Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The Rutgers Center for State Health Policy will lead a project to replicate innovative care management programs in four US cities, including Camden, NJ, and other safety-net health provider organizations. The project aims to deliver better care at lower cost to high-need patients from low-income communities.
A study found that First Nations children and those from families receiving government subsidies had significantly more visits to emergency departments for mental health crises. These visits were often due to anxiety- or stress-related disorders, emotional or behavioural issues from substance abuse, or unspecific diagnoses.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that nearly all minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged families in urban areas had access to the internet. More than half expressed interest in receiving electronic health information from emergency departments, with email being the preferred method of delivery.
A study found that half of adults over 65 made at least one ED visit in the last month of life. In contrast, those with hospice care lived longer outside the hospital. Hospice care provides symptom relief and support for patients nearing end-of-life, whereas ED visits can be expensive and contribute to high costs of care.
A new program, RACE-ER, has been implemented to improve heart attack treatment times and patient survival rates. The initiative, which involves all hospitals and emergency services in North Carolina, has reduced the time from diagnosis to treatment from 103 minutes to 91 minutes.
The May issue of Reproductive Health Matters explores the causes and impact of the gap between policy and practice in maternal health and maternal mortality in India and other countries. It highlights both the good and bad news characterizing this gap, including hopeful signs of progress.
A new index reveals that 71% of Australians live near specialist hospital care and four types of aftercare within an hour's drive. However, rural and remote communities face significant challenges in accessing cardiac care, with Indigenous people living at a lower rate than non-Indigenous Australians.
A new program will coordinate regional systems to reduce time from heart attack to treatment, building on the successful Mission: Lifeline program. The Regional Systems of Care Demonstration Project aims to develop coordinated, regional systems of care that start at the 911 call and include ambulance transport and hospital treatment.
A Penn study found that more than 75% of cardiac arrests occur outside the range of nearby automated external defibrillators (AEDs), highlighting the need for strategic placement and easy location. The study suggests innovative ways to help the public find AEDs in emergencies.
A new study found significant disparities in emergency department treatment based on children's insurance status. Children with private, public, and no insurance were less likely to undergo testing, receive medication, or undergo procedures, but more likely to be diagnosed with a significant illness.
The Regenstrief Institute's Aging Brain Care Program is launching a global initiative to provide collaborative dementia care. The program's tools and resources aim to reduce emergency room and hospital visits by up to 45%, improving the quality of care for those with dementia.
A Vanderbilt study found that only 7% of Tennessee hospitals have a hand specialist on call 24/7 to treat common injuries such as wrist and finger trauma. Patients from surrounding states travel long distances for treatment and follow-up care.
A scheme supporting midwives in rural Nigeria has improved maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes by redistributing healthcare workers. The Midwife Service Scheme helps address health inequities between urban and rural areas, offering a potential model for low-income countries.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found racial differences in the care of children in emergency departments. Black children are less likely to receive pain medication for severe abdominal pain compared to white patients. This disparity has significant implications for equal access to high-quality healthcare.
A study published at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting found that family presence did not hinder trauma teams' ability to treat injured children. The research evaluated the effect of family presence on the trauma teams' ability to identify and treat injuries during the initial phase of care.
Experts propose a new model of care collaboration for diagnosing, treating, and following patients with emergent cardiovascular conditions. Regionalized systems of care can improve clinical outcomes by providing rapid diagnosis, effective care coordination, and appropriate follow-up care.
A University of Leicester study found that continuity in general practice is associated with reduced hospital admissions. Practices with higher proportions of patients aged 65 and white ethnicity had higher rates of elective hospital admissions, while those with more male patients and patient satisfaction had fewer admissions.
Research based on 367 men and 370 women found that those who are retired, unmarried, or depressed are most at risk of needing urgent hospital care. Men were twice as likely as women to require further urgent hospital care within 30 days of discharge.
A review of the initial medical response after a Christchurch earthquake found that careful preparation and effective triage helped reduce death rates and the burden of injury. The response was critical due to the city's only hospital being damaged, but radiotelephones and mobile phones were used to keep staff updated.
A study found that newly insured and uninsured adults had greater emergency department use than continuously insured adults. Adults with recent changes in health insurance status, particularly those with new Medicaid coverage, were disproportionately likely to use EDs, suggesting reduced access to primary care services.
A national survey of UK ambulance services found significant variation in response to elderly falls patients, with some trusts utilizing dedicated clinical advisors and triage systems. Despite efforts to reduce delays, the provision of care remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for research to inform policy and practice development.
Paramedics can reduce medical contact to balloon time by calling ahead to activate helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), speeding up patient care. This study found that HEMS activation in the field or at a smaller hospital can save up to 48 minutes of treatment time