Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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.
A study of 43,979 patient records found that emergency physicians correctly identified nearly all patients with Bell's palsy. The majority of patients with life-threatening alternative diagnoses were accurately diagnosed without advanced diagnostic tests.
Research from Penn Medicine reveals that urban counties have a lower risk of injury-related death compared to suburban and rural counties. Motor vehicle collisions were found to be the leading cause of death in both urban and rural areas.
A study found that large cities have a lower risk of injury death compared to rural areas, with a 40% higher risk of unintentional injury death in the most rural counties. The risk of firearm-related deaths varied by age and race, but was generally higher in rural areas.
A new study reveals significant variability in patient death rates following emergency surgical admissions in England. Hospitals with better resources tend to have higher survival rates, suggesting that quality of care is a key factor in mortality rates.
A study found that men with high-deductible health plans reduced emergency department visits for even severe problems, but later saw an increase in hospitalizations. In contrast, women responded more appropriately to the plan's limitations, reducing ER visits only for less-severe issues.
Emergency physicians used a new tool to assess drug-seeking behavior in the emergency department with an accuracy rate of 87%, according to a recent study. The use of prescription monitoring programs data helped reduce changes in prescribing plans from over 35% to less than 10%.
A new study by the University of Michigan Injury Center found that nearly one in four young assault victims have a gun, mostly obtained illegally, which increases their risk for future firearm violence. The study also revealed high rates of substance use, fighting, and attitudes favoring retaliation among those with guns.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that low-income patients prioritize hospital care over primary care due to concerns about cost, quality, and accessibility. The study suggests that efforts to reduce hospital readmissions may inadvertently attract more low-SES patients.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that the aging US population will lead to longer emergency department visits and more frequent hospitalizations, but not an increase in overall ED visits. The study predicts a 10% increase in time spent by patients in EDs nationwide, highlighting the need for efficient patient flow.
A young man experienced severe compartment syndrome in his shoulder due to excessive weightlifting, requiring surgery and hospitalization. The case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing unusual musculoskeletal injuries and highlights the role of bedside ultrasound in diagnosis.
Researchers found that older emergency patients have functional and cognitive problems increase dramatically after arrival. These patients often require specialized training in geriatric care to provide the best assessment and care.
A study by the American College of Emergency Physicians found that electronic medical records (EDIS) can improve healthcare quality, but also present significant safety threats. The authors recommend seven key improvements to mitigate these risks and ensure safer EDIS implementation.
A study analyzing high-cost Medicare patients' spending found that only a small percentage of their costs were related to preventable emergency department visits and hospitalizations, limiting the ability to lower costs through better outpatient care. The majority of inpatient costs were attributed to catastrophic events such as sepsis...
A recent study confirms the growing role of emergency physicians in healthcare beyond the emergency department. Most unscheduled hospital admissions now come through the ER, indicating a shift in how patients are referred to hospitals.
The Hartford Consensus aims to establish a shared, common terminology for first responders to improve victim care. The plan emphasizes bleeding control, law enforcement training, and local coordination of resources.
A new study found that children with extended evening office hours had half as many emergency department visits, but only half of parents knew their child's office was open after 5 PM. Enhanced access services like same-day sick visits were not associated with reduced emergency department use.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that patients with timely access to GP appointments made fewer A&E visits. The study analyzed data from a national survey of patients' experiences of GP practices in 2010-11, revealing a 10.2% lower rate of A&E visits for the best-accessed practices compared to those with the worst access.
Researchers found that using stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in an Emergency Department observation unit reduced hospital readmissions, coronary revascularization procedures, and the need for additional cardiac testing. This approach also helped reduce care costs by $2,100 per patient per year.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that most medical emergencies on flights are well-treated by passengers and flight attendants, with physicians providing guidance via FAA-required emergency medical kit. In nearly half of calls, physician passengers provided medical assistance, while nurses and EMTs helped in another 28 percent.
A new federal law has protected young adults, their families, and hospitals from the financial consequences of serious medical emergencies. The study found that $147 million in nondiscretionary medical care was newly covered by private insurance.
A study by Brown University found that three out of five hikers brought seven or fewer items, while only 18 percent packed all 10 essential items. Young and inexperienced hikers were most likely to lack multiple items recommended by the State of New Hampshire's HikeSafe program.
A new study found that disabled Medicare patients under 65 who face cost barriers to medication adherence are more likely to have emergency department visits. The study revealed that 38.3% of patients with severe cost-related non-adherence had at least one ER visit, compared to 27.5% without CRN.
