Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A new study reveals that higher spending on emergency care produces lower mortality rates and improved patient outcomes. The research analyzed ambulance-dispatch patterns in New York state to compare the treatment received by patients at different hospitals.
Research by UT Southwestern Medical Center Emergency Medicine physicians found that deeper chest compressions result in decreased survival due to collateral damage, while faster compression rates are crucial for survival. The ideal compression rate is between 100-120 beats per minute.
The University of Michigan has launched a major initiative to find new ways to treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) thanks to a $10M gift from the Joyce and Don Massey Family Foundation. The new Emergency Critical Care Center will provide advanced care to patients with TBI, stroke, or other critical illnesses.
A study published in JAMA finds that quality measures prioritize management of patients with established diagnoses, neglecting care for those presenting with symptoms. This oversight may lead to underuse of necessary care and compromise patient diagnosis accuracy.
A study found that Medicaid copayments for nonurgent emergency room visits had little impact on usage rates, with no significant difference in states with and without copayments. The researchers suggest that lack of access to primary care physicians may be a reason why patients continue to seek ER care.
A study assessed self-care barriers in acute heart failure patients returning to the ER. Common barriers include co-morbidities, physical disability, and knowledge about disease. Addressing these social determinants can improve patient outcomes and reduce readmissions.
A new study by UMass Chan Medical School found that opioids administered in the emergency room do not influence patient satisfaction scores. Factors such as wait time and communication play a greater role, according to the study's authors.
A small study found that UK trainee doctors still struggle to recognize and treat anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. Despite updated guidelines and training, many doctors lack basic knowledge of treating the condition, which causes breathing and circulatory problems.
The Georgia State University School of Public Health has received a five-year contract to coordinate Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (YMHFA) and other professional development efforts. The program will teach citizens to support adolescents experiencing behavioral health or addiction challenges.
A new pilot study found that majority of tweets from an Emergency Medicine Conference accurately reflected the presenter's message, while some misrepresented it and potentially harmed speaker's reputation. The study highlights the need for further assessment on the impact of social media on presentation quality.
A study published in JAMA found that the High Risk Children's Clinic reduced serious illnesses by 55% and total costs by $16,523 per child per year compared to usual care. The clinic provided comprehensive care with an emphasis on prompt and effective treatment.
A randomized clinical trial found that comprehensive care for high-risk children with chronic illness reduced the number of serious illnesses by 55% and total hospital and clinic costs per child-year. The study suggests that medical homes can be a cost-effective option for these patients.
Poisoning from prescription drugs and emerging substances like 'bath salts' and laundry detergent pods led to millions of human poison exposures in the US. In 2012, poison centers reported 2.2 million exposures, with children and teenagers being disproportionately affected.
The IU and Regenstrief GRACE study is a pioneering program that provides comprehensive care management for older adults in their homes. It has been shown to improve quality of life, reduce hospital admissions, and decrease healthcare costs, making it a model for geriatric medicine.
Westgate Medical Practice introduced a novel appointment system where patients can attend at designated times, reducing wait times and increasing patient satisfaction. The practice saw an improvement in work patterns for nursing staff and a significant increase in patients seeing their preferred doctor.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that Internet searches on a regional medical website can predict emergency department visits with an error rate of 4.8%. This correlation was strongest for the entire county, suggesting that Internet data may be used to forecast emergency department demand.
A study of US emergency departments found that supervised visits involving resident and attending physicians were linked to a greater likelihood of hospital admission and longer ED stays. Supervised visits also resulted in increased use of advanced imaging, whereas blood testing rates were similar.
A study found that fear of police, language barriers, and lack of knowledge about cardiac arrest symptoms hinder Latinos from seeking emergency medical help. The participants also expressed strong reticence about performing CPR due to cultural fears and misconceptions.
Dr. Weltge received the John A. Rupke Legacy Award for his national leadership in emergency medicine, education, and research. He is a well-recognized leader at UTHealth Medical School, where he joined faculty in 1989 as the first board-certified emergency physician.
