Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
Studies in Pakistan's trauma registry found that traumatic brain injuries are associated with high death and disability rates long after the initial injury, even in moderate cases. Patients remain vulnerable during hospital discharge transition.
A CU Anschutz-led clinical trial found an automated oxygen delivery system helped hospitalized patients spend significantly more time in their target oxygen range compared to standard care. The system reduced exposure to both low and high oxygen levels, with no increase in serious adverse events.
This study analyzed 9845 Ukrainian refugee children aged 5 and under in Southern Poland, identifying 5 distinct health care utilization profiles. The findings suggest that refugee-hosting countries must prioritize emergency and inpatient care following a crisis to rapidly adapt health care resources.
A new study of an Israeli hospital's response to the October 7 attacks reveals critical gaps in communication, staffing, logistics, and casualty distribution. The findings offer practical lessons that could help hospitals worldwide prepare for prolonged armed conflicts and other large-scale emergencies.
A new study reveals that burnout is pushing emergency physicians to leave the specialty or reduce clinical hours, exacerbating a crisis in Canadian healthcare. The study found that 10% of emergency medicine physicians had left the specialty, and women and younger physicians reported higher rates of burnout.
A retrospective study found patients registered for longer periods had 9-21% lower odds of urgent hospital admission and 17-28% lower costs. Consistently seeing the same general practitioner was associated with 6-7% lower hospital costs but not fewer urgent admissions.
A study of 997,701 ED visits in Alberta and Ontario found a significant association between wildfire-sourced PM2.5 and a 6% increase in ED visits for migraine and primary headache syndromes. Associations were attenuated in less deprived areas, suggesting that wildfire-sourced PM2.5 may trigger severe headache episodes requiring ED care.
The American College of Cardiology introduces a new cardiogenic shock designation to address deadly gaps in heart attack care. The new designation aims to standardize protocols and improve outcomes for patients with life-threatening complications of a heart attack, particularly in underserved areas.
The Pulmonary Embolism Reporting and Data Systems (PE-RADS) framework provides a simple, 0-4 grading scale for classifying acute pulmonary embolism using CT and MR angiography. The system aims to improve communication and patient care with standardized terminology and risk stratification.
Global road injury rates declined by 38.3% for new cases and 32.3% for deaths between 1990 and 2023, but progress was uneven across income groups. Low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden, with nearly six times higher mortality rates than high-income countries.
A new UCLA Health study found that female ER physicians request more imaging and laboratory tests and admit more patients to the hospital than their male counterparts. However, the additional testing was just as likely to uncover important findings, suggesting clinically appropriate care.
Researchers at Texas A&M University designed a fictional hospital to demonstrate the business case for investing in better design. The model shows that by incorporating evidence-based design strategies, hospitals can recover their additional construction costs within two years and achieve over $100 million in net financial gains over t...
A new study found that simple weekly electronic symptom check-ins with care teams significantly improves the quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. The benefits were notable among patient groups that historically faced barriers to care, including Black patients and those with less formal education.
A UMass Amherst-led study finds physicians with irritable patients experience increased anger, anxiety, and fatigue, leading to decreased engagement and quality of care. Patients' frustration affects doctors' emotional state and clinical assessments, ultimately resulting in poorer patient outcomes.
According to a new study published in PLOS One, people with a history of criminal legal involvement have higher odds of visiting an emergency department, particularly for substance use and mental health reasons. The authors conclude that CLI history should be recognized as a social determinant of health shaping patterns of ED use.
A survey of Illinois emergency departments found that many hospitals lack pediatric mental health specialists and struggle with timely access to evaluation by a mental health professional. The study proposes practical solutions, such as investing in mental health staffing, therapeutic activities, and real-time bed tracking to improve c...
Rates of diagnosis after emergency admission are even higher among women who are young, old, frail, or live in areas of deprivation, findings indicate. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common female cancer worldwide, taking over 200,000 lives every year.
The study found that primary care clinicians can make a significant impact on diabetes management by initiating continuous glucose monitoring, leading to improved glycemic control and reduced acute care utilization. This scalable strategy has the potential to improve diabetes outcomes in underserved populations.
A new study found that hypoxic liver injury is a common complication affecting over one in five patients with severe ARDS, strongly associated with increased mortality. The study suggests that HLI may serve as a valuable prognostic marker and reflection of systemic disease severity in critically ill patients.
