Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
A study of nearly 12,000 records found that community-based palliative care reduced emergency department visits for dying patients by an average of two times per year. Patients receiving palliative care were more likely to live in urban areas and have a partner, leading to significant reductions in ER visits.
A double-blind, randomized clinical trial found that patients treated with naproxen and placebo had outcomes as good as those treated with naproxen and diazepam (Valium) for acute lower back pain. By three months after visiting the emergency department, most patients had recovered completely regardless of treatment.
A new study reveals that nearly one in four people who seek emergency care for eye problems have mild conditions, such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis, that don't require emergency treatment. The researchers recommend ways to reduce inappropriate ER visits, including telemedicine and after-hours appointments.
A new study found that states pay higher costs for care and patients face greater pain and psychological distress when they do not receive scheduled dialysis treatments. The research highlights the need to reconsider professional and societal approaches to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) for undocumented patients.
High-concentration peroxide ingestion has been linked to life-threatening ailments such as seizure, stroke, and respiratory distress, with a mortality rate of 6.8%. Early treatment with hyperbaric oxygen can improve outcomes.
A study published in The BMJ found that continuity of care with a general practitioner is associated with lower hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions among older patients. Patients who saw the same GP more frequently experienced almost 9-12% fewer admissions.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that lung ultrasound enhances pretest risk stratification for pulmonary embolism, detecting alternative diagnoses such as pneumonia or pleural effusion. This improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces unnecessary radiation exposure.
A recent study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found no association between intravenous contrast media and acute kidney injury. The research, which analyzed five years of records, showed that the probability of developing acute kidney injury was higher for patients receiving unenhanced CT scans.
A new healthcare model integrating obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and behavioral health has significantly reduced the utilization of emergency services and hospital days for pregnant women and their newborns. The study found annual savings of over $800,000 for pregnant women and $1.6 million for newborns.
Experts discuss four core ethical issues: whether death is beneficial, PAS/E vs. WWLST, intentional causation of death, and reasonable accommodations. Proponents argue for legalization, while opponents highlight moral differences.
A new study from the University of Missouri Health Care found that using electronic health records can improve patient care on warfarin after discharge. The EHR system provides a comprehensive health summary for each admitted patient, making it easier for providers to access and manage warfarin therapy.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that physicians consistently underestimate ACS risk for women and minorities, despite objective assessments suggesting higher risk. The study suggests that the ED evaluation of chest pain has become protocolized, immune to unconscious bias.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) improved health care access and utilization among Latinos, but persistent disparities persist. The study suggests expanding the law to undocumented immigrants could help combat these disparities.
A study by Yale researchers found that older adults who visit the emergency department (ED) are at increased risk for disability and decline in physical abilities up to six months later. The discharged group had significantly higher disability scores than the control group, and were also more likely to be living in a nursing home.
A recent study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine reports a case of a 6-year-old child who ingested liquid nicotine from an e-cigarette, requiring intubation and ICU admission. The patient's mother had mixed the liquid herself, resulting in a highly concentrated substance that caused severe symptoms and altered mental status.
Patients with mental health emergencies in Massachusetts wait an average of 16.5 hours for hospital admission and 21.5 hours for transfer to another facility compared to 4.2 hours for medical patients.
A retrospective observational study found that patients receiving CT scans for atraumatic headaches in the emergency room were less likely to return within 30 days. The study suggests that CT scans may provide reassurance to patients, preventing return ED visits.
Researchers have found that using medical skin glue can significantly reduce IV drip failure rates due to infection, pain, blockage or falling out. By reducing the need for replacement, doctors can save staff time and free up valuable healthcare resources.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that newborn telemedicine consultations can positively impact patient care by providing enhanced access to neonatologists. This resulted in one-third of babies being able to stay with their families in the local hospital, increasing the value of care and potential cost savings.
Researchers found that palliative care treatment reduced hospital admissions and difficult transitions for older adults with serious illnesses in nursing homes. Palliative care consultations earlier in the illness also improved outcomes.
The Center for Regenerative Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine has received three prestigious NIH awards totaling over $9 million to further its commitment to induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) research and education. These awards will support the development of stem cell-based treatments for v...
