Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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%).
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.
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 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.
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.