The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme has supported the creation of 691 businesses, generating 5,184 jobs and raising over £1.27 billion in investment. The programme continues to play a critical role in retaining talent within the NHS by enabling clinicians to develop their ventures alongside their clinical careers.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that older adults discharged from hospital with a new prescription for sedatives are at increased risk of falls, further need for acute hospital care, and death within 30 days. The study looked at over 1.86 million adults aged 66 years and older and found a 20% hig...
The study's findings suggest that adults can reduce their likelihood of severe COVID-19-associated outcomes by obtaining a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccination. Receipt of the vaccine was associated with additional protection against medically attended COVID-19, including emergency department/urgent care encounters and hospitalizations.
The American Heart Association and International Federation for Emergency Medicine collaborate to strengthen training, research, and systems of care for emergency cardiovascular and resuscitative care. The three-year agreement aims to improve access to training, education, and emergency care resources in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study reveals that improving one element of a healthcare system can lead to worse patient outcomes in low- and middle-income countries due to systemic interconnectedness. Enhancing trust in the healthcare system had the greatest impact on clinical outcomes, but increased demand from more patients can quickly overwhelm services.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that a single TV episode sparked a surge in awareness and conversations about the historic ambulance service. Online search trends and social media conversations revealed how entertainment media can spark curiosity and learning about forgotten topics.
A study of over 3,200 emergency department patients across the US found that nearly all participants were aware of influenza vaccination, but 58.4% had not received a flu vaccine within the past year. Among those who declined vaccination, fear of side effects and lack of information were common concerns.
Researchers found that patients with Medicare Advantage insurance were more likely to receive certain types of stroke-preventing care and recover faster from strokes. In contrast, patients on traditional Medicare received more intensive post-stroke care and rehabilitation.
Semmelweis University's new Anatomy & Innovation Center for Education and Research has hosted two NATO battlefield surgery courses, providing realistic environments for learning and practicing new procedures. The center aims to improve patient safety and quality of care through advanced technologies and hands-on training.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that female patients with traumatic brain injuries are 26% less likely to be admitted to specialized trauma centers than males. This disparity persisted even after adjusting for factors like age, severity of injury, and other health conditions.
An integrated telehealth-based rehabilitation strategy improved 90-day health-related quality of life in mechanically ventilated adults, potentially reducing mortality. The study suggests that this approach can be delivered across intensive care unit, hospital, and postdischarge phases.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine is establishing a new Center for Combat Casualty Care with a $1 million state grant. The center will include a sensitive compartmented information facility and train military clinicians in the development of new medical tools and treatments.
A multinational clinical trial found that balanced crystalloid fluid and 0.9% saline are equally safe and effective for treating septic shock in children. The study enrolled over 9,000 children and showed no difference in outcomes between the two IV fluids.
In a cross-sectional study of ambulatory visits, digital after visit summary engagement was found to increase but remained low, especially among unmarried males, non-English-speaking populations, and publicly insured populations. This inefficiency highlights the need to reevaluate postvisit communication in these groups.
A new study finds that adult children of World Trade Center responders with PTSD are experiencing intergenerational transmission of trauma and ongoing mental health issues more than two decades after the 9/11 attacks. The research highlights the lasting impact of trauma on families and communities affected by the disaster.
A cohort study found increased pediatric capability was not linked to differences in imaging use by insurance or racial/ethnic groups. Additional efforts are needed to improve quality and equity of care for children.
The University of Texas at San Antonio's three nominated researchers, Lyle Hood, Amina Qutub, and David L. Roberts, have made significant contributions to various fields, including medical devices, AI in healthcare, and mental health services.
The total cost of emergency admissions for mental health among children and young people in England rose from £22.5 million to £87.3 million between 2012/13 and 2021/22, driven by increases in admission rates and lengths of stay. Eating disorders and self-harm were the two most costly conditions, with over 80% of total mental health co...
Mount Sinai physicians will offer expert guidance and resources to keep pickleball players safe and healthy at more locations than ever before. The partnership aims to promote physical and mental well-being, as well as boost longevity through pickleball.
A clinical trial found that a remote multicomponent rehabilitation programme can improve quality of life for patients recovering from intensive care, particularly those ventilated for shorter periods. The online intervention combined symptom management, exercise, psychological support, and peer information, offering hope for better rec...
A study derived 'achievable benchmarks of care' (ABCs) using electronic health record data to set realistic performance goals for pediatric emergency departments. The new benchmarks highlight gaps between typical and top-performing clinician performance, particularly in domains such as pain reduction and asthma management.
