Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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 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 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 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.
The Affordable Care Act authorizes $100 million in annual grants to help defray substantial uncompensated care costs, further the core mission of trauma centers, and provide emergency relief. Trauma systems emphasize coordination among multiple health care professionals and institutions across the continuum of care.
A Utah prison outbreak of severe botulism poisoning from homemade pruno highlights the importance of prompt medical attention. The CDC's anti-toxin is rarely administered due to lengthy supply chains, emphasizing the need for emergency physicians to act quickly on clinical suspicion.
Researchers found that initiating palliative care consultations in emergency departments (EDs) reduced hospital length of stay by an average of 3.6 days compared to patients receiving consultations after admission. This study suggests that EDs could be a setting for improving patient-centered care and reducing healthcare costs.
Researchers found no evidence to support routine screening for high-risk patients before administering a single oral dose of ondansetron. ECG screening and electrolyte testing should be targeted to patients with known risk factors, while it's not warranted in low-risk individuals.
A new study published in Health Affairs suggests that providers and organizations can reduce acute care costs through public health measures and educational initiatives. The authors propose a fee-for-service payment system with incentives based on resource and quality measures to encourage high-value care.
Frequent emergency department users have substantial burden of disease, often with multiple chronic conditions and hospitalizations. Predictive modeling based on initial ED visit data can identify individuals likely to return frequently.
A new approach to palliative care has been shown to reduce emergency room visits and improve overall care for high-risk geriatric patients. The customized care model, matched to their changing needs at home, also reduces healthcare costs.
A recent case series of serious injuries at the Tough Mudder event highlights the risks associated with extreme sports events. Participants experienced a range of severe injuries, including multiple electrical burns, seizure-induced Todd's paralysis, and face and head trauma.
The NHS 111 service increased emergency ambulance calls, attendances at emergency care departments, and use of urgent care services during its first year of operation. Despite being designed to direct patients to the most appropriate level of care, NHS 111 did not reduce these pressures.
A recent study found that adults with developmental disabilities, such as autism and Down syndrome, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. The research suggests that these individuals require more comprehensive and coordinated care, including preventive measures like cancer screening, to manage their complex health issues. ...
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that diabetic patients treated in the emergency department who received automated daily text messages improved their blood glucose levels and self-reported medication adherence. The program reduced the need for emergency department visits and was well-received by participants.
A study found that Twitter is used by individuals and organizations involved in clinical toxicology and poison control to share information on diagnosis, management, and conferences. The audit yielded 51 relevant accounts with an average of 1,084 followers.
A new study found that nail gun injuries are increasingly common, especially among young males in work settings. The researchers also noted that public consumers are at risk of injury from these devices.
A recent Canadian study found that transgender patients often avoid emergency department care due to perceptions of discrimination or poor treatment. Nearly three-quarters of those who needed care were able to access it in the ER, but nearly half reported negative experiences related to their trans status.
A new study from Duke University shows that nurse home visits can significantly reduce the need for emergency care in infants. The program, Durham Connects, costs an average of $700 per family and has been shown to decrease emergency care episodes by 50% in the first year of life.
A new pocket manual for first aid teams will help improve heart attack survival rates across Europe by providing quick access to treatment protocols. The toolkit, developed by the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association, is small and easy-to-use, with illustrations showing exactly what needs to be done for patients in an emergency.
Researchers at George Washington University found that outpatient emergency department encounters could reimburse more for patients gaining Medicaid or private insurance through the Affordable Care Act. On average, uninsured patients who will be eligible for Medicaid would receive 17% higher reimbursement per visit, while those becomin...
A new study predicts that the Affordable Care Act will increase emergency department reimbursements by 17% for uninsured patients on Medicaid and 39% for those switching to private insurance. This could help reverse a decades-long trend of uncompensated care in ERs.
The American Thoracic Society expert panel recommends that patients work with their providers to develop individualized action plans to prevent 'dyspnea crisis' episodes. These plans can include alternative relaxation and breathing techniques, medications, and oxygen therapy to ease symptoms.
