Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
A study analyzing monthly temperatures and cardiovascular deaths found that cold weather accounted for about 6.3% of all cardiovascular deaths, resulting in 800,000 excess deaths over two decades. The research highlights the need for communities to prepare for climate change's impact on extreme cold.
In Ghana, Pakistan, Rwanda, and South Africa, more than half of seriously injured patients failed to reach medical care within an hour. Patients using informal means arrived quicker than those traveling by ambulance.
Research suggests significant heat-health risks observed among socioeconomically vulnerable populations. This study underscores the importance of developing targeted heat warning strategies to mitigate these risks and prevent emergency department visits among older adults.
Research reveals carbon monoxide poisoning from waterpipe smoking can occur after brief use, outdoor smoking, or secondhand exposure. The study identified 68 cases of acute CO poisoning, including 13 cases of polycythemia, a chronic condition caused by prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide.
A randomized clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of low-use vs high-use physical restraint strategies in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU. The study found no significant reduction in days free of delirium or coma at 14 days, regardless of the restraint strategy used.
A systematic review of 42 studies reveals a rising trend in self-injury among children and youth in high-income countries, with significant variability across countries. The findings highlight the need for effective, contextually informed prevention strategies to curb this growing concern.
A new study found that A&E patients with visible blood in their urine who receive a scan within 48 hours are 2.5% less likely to die within three months. The study also showed that patients with cancer are diagnosed significantly faster when they receive prompt investigation.
Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can prime the lungs for cancer development, according to new research. Vaccination, however, largely prevents these changes, suggesting a reduced risk of lung cancer.
A nationwide cohort study found a significantly elevated incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests on post-holiday weekdays, particularly among vulnerable populations after consecutive rest days. The study supports enhanced emergency preparedness and targeted public health messaging during holiday periods.
A new study reveals that neighborhood characteristics, including poverty and lower educational attainment, are associated with higher COPD-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Community-level interventions targeting these risk factors can help improve quality of life and reduce acute care use.
Research by University of Pittsburgh surgeon-scientists reveals that EMS clinicians who treat a high number of trauma patients have improved survival rates. The study found a 10% decrease in mortality for every five additional trauma patients treated annually, with no association between years on the job and patient outcomes.
A new study from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital found that parental concern is a significant medical indicator, identifying most children with sudden and severe illness. Clear or strong concern from parents correctly identified as many as 91% of seriously ill children.
A study by University of Virginia Health System researchers found that Medicare Advantage patients had better access to preventive care and rehabilitation after a stroke, leading to faster recovery times. In contrast, traditional Medicare patients were less likely to receive these services due to prior authorization requirements.
Hospital admissions for child maltreatment declined by 31% during the initial lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions were lifted. However, rates of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) increased by 80% after the 16-week period of restricted healthcare access.
A new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that prehospital emergency intubation of high-risk trauma patients improves 30-day survival by 10.3% and could save 170 lives each year in the UK. Prehospital intubation needs to be administered by an advanced critical care team.
A new study published in JAMA found that emergency department-initiated buprenorphine for opioid use disorder was well-tolerated and effective, with a low risk of withdrawal. The 7-day extended-release and sublingual buprenorphine groups showed similar treatment engagement rates on day 7.
A new study suggests that emergency departments may be able to take meaningful steps during visits to help older adults stay safer once they return home. Researchers found that bedside pharmacy and physical therapy consultations yielded individualized recommendations, including mobility aids and medication adjustments.
Scientists have developed a novel computational framework for real-time, personalized heart rate variability monitoring. The framework provides robust, adaptive alerts and improves the accuracy of HRV analysis by excluding artifact-prone periods.
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
Despite improvements in UK air ambulance service availability since 2009, regional gaps remain. The provision of advanced interventions like blood transfusion varies, while 24/7 doctor-based teams are not consistently available across the UK.
A study analyzing 3225 trauma patients in South East England found that air ambulance pre-hospital care significantly improved survival rates, with 2125 patients exceeding 30-day survival. Those most likely to benefit were severely injured patients with moderate probability of survival, who unexpectedly survived for 30 days.