A nationwide trial found that giving whole blood or its component parts to patients with severe bleeding before arriving at the hospital is equally effective. The study, which included over 1,000 patients, also showed no difference in outcomes between newer and older blood within a certain time frame.
A study found that PEG tube aspirate and vomitus display distinct color patterns, with the aspirate being yellow-green and the vomitus dark brown. This contrast can serve as a diagnostic clue for gastric outlet obstruction in resource-limited settings.
A nationwide study found no significant association between telemedicine adoption and changes in US ambulatory visits or total medical spending. The expansion of telemedicine has eased concerns about increased utilization and spending, as the growth did not lead to large increases in these areas.
A study of over 31,000 patients found that pneumonia occurred more often after breathing tubes were removed than during ventilation, with most cases developing within a 1–2 week window after surgery. Early assessment and intervention focusing on swallowing function are crucial for prevention and improved outcomes.
Children who need life-saving emergency surgery are nearly six times more likely to die if treated in poorer countries compared to wealthier ones. Major differences in care, including delayed hospital arrival and limited access to critical treatments, contribute to this disparity.
A recent study found a one-year mortality rate of 8.6% among opioid overdose survivors, significantly higher than previous estimates. The study also revealed that 21.2% of individuals experienced repeat overdoses within the same year.
A retrospective study found lower in-hospital mortality and emergency department use within 30 days of discharge for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing hospital at home compared to traditional inpatient care. However, hospital readmissions within 30 days showed no significant difference between the two approaches.
A new study reveals significant variation in sickle cell disease hospitalizations and costs across New York State, with regional differences in access to specialized care and treatment impacting outcomes. Long Island and New York City show high costs and complex cases, while Central New York has the longest average length of stay.
Artificial platelets have been developed that remain stable and effective after a year at room temperature and two months at high temperatures. This technology could enable direct injection of synthetic platelets into bone marrow to treat life-threatening bleeding in remote areas or disaster zones.
A University of Cincinnati study proves the feasibility and scalability of collecting blood from patients in cardiac arrest during treatment. The approach, which involves paramedics delivering samples to a biorepository, showed significant variation among patients and underscores the need for further research.
A new study found that kratom exposures reported to US poison centers increased 6,500% between 2010 and 2023, with severe outcomes rising from zero cases to 158. States with kratom bans had lower rates of exposure and healthcare use compared to those with regulations.
In England, 13,386 patients waited at least three days for A&E treatment in 2025, with numbers spending a whole day in emergency departments increasing by a third since 2023. The prolonged waits are causing harm to patients nationwide, with some saying they'd rather die at home.
A video game developed to improve trauma triage decision making in emergency doctors has shown promising results. The game reduced under-triage rates for older patients by 49% compared to those who did not play the game, suggesting improved diagnostic abilities and adherence to guidelines.
A new mapping model uses geo-mapping and statistical analysis to identify areas with the greatest need for prehospital whole blood transfusions. The model can help hospital systems quickly deploy scarce blood resources and minimize waste, particularly in underserved communities.
A study found that children who need dental care the most are less likely to participate in school-based cavity prevention programs, which can lead to significant savings for state Medicaid programs. Improving participation among high-risk children could save up to $2.4 million annually.
A new study using a national database of e-scooter injuries found that children accounted for over 45% of e-scooter related injuries. Racial and ethnic disparities were also noted, with Black and Hispanic children seeing the highest rates of injury, at 16% and 15.7%, respectively.
A study of young adults treated in emergency departments found that a firearm-specific risk screening tool, SaFETy score, can predict the risk of interpersonal firearm violence. The findings support the value of the SaFetY score for screening young adults for firearm risk who present to emergency departments.
Dr. Cameron J. Gettel receives the Jeffrey H. Silverstein Memorial Award for his work advancing emergency care for older adults, improving care transitions, and reducing financial burden of acute care. He is recognized as an emerging national leader in geriatric emergency care.
Canada's health system would bear the burden of medical care in major armed conflicts, and lacks a coordinated command structure and surge capacity. A national framework with three pillars – sustained clinical readiness, dual-use capacity, and formal coordination – is proposed to address this vulnerability.
A new study found that ER triage scores for children's mental or behavioral health were inaccurate in two-thirds of cases, with biases against Black and Hispanic patients. Parents are advised to advocate for their child if they suspect a risk of self-harm or harm to others while waiting.