Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology-developed nasal spray has been tested on over 200 acute overdose patients, restoring breathing in 80% of cases within 10 minutes. The study's findings suggest the nasal spray provides enough antidote for patients to breathe on their own while minimizing the risk of triggering abstinence.
A randomized trial by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that pulse oximeters did not change outcomes for patients with COVID-19 in a remote monitoring program. The study enrolled over 2,000 patients and found no statistical difference in the average number of days patients spent alive and out of the hospital.
A new study reveals that firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies in Colorado and Washington support providing temporary, voluntary firearm storage options. The concept aims to increase safety by limiting access to firearms during times of crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or Alzheimer's disease. However, concerns about civil lia...
A recent UCLA study found that the injury rate for e-scooter riders in Los Angeles is higher than the national rates for motorcycle, bicycle, car, and pedestrian injuries. The study estimates 115 injuries per 1 million e-scooter rides, highlighting a growing risk as e-scooters proliferate globally.
A new early warning detection system implemented at a hospital reduced medical emergencies and mortality rates by detecting subtle changes in patients' vital signs and cardiac rhythm. The system, which includes real-time alerts and collaboration between nurses, aims to improve the quality of care delivered to critically ill patients.
A study found that opioid prescriptions for children undergoing common outpatient surgeries declined by up to 50% between 2014 and 2019. The trend was most pronounced in adolescents, with a decline from 78.2% to 48% of prescriptions filled within 7 days of surgery.
A randomized controlled trial found that community health workers (CHWs) employed by Medicaid plans can help low-income individuals rely less on emergency rooms and more on outpatient care. The study showed significant reductions in acute care visits and costs, while outpatient visits increased among participants who connected with a CHW.
A new study found that follow-up care after an asthma-related emergency department (ED) visit can help prevent future ED visits for children. Patients who received follow-up care within two weeks of their ED visit were 12% less likely to return to the ED for asthma within 60 days and 13% less likely to revisit for asthma in the next year.
A new study found that non-medical first responders, such as police and fire departments, are associated with higher cardiac arrest survival rates. They initiated CPR in 31.8% of incidents and AED use in 6.1% of cases, leading to significantly improved chances of survival and hospital discharge.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a decline in ischemic stroke presentations and treatments in Alberta, with more out-of-hospital stroke deaths. Researchers attribute the decrease to hospital avoidance during the pandemic.
Researchers used a programmable button to page phlebotomists for blood draws, reducing the time it took to diagnose a heart attack by an average of 11 minutes. The study showed a significant reduction in processing times, from 14% faster diagnosis to 2.5-minute shorter blood draws.
A new study reveals that Latine children who prefer speaking Spanish are more likely to visit a community health center for their acute asthma symptoms than non-Hispanic white peers. Non-Hispanic Black children are also more likely to receive asthma-related care in emergency departments.
The Philadelphia Regional Center for Children's Environmental Health aims to identify and protect vulnerable communities from environmental exposures. The center will focus on four primary research areas: asthma prevention, lead exposure, air pollution, and endocrine disrupting chemicals.
The Wilderness Medical Society has published evidence-based guidelines for anaphylaxis treatment in remote areas. The guidelines recommend administering intramuscular epinephrine as the primary prehospital treatment, while also discussing prevention strategies such as extracting additional epinephrine from autoinjectors and using expir...
A controlled trial found therapy dog visits significantly reduced pain, anxiety, and depression in ED patients. After just 10 minutes with a therapy dog, patients experienced notable reductions in these symptoms.
A real-time electronic decision support system helped reduce intensive care unit admissions, improve antibiotic use, and lower overall mortality rates for patients with pneumonia. The study found a 38% decrease in mortality among community hospital patients using the system.
A new study found that hospital-affiliated emergency physicians prescribed antibiotics to patients with acute respiratory infections nearly twice as often as contractor-supplied physicians. This disparity highlights the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in telemedicine settings.
A single-center study found that trauma patients were less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, even as vaccines became more widely available. The study suggests that trauma centers can play a crucial role in introducing the vaccination conversation with high-risk patients.
A nationwide survey of COVID-19 guidance for emergency medical services (EMS) reveals that nearly half of states lack online access to protocols, leaving frontline workers vulnerable. The study highlights the need for standardized guidance and improved resource allocation to mitigate the impact of future pandemics.