The UC Irvine School of Medicine has been awarded a $850,000 grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety to broaden the UC Traffic Safety Collaborative Program. The program aims to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities in California through education, research, and enforcement.
A low-cost, portable dosimetry system using radiochromic film and a smartphone can provide immediate on-site readings for radiation exposure. The system is practical for personal preparedness in mass-casualty events and costs less than USD$70.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital finds that similar to older children and adults, about one fourth of children under six years old who experience a concussion will develop prolonged symptoms. Younger children are more likely to sustain brain injuries due to their size differences and weaker muscles.
A 82-year-old woman was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for severe carbon monoxide poisoning after conventional oxygen therapy failed to produce significant improvement. The patient demonstrated considerable neurological recovery and full communication abilities after a single session of HBOT.
A new study suggests that gaps in the nation's stroke transfer system reduce survivors' chances of receiving critical treatment and increase disability. Patients with longer delays in hospital transfer experienced worse disability after their stroke, highlighting missed opportunities for many stroke patients.
A recent editorial cautions that Canada's health systems may struggle to cope with the influx of patients during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The article highlights concerns about overburdened hospitals and emergency departments, as well as the need for a national plan to bolster capacity and train personnel.
UVA experts Bruce Greyson and Marieta Pehlivanova argue that the NEPTUNE model leaves many unanswered questions about near-death experiences. Despite its sophistication, the model selectively ignores scientific evidence and fails to address key aspects of NDEs.
Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a condition affecting ICU survivors, characterized by fatigue, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances. Treatment strategies focus on symptom management and prevention of complications.
A study analyzed 169 US TV episodes that portrayed hands-only CPR since 2008 and found nearly half showed outdated practices. Most cardiac-arrest victims receiving hands-only CPR on-screen were white men, while women and Black and Latino people are less likely to receive the intervention in real life.
A new UCLA study finds that the Patient Safety Indicator 04 (PSI 04) metric is fundamentally flawed when applied to emergency stroke care. The researchers argue that the metric incorrectly flags unavoidable complications of severe strokes, rather than problems with the procedure itself.
A study found that maternal vaccinations against influenza and pertussis are associated with reduced hospitalization or emergency department visits in infants under 6 months. Implementing maternal vaccination campaigns can enhance infant health outcomes, addressing low vaccination coverage.
A new rapid test for hepatitis C could identify more patients who can be cured if insurers increase reimbursement to cover the test's high cost. The test's point-of-care feature makes it ideal for early screening and treatment in clinics and emergency rooms.
A meta-analysis found nirsevimab to be associated with reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits for lower respiratory tract infections in young children. This suggests the potential of nirsevimab to decrease respiratory-related morbidity in this population.
A new Ontario-based study suggests that children aged three months to two years are more likely to visit the emergency department within three days of a virtual primary care appointment compared to an in-person visit. In-person appointments may be preferable for young children with acute concerns.
A population-based cohort study found that virtual sick visits to primary care were associated with a small increase in emergency department use in children aged 3 months or older. The study suggests judicious use of virtual primary care to manage acute illness in children is warranted.
A new study reveals chronic breathlessness is associated with longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs in Australia. The research highlights the urgent need for clinicians and policymakers to recognize chronic breathlessness as a major driver of hospital admissions and healthcare expenses.
The study found that behavioral health care accounted for $41.8 billion of overall health spending in 2022, with families paying an average of $2.9 billion out-of-pocket. The costs have grown more than twice as fast as other types of medical care, with telehealth visits increasing by 99% per year.
Research shows that 77% of severely injured children are transported or transferred to pediatric trauma centers, highlighting the need for improved access and evidence-based strategies. Variability in access exists across Canadian provinces, with some areas having higher access than others.
A randomized trial found that etomidate is safe to use and significantly decreases the risk of dangerously low blood pressures during tracheal intubation compared to ketamine. This new evidence supports the use of etomidate as a safer alternative for critically ill adults.