A Vanderbilt University study found a nationwide decline of 30% in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients between 2006-2011. This decrease may lead to reduced experience among emergency doctors, potentially affecting the timeliness and quality of care for time-sensitive heart attacks.
A new care bundle implemented in four UK hospitals has achieved a significant reduction in the number of deaths following emergency abdominal surgery. The bundle, which includes five key elements, resulted in a 38% decrease in death rate from 16% to 10%.
A study found that prescription opioids were involved in 67.8% of emergency department visits in 2010, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing practices among patients with pre-existing medical conditions. The study also showed that acute benzodiazepine intoxication was recorded in 22.2% of overdose patients.
Emergency hospital admissions to A&E departments rose by 72% between 2001/2 and 2010/11, while those via GPs decreased by 17%, suggesting a shift in the role of these services. Researchers suggest that changes in patient behavior, demographic shifts, and policy factors contributed to this trend.
A two-year study of urban teens and young adults shows that those with PTSD or drug use are more likely to suffer additional violent injuries, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study suggests that addressing substance use and PTSD in the first six months after injury may help prevent recidivism.
The GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences has been awarded a $1.3 million grant to develop training programs for first responders in mass casualty events. The training will focus on medical readiness and immediate victim care, utilizing the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) framework.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that hospitals struggled to meet guidelines for asthma care, particularly those with weaker scientific evidence. The study suggests that overcrowding and crowding may contribute to the decline in meeting non-level-A recommendations.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that strengthening medical malpractice laws did not lead to lower costs of care in emergency rooms. Despite increased protection from lawsuits, physicians continued to order unnecessary tests and hospitalize patients more frequently.
Researchers found improper splinting led to swelling, skin problems, and poor immobilization of fractures. Improper placement occurred in 77% cases, often due to direct bandage on skin.
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 93% of splints used on children were applied incorrectly, causing skin irritation and poor healing. The most common errors included direct application of elastic bandages to the skin and improper positioning of the splint.
Dr. Leana Wen calls for standardized medical training curriculum to address inadequate care for patients with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of provider awareness and advocacy to counter prevalent stigma.
A six-year study in Australia and New Zealand found mortality rates for sepsis were nearly 15% despite aggressive treatment. The results suggest the high standard of care, rather than Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT), is responsible for the low survival rates.
A leading expert suggests that taking patients in cardiac arrest to hospital may be actively harmful and recommends empowering ambulance staff with skills to optimise CPR at the scene. This approach could save lives and reduce unnecessary transports, but experts acknowledge the complexity of applying guidelines in different regions.
A multi-site research study found that individuals living in disadvantaged neighborhoods experience worse musculoskeletal pain outcomes over time after stressful events like car accidents. The study suggests that the environment plays a significant role in chronic pain development, with stress systems involved in pain worsening outcomes.
Researchers found that coordinated patient care can reduce hospital admissions among seniors and people with chronic conditions by 20% and emergency department use by 31%. Empowering patients through education and tools also improves care outcomes.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that care coordination strategies can significantly decrease hospital admissions and emergency department visits among older patients with chronic conditions. However, these approaches were less effective in reducing healthcare usage among individuals with mental illness.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital found that over 95% of patients treated in an Emergency Department incorrectly assume their emergency contact is their designated medical decision maker for end-of-life care. This misunderstanding can lead to invasive treatments and unnecessary suffering. The study emphasizes the importance of educati...
A new evidence-based guideline for managing sickle cell disease recommends the use of hydroxyurea and transfusion therapy for many individuals with SCD. The guideline aims to facilitate improved and more accessible care for affected individuals, despite limited high-quality evidence.
The Cardinal Health Foundation awarded Virginia R. Litle, MD, a Thoracic Surgeon at Boston Medical Center, grant funding to study the efficacy of a Caprini Risk Assessment Model and implement an efficient anticoagulation compliance protocol. The initiative aims to reduce venous thromboembolism complications after thoracic surgery.