Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
A new UCSF study shows that using discharge diagnoses to determine ER visit validity could dissuade patients from seeking emergency care for serious conditions. The research highlights the complexity of the issue, suggesting strategies to narrow ER use may not improve health or lower costs.
A study found that only 6.3% of emergency department visits with primary care-treatable diagnoses also had nonemergency complaints, highlighting the flaws in using discharge diagnosis to predict ED use. Patients with nonemergency-complaint ED visits often required immediate emergency care or hospital admission.
A new study reveals that telestroke programs in Oregon increased access to life-saving stroke care by 40%, extending coverage to previously uncovered communities. The program utilizes telemedicine systems to bring expert consultations and treatments, reducing disparities in stroke care access.
The partnership will enhance the quality of research and clinical content presented by JAAPA, a leading journal for PAs. The agreement aims to broaden the reach of the official peer-reviewed journal and provide value-added services to AAPA members.
A team of University of Michigan doctors analyze the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act and Reagan-era emergency access law, emphasizing the need for preventive care and coordinated care. The authors conclude that modern healthcare reform must address these gaps to bring the nation closer to a goal of comprehensive care for all.
A study of over 12,000 children has identified seven factors that can help physicians determine if a CT scan is necessary following blunt trauma to the abdomen. Children with none of these factors have only a 0.1% chance of having an abdominal injury requiring acute intervention.
A cohort study found that patients admitted as emergencies on public holidays are more likely to die than those admitted on other days of the week. The death rate is significantly higher for public holiday admissions, with a 48% increase in 7-day deaths and a 27% increase in 30-day deaths.
A recent study found that free clinics significantly reduced non-emergency emergency department visits among uninsured patients. The research, conducted in Virginia, analyzed records of 52,010 individual uninsured patients who visited five hospitals' emergency departments over three years.
A new study found nearly 18% of hospitalized patients returned to the emergency room or were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, with mental health and prostate issues having the highest rates. The study suggests that many more patients require acute medical care after hospitalization than previously recognized.
A new NIH-funded study shows that inexpensive education efforts can increase safe use of clot-busting drug tPA at local hospitals, improving stroke care. Community hospitals across Michigan saw a significant improvement in tPA use rates after receiving educational support and round-the-clock treatment assistance.
Every week, the UK National Poisons Information Service receives around two phone queries about snakebites, with over half of these enquiries concerning the European adder, the only poisonous snake native to the UK. Snakebite injuries can be serious due to their effects on the heart and other organs, despite being rarely fatal.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that intensive therapy is no more effective than traditional care in speeding up recovery from whiplash. While physiotherapy interventions showed modest benefits, they were not cost-effective from a UK NHS perspective.
A survey of 1,293 neurologists found that nearly 29% have experienced burnout, while 45.8% are concerned about it. The neurohospitalist model offers advantages like high-quality care and improved continuity, but also challenges such as long work hours and poor reimbursement.
Research found that sickle cell patients experience a significant increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations as they transition from childhood to adulthood. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,200 patients, showed that emergency room visits tripled between ages 15-24.
Research identifies key challenges in providing adequate care to adult SCD patients, including increased reliance on emergency departments and hospitalizations. The studies suggest that targeted interventions can reduce unnecessary medical utilization and promote long-term disease management, ultimately improving health outcomes for th...
A recent study found that palliative care services significantly reduced emergency room visits and depression among seniors in long-term care. The intervention provided improved end-of-life quality of care by treating pain and symptoms, decreasing hospitalizations, and supporting patient-centered care.
A recent survey of female adult entertainment club workers in Rhode Island found that many have never been tested for HIV despite risky sexual behavior and substance abuse. The study highlights the need for proactive education and interventions to reduce health risks among this population.
A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that 16% of emergency room patients aged 14-20 may have undiagnosed binge eating, bulimia, or other eating problems. Those with signs of eating disorders were also more likely to show signs of depression and substance abuse.
A recent survey found that 69% of US primary care physicians use electronic medical records, but still face challenges with communication and teamwork. The majority of doctors support a fundamental health system change to address these issues, while also expressing frustration with insurance restrictions and patient affordability.