A new study by RAND Corporation found that retail clinics near hospital emergency departments did not reduce visits to emergency departments for minor health ailments. The study examined over 2,000 emergency departments across 23 states and found no significant reduction in low-acuity visit rates despite increased retail clinic access.
A study found that retail clinics near emergency departments had little effect on reducing low-acuity visits to them. The growth of retail clinics led to a small decrease in emergency department visits only among patients with private insurance.
Every year, approximately 30,000 sports-related eye injuries in the United States result in ER visits, with most cases occurring among children under 18. Basketball and cycling are identified as the most common causes of these injuries. Protective eyewear can significantly reduce the incidence of such injuries.
A clinical trial found that patients with large kidney stones passed them more often when treated with the prostate drug Tamsulosin, offering potential relief from painful conditions. The treatment may also allow patients to be treated closer to home, improving care and reducing costs.
A new study shows that implementing the WHO Trauma Care Checklist Programme at hospitals worldwide led to substantial improvements in injury care, with increased consistency of care and reduced mortality among severely injured patients. The checklist is a simple tool emphasizing key life-saving elements of initial injury care.
A new mobile application, DentaCom, captures and transmits images of dental emergencies to provide dentists with the information needed to make decisions. The app guides individuals through a series of questions, allowing them to complete a guided report and take photos within four minutes.
Research reveals that 35% of patients presenting to emergency departments in Ghana tested positive for alcohol, with certain groups showing higher rates. The study highlights the need for low- and middle-income countries to conduct their own research on alcohol-associated injuries, as global estimates may not accurately reflect local t...
Researchers at Allina Health present findings from the LifeCourse study, which shows that a whole-person approach to care can reduce health care utilization in late-life. The study found that patients who received care from lay health workers experienced improved quality of life and resilience in the face of decline.
The University of Michigan will train junior faculty scholars in emergency critical care research through a new NIH K12 Career Development Program. Scholars will receive broad training in modern clinical and translational science, as well as expertise in grant writing and research mentoring.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a $10.8 million contract to launch the LITES Network, which will create a nationwide trauma system capable of conducting detailed research on trauma care. The network aims to reduce preventable deaths after injury and minimal trauma-related disability.
Elder abuse affects approximately 1 in 10 older adults in the US, with 23 million emergency department visits annually. A new study estimates that only 1 in 7,700 visits result in a formal diagnosis of elder abuse, highlighting a major missed opportunity for patient safety and unmet care needs.
The new opioid urgent care center provides a full continuum of treatment services, including detoxification and follow-up care, to patients with substance use disorders. Faster Paths integrates BMC's existing addiction services to streamline access to treatment.
A nationwide CPR training event aims to improve cardiac arrest survival rates. The training has already been delivered to 31,000 children in the past two years and will reach over 100,000 this year. The initiative is part of a collaboration between leading organizations to create a Nation of Lifesavers.
A study of 34,444 patients found that 21.9% had ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, with 52% having cardiovascular disease. In-patient mortality rates were significantly lower for those with cardiovascular ACSCs compared to non-cardiovascular.
A UK injury data collection pilot has found a significant association between deprivation levels and an increasing incidence rate of unintentional injuries. The study suggests that collecting injury data could help reduce A&E attendances by understanding patterns in communities.
A comprehensive review of studies on alternative management strategies for low-risk acute medical conditions found that all four evaluated approaches are safe, improve patient satisfaction, and reduce healthcare costs. However, some exceptions were noted, including higher-than-anticipated return hospitalization rates for certain condit...
Patients registered to extended-access practices had a 26.4% relative reduction in ED visits for minor problems compared to those with routine access. This resulted in significant cost savings, but no overall reduction in ED visits.
Research from University of Manchester shows link between extended GP hours and fewer A&E visits, but cost savings may not outweigh benefits.
In Illinois, average monthly ER visits increased by 5.7% after Obamacare's implementation. In Massachusetts, availability of on-call specialists declined significantly between 2005 and 2014.
