analyzing over 4,500 trauma cases found that insured patients are more likely to be admitted to non-trauma centers and receive worse care. This is because hospitals may admit insured patients to generate revenue, despite the risk of sub-optimal care.
Rates of traumatic spinal cord injuries are rising fastest among those over 65, with falls being the leading cause. The average age of injured adults has increased from 41 to 51, and fatalities are more common in older individuals.
A unique study on Oregon's citizens found that adults covered by Medicaid use emergency rooms 40% more than those without health insurance. The research sheds light on the inner workings of healthcare in the US, challenging traditional economics frameworks suggesting that insurance would decrease medical care usage.
The Affordable Care Act authorizes $100 million in annual grants to help defray substantial uncompensated care costs, further the core mission of trauma centers, and provide emergency relief. Trauma systems emphasize coordination among multiple health care professionals and institutions across the continuum of care.
A new study suggests that asthma inhalers with dose counters can significantly reduce emergency room visits by 55 percent. The study found that patients who use these inhalers are more likely to know if they have enough medication left and receive timely treatment, resulting in fewer severe attacks. According to the American College of...
A study found that elderly patients with severe injuries, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, are often undertriaged and sent to non-trauma centers despite having a higher risk of mortality. Trauma centers provide specialized care, resulting in lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine studied 589 adults and found no association between marijuana frequency and health status, healthcare utilization, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or medical diagnoses.
A new Johns Hopkins research study reveals that nearly 80% of trauma centers treating predominantly minority patients have higher-than-expected death rates. Meanwhile, trauma patients of all races are 40% less likely to die if treated at hospitals with lower-than-expected mortality rates, which mostly serve white patients.
A study published in Health Affairs found that over 85,000 minimally injured patients were sent to major trauma hospitals despite not needing them, resulting in excessive costs. The study suggests that early decisions in the healthcare process can lead to higher costs downstream.
A new study finds that half a billion dollars could be saved annually by using bedside physical exams to identify patients who truly need imaging tests instead of routine head CT scans. Emergency room physicians can confidently diagnose benign inner-ear disorders, freeing up resources for those who need stroke diagnosis.
A nationwide study estimates over 1,500 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to cell phone use while walking in 2010. Young people aged 16-25 were most likely to be injured as distracted pedestrians, with talking on the phone accounting for 69% of injuries.
The study analyzed patients with prior organ transplants and found that their outcomes after traumatic injury are not worse than those of non-transplanted patients. Transplanted organs were rarely injured in traumatic events, and immunosuppression may have played a role in protecting organs from inflammation.
Overweight and obese patients are more likely to repeatedly change primary care doctors, leading to increased emergency room visits. The practice of 'doctor shopping' disrupts continuity of care and can compromise the health of these patients.
A new study of almost 100,000 patients found that women with severe injuries were significantly less likely to be treated in a trauma center compared to men. The study also revealed differences in treatment patterns among women aged 65 or older and those with fall-related or motor vehicle-related injuries.
Emergency departments are now responsible for half of all hospital admissions in the US, accounting for nearly all growth in hospital admissions between 2003 and 2009. Despite evidence that people with chronic conditions visit emergency departments more frequently, hospital admissions for these conditions have remained flat.
Two new studies from Henry Ford Hospital found that hematuria, or blood in the urine, contributes significantly to emergency room costs. Imaging procedures for hematuria result in an estimated $75 million annual increase in ED charges.
Researchers found that if 90% of seriously injured patients survive with ground transport, 91.6 need to survive with helicopter transport for it to be considered cost-effective. The study aims to reduce uncertainty about the factors driving the use of critical care resources.
A study found that less than half of emergency room medical providers believe most or all suicides are preventable and rarely ask about firearm availability. This can lead to missed opportunities to save lives, as many providers think it's the responsibility of psychiatrists or social workers to address firearms.