A regional system of organized stroke care delivery has improved outcomes for patients with stroke in Ontario, Canada. The study found a decrease in hospital admissions to long-term care facilities and death rates after stroke.
Overweight and obese patients are more likely to repeatedly change primary care doctors, leading to increased emergency room visits. The practice of 'doctor shopping' disrupts continuity of care and can compromise the health of these patients.
Emergency departments are now responsible for half of all hospital admissions in the US, accounting for nearly all growth in hospital admissions between 2003 and 2009. Despite evidence that people with chronic conditions visit emergency departments more frequently, hospital admissions for these conditions have remained flat.
The RAND Corporation report highlights emergency physicians' critical role in evaluating, managing, and preventing hospital admissions. The study found that ERs account for nearly half of all hospital admissions, with non-elective admissions increasing 3.8 times the rate of population growth.
LWW's 8 published journals won gold, silver and bronze awards in various categories. Wolters Kluwer Health received the recognition for delivering high-quality publications.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a novel delivery method for the enzyme plasmin, which is more effective at dissolving blood clots than the standard treatment rt-PA. The new technique uses liposomes and ultrasound waves to target plasmin directly to the clot.
Researchers found that passenger car drivers are nearly 10 times more likely to die in head-on crashes with SUVs, even if the SUV has a better safety rating. The study also showed that passengers in smaller vehicles face higher death rates in frontal crashes.
A new study reveals a significant increase in US ICU admissions, rising from 2.79 million to 4.14 million over seven years, primarily due to an aging population. The study found that emergency department utilization of tests and services also increased, with CT and MRI tests provided on the way to the ICU jumping by 61%.
A large-scale analysis of out-of-hours emergency admissions in UK pediatric intensive care units found no increased mortality risk. However, winter months saw a statistically significant increase in deaths, possibly due to strain on services.
Two studies published in Annals of Emergency Medicine show that most children hospitalized with isolated skull fractures can be safely discharged home, potentially saving the healthcare system millions of dollars. New weight estimation devices, such as the Mercy TAPE, also provide more accurate pediatric weight estimations.
Northwestern Medicine researchers developed a proactive risk assessment method to evaluate and improve door-to-balloon time for STEMI patients. By identifying high-risk steps and implementing changes, they achieved significant improvements in door-to-balloon times, with an average reduction of 20 minutes.
A recent analysis published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine found that emergency care cost estimates are too low, with costs ranging from 4.9-5.8% of total healthcare spending. The study suggests that an alternative accounting method, Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (ABC), could provide a more realistic measure of ED costs.
Long waits for insurance authorization are wasting thousands of hours of physician time, as most requests are granted. ERs have become de facto psych wards due to inadequate insurance coverage and reimbursement issues.
Researchers found that severely ill psychiatric patients in the Boston area experience lengthy waits for hospitalization, with some cases taking up to five hours of psychiatrist time. This delays treatment and wastes valuable clinician time, highlighting the need for reform in the healthcare system.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that losing health insurance leads to poor asthma management among young adults, who are more likely to use emergency rooms and struggle with accessing medical care. The researchers emphasize the need for addressing social factors and creating transition plans from pediatric to adult care.
A new study found significant variability in sepsis incidence rates depending on the method used, with a 3.5-fold difference between methods. This discrepancy limits efforts to improve treatment for sepsis, highlighting the need for uniform definitions and universal measurement of outcomes.
A Penn study found nearly one quarter of patients may return to the emergency department within 30 days of being discharged from a hospitalization. Congestive heart failure was the primary diagnosis for these return visits, with other diagnoses varying in subsequent rehospitalizations.
A study of over 4 million Veterans Health Administration records found that patients with severe psychosocial dysfunction and medical needs frequently visit the ER. Improved health outcomes may be achieved through increased spending on social services, such as housing subsidies and income supplements.
For-profit hospitals have outperformed public and non-profit hospitals in treating stroke, heart attack, and pneumonia patients. Despite struggling initially, many public and non-profit hospitals are showing notable improvements in performance.
A recent study by Beaumont doctors highlights the importance of training and emergency response planning in K-12 schools to reduce sudden cardiac arrest fatalities. The study found that bystander use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) increases survival rates threefold, emphasizing the need for standardized training and drills.
A new study found that primary stroke centers administered clot-busting treatment, rt-PA, at a rate of 6.7%, compared to 2.2% at non-certified centers. The use of rt-PA therapy increased by 50% between 2004 and 2009 at PSCs.