A study of over 3 million Medicare patients found that seniors with higher continuity of care had 20% lower risk of emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Maintaining a relationship with one doctor can help avoid such situations.
A nurse-initiated protocol to improve timeliness of care can significantly decrease ER stays for patients with certain conditions, including fever and hip fractures. The study found that average length of stay was reduced by almost 4 hours by implementing such a protocol.
A new study assessed the 'weekend effect' in emergency general surgery patients, revealing a significant reduction in mortality rates from 5.4% to less than 2.9% over 15 years. The study found great improvements in outcomes overall and notable differences in care provided within the week and at the weekend.
A small study found that people with disabilities were more likely to use emergency departments even when they had access to primary health care. The researchers suggest that increased access to mobility clinics with specialized support staff and equipment may be part of the solution.
Researchers found no increase in emergency department visits in states that expanded Medicaid compared to those that didn't. However, Medicaid expansion led to a 27% increase in Medicaid-paid emergency department visits and a 31% decrease in uninsured visits.
The study found that despite progress toward universal coverage, citizens still reported gaps in primary care organization, financing, and delivery in six Latin American and Caribbean countries. People with better experiences at the primary care level were less likely to say their health system needed major reforms.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act led to increased primary and preventive care, reduced emergency department visits, and improved quality of care for low-income adults in Kentucky and Arkansas. The findings suggest that how states expand coverage may not be as important as expanding coverage itself.
A recent study in Health Affairs highlights critical primary care shortcomings in Latin American countries, including high rates of skipping needed care and emergency department usage. The findings emphasize the urgent need for attention to address these gaps as populations continue to age.
Two insurance expansion approaches under ACA associated with increased outpatient and preventive care, reduced emergency department use, and improved self-reported health. The Medicaid expansion and alternative private option were linked to gains in coverage, primary care access, and reduced out-of-pocket spending.
A new street drug combining fentanyl and U-47700 is being marketed as 'Norco' in Central California, posing a significant threat to users. The synthetic opioid's toxicity led to an unexpected cluster of fatal deaths in the area.
A small rise in alcohol prices could significantly reduce violence-related injuries in England and Wales, with an estimated 6,000 fewer emergency care visits per year. The study suggests that reforming the current alcohol taxation system would be more effective at reducing violence than minimum unit pricing.
The study found that freestanding EDs are concentrated in areas with higher incomes, private insurance rates, and hospital ED presence. This suggests that they may not be expanding access to underserved populations as initially thought.
Research suggests a small increase in alcohol duty may reduce violence-related emergency department visits by 6000 annually. Lower on-trade and off-trade prices are associated with higher attendance rates.
Visits to emergency departments for hypertension increased by 64% between 2002 and 2012, despite a decline in hospitalizations. Aggressive home monitoring may be driving patients to ERs without other emergency conditions. Mortality rates were low, with less than 1% of patients dying within 90 days.
Researchers from GW University developed a conceptual model for acute, unscheduled care, identifying issues with current care delivery and proposing ways to improve it. The model incorporates social determinants and care-seeking decisions to optimize outcomes and reduce costs.
A new study by the University of Arizona suggests that physicians should not predict outcomes for comatose cardiac arrest patients too soon. The study found that many patients wake up longer than expected after being rewarmed from therapeutic hypothermia treatment, with some even regaining consciousness five or seven days after admission.
A mobile app improved knowledge and skills in neonatal resuscitation among Ethiopian healthcare workers, but did not significantly reduce perinatal mortality. The app trained workers on managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies through animated videos and local language voiceovers.
After health insurance reform, minority-serving hospitals in Massachusetts saw a significant increase in minority discharges, with 62% of 'safety-net hospital users' continuing to receive care at these facilities. The study suggests that interventions like raising Medicaid reimbursement rates could benefit these vital resources.
A national effort showed that reducing catheter use and UTIs can be achieved through training and tools, saving money and suffering. By the end of an 18-month program, UTI rates dropped by a third in general wards, while catheter use decreased.
A study found that nearly 82% of children with concussion initially sought care through primary care, rather than the emergency department. This highlights the importance of training primary care clinicians in concussion diagnosis and management.