A new study by a University of British Columbia medical resident found that hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest have a 50% chance of surviving if transported to a hospital with advanced heart and lung support equipment. Non-invasive rewarming techniques, such as hot air blankets, are recommended for mild cases.
Experts in PLOS Medicine recommend new signal functions to track the quality of routine and emergency newborn care. The new methods aim to improve maternal and newborn care in low- and middle-income countries, helping to meet Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5.
A study at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston aims to enhance ER care by reducing information overload and improving communication among healthcare teams. The researchers will test new electronic health record systems and communication prototypes to help doctors make informed decisions.
A study of ER docs and pediatricians found a need for concussion-specific training and infrastructure to support optimal patient care. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia created a new 'medical home' model for managing pediatric concussions, incorporating standardized clinical decision support tools and patient education.
A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that individuals with severe anaphylaxis are less likely to have seen an allergist in the previous year. Regular care from an allergist can prevent severe allergic reactions and reduce hospitalization rates.
Researchers found that residents in high-income white and integrated neighborhoods were more likely to receive bystander CPR during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests compared to those in low-income black neighborhoods. The study suggests a targeted approach in these areas may be more efficient than nationwide CPR training programs.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of timely medical care in cardiac emergencies. Early recognition and call for help can lead to better diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The organization aims to improve patient survival rates through education and collaboration among professionals.
A recent fungal meningitis outbreak has highlighted the aggressive nature of this condition, particularly after joint or bone injections. The researchers report on a clinical observation involving a patient who died due to severe brain and spinal cord damage.
Emergency medicine residency programs in Canada are underprepared to handle stroke cases, with limited lecture time and on-the-job training devoted to the topic. Researchers found that only two programs required on-the-job training in stroke neurology.
A study led by Dr. Najma Ahmed found that lack of control over resources and work-life balance contribute to dissatisfaction among general surgeons. Surgeons cite enjoying patient interactions and resolving problems quickly as key sources of satisfaction.
A new series published in The Lancet presents laboratory research and clinical trial results on traumatic brain injury, haemorrhagic shock and major musculoskeletal injuries. Researchers identified promising avenues for improving patient outcomes, including innovative treatments for these complex conditions.
A University of New Hampshire researcher has received a $62,521 grant from NFL Charities to study the safe removal of protective equipment from injured players. The grant will allow Erik Swartz to work with high-fidelity human patient simulators at WakeMed Health and Hospitals in Raleigh, N.C.
The ESC has launched a new acute cardiovascular care association, expanding its scope to cover the entire first seven days of acute cardiovascular disease. The association aims to improve quality of care through an integrated patient-oriented approach.
A national survey of 7,288 US physicians found that 45.8% reported symptoms of burnout, with higher rates in emergency medicine and family medicine specialties. The study highlights the need for policy makers and healthcare organizations to address physician burnout to improve patient care.
Research reveals substantial variation in stocks of essential antidotes at UK acute hospitals, with many lacking critical medicines for life-threatening poisonings. Only half of hospitals stock all recommended antidotes, highlighting a concerning gap in care.
A recent study examines ambulance diversion in California hospitals, finding that minority populations are more likely to be impacted by ER crowding. The researchers discovered that hospitals serving high numbers of minorities were on diversion for 306 hours, compared to 75 hours at hospitals with fewer minority patients.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researcher Megan L. Ranney found that emergency department patients prefer technology-based interventions for seven behavioral issues. Patients surveyed preferred technology over traditional intervention methods, indicating a potential solution to barriers in helping patients change risky behaviors.
A new study finds that patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) have higher per-patient operating costs, with additional expenses for personnel, technology, and quality improvement measures. The PCMH model aims to improve care quality and reduce wasteful spending, but its financial sustainability is threatened by these increased costs.
Research suggests up to 640,000 hospital admissions and nearly 2 million emergency department visits may be linked to alcohol consumption. Patients who admitted to drinking before their visit were more likely to have injuries and exceeded recommended weekly units.