Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
A new study finds that elder-friendly surgical care significantly improves outcomes for older patients after emergency surgery. The tailored treatment program assesses frailty, prevents infection, gets patients moving and home more quickly.
Emergency medicine physicians at MCG are equipping rural hospitals with mobile carts for remote consultation and basic diagnostic tests, guided by MCG physicians. This partnership aims to enable rural hospitals to provide higher-level emergency care, reducing transfers to larger hospitals.
The new guidelines offer 29 evidence-based recommendations for managing adult acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure in the ICU, covering cardiovascular, hematologic, pulmonary, renal, and endocrine considerations. The guidelines also highlight areas needing further research to inform clinical practice.
A new PSU study found that decreasing out-of-network primary care across all Medicare ACOs could save the system $45 million a year. Higher specialty care leakage was associated with higher costs for ACOs, driven by outpatient care and emergency room visits.
A study analyzing 9,295 patients in four Indiana hospital systems found that those with multiple ED visits, heroin use, and Medicaid or uninsured status were more likely to have future emergency department encounters. Consolidating patient information can improve risk assessment and treatment opportunities for at-risk patients.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that cooling burns with running water decreases skin grafting requirements by over 40%, hospital admission by 35.8% and operating room treatment by 42.4%. Cool running water also accelerates healing, reducing scarring risk.
A new pilot study found that a 90-second magnetocardiography scan using CardioFlux Magnetocardiograph can help rule out coronary artery disease in patients presenting with chest pain. The test showed competitive results relative to stress testing and coronary angiography, with high specificity and negative predictive value.
A new study from George Washington University found that many dermatologists lack preparedness training for biological disasters. The survey of 200 dermatologists revealed only 28.9% received training in disaster preparedness and response.
A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that Los Angeles County's traffic conditions affect consistent access to comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs), particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Nearly 20% of the population has intermittent access to CSCs, with many living in urban core areas.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that virtual assistants such as Google Home and Alexa perform better than Siri and Cortana in providing accurate first aid information. However, even the top performers fell short, recognizing only 56% of topics correctly and giving accepted advice only 19% of the time.
Researchers found that modifying default settings for opioid prescriptions resulted in lower quantities prescribed. The study's findings suggest that reducing default settings can help improve prescription practices and protect patients from developing opioid addictions.
A recent case analysis published in JACEP Open reveals that vaping emergencies can be challenging to diagnose due to initial symptoms that resemble pneumonia. The study highlights the importance of accurate diagnoses, which typically involve ruling out other infections and conditions.
Researchers at UT Southwestern analyzed Medicare claims data to report no increased mortality risk in heart failure patients treated in observation units and emergency departments. The study suggests that end-of-life care transitions from hospital to post-hospitalization period may contribute to the observed increase in mortality.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that prolonged telemetry (over 12 hours) is a safe alternative to hospitalization for non-low-risk patients with syncope. The sensitivity of ECG monitoring is high, supporting the use of minimum 12-hour monitoring as a diagnostic tool.
Patients treated in a specialized resuscitation unit received faster treatment and better health outcomes, including a 36% lower risk of dying than those transferred directly to traditional intensive care units. The CCRU improved access to critical care resources and definitive surgical treatment.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that troponin testing for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in selected elderly patients with nonspecific complaints (NCSs) may not be necessary due to a low diagnostic yield. The study revealed an elevated troponin in 20% of patients but only a 1.2% ACS rate.
A study found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) decreased coverage disruptions among low-income adults. The researchers estimated that half a million fewer adults experienced churning annually, leading to improved access to care and reduced emergency department visits.
A study by University of Chicago Medicine found that hospitals caring for patients in disadvantaged areas may garner lower quality scores due to social risk factors. Hospitals' ability to improve certain quality outcomes is hindered by these factors, such as income and education levels in the community.
A new study suggests freestanding emergency departments can lead to increased health-care costs and out-of-pocket spending for patients. Researchers analyzed insurance claims data from four states and found that entry of a freestanding emergency department was associated with a 3.6% increase in estimated out-of-pocket payments for emer...
Researchers found that out-of-network, non-emergency hospital costs rose rapidly from 2012 to 2017, affecting 16% of individuals with an average cost of $621. Average costs for emergency and non-emergency care increased significantly.
