Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
A Kaiser Permanente study found that introducing electronic order entry and care-decision support in emergency departments led to a significant increase in the timely administration of clot-dissolving treatments for patients with acute ischemic stroke. The technology helped minimize errors while improving patient outcomes.
A substantial proportion of NHS hospital staff, including those in maternity services, encounter patients who have been trafficked, according to research published in BMJ Open. The study found that staff across various specialties lack knowledge on how best to respond to victims and feel inadequately prepared to provide appropriate care.
A national survey of EMS providers identified airway management skills and personal anxiety as key factors contributing to pediatric safety events in out-of-hospital care. The study supports the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation for pediatric physician involvement in EMS training and policy development.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a research-based guidance to improve compliance when treating septic patients. The guidance, which incorporates high-profile clinical trials, aims to aid hospitals in implementing the National Quality Forum's Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Management Bundle.
A study published in Medical Care found that rural Medicare beneficiaries have lower rates of follow-up care after leaving the hospital, which may lead to higher risks of emergency department visits and repeat hospitalizations. The research also highlights the need for policies to improve access to care for patients in rural areas.
A study led by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that educating medical residents about transgender identity improved their knowledge and willingness to assist with hormonal therapy. The intervention increased residents' willingness to provide care for transgender patients from 5% to 76% for female-to-male patients...
A randomized clinical trial found that an ED-based counseling program did not significantly reduce excessive drinking and partner violence among women in abusive relationships. Despite initial results suggesting brief interventions could be effective, the study found no positive outcome among participants who received the intervention.
A workgroup published five primary recommendations to maximize health information exchange value in emergency departments, including physician involvement and standardized data elements. Seven secondary recommendations aimed to improve HIE for emergency physicians, focusing on data quality and access.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that only 77% of patients accurately assessed their ability to perform tasks after visiting emergency departments. This highlights the need for direct assessments rather than relying on patient statements about abilities.
A randomized clinical trial found that screening women for partner violence and providing a resource list did not reduce hospitalizations or emergency department visits. The study also did not find improvements in quality of life or the recurrence of partner violence after one year.
A recent study found that Medicaid dental coverage does not reduce emergency room visits for nontraumatic dental conditions in urban areas. Despite an adequate supply of dentists, patients struggle to find providers who accept Medicaid, leading to increased ER use.
A California study found that not-for-profit hospitals provided an average of 1.9% of operating costs for charity care, while for-profits spent 4.4% on bad debt and uncompensated care. The disparity highlights the need for clearer guidelines to ensure hospitals fulfill their community obligations.
A new study reveals that transfer times for stroke patients are significantly longer than expected driving times, with average differences ranging from 46 to 133 minutes. This highlights the need for improvements in emergency transport systems to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
A new study led by Duke Medicine shows that bystander-initiated CPR substantially increased survival from cardiac arrest. The early application of CPR was associated with improved patient survival compared to situations where patients waited for EMS-initiated CPR and defibrillation.
The Low Risk Ankle Rule reduces unnecessary radiation exposure and healthcare costs for children with ankle injuries. Implementing the rule leads to a 22.9% decrease in x-ray orders and $36.93 less in healthcare costs.
Researchers found a new treatment approach for blood clots that allows patients to go home the same day, reducing hospital stays and costs. The treatment, rivaroxaban, also reduces recurrent thrombosis and bleeding rates.
A new study provides a glimpse into the complex dynamics of end-of-life care and emergency response. Paramedics and EMTs often enter situations where a patient's end-of-life wishes contradict their professional code, requiring careful assessment and management to uphold those wishes.
A new study from the University of Iowa found that improving access to affordable primary care reduced preventable hospital stays for black and Hispanics who receive both Medicare and Medicaid. However, it also showed that trips to the emergency department went up among all dual eligibles, regardless of race or ethnicity. The study sug...
A study found that hospital weekend death risk is a feature of several developed countries' healthcare systems, not just England. Experts highlight the need to clarify what causes this phenomenon, which amounts to about 160 additional deaths per year.
Researchers suggest that level I trauma centers can provide training opportunities for military surgeons to maintain their skills. The study found that level I trauma centers closely resemble military Role 3 facilities in terms of case density and work schedules, making them ideal for sustaining combat surgical skills.
