Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that 39% of planned operations for joint replacement, arthroscopy, or foot and ankle surgery were cancelled or rebooked. Common reasons include patient cancellations (33%), emergency cases prioritized (9%), and incomplete pre-operative preparation (12%).
According to a study by American College of Emergency Physicians, discharged patients often return to the emergency department because they're anxious about their symptoms. The main reasons cited are fear or uncertainty about their medical condition, distrust in the healthcare system, and difficulties accessing care due to lack of insu...
A mobile app for emergency cardiac care has been developed by the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (ACCA) of the European Society of Cardiology. The app provides instant access to diagnostics pathways, treatment algorithms, and guidelines for professionals to make quick decisions in acute cardiovascular emergencies.
A new study found that only 11.5% of available YouTube videos on CPR and basic life support are compatible with recent health guidelines. Early recognition and treatment of sudden cardiac arrest are crucial for improving survival rates, emphasizing the importance of hands-on instruction from qualified health practitioners.
Aconite poisoning cases have surged in Australia due to increased use of Chinese herbal medicines. A recent case highlighted the potentially lethal nature of aconite, with symptoms including facial numbness, nausea, and abdominal pain.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital finds that patients with frequent ED visits for acute heart failure syndrome account for disproportionate costs and service utilization. The research highlights the need for better outpatient care to prevent repeat ED visits and reduce hospitalizations.
A study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults with malnutrition had never been diagnosed, highlighting the importance of screening in emergency departments. Factors contributing to malnutrition include depression, difficulty buying groceries, and denture problems.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine suggests that pelvic X-rays are not necessary for most children with blunt force trauma. The study found that abdominal/pelvic CT scans are a superior diagnostic test for diagnosing children with pelvic fractures or dislocations, increasing accuracy and reducing radiation exposure.
The study highlights the potential of increased adoption of complex care management to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes. However, several barriers, including fee-for-service payment systems and lack of resources in small practices, must be addressed.
A new UCSF study reveals that emergency department closures can lead to a 5% higher risk of death for patients admitted to nearby hospitals, particularly those with time-sensitive conditions. The findings highlight the ripple effect on patient outcomes and surrounding communities.
A new Arizona EMS system dramatically increased cardiac arrest survival rates, with a 60% increase in four-year period. The system sent patients to specialized cardiac receiving centers, significantly improving neurological outcomes and survival chances.
Researchers from the University of Bristol found that patients who saw the same GP every time they attended their GP surgery were less likely to require emergency care. The report recommends targeted increases in continuity of care for high-risk groups, including older patients and those with multiple conditions.
A systematic review of 10 studies confirms ketamine's safety in critically ill patients, providing analgesia, sedation, and amnesia without significant increases in intracranial pressure or neurological outcomes. The findings support the use of ketamine as a routine treatment for life-threatening infections and unconscious patients.
Participants in the BMC Violence Intervention Advocacy Program experienced reduced retaliation and improved life-changing behaviors after connecting with supportive adults. The program addressed physical, mental, emotional, and social needs, providing essential services like counseling, education, and job skills.
A study suggests that busier emergency centers may give the best chance of surviving life-threatening medical crises, with a 10% lower death rate compared to less busy centers. Patients with sepsis had a 26% lower death rate at busiest centers.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that mobile phone text messages after an ER visit reduced binge drinking in young adults by over 50%. The intervention, which included text message queries and feedback, led to a 51% decrease in self-reported binge drinking days.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a three-year, $4.7 million grant to University Hospitals Case Medical Center Seidman Cancer Center to test a new national model aimed at improving care for adult cancer patients with late-stage disease. The project will enhance care through individualized interventions, inclu...
A new study found that emergency medical service (EMS) responders felt significantly better prepared to respond to active shooter incidents after receiving focused tactical training. The training improved their comfort level with joint rescue operations and perception of their role in such incidents, leading to faster response times.
A new study found that 1 in 5 young women and 1 in 8 young men reported being victims or aggressors in violent dating situations, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to screen both genders. The study also suggests that those with depression or substance abuse issues are more likely to engage in violent behavior.
A study found that one in six adolescents who visited the emergency department experienced dating violence. Factors associated with dating violence included African-American race, alcohol misuse, and depression. The study highlights the need for screening and intervention among youth to prevent future adult intimate partner violence.
