Add BrightSurf on Google Email

High doses of vitamin D for critically ill patients yield minimal benefit

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...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 11, 2019

ER visits did not rise with Medicaid expansion under Affordable Care Act

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 2019

Video discharge instructions in ED associated with less AOM symptomatology

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.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateDec 10, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Medicaid expansion doubled access to primary care, increased attention to health 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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 9, 2019

Bystanders can help more cardiac arrest victims survive

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.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 5, 2019

Mental health program helps teens recognise and support peers at risk

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.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 21, 2019

Online reviews reveal need for specialized drug treatment facility assessments

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 ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 21, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

The cost of waiting in emergency departments

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.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateNov 6, 2019

FOCUS may lower PE diagnosis in ED patients with suspected PE and abnormal vitals

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.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateNov 6, 2019

ER focus on immediate medical issues can miss the bigger picture

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 5, 2019

Retrospective study suggests ED physicians improving both outcomes and efficiency of care

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.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric puts Latino patients' health at risk

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 30, 2019

Financial incentives plus information decrease patient preference for diagnostic testing

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.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock, West Health to create rural geriatric ED

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.

SourceDartmouth Health·DateOct 23, 2019

When a freestanding emergency department comes to town, costs go up

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.

SourceRice University·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateOct 22, 2019

Health care intervention: Treating high-need, high-cost patients

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateOct 17, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Coordinated care model leads to decreases in unscheduled, preventable hospitalizations

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateOct 7, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Study casts doubt on effectiveness of named GP scheme

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 23, 2019

New national guideline sets out best practices for delivering injectable opioid agonist treatment

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 23, 2019

Randomized quality improvement projects help assess effectiveness of patient-focused programs

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.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 18, 2019

Addressing serious illness with a serious question to clinicians

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...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 13, 2019

Parents to learn signs of sepsis

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·DateSep 12, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Study of newly homeless ED patients finds multiple contributors to homelessness

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...

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019

Electrical-first cardioversion strategy for AFib results in shorter ED length of stay

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.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Emoji buttons gauge emergency department sentiments in real time

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 4, 2019

Review: Post opioid-overdose interventions emerge in US

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.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateAug 29, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Cancer survivors in high deductible health plans more likely to have delayed care

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.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateAug 8, 2019

Opioid use and misuse 3 months after ED visit for acute pain

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.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateAug 7, 2019

Physicians call for an end to conversion therapy

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.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 7, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Ultrasound guidance improves first-attempt IV success in IV access in children

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 5, 2019

Generic mobile phone chargers escalate risk of burn, electrocution

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.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 25, 2019

More can be done to prevent children from having in-flight medical emergencies

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.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 25, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Children with medical emergencies during airline flights have limited aid

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.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 25, 2019

US emergency medical services underrepresented of women and minorities

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.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalPrehospital Emergency Care·DateJul 25, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Prescribing opioids for a sprained ankle?

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 11, 2019

Ped EM docs at risk for developing compassion fatigue, burnout, low compassion satisfaction

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.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJul 10, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Physical and mental illnesses combined increase emergency department visits

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...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateJul 2, 2019

Reducing overtesting in the emergency department could save millions

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 27, 2019

'M-RISE' research program aims to prevent brain damage caused by cardiac arrest

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateJun 25, 2019

Repeat ER users changed how they used ERs after gaining Medicaid coverage

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMedical Care Research and Review·DateJun 25, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.