The US falls short in 'geriatricizing' emergency departments, with most institutions lacking resources and support to implement the Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) Guidelines. Delirium, falls, and polypharmacy are common issues that require more attention from care teams.
A study of over 56,000 cases across nine Asian communities found that women were less likely than men to receive lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a bystander in public locations. In contrast, when cardiac arrests occur at home or in private places, the chances of receiving layperson bystander CPR increased considerab...
Veterans treated at VA hospitals had significantly lower mortality rates compared to non-VA hospitals, with a 20.1% advantage found in overall survival rates. The difference was even greater for Black and Latino veterans.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University found that veterans who received emergency treatment at VA hospitals had a 20% lower mortality rate compared to those treated at non-VA hospitals. The survival advantage was consistent across different patient groups, including men, women, age, and pre-existing conditions.
The Commission on the North American Opioid Crisis recommends banning direct marketing to prescribers and curbing industry influence on medical education. The group also suggests standardizing addiction care within health systems and improving access to medication-assisted treatment.
Trauma centers in the US are increasingly screening and intervening for patients with alcohol and substance abuse issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. A survey found that over 95% of trauma centers screen and intervene for high-risk patients, leading to significant reductions in re-entry rates.
A study found that approximately one-third of the US population lacks access to emergency departments with acute stroke capabilities and telestroke capacity. The research estimated these proportions to better understand healthcare disparities in stroke care.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm injuries increased significantly in Massachusetts, with a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic men. The study found that unemployed individuals from these groups were more likely to experience firearm injuries, highlighting the need for targeted violence prevention services.
A study found implicit gender bias exists in assessing procedural competency among emergency medicine residents, and the evaluator's gender is associated with this bias. The researchers aim to improve evaluation methods to reduce bias and promote fairness.
The US healthcare system is failing to provide adequate care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors, experts warn. A recent report recommends using a comprehensive classification system that incorporates the Glasgow Coma Scale score, CT scans, and blood tests to better assess the severity of TBI.
A new Irish survey found that no trauma sites capture all fracture patients, with only 50% receiving osteoporosis medication within four months of a fracture. Implementing a national Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) would bring services in line with international standards and reduce hospital admissions.
A study by Michigan Medicine reveals that 25% of young American men experience both delivering and receiving technology-facilitated abuse. Healthcare providers should consider addressing this issue, as men who have mental health care visits are more likely to be involved in abusive relationships.
A study found that team-based primary care, coupled with payment reform, can reduce emergency department use among patients. The analysis showed lower rates of increase in ED visits among those transitioning to a team-based capitated practice compared to non-team-based capitated practices.
A new study reveals that over 85% of primary care practices face difficulties in obtaining evidence-based pediatric behavioral health care, including medication advice and family-based therapy. Policy changes are necessary to address these barriers and ensure comprehensive care for children's growing behavioral health needs.
A UCLA-led study found that Americans' use of common outpatient health services dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for those with Medicaid or Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility insurance. The study suggests that patients may be missing treatments for acute illnesses and delaying preventive care.
A Northwestern University study finds that a two-year pause in state funding contributed to the 2016 surge in Chicago youth homicides. The research suggests that restoring funding could be key to reducing violence among young people.
A study of over 5 million patients in England found that waiting over 5 hours in emergency care before admission is linked to a heightened risk of death from any cause within the next 30 days. The number needed to harm metric was calculated as 1 extra death for every 82 patients delayed after 6-8 hours.
A large clinical trial involving over 5,000 patients found that commonly used saline solution is as effective at keeping people alive and their organs functioning as more expensive balanced solutions. The study's results provide greater certainty about the safety and benefits of saline solution for treatment.
A new study by the University of California - San Francisco found an association between increased drinking and hospital visits for atrial fibrillation in a large population. The study linked acute alcohol consumption with a higher risk of new-onset AF in previously undiagnosed individuals.
A new study found a 1,886% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths among U.S. adults aged 55 and older between 1999 and 2019. Contributing factors include ageism, social isolation, depression, and declining cognitive function.