A large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that high doses of vitamin D do not reduce mortality or improve non-fatal outcomes in critically ill patients. The Vitamin D to Improve Outcomes by Leveraging Early Treatment (VIOLET) study included over 200 researchers and showed no difference in mortality rates, hos...
Patient visits to primary care physicians increased by 3.6% after Medicaid expansion, but ER department visits remained unchanged. The study found that factors such as data quality and state policies may limit the accuracy of findings.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that video discharge instructions in the emergency department lead to a clinically important reduction in acute otitis media (AOM) symptomatology. Children of parents who watched a five-minute video experienced less symptomatology compared to those with paper handouts.
A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that Electronic Medication Complete Communication (EMC2) Opioid Strategy improved safe dosing of opioids, but not actual use. The intervention also boosted patient knowledge about medication risks.
The Michigan Medicaid expansion program successfully doubled access to primary care and increased the discussion of healthy behaviors among low-income residents. According to new studies, nearly 90% of enrollees reported reduced stress and worry due to HMP coverage, with many going without dental care they needed before enrollment.
Bystanders play a crucial role in saving cardiac arrest victims, with early emergency care by bystanders reducing the chance of survival by 7-10% per minute. Recognizing signs of cardiac arrest and performing CPR, including using an automated external defibrillator (AED), can significantly increase survival rates.
A novel mental health program, tMHFA, improves teenagers' ability to recognise and support friends at risk of suicide. Researchers found students who participated in the training were 35 times more likely to report adequate suicide first aid than those in a control group.
A study from Penn Medicine researchers analyzed online reviews of 539 Pennsylvania facilities to identify common themes associated with high-quality and low-quality care. The analysis found that five-star reviews were more likely to mention focus on recovery, staff helpfulness, and compassionate care, while one-star reviews were often ...
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers confirms the 'weekend effect' in hospital mortality, which is attributed to junior doctors' tendency to admit lower-risk patients on weekends. Senior doctors' admitting patterns remain unchanged on weekends and weekdays.
A new study published in Economic Inquiry reveals that prolonging emergency department wait times increases hospital costs, with moderate and severe cases bearing the brunt of the expenses. The study found a 3-6% cost increase for moderately severe cases and 6% for serious cases.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FOCUS) can significantly lower the likelihood of pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis in ED patients with suspected PE and abnormal vital signs. The results suggest that FOCUS can be an important tool in the initial evaluation of these patients.
A new UCSF study examines the use of medical, behavioral, and social services among frequent ED users, revealing their complex social needs and the need for care coordination. The researchers found that these patients are generally sicker than infrequent ED users and seek a wide range of services.
A retrospective study suggests that ED physicians are improving both outcomes and efficiency of care, with mortality rates declining by 23% from 2009 to 2016. This improvement occurred despite increasing ED utilization, as fewer patients were admitted to the hospital and more were sent home, leading to nearly 200,000 fewer deaths in 2016.
A new study found that early involvement of an infectious disease specialist in patients with severe sepsis leads to a 40% lower risk of death. The study, which included 248 ER patients, also found that antibiotic prescriptions were stopped more quickly when an ID consult happened early.
A UCSF study found that anti-immigrant rhetoric from the White House harms Latino patients' perceptions of safety and access to emergency care, with 75% of undocumented immigrants feeling unsafe. The study also showed that patients were afraid to come to the ED for care, delaying treatment by two days on average.
A study found that Trump's immigration statements made Latino immigrants feel unsafe and anxious, leading to delayed healthcare access. The survey of 452 undocumented immigrants revealed a significant impact on their perceptions of safety and emergency care.
A new study led by Swansea University reveals that girls are more likely than boys to be admitted to hospital after self-harming. The research found a significant gender disparity among 10-15 year olds, with three-quarters of girls in this age group being hospitalized compared to half of boys.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that providing financial incentives to forego testing significantly decreases patient preference for testing, even when accounting for test benefit and risk. Financial incentives also decreased patient preference for low-value diagnostic testing, such as CT imaging of the head.
The collaboration aims to develop and implement protocols, resources, and specialized care areas for geriatric emergency care in rural hospitals. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine in extending the reach of a geriatric emergency department to rural facilities.
A new study by Rice University experts found that freestanding emergency departments increased average emergency department spending by 3.6% per insured beneficiary in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. In contrast, entry of a freestanding emergency department resulted in higher out-of-pocket payments for emergency care in three states.