The American Red Cross supports increased public education and training opportunities for bystander CPR and defibrillation to reduce barriers. The report calls for national accreditation standards, a national registry, and enhanced EMS capabilities to improve cardiac arrest survival rates.
Researchers in Navarre, Spain developed a system that uses soft computing to predict the survival of multiple trauma patients. The system achieved high accuracy by considering patient severity variables, age and other clinical parameters.
A study found that over half of seniors injured in motor vehicle crashes were still taking pain medication six months later. The results highlighted the need for effective management of acute pain in older adults to prevent negative consequences on function and quality of life.
A new evidence-based protocol to treat acute, severe pain in emergency department patients has been shown to be effective and safe. The study found that simply asking patients if they want more pain medication resulted in satisfactory pain control for 99% of participants.
A recent UAlberta study reveals nearly half of severely obese patients require ICU admission and one in five do not survive after emergency surgery. The researchers attribute these findings to underlying health conditions, malnutrition, and impaired healing due to obesity.
A three-year study shows significant improvements in quality and use of medical services relative to comparison practices. Medical home interventions that paid bonuses based on financial savings improved diabetes care, breast cancer screening, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and primary care visits.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of ER clinical encounters could pose difficulties due to the new ICD-10 coding system. The researchers identified convoluted mappings in 27% of commonly used emergency room ICD-9 codes, which may lead to incorrect reporting or reimbursement.
Joint recommendations from the Heart Failure Association, European Society of Emergency Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine emphasize urgent diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure. The guidelines outline tests, treatments, and management strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity.
For severe salicylate poisoning, hemodialysis is the best remedy according to a comprehensive review of medical literature. Salicylate poisoning causes significant harm and death, requiring prompt treatment with dialysis.
A new study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found a low risk of life-threatening cardiac events among patients with chest pain who have normal test results. The researchers suggest discharging these patients to outpatient settings for further testing, which could significantly reduce hospital admissions.
More than half of Medicaid enrollees opt for hospital emergency departments due to convenience and access to technology, rather than primary care clinics. This finding exposes a gap in healthcare services, as patients may avoid costs associated with travel and time away from work but neglect preventive care and chronic disease management.
Indiana University researchers Michael LaMantia and Kathleen Unroe have been recognized by the American Geriatrics Society for their groundbreaking work in geriatrics and aging research. Dr. LaMantia received an AGS New Investigator Award, while Dr. Unroe was named an AGS fellow for her dedication to health policy and long-term care.
Analysis of seven electronic databases reveals frequent users account for up to one in 12 patients seeking emergency department care, and are around 2.5 times more likely to be admitted or require outpatient treatment. The study suggests that frequent users may benefit from targeted proactive approach.
A University of Maryland School of Public Health study found that linking low-income uninsured patients to safety-net clinics reduced avoidable emergency department visits. The initiative improved health outcomes and reduced costs for vulnerable populations in Montgomery County, Maryland.
A three-year analysis by Mount Sinai researchers found that early palliative care interventions can improve geriatric emergency care, decreasing hospital lengths-of-stay and costs. The approach is shown to have reduced ICU admissions for patients aged 65 and older by 1.4%.
A randomized trial by Yale researchers found that patients given buprenorphine in the emergency department were more likely to engage in addiction treatment and reduce illicit opioid use. They also had fewer resources used, compared to those who received only referrals or brief interventions.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine has reevaluated the safety of droperidol for sedating emergency patients with acute behavioral disturbance. The study found that droperidol is effective and safe when used alone, but combinations with benzodiazepines may increase adverse effects.
A recent study found that US emergency departments have improved their pediatric readiness, with a median weighted pediatric readiness score of 68.9, up from a previous score of 55. This improvement is attributed to the implementation of a comprehensive assessment by a national coalition.
A study published in Western Journal of Emergency Medicine found that emergency departments can provide a promising venue for addressing opioid deaths through education on overdose prevention and naloxone rescue kit distribution. The program reached a high-risk population, equipped them with kits, and encouraged witness intervention.
A new study found that nearly 50% of emergency departments have a pediatric coordinator, leading to improved readiness and a 70% national score increase since 2003. The assessment identified areas for improvement, including disaster plans and equipment availability.
A new tool uncovers some surprises in diagnosing Ebola by identifying six key symptoms: contact with an infected person, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, difficulty swallowing and absence of abdominal pain. This score can help clinicians risk-stratify patients during outbreaks.