The study demonstrates a significant association between the overall asynchrony index (OAI) and patient outcomes in COVID-19-associated severe pneumonia. Patients with a high asynchrony burden had significantly higher intensive care unit mortality and fewer ventilator-free days, highlighting the importance of PVA monitoring.
A multicenter study found that higher-intensity rehabilitation in the ICU is linked to faster recovery and lower risk of delayed recovery for critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Purposeful mobilization preserves muscle strength and function, supporting faster return to independence.
The study found that escalation area care is widespread and routine, compromising patient safety and generating substandard experiences. The highest proportion of patients were treated in waiting rooms and corridors, with children and mental health patients also being cared for in these spaces.
A randomized trial found that etomidate significantly decreases the risk of dangerously low blood pressures during intubation compared to ketamine. The study suggests that clinicians should choose etomidate over ketamine for breathing tube patients.
Veterans and first responders face elevated risk of cancer due to occupational exposures, such as firefighting. Experts call for better access to high-quality cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, including presumptive laws and expanded support services.
Early automated closed-loop ventilation did not increase ventilator-free days at day 28 compared to protocolized conventional ventilation. Critically ill adults receiving invasive mechanical ventilation showed no significant difference in ventilator-free days between the two ventilation protocols.
A new study shows that simple blood and urine tests can reliably identify infants with fevers under 28 days old who are at low risk for bacterial infections, allowing them to avoid invasive procedures. The test combination demonstrated high sensitivity and negative predictive value, with no missed cases of bacterial meningitis.
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
A recent study found that only one-third of patients with sickle cell disease received guideline-adherent pain treatment within the first hour at emergency departments. The study analyzed data from over 398,000 visits and found disparities in treatment based on age, sex, and insurance status.
A new study found that states with abortion bans without health exceptions saw a substantial increase in pregnancy-related violations of EMTALA. This led to a rise in medical screening examination and general compliance citations, suggesting early breakdowns in the emergency-care-seeking process.
After cannabis sales became legal, rates of cannabis use and cannabis-related disorders increased significantly among adolescents aged 12 to 17 presenting for psychiatric emergencies. The study found a fourfold increase in cannabis use and a similar rise in cannabis-related disorders among this age group.
A Drexel University study found that providing both AI-synthesized information and treatment recommendations to emergency medical doctors improved diagnostic accuracy. The technology was tested in a simulated environment, where participants made correct decisions in 64.4% of scenarios with full support.
The article advocates for a global scoring system to measure ICU patient severity, addressing local limitations and data gaps in low-income countries. A simplified international score based on common ICU variables could provide a shared language for comparison between countries.
A doctor warns of critical treatment gaps in eating disorders, highlighting the dangers of ignoring physical warning signs and behavioral indicators. Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani advocates for integrated medical and psychological care to address the urgent need for effective treatment.
A recent study by researchers at ICES and Sunnybrook Research Institute found that adults diagnosed with concussions are 50% more likely to be involved in a serious traffic crash. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing road safety after a concussion, including avoiding high-speed trips during late-night hours.
A study of almost 10 million patients in Ontario found that those living over 30 km from their family physician were more likely to visit the emergency department for nonurgent reasons and had fewer visits with a family physician. The distance also negatively impacted preventive screening for certain cancers.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) plans to acquire full ownership of Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville, expanding its network of regional medical centers. The acquisition will strengthen VUMC's ability to serve patients across the region with high-quality care in more convenient settings.
Benjamin Abella, MD, receives Honorary Membership from ERC for his leadership and expertise in cardiac arrest and CPR. He has advanced resuscitation science through numerous clinical studies and publications.
Youth opioid use in Canada is increasing, with emergency department visits and deaths rising by 369.2% from 2013 to 2021. Effective treatments such as opioid agonist therapy, psychological therapy, and substance use disorder programs are scarce due to long wait-lists and private funding.
A new study demonstrates the safety and tolerability of enteral ventilation in a first-in-human trial, using rectal delivery of perfluorocarbon liquid. The researchers aim to improve oxygen levels in patients with blocked airways or severely limited lung function.