Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
A study found that 9% of patients with acute pain conditions continued opioid use 3 months after discharge from the emergency department. Most patients used opioids to manage initial or new pain, not misuse. The study highlights the need for non-narcotic methods to treat acute pain and further research on chronic pain mechanisms.
Conversion therapy practices cause significant harm, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and economic burdens. Physicians advocate for education reform to better identify patients who underwent or may be undergoing conversion therapy.
A randomized controlled trial found that ultrasound-guided IV line placement increased first-attempt success rates to 85.4% compared to traditional methods at 45.8%. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers report a significant reduction in needle sticks and improved patient satisfaction.
The updated guideline prioritizes early diagnosis, prompt intervention, and reduced unnecessary tests to improve patient outcomes. Enhanced emphasis on patient education and shared decision-making aims to optimize care for patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
A new study found that having an intensive care unit within the emergency department improved care and survival rates for all emergency department patients. The study, which examined Michigan Medicine's own EC3 unit, observed a decrease in mortality rates and ICU admissions among emergency department patients.
A study by Duke University researchers found that children's common ailments like vomiting and fever require pediatric versions of therapies, which are often lacking in airline first-aid kits. Most incidents were handled by flight crew members, but parents should carry on medications for their children to ensure prompt treatment.
A new study found that women and racial/ethnic minorities are underrepresented in US emergency medical services, with less than a quarter of newly certified paramedics being female. The gaps are more pronounced among paramedics, who provide critical invasive interventions and make complex decisions.
The American College of Emergency Physicians warns that generic mobile phone chargers can cause serious injuries, including burns and electrocutions. Teens and adolescents are particularly at risk due to their frequent mobile device use.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that 15.5% of in-flight medical emergencies involve children, with one in six cases requiring additional care. Parents can take steps to avoid emergencies by carrying their child's medicine on the plane and being mindful of potential health issues.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that intranasal sufentanil is non-inferior to IV morphine for acute severe trauma pain, offering a faster and more convenient alternative. The study involved 136 patients who received either intranasal sufentanil or IV morphine, with similar pain relief results at 30 minutes.
A national study reveals children without insurance are 3.3 times more likely to be transferred for mental health emergencies than those with private insurance. The study highlights inequities in care based on insurance coverage, creating additional burdens on the patient, family, and healthcare system.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that nearly 12% of patients with acute ankle sprain injuries filled an opioid prescription within seven days of diagnosis. Additionally, 8.4% of individuals who had not previously taken opioids were prescribed them three months after the original diagnosis.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that pediatric emergency medicine physicians are at risk for developing compassion fatigue, burnout, and low compassion satisfaction. The researchers recommend improving interpersonal relationships, work environment, and self-care to enhance provider well-being and patient care.
A multicenter study found that antibiotic stewardship interventions can significantly reduce overuse of antibiotics for viral acute respiratory infections. By implementing a bundle of evidence-based strategies, institutions can cut antibiotic overuse by one-third, even among high-performing systems.
An observational study found caregiver depression associated with more emergency department visits for patients with dementia, including a 0.7 increase in visits per person-year. Caregivers with depression had higher rates of ED use (1.5 vs. 0.8 visits) compared to those without depression.
A study of 456 acute gout patients found that over 28% received opioid prescriptions, with many lasting longer than the typical gout attack. Diabetes and prior opioid use increased the likelihood of receiving opioids.
A large study found that people with both physical illnesses and mental disorders experience a significant increase in frequent visits to emergency departments, compared to those with multiple physical illnesses or mental illness alone. This synergy between physical multimorbidity and mental disorders can lead to a greater impact on pu...
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine highlights the potential for emergency departments to reduce low-value imaging tests and associated costs. By analyzing data from a statewide quality network, researchers estimate that implementing benchmark standards could avoid $3.8 million in annual spending on unnecessary care.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that repeat ER users in states with Medicaid expansion shifted their use of the ED toward more severe conditions requiring hospitalization. The study also found a similar increase for illnesses not easily avoided by outpatient care.
The M-RISE program aims to develop innovative therapies to prevent brain damage caused by cardiac arrest, with a focus on early treatments delivered by bystanders and first responders. The program will explore neuroprotective agents and strategies to improve survival rates and outcomes for patients affected by cardiac arrest.
A UC Davis study found that educating physicians and patients about safe antibiotic use can reduce overuse by one-third. The study compared two approaches, including educational materials and on-site physician champions, and found significant reductions in inappropriate antibiotic treatment.
A new study found that 64,686 children under five were treated in US emergency departments for personal care product injuries from 2002 to 2016. Most injuries occurred when children ingested or exposed themselves to these products, leading to poisonings and chemical burns.