Researchers estimated severe SARS-CoV-2 outcomes in youths tested positive in emergency departments, highlighting key risk factors. The study found higher risks of severe illness among younger patients with underlying health conditions.
A study identified 17 military medical treatment facilities that can provide high-quality obstetric care, including emergency cesarean delivery. This collaboration could reduce preventable maternal mortality and improve care for pregnant patients in rural communities.
A program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine increased buprenorphine treatment rates in emergency departments by sixfold, from 3% to 23%, and sustained the changes. The program used behavioral design tactics and automated connections to peer recovery specialists to overcome barriers to treatment.
A study published by UC San Diego researchers found that heat waves significantly increase emergency room visits among people experiencing homelessness. The study highlights the need for heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather conditions.
A study found that 88% of ED patients with suspected septic olecranon bursitis who received empiric antibiotics without aspiration resolved without needing further treatment. Conservative management may be a reasonable approach for select patients, potentially streamlining care and reducing complications.
Researchers evaluated the quality of supporting evidence for FDA emergency use authorizations of COVID-19-related diagnostic tests, medical devices, and treatments. The study found that some authorizations lacked adequate evidence to support their approval.
A Trinity College study found that severe COVID-19 patients who received care outside of an ICU had a higher mortality rate compared to those in the ICU. The study highlights Ireland's shortage of ICU beds and emphasizes the need for increased critical care capacity.
A small clinical trial found that high-pressure hyperbaric oxygen treatment resolved severe COVID-19 breathing difficulties faster than standard therapy, with significant improvements in oxygen saturation and reduced risk of complications. However, further larger trials are needed to confirm the treatment's effects on survival.
A study published in CMAJ found that hospital health care workers in Quebec had high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest rates were reported in hospitals with outbreaks, particularly those from older facilities.
Researchers found that up to one in five patients experience increased troponin levels after major surgery, indicating potential heart damage. These patients were also more likely to be anaemic before the operation.
A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals an association between trans individuals' need for acute mental health care and experiences of marginalization. Transgender individuals who access acute mental health care are twice as likely to be diagnosed with personality disorders than the general population.
Researchers developed a web-based toolkit to integrate SafERteens into routine clinical care, which showed promising results in emergency departments and primary care settings. Both adapted interventions decreased violent behaviors among youth in diverse communities.
A Norwegian study reveals that out-of-hours emergency doctors with higher admission rates inflict significant unnecessary costs on hospitals. The study found that patients seen by these doctors have a greater chance of hospital stays, particularly those over 69 years old.
A Michigan Medicine study found that only 7.4% of patients received naloxone and 8.5% received buprenorphine prescriptions within 30 days of an opioid overdose. The low rates highlight missed opportunities for equipping patients with rescue medicines to use in case of future overdoses.
Researchers from Osaka University found that over half of intensive care workers experienced moral distress during the pandemic due to limited communication with patients and families. Virtual communication and psychological support were identified as potential solutions to prevent burnout and ensure proper medical care.
A modeling study found that annual mammography screening beyond age 75 may provide little to no benefit in terms of lives saved, while increasing costs and potential harms from overdiagnosis. Biennial screening up to age 80 is more cost-effective but yields a small number of deaths averted.
A recent study of 9,900 US nursing homes found that private equity acquisition was associated with higher Medicare costs and increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations for preventable conditions. The study highlights concerns about the impact of corporate ownership on nursing home quality and cost.
Researchers found no significant difference in mortality rates between rural and urban emergency departments for life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart attack. Despite facing funding challenges, rural ERs have proven lifesaving for patients treated at these facilities.
A recent study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that nursing homes acquired by private equity companies have lower quality of care and higher Medicare costs. Residents at these facilities were 11% more likely to have emergency room visits and hospitalizations, resulting in $1,080 higher annual Medicare costs.
A University at Buffalo study explores how social and economic characteristics influence hospital readmissions and health inequity in the US. The research found that patients with lower household income, male gender, or treated in urban hospitals have a higher risk of being readmitted within a month of discharge.
Researchers at UCSF discovered a narrower blood pressure range during surgery that significantly improves neuromotor recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries. Patients whose mean arterial blood pressure was between 76 mmHg and 104-117 mmHg had maximal recovery, indicating a potential new treatment guideline.