Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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.
Between 2011-2020, e-scooter injuries in children increased, with over 10% of patients sustaining head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and internal bleeding. Hospital admittance for e-scooter injuries rose from 4.2% to 12.9%, highlighting the need for helmet safety.
Two studies reveal rising emergency department wait times and patient abandonment due to overcrowding, with 5% of hospitals experiencing over 10% patient abandonment and median boarding times reaching 3.4 hours nationally.
A new CAPSTONE study aims to identify inflammatory biomarkers associated with positive and poor outcomes in patients after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) strokes. By analyzing patient blood and plasma samples, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments to prevent long-term brain degeneration.
Researchers found elevated traumatic brain injury biomarkers in football players in skill positions, including quarterbacks, wide receivers, and defensive backs. The study suggests that head impact magnitude, not frequency, causes the greatest elevations in TBI biomarkers.
A recent study found that telemental health can be effective in reducing treatment gaps and improving access to mental health care, especially for marginalized groups. However, it is crucial to consider individual preferences, circumstances, and technological access when implementing this approach.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that the Emergency Critical Care Center within an emergency department improved patient survival rates without increasing costs. The ED-ICU model reduced total direct cost per encounter by 22.1% for critically ill patients, likely due to early, coordinated critical care.
Researchers surveyed FAU residents on perceptions, coping strategies, and mental health during the pandemic. Residents reported effective coping mechanisms like acceptance, self-distraction, and emotional support, but found depression and anxiety levels in normal ranges.
A small qualitative study found that emergency departments often fail to provide dignified and respectful care to frail older patients, leading to long waits and poor communication. The researchers recommend making healthcare settings more 'frailty friendly' by prioritizing patient comfort and involvement.
A multidisciplinary effort to improve care for older patients with hip fractures has led to expedited surgery, shorter hospital stays, and better follow-up care at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The program, launched in 2021, prioritizes early pain management and standardized care protocols.
A new study published in Pediatrics has found that children living in neighborhoods with greater hardships are more likely to use emergency departments. The study used the Pediatric Health Information Systems database and found a positive association between neighborhood Child Opportunity Index (COI) scores and ED visits, indicating th...
A study published in The Lancet reveals that AI-based risk profiling can improve treatment outcomes for women with heart attacks. By accounting for sex-related differences, the novel score refines current risk models and reduces mortality rates among female patients.
The study found that the probability of surviving cardiac arrest outside hospital has more than doubled in 30 years, from approximately 5% to 11%. The improvement is attributed to increased CPR training and better healthcare resources. However, ambulance delays and an increase in difficult-to-treat cases are hindering further progress.
Researchers developed a blood test that predicts poor outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), allowing clinicians to make decisions earlier on possible treatment. The test, which measures protein biomarkers GFAP and UCH-L1, showed high accuracy in predicting death and severe disability six months after injury.
A team of researchers from Osaka University developed an AI algorithm to predict the risk of mortality for trauma patients. They analyzed a large dataset of patient information and blood markers to identify critical factors that guide treatment strategies more precisely.
A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that urgent care centers can divert imaging tests away from emergency departments after spinal trauma, resulting in cost savings. The study analyzed data from May 2021 to August 2021 and estimated annual savings of $437,928.
Researchers developed a blood test tool that predicts patient outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI), with 87% accuracy for predicting death and 86% for predicting severe disability. The tests are diagnostic and prognostic, easy to administer, swift, and inexpensive.
The August issue of the CHEST journal features 47 articles on clinically relevant topics such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary vascular disease. A highlighted article examines barriers to palliative care in interstitial lung disease.
The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated high levels of protection against emergency department and urgent care encounters related to Delta and Omicron variants. A third dose improved protection against Omicron beyond initial two-dose efficacy, emphasizing the importance of boosters for adolescents aged 12-17.
A study from the University of Warwick found that 69.3% of OHCA's in the West Midlands occurred within 500 meters of a school, equivalent to a five-minute walk. The research suggests that increasing accessibility and availability of defibrillators could lead to improved survival rates.
Researchers found that individuals staying in hotels received significantly reduced acute care services, including emergency visits and hospitalizations. The study suggests that these programs can have a positive impact beyond just reducing COVID-19 cases among vulnerable populations.
Researchers developed an AI-driven device that detects and predicts hemodynamic instability using a single ECG lead, outperforming traditional vital sign measurements with nearly 97% sensitivity. The technology has the potential to provide continuous dynamic monitoring capabilities in patients with intermittent static vital sign measur...
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.
The 2016 CDC guideline aimed to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by encouraging clinicians to weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing opioids. Researchers found a significant increase in nonopioid pain medication prescribing rates, coinciding with a drop in opioid prescribing.
A study of 3069 ICU patients found racial and ethnic disparities in oxygen supplementation, with Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients receiving less oxygen than white patients. Pulse oximeter performance may be contributing factor to these disparities.
A study of 56,000 older adults found that health-related social needs were associated with significantly higher rates of acute care utilization. Unreliable transportation was particularly linked to hospital stays and emergency department visits.
Outpatient antibiotic management of selected patients with appendicitis is safe, allowing many to avoid surgery and hospitalization. This treatment approach is associated with fewer serious adverse effects compared to hospitalization.
Establishing complete trauma care programs accessible to all road injury victims could save 200,000 lives annually, according to a study. Clinical interventions such as early resuscitation and interventional radiology are the most effective measures to reduce deaths related to road traffic injuries.
