Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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.
A new study of family doctors' views and experiences reveals that a software tool meant to reduce emergency hospital admissions is of limited use and benefit. The researchers found mixed views and experiences among GPs and practice managers about the tool, which was used in Wales as part of an earlier trial.
Researchers found that patients enrolled in COVID Watch, an automated texting system, were 68% less likely to die than those not using it. The system used algorithmically guided text message conversations with patients and was credited with saving 1.8 lives per 1,000 patients at 30 days.
A study of four US states finds that Black people are more likely to be nonfatally shot and injured by police, with disparities greater than seen for fatal shootings. The research highlights the need for comprehensive data on police shootings to draw reliable conclusions about racial disparities.
A systematic review of AI studies on mechanical ventilation found that many were testing early technology, but more work is needed for transparency and bias avoidance. The review recommends improving data availability and reporting standards to facilitate the translation of AI into improved patient care.
More deprived areas of England are less likely to have publicly available defibrillators, according to new analysis. This disparity disproportionately affects communities at greatest risk of cardiac arrest, highlighting an unacceptable health inequality.
US emergency department spending grew to $136.6 billion in 2016, with road injuries and falls accounting for the highest amount of ED spending. The study found that ED spending per visit increased at an annualized rate of 3.4% over the decade.
The Comparing Outcomes of antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) trial found that nearly 7 in 10 patients with antibiotics avoided an appendectomy within three months. By four years, just under 50% had the surgery, suggesting both treatments are safe and valuable to patients differently based on unique symptoms and circumstances.
A new study found that people with autism spectrum disorder are at a substantially increased risk of self-injury and suicide, with odds over three times higher than in non-autistic individuals. The study identified 31 studies showing statistically significant positive associations between ASD and self-harm.
A study of emergency department residents reveals a lack of emphasis on understanding and caring for diverse populations. Residents reported gaining cultural competency through modeling senior residents or faculty and the importance of community-based partnerships.
The University of Michigan's Injury Prevention Center has developed a free online course on pediatric injury prevention, which has gained significant popularity. The course offers tailored learning pathways and covers dozens of injury topics, making it accessible to learners worldwide.
A study analyzing 60 US emergency departments found medication harms were a common cause of visits in 2017-2019, with variation in products and patient age. The data highlighted the need for improved safety measures and monitoring systems to mitigate such incidents.
The project aims to enhance U.S. surveillance of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other respiratory viruses through a network of emergency departments across 21 states and 100 hospitals. Data will be obtained from electronic medical records, providing insights into viral infection trends and patient outcomes.
Emergency department crowding poses a serious threat to patient safety due to health system dysfunction and funding structure flaws. Institutions can implement actionable solutions, including financial realignment, regulation, and enforceable surge plans, to alleviate ED crowding.
A new study published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine found that prehospital ketamine administration for excited delirium with concomitant cocaine intoxication significantly increases the risk of subsequent emergency department intubation. The study's findings suggest that cocaine may deplete excitatory neurotransmitters, leading ...
A new study by Karolinska Institutet outlines a baseline bundle of care interventions that could save millions of lives globally. The Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC) concept describes life-saving practices with low complexity and cost, benefiting critically ill patients.
Children exposed to gun violence within a four-block radius are more likely to experience mental health distress, with symptoms appearing days after the incident. Researchers recommend reducing community violence through safe storage and background check laws, as well as providing preventive support for affected families.
A study by UCSF researchers found that emergency department visits and hospitalizations made by patients with addictions increased by 30% and 57%, respectively, between 2014-2018. The authors highlight the urgent need for hospitals to develop systems of hospital-based interventions to provide addiction treatment.
A randomized clinical trial of 125 young adults with concussions found that restricting screen time for 48 hours significantly reduced symptom duration. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, suggests that limiting screen time may be a useful strategy to accelerate concussion recovery.
A survey of 147 medical professionals found that smaller endotracheal tube sizes reduce complications in professional voice users. The team hopes to establish evidence-based practices for managing the airways of these patients, who are particularly vulnerable to damage from intubation.