A new study led by UC San Francisco documents the increasing amount of care provided in emergency departments for complex, chronic conditions. The research shows a rise in non-injury diagnoses, including gastrointestinal and nervous system disorders, among vulnerable populations.
A new University of Michigan study found that young people who have been injured in a fight have a nearly 60% chance of being involved in a violent incident involving a firearm within two years. The study also identified associated factors, such as drug use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, that increase this risk.
A new diagnostic tool for Ebola virus disease was developed by Dr. Adam C. Levine at Rhode Island Hospital, which can help determine the likelihood of a patient having EVD based on six specific symptoms. The tool aims to facilitate timely and effective treatment for patients suspected to have the virus.
Two new studies published in Annals of Emergency Medicine explore the use of social media to promote dialogue around global emergency medicine. The studies, conducted by researchers from the American College of Emergency Physicians, establish criteria for evaluating high-quality blogs and podcasts.
A study at a Swedish hospital found that caregivers missed 90% of opportunities for using alcohol-based hand rub and aseptic techniques during invasive procedures. The lack of adherence to aseptic techniques led to an increase in hospital-acquired infections, highlighting the need for improved teamwork and training.
A study by Boston Medical Center researchers finds that new Hepatitis C treatments are highly effective but only cost-effective for patients with advanced liver disease or those who have previously failed treatment. The therapy's wholesale cost of $85,000 per course is prohibitively expensive for healthier patients.
A Monash University study reviewed over a million ICU patients in Australia and New Zealand, finding one in eight did not meet current sepsis criteria. The classic definition of sepsis may be missing critically ill patients, particularly the elderly or those on medications that affect heart rate or immune systems.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits among Medicare patients treated by patient-centered medical homes, with outpatient ED visits growing more slowly. However, there was no effect on rates of inpatient hospitalization, which is significantly more expensive.
The HEART Pathway, a new protocol, helps emergency departments evaluate patients with acute chest pain more efficiently. It has been shown to reduce cardiac tests, early discharges, and hospital stays while maintaining patient safety.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center researchers found that using advanced clinical decision support tools reduces mortality for pneumonia patients. The tool, which analyzes 40 different factors to calculate a patient's risk of having pneumonia, saved up to 12 lives in hospitals where it was used.
Researchers predict a shortage of over 33,000 primary care physicians by 2035 due to demographic changes and insurance expansion. To eliminate this deficit, experts suggest increasing residency production by nearly 2,200 positions by 2020.
A five-year clinical trial will examine two treatments for acute low back pain, aiming to prevent chronic conditions. BMC researchers will recruit 2,640 patients to test the efficacy of early physical therapy with cognitive behavioral coaching.
A teenager returned from a discotheque with classic stroke symptoms was actually diagnosed with Lyme disease due to elevated white blood cell counts in spinal fluid. The patient improved immediately after antibacterial and antiviral treatment began.
Researchers found that expansion of insurance coverage in Massachusetts increased elective knee and hip replacement procedures by 4.7 percent, with greater increases among black and Hispanic patients. The study suggests improved access to healthcare for racial/ethnic minorities, leading to better health outcomes.
Studies found significant confusion among emergency physicians and prehospital care providers in interpreting POLST orders. Only when specifying CPR and full treatment did consensus rates reach 95%. The studies call for continued research, standards, and education to ensure patient autonomy and appropriate care.
A new study by Yale University found that younger women with heart disease symptoms often delay seeking medical care, citing fears of false alarms. The research highlights the need for education and improved response strategies to empower these women to recognize early symptoms and seek prompt care.
A study published in CMAJ found that nearly a quarter of patients with chest pain who visited an emergency department did not receive follow-up care. Patients with multiple health issues and rural residency were less likely to see a physician after discharge.
The Johns Hopkins Medicine has developed four web-based training modules on Ebola preparedness for emergency department personnel. These modules provide tools and resources to identify, triage, and manage patients at risk of Ebola, as well as planning processes and communication techniques.
A comprehensive review of studies on physician attire finds that patients prefer formally dressed doctors, but fashion takes a back seat in emergency and surgical care. The study's lead author suggests that healthcare systems capture the 'voice of the customer' to provide tailored guidance on physician attire.