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Telehealth follow-up associated with increased returns and hospitalizations after emergency department visit

Research from UCLA Health Sciences found that telehealth consultations following an emergency department visit were associated with 28 more repeat ED encounters and nearly 11 more return hospital admissions per 1000 patients. The findings highlight the need for careful consideration of when to use telemedicine for post-ED follow-ups.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2022

Patients waiting for urgent surgery in A&E feel calmer and experience less pain if given a music pillow

Researchers found that patients awaiting surgery experienced decreased pain and improved relaxation when given a music pillow to listen to during their wait. The study, which included over 30 participants, demonstrated a positive association between music and reduced anxiety in emergency department patients.

Gender equity at the wilderness medical society: Driving change through transparency

A recent study published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine reveals a significant gender gap in leadership roles and publishing opportunities within the WMS and its journal. The findings show that women comprise only 10% of board presidents, 18% of recognition awards, and 20% of mainstage presenters.

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2022

New research highlights lack of follow-up care for youth and young adults after hospitalization or ER visit for mental health

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.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022

An emergency department-based ICU improves survival without raising costs, study finds

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

The pros and cons of telemental health

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalInteractive Journal of Medical Research·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 28, 2022

Neighborhood characteristics affect how often a child visits emergency dept.

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...

Cardiac arrest survival rate rising

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2022

Early blood tests predict death, severe disability for traumatic brain injury

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2022

Big data in the ER

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCritical Care·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2022

Effectiveness associated with Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine against emergency department, urgent care encounters for SARS-CoV-2 infection among adolescents

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 3, 2022

Patient deterioration predictor could surpass limits of traditional vital signs

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...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCritical Care Explorations·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Clinicians who responded to recent mass shootings release recommendations for an effective healthcare response in the future

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...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 18, 2022

New study finds doctors prescribe fewer painkillers during nightshifts than during the day

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 ...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 27, 2022

Policies regarding police involvement in the care of students in mental distress at Ontario universities differ widely

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.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalCMAJ Open·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

Widespread futile care could contribute to veterinary burnout

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJun 1, 2022

Metals found in people’s urine could detect acute kidney injury in very early stages, says new study

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 ...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalKidney International Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2022