A novel intervention integrating psychological values-based approach with coordinated care management significantly improved daily functioning for vulnerable patients. The 'values-based' approach identified patients' values and goals to engage them in appropriate care, reducing hospital costs and improving quality of life.
A study by Oregon State University found that the state's accountable-care model led to decreases in unscheduled, preventable hospitalizations among Medicaid enrollees. The model emphasizes primary care, disease prevention, and population health measurements, which may promote more efficient healthcare resource use.
A new clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of whole-body cooling in comatose patients after a cardiac arrest, with a focus on optimal cooling duration. The study aims to improve neurological recovery rates and full recovery in cardiac arrest survivors.
A monthly phone call from a care team navigator can suppress depression and improve quality of life for dementia caregivers. The 12-month study found a significant decrease in caregiver depression and a notable increase in patient quality of life.
A study by University of Bristol researchers found that a named GP scheme did not lead to improved continuity of care or reduced emergency hospital admissions among older patients. Instead, it increased the risk of emergency hospital admissions, particularly among those aged over 75.
The new national guideline provides evidence-based treatment options for people with severe opioid use disorder, including injectable opioid agonist treatment with prescription heroin and hydromorphone. The guideline aims to reduce overdose deaths by supporting health care providers in delivering life-saving treatments.
The study implemented randomized quality improvement projects across NYU Langone Health, finding that changing prompts for tobacco cessation counseling increased medication prescription rates. Post-discharge phone calls were largely ineffective in improving patient satisfaction or hospital readmissions.
A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that emergency clinicians can use the 'surprise' question to identify patients at greatest risk of near-term death, prompting essential end-of-life conversations. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between clinician responses and patient mortality, with those who answered they wou...
A $40,000 grant from The Emergency Medicine Foundation is supporting a study to increase awareness among parents about sepsis signs in children. Researchers hope this will lead to improved recognition strategies and faster diagnosis of sepsis.
A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that unexpectedness, health and social conditions, lack of support from family or friends, and structural issues like job market and affordable housing availability contribute to homelessness. The findings suggest gaps in current homeless prevention services and can inform futu...
A multicenter randomized controlled trial confirms an electrical-first approach is more effective in restoring sinus rhythm and shortening ED length of stay. The study found that patients managed with this strategy were discharged within four hours at a higher rate than those receiving a chemical-first approach.
A study using Medicare claims data found that Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to visit the same ED as white patients living in the same area. Patients from these racial/ethnic groups were more likely to be transported to a safety-net ED, highlighting disparities in emergency care.
A national study found that black and Hispanic patients are more likely to be transported to safety-net hospitals compared to white counterparts living in the same zip code. The research also showed that ambulance diversion practices can exacerbate health disparities.
A Penn Medicine study found that simple emoji buttons installed in emergency departments can monitor doctor and patient sentiments in real-time. The findings suggest that the terminals are used at a high level, providing valuable insights into trends and sentiment shifts.
Post-opioid overdose interventions are emerging in the US to provide support to survivors and reduce future overdose risk. The interventions often involve collaboration between emergency departments, law enforcement, and public health departments.
Hospitals with lower pediatric readiness scores have significantly higher mortality rates among critically ill children, highlighting the importance of preparedness in emergency care. The study suggests that efforts to improve hospital preparedness could save lives and guide policy responses.
A study found that pay-for-performance programs can reduce access block but may also lead to discharges associated with return visits and admissions. The program's effectiveness depends on the inclusion of specific targets, such as admission time.
A new system detects abnormalities in elderly heart rates and temperatures, triggering drone-delivered first aid. The wearable device monitors vital signs wirelessly and quickly alerts caregivers via smartphone notifications.
A recent survey found that half of key hospital doctors in the UK are ill-prepared to respond to major incidents. The study, published in Emergency Medicine Journal, suggests that the situation hasn't improved since 2006, with many doctors lacking knowledge of their organization's major incident plans.
A new study from American Cancer Society investigators reveals that cancer survivors enrolled in high deductible health plans (HDHPs) are more likely to report delaying or foregoing medical care due to cost concerns. Meanwhile, individuals with HDHPs who also have health savings accounts (HSAs) may experience less delayed care.