A systematic review of outside interventions found two-thirds of studies showed reductions in ED visits, with patient education being the most effective. However, some interventions increased overall healthcare consumption without reducing ED use, highlighting the need for careful evaluation of new programs.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that the newly insured will make more outpatient visits and fewer emergency room (ER) visits than they do today. The study found that clinic visits rose significantly among adolescents after the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) went into effect, while ER visits remained flat. Howeve...
A three-way partnership between UCLA, USC, and UC Irvine will form the Los Angeles–Southern California Regional Coordinating Center to address stroke prevention, acute therapy, and recovery. The network will perform five to 10 clinical trials and educate fellows in stroke translational research.
Research finds that system delay in treating STEMI patients leads to postponed return to work and earlier retirement. A study of 4,061 patients under 67 years old found that those with longer system delays returned to work later and retired earlier.
A study published in Pediatrics shows a significant increase in emergency room visits for children with sports-related traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. The number of admissions also rose, with patients with less severe injuries being treated in the hospital more frequently.
A Loyola Medicine study found that the i-STAT point-of-care device is not accurate enough to determine troponin levels without a corrective term. Fingerstick testing can accurately qualify troponin levels as negative, borderline or positive.
Two eight-year-old twin brothers were injured when a bolt of lightning struck a transformer near their tent, causing penetrating blast injuries. The case study highlights the rare possibility of electrical shock from lightning strikes and emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter during thunderstorms.
A recent study found that California adults with Medicaid coverage had the largest increase in emergency department visits from 2005 to 2010. This rise may be attributed to decreased access to primary care, which was reflected in higher rates of ambulatory care sensitive conditions among Medicaid patients.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that electronic health records were associated with a decrease in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for patients with diabetes. The use of EHRs improved the quality of care, resulting in fewer negative events.
A new study reveals that nearly one in five older adults experience emergency department visits within a month of common surgeries, with significant variation between hospitals. Hospitals can use this measure to assess their quality of care and focus on preventing post-surgery emergencies.
The largest ever study of NHS culture and behavior found that high-quality care is often hindered by unclear goals, excessive box ticking, and variable staff support. The analysis identified 'dark spots' of poor care and highlighted the need for clear goals, good intelligence on performance, and person-centered cultures.
Research presented at ESC Congress 2013 found that out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates are low, with only 7% of patients surviving. Therapeutic hypothermia and early coronary reperfusion were both linked to improved survival outcomes in patients.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that pediatric readmission and revisit rates are limited in their usefulness as a quality indicator for pediatric hospital care. The study suggests that grouping patients with similar diagnoses could improve the accuracy of readmission rates as a quality measurement.
A new international study found that senior citizens face distinct challenges in emergency departments, including higher rates of dependency, cognitive impairment, and delirium. The study calls for staff training in geriatric care and specialized department layouts to better meet seniors' needs.
A study published in Critical Care Medicine found that telemedicine consultations significantly improve the quality of care for seriously ill and injured children treated in remote rural emergency rooms. The research showed that patients' satisfaction and perception of their child's care are also improved when consultations are provide...
Cases of children ingesting magnets led to a quintupling of incidents between 2002 and 2011. Ingestion of multiple magnets resulted in more severe outcomes, including emergency surgery.
The article highlights the need for a systematic framework of case identification, triage, and mental health interventions in post-disaster settings. Researchers found that standard treatments like pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are effective, but psychosocial interventions have not been sufficiently evaluated.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that observing children with minor blunt head trauma in the emergency department before ordering a CT scan can significantly reduce the need for CT scans. The study found that every hour of observation time decreased CT rates by approximately 70% on average.
Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are recommended as the first line of defense for reversing warfarin-associated hemorrhage in emergency departments. PCCs can reverse anticoagulation three to five times faster than fresh frozen plasma, making them a life-saving treatment option.
New research from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia estimates a potential surge in medically-attended injuries, particularly among currently uninsured young adults who will now be able to access affordable care. The study predicts an increase in demand for treatment among younger patients with mild and moderate injuries.