A recent study has found that pregnancies complicated by sepsis are associated with a higher risk of cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and preterm delivery. Researchers recommend increased prenatal surveillance for patients with sepsis and other serious infections to mitigate these risks.
Researchers found a significant increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors among children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency department encounters for these individuals also saw a substantial rise, highlighting the need for improved mental health support services.
A study of over 1,000 patients in Philadelphia's emergency departments found that vaccine hesitancy is common among this population, driven by concerns about safety and research. The authors suggest that EDs can play a valuable role in addressing vaccine hesitancy through targeted education and outreach efforts.
A telephone-delivered nursing care strategy combining heart failure care management with depression treatment improved patients' clinical outcomes. Patients receiving 'blended' collaborative care showed better mental health-related quality of life, including improved mood and reduced limitations in social activities.
A recent study at a large Australian hospital found nearly 4 out of 10 patient transports to be marred by incidents, including limb entrapment, collisions, and issues with infusion pumps. Patient agitation was also a common factor in these mishaps, highlighting the need for improved transport training and preparation.
A Swedish study found that 43% of children with new-onset type 1 diabetes did not receive hospital treatment on the same day as primary care contact. Delayed care can lead to life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis. Improved awareness and rapid treatment are crucial for preventing complications.
A survey study found that emergency medicine residents experience high rates of workplace mistreatment, including suicidal thoughts, and identify common sources of mistreatment as supervisors, colleagues, and patients. The study highlights the need for improved workplace culture and support systems to address these issues.
Patients from minority ethnic groups have a disproportionately higher rate of emergency hospital admissions due to comorbidity profiles and earlier onset burdens of diseases. The study found that these disparities are not reflected in commonly used measures like survival rates.
A NIH study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that administering convalescent plasma to outpatients with early symptoms of COVID-19 did not prevent disease progression. The trial, which enrolled over 500 participants, showed a significant reduction of less than 2% in disease progression.
A new regional policy in Chicago has led to an increase in patients receiving endovascular therapy, a critical treatment for large vessel occlusions. The study suggests that this policy change can improve stroke outcomes and has the potential to have a major public health impact.
A study of 7,400 emergency department physicians found that those who recently saw patients with a pulmonary embolism were 15% more likely to test subsequent patients for the condition. The 'availability heuristic' may influence physicians' care decisions.
A research team from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that delivering acute care at home for non-COVID patients freed up substantial inpatient capacity during the COVID-19 surge. The Home Hospital program provided care for 65 acutely ill patients, amounting to 419 bed-days, over a 3-month period.
The American College of Surgeons proposes four strategies to address the root causes of violence, including investing in at-risk communities and advocating for policy changes. Trauma Informed Care is a key feature of these strategies, aiming to foster empowerment and partnership with patients.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...
Recent Mayo Clinic research reveals a significant increase in opioid overdose-related emergency department visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Opioid overdoses accounted for 1 in every 313 visits, up from 1 in every 400 visits in previous years.
According to Nemours Children's Health, over 21.5% of teen ER patients screened showed symptoms of severe depression, while 7.8% reported suicidal thoughts during the pandemic. This finding underscores the need for increased vigilance and support for adolescent mental health.
A study found that high-dose buprenorphine administered in emergency departments is safe and tolerable, providing extended withdrawal relief and helping patients navigate barriers to follow-up care. The therapy may enhance opioid use disorder treatment outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
A recent study from the University of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute reveals racial and ethnic inequities in COVID-19 testing access. The study found that patients from different socio-demographic groups were more likely to seek care through outpatient or emergency department services, highlighting structural barr...
A USC analysis found that ICE violated its own medical care standards in 78% of cases, often ignoring warning signs of critical illness. Many deaths were preceded by delayed or inappropriate care, and researchers recommend improved reporting, independent reviews, and rehabilitation for facilities with recurrent violations.
A new study from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Regenstrief Institute, IUPUI, and Mount Sinai researchers reports that primary care physicians recognize the need for improved care coordination. They welcome electronic health information exchange (HIE) event notifications as a means to enhance patient care.