The MedSENS instrument measures body temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation from the ear canal using innovative sensors. It has been tested in harsh environments and proven to be easy to use, with its data transmitted wirelessly to other devices.
Pediatric mental health ED visits increased by 27% during COVID-19 pandemic, mainly for suicide and self-injury, with higher admission rates for severe cases
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 ...
Residents in predominantly Black communities are more likely to live near a hospital with a certified stroke center but face lower chances of receiving optimal treatment. The study also reveals significant disparities in access to stroke centers based on income and geographic location.
A new study published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research found that cannabis users are 22% more likely to visit the emergency department or be hospitalized compared to non-users. Serious physical injury and respiratory-reasons were the leading causes of ED visits and hospitalizations among cannabis users.
A new study found that while timely heart attack treatment has improved over time, disparities persist among female patients and patients from underrepresented racial groups. The study analyzed data from over 450,000 California hospital records between 2005 and 2015.
A new study reveals that police involvement in student mental health transfers at Ontario universities differs significantly, with some universities using handcuffs routinely and others reserving them for rare circumstances. The study recommends engaging police only in high-risk situations to minimize restraints during transfers.
Encounter rates for physical abuse in children decreased by 19% during the pandemic, but reasons are unclear. Pediatricians worry that less recognition of child abuse while kids were away from in-person school might be to blame.
A study of nearly 2 million Medicaid enrollees in 2016 revealed racial disparities in healthcare spending and use. Black enrollees used fewer primary care services and recommended care for acute and chronic conditions, but had higher emergency department use compared to white enrollees.
A study from the University of Tsukuba found that home oxygen therapy, care level need 4-5, and cancer are key predictors of frequent emergency house calls among elderly patients. This prediction can help allocate medical resources effectively.
Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic decedents with dementia used less hospice but more emergency department and inpatient services. They incurred higher Medicare inpatient expenditures, with a 60% increase compared to white decedents.
A study of over 12 million emergency department visits reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in imaging rates among children. Non-Hispanic white patients consistently received more diagnostic imaging than their black counterparts, highlighting systemic inequities in healthcare.
A team led by University of Utah Health has improved the quality and consistency of care in emergency situations in Rwanda. The project, which began a decade ago, provided advanced training for emergency responders and hospital staff and established standardized checklists for patient care.
A new Cornell-led study reveals that more than 99% of veterinarians have encountered useless or non-beneficial veterinary care, leading to moral distress and difficulties in advocating for euthanasia. The study found that 89% of veterinarians administer futile care, with 42% experiencing frequent instances.
Scientists have discovered that certain metals found in people's urine could be potentially useful clinical biomarkers for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI). The study, which was led by experts from the University of Nottingham, found that concentrations of these metals rose in urine within an hour after cardiac surgery ...
A survey of 89 countries found that 62% of emergency medicine professionals experienced burnout syndrome, with 31.2% showing two symptoms. The pandemic has worsened understaffing and limited resources, leading to lower-quality care and medical errors.
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.
The study found that the adapted version of the Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) Program, RED for Depression (RED-D), reduced hospital readmissions among patients with depressive symptoms by 48% and 70% at 30- and 90-day marks. The program included post-discharge depression treatment and transition support.
The Mount Sinai Hospital will recruit eight postdoctoral trainees for a five-year fellowship program in emergency care research. The program aims to investigate complex medical questions and lead to studies transforming patient care.
Parents generally accept AI tools for managing children with respiratory illnesses in the ED, but younger and non-Hispanic Black parents have greater concerns. The study highlights the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in developing AI systems for pediatric healthcare.
The current monkeypox outbreak is more widespread than previous ones outside of Africa, with significant cases reported in Europe, the UK, and North America. A notable increase in cases among men who have sex with men has been observed, although the cause remains unclear.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that excess deaths were higher during the Omicron variant period (2,294) compared to the Delta variant period (1,975) in Massachusetts. The researchers suggest that highly contagious variants like Omicron can lead to substantial excess mortality even in a highly vaccinated population.
A new analysis found that while the number of emergency physician residency programs is increasing, they are disproportionately located in urban areas, rather than rural communities. This can exacerbate workforce challenges and shortages in rural areas, with many states lacking emergency medicine residency programs.
A multidisciplinary panel of experts recommends avoiding repeat CTAP imaging and prioritizing opioid-minimizing pain control strategies for adults with low-risk, recurrent abdominal pain. The guidelines also suggest screening for depression and anxiety during ED evaluations.
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.
Researchers found a weak correlation between provider and patient satisfaction with anesthesia during ocular surgery, suggesting that providers are poor predictors of patient comfort. The study recommends further research to understand patient satisfaction with anesthesia.
Dr. Lauren Southerland will receive the award for her pioneering multidisciplinary geriatric models of care for older adults with emergency healthcare needs. Her research focuses on quality improvement, implementation science, and incorporating geriatric care into ED care.
A simulated crisis-care event revealed the moral distress experienced by triage team members who had to prioritize patients for scarce resources. The study aimed to operationalize a process for making life-and-death patient decisions, but triage-team members struggled with balancing individual patient needs with fair resource allocation.
Researchers have identified a biomarker that indicates high risk of impending stroke post-subarachnoid hemorrhage, enabling early treatment initiation in comatose patients. Electrodiagnostic monitoring detects 'spreading depolarizations' caused by toxic by-products of blood breakdown, allowing clinicians to intervene before it's too late.
A new study reveals funding for fertility preservation policies varies across the UK, with Scotland offering the most inclusive approach. The study highlights the need for standardization of policies to ensure equal access to care for patients.