A study of homeless, alcohol-dependent patients reveals that they often begin drinking as children, with most reporting abuse or neglect in their childhood homes. The majority of patients were unemployed and had entered detoxification programs multiple times before the study.
A RAND Corporation study emphasizes the urgent need to improve long-term care services for people with dementia and their caregivers. The study offers 25 high-impact policy options to address this growing concern, including increasing public awareness, improving access to services, and reducing financial burdens.
A new study found that working parents often turn to urgent care visits when their sick children are excluded from child care due to strict health rules. The study suggests that these exclusions create a socioeconomic emergency for many families, especially single/divorced parents and African Americans.
The UTHealth School of Nursing's post-master's emergency/trauma care program has transitioned to an online format thanks to a $1,103,048 grant award. This will enhance the educational experience for registered nurses pursuing advanced degrees or certificates in emergency and trauma care.
Research suggests that improving family doctor access during standard working hours could reduce the demand for out-of-hours primary care services. By offering more appointments during regular surgery hours, this approach might be more effective than extending opening hours.
Parents in low-income families with lower health insurance cost-sharing were less likely to delay or avoid taking their children to see a doctor. Many parents also reduced medication use and delayed visits due to financial stress, affecting their child's asthma care and control.
A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that only a small proportion of seizure patients receive electroencephalograms (EEGs) in the emergency department, which can lead to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses. The study suggests that this may impact admission decisions and hospital care for these patients.
A study by Henry Ford Health found that 77 percent of super-frequent ED users have a substance abuse addiction. Researchers also discovered that pain-relief narcotics were the most commonly abused substances among women. Implementing case management strategies and funding for substance abuse programs may help alleviate the problem.
A study published in CMAJ found that pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious traffic crashes during the second trimester, with a 42% increase in crashes compared to baseline. The researchers emphasize the importance of safe driving practices, such as avoiding excessive speed and minimizing distractions, to prevent accidents.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued updated policy statements recommending improved research and education on the treatment of children in urgent care centers. The guidelines emphasize the need for timely evaluation, stabilization, and transfer of children with emergencies, as well as consistent oversight and quality monitoring.
A recent study by Allina Health found that sharing clinical information with other health systems can avoid duplicative diagnostic procedures, such as blood work and imaging. By using the Care Everywhere tool, providers were able to eliminate 560 potentially duplicative diagnostic procedures.
A study found that primary care providers were capable of accepting new patients prior to the start of the Affordable Care Act coverage expansions, with median wait times under one week. However, Medicaid patients faced significant barriers, with only 58% of practices offering an appointment.
Researchers found that integrating URI education into Early Head Start programs led to a decline in pediatric emergency visits and adverse care practices among predominantly Latino families. The intervention showed promise in addressing health literacy gaps, with significant reductions in over-the-counter medication misuse.
A recent study examined the impact of state Medicaid expansions on perceived access to care and emergency department use among enrollees. The results showed no evidence that expanding Medicaid coverage eroded access to care or increased ED use, contrary to previous concerns.
A Rutgers report reveals young adults in low-income communities increasingly seek emergency department dental care, causing access and cost concerns. The study suggests expanding dentist office hours, implementing emergency department diversion programs, and increasing awareness among vulnerable populations to address these issues.
A recent study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found no correlation between painkillers, including opiates, and patient satisfaction scores in emergency departments. Instead, factors such as increasing age and male gender were linked to higher satisfaction scores.
A new study suggests that Medicaid expansion among low-income nonelderly adults can help prevent kidney failure and improve access to kidney disease care. States with broader Medicaid coverage have lower incidences of kidney failure and smaller insurance-related gaps in access to kidney disease care.
Emergency department usage in Massachusetts rose by up to 2.2% after the implementation of a 2006 state law expanding health care access, according to a study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine. The study found that increased insurance coverage reduced financial barriers to care but did not significantly impact access to timely ...
A study found a small but consistent increase in emergency department visits after Massachusetts implemented its first-in-the-nation law to expand health care insurance coverage. The data showed an average annual increase of 1.2% in ER visits between 2006 and 2007, which rose to 2.2% by 2009.