The SAEM GRACE team developed recommendations for testing, treatment, hospital admission, and screening tools for recurrent, low-risk chest pain. Guidelines prioritize patient-important outcomes and consideration of patients' values and preferences.
Researchers found that COVID-positive trauma patients have a six times higher risk of death and double the likelihood of complications compared to those without COVID. The risks were even greater in patients over age 65.
Researchers found a 4.3% decrease in ED visits and an 11.3% decrease in hospitalizations for chest pain under high-deductible health plans. Low-income patients with HDHPs were more likely to be hospitalized with serious heart conditions, highlighting the need for clinicians to account for potential delays in care.
A new analysis found that 78% of healthcare workers experienced violent assault in the past year, with emergency physician residents facing a higher risk. The study highlights the need for improved workplace violence protocols and increased reporting to protect healthcare workers' mental health and safety.
A new study by Regenstrief Institute researchers found that electronic health records (EHRs) are not designed to meet the specific needs of primary care physicians. The study recommends implementing a human factor approach for EHR user interface design to improve patient care and reduce information overload.
University of Leicester academics developed a pioneering device to help doctors and nurses communicate clearly whilst wearing PPE. The MedicCom uses a throat microphone to amplify sound, enabling patients to better hear medical staff caring for them.
Stroke patients from rural areas and American Indian communities face significant challenges in accessing certified stroke centers due to longer distances. Demographic factors such as age, income, and insurance status also impact the distance to stroke care, with rural areas showing a reversal of expected relationships.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that hospitalization rates for heart attacks remained stable during subsequent COVID-19 surges, contrary to initial declines during the pandemic's onset. The research suggests effective public health campaigns encouraged people to seek care, resulting in a rebound of hospitalizations.
A recent study found that tens of thousands of women visited the emergency room for fibroid symptoms, with only 1 in 10 leading to hospital admission. The study suggests that many cases could have been managed in an alternative non-urgent health setting.
Emergency department visits for common conditions like appendicitis and miscarriage dropped significantly during the first wave of COVID-19, but there was no increase in adverse patient outcomes. Researchers found that management strategies remained unchanged, suggesting that patients who required emergency care continued to seek help ...
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that prescribed light exercise had no effect on recovery or healthcare utilization outcomes for patients with acute mild traumatic brain injury. Standard care without early exercise may be a viable option.
The Canadian Syncope Risk Score is an accurate validated prediction score for emergency department patients with unexplained syncope. The study highlights the weaknesses of several risk tools previously published, and its impact on clinical decision making is not known.
A new benefit has been implemented, allowing eligible Veterans to receive urgent care from community providers. The study found that most Veterans who used the service lived within 30 minutes of a VA primary care site and had no copays for urgent care visits.
The Association of Anaesthetists and the Intensive Care Society publish new guidelines addressing fire safety and emergency evacuations in ICUs and operating theatres. Key findings include training for staff, design features for fire safety, and ventilation requirements to prevent oxygen enrichment.
The program, called Practical Alternative to Hospitalization (PATH), uses advanced practice providers and personalized plans to support patients after visiting the emergency department. Nearly 9 out of 10 patients enrolled in PATH did not need to return to the hospital for care within a month.
A new study found that many lupus patients with Medicaid were unvaccinated and required more acute care for vaccine-preventable illnesses. Black patients had a higher risk of needing such care compared to white patients.
A new study found that unconscious biases in emergency triage protocols led to prioritization of able-bodied patients over those with intellectual disabilities. Social workers can act as advocates for these individuals, while educational changes are needed to address structural inequalities and biases.
A new case report details the treatment of a patient with VITT (vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia) using bivalirudin, an alternative to heparin. Early outcomes suggest that this approach may be safe and effective in treating these rare but serious clot reactions.
During the pandemic, a 70% decrease was observed in heart attack patients seeking care, with those receiving treatment experiencing more severe symptoms due to delays. The study underscores the importance of early treatment and public education on cardiac care.
A randomized trial found that droperidol was more effective than lorazepam or ziprasidone for sedation in patients with acute undifferentiated agitation. Additionally, it was associated with lower rates of respiratory depression compared to the other medications. The study suggests that larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.