Researchers found a decline in absolute mortality from severe sepsis, decreasing from 35.0% to 18.4%, resulting in a relative risk reduction of 47.5%. The annual decrease in mortality was consistent across various diagnoses and hospital settings.
A large-scale randomized trial found that sepsis patients receive effective care regardless of treatment protocol, resolving a long-standing debate. The ProCESS trial showed no significant differences in survival rates among three groups: Early Goal-Directed Therapy, Protocolized Standard Care, and Standard Care.
A RAND Corporation study found that better continuity of care for patients with diabetes, congestive heart failure, or emphysema leads to significant reductions in hospital emergency department visits and hospitalizations. This improvement can result in substantial cost savings for Medicare, up to $1.5 billion per year.
A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that a text-message program is an effective tool for preventing violence among at-risk teen girls. The program, which was developed with input from the teens themselves, provides personalized and positively worded messages to help them develop coping strategies and prev...
A new study found that 21% of transgender people avoid EDs due to fear of negative experiences. Trans-specific negative experiences reported include refusal of care or examination in alignment with their felt/core gender. This highlights the need for better training and safe environments within EDs.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study identifies factors that increase the risk of subsequent overdoses requiring emergency department visits. Analysis found that repeat ED visits for opioid overdose are associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and respiratory failure.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed two inexpensive adapters that allow smartphones to capture high-quality images of the front and back of the eye. The adapters make it easy for anyone with minimal training to take a picture of the eye and share it securely with other health practitioners or store it i...
A study of STEMI patients found that patient and family satisfaction with acute care transfers was significant, with most feeling the transfer was necessary and well explained. However, some would have preferred to stay at their local facility.
A three-year pilot of medical homes showed few improvements in care quality and no reductions in hospital visits or costs. Despite adopting new capabilities, most practices did not see significant reductions in healthcare utilization or total costs.
A large-scale trial found that a patient-centered medical home program had limited impact on quality of care, but did not reduce hospital or emergency department use. The study measured outcomes in 32 participating primary care practices and compared them to 29 control practices.
A Stanford study analyzing over 4,500 trauma cases found that insured patients are more likely to be admitted to non-trauma centers and receive worse care. This is because hospitals may admit insured patients to generate revenue, despite the risk of sub-optimal care.
A recent study found that nearly 22% of Medicare patients require emergency care within 30 days of discharge from a nursing facility, highlighting the need for improved transitions. Factors such as race, diagnosis, and previous hospitalizations are associated with a higher risk of rehospitalization.
A study analyzing patient telephone records at an IBD clinic found that frequent callers are more likely to be hospitalized or enter the emergency room. The analysis identified patterns of phone calls as a predictor of future medical interventions.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that states decriminalizing marijuana saw a dramatic increase in children requiring medical intervention at emergency rooms. High-dose edible products containing tetrahydrocannabinol were identified as a significant contributor to these incidents.
A new study supports tele-emergency services in extending emergency care to rural areas. The research found that 95% of respondents felt tele-emergency improved the quality of care at their facility, with benefits including second opinions and adherence to evidence-based protocols.
Researchers found that emergency patients were 59% less likely to have repeated CT scans, 44% less likely for ultrasounds, and 67% less likely for chest X-rays when both hospitals shared patient records. The study suggests health information exchanges (HIEs) may deliver efficiency they promise.
Early ultrasound training can enhance diagnostic skills and detect life-threatening conditions like cardiac tamponade. Medical students performed better in detecting valvular disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac dysfunction using ultrasounds compared to trained cardiologists.
Delirium in older patients is frequently overlooked due to the lack of screening tools in emergency departments. The condition can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality rates, and a higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers call for the development of emergency department-specific screening instruments to improve ...
A unique study on Oregon's citizens found that adults covered by Medicaid use emergency rooms 40% more than those without health insurance. The research sheds light on the inner workings of healthcare in the US, challenging traditional economics frameworks suggesting that insurance would decrease medical care usage.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found no significant difference in survival rates between gunshot and stabbing victims transported by police or EMS. The study examined over 4,100 patients and found that those transported by police were more likely to die due to their initial severity of injury.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that Medicaid beneficiaries are more likely to seek emergency care due to access issues rather than the severity of their illness. The study suggests that policy makers should focus on increasing timely access to primary care, especially for Medicaid beneficiaries.