Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
A review article by BUSM professor Judith A. Linden outlines comprehensive protocols for evaluating and treating adult victims of sexual assault in emergency departments and primary care settings. The article highlights the importance of evidence collection, emotional support, and medical follow-up appointments to provide optimal care.
A new Johns Hopkins study reveals that uninsured trauma patients are 60% more likely to seek follow-up care in the emergency department (ED) for minor medical needs. This is despite having access to free follow-up appointments. Patients living in poor neighborhoods and those with Medicaid or Medicare are also more likely to use the ED.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that temporary emergency department staff are more likely to be involved in medication errors that harm patients. The research found that temporary workers' unfamiliarity with hospital systems, protocols, and procedures increases the risk of serious medical errors.
According to a study, nearly all heart attack patients requiring emergency angioplasty are now treated within the recommended time frame, with a significant improvement from less than half the patients five years prior. The median door-to-balloon time has declined from 96 to 64 minutes during this period.
A study found a clear association between after-hours care clinic accessibility and reduced emergency department use. The clinic saw a 40% decrease in semi-urgent patients visiting the ER, suggesting better resource allocation.
The study found that CT scan use grew 11 times faster than the rate of ED visits during the study period, increasing from 3.2% to 13.9% between 1996 and 2007.
Patient demand for care from safety-net providers in Massachusetts has increased despite expanded insurance coverage following state's passage of health care reform. Newly insured patients continued to seek care at these sites due to convenient locations and affordable services.
A shortage of primary care physicians and limited access to these services are contributing to rising numbers of emergency department visits in the US. The study found that nearly 98% of Americans have health insurance coverage, yet barriers such as wait times and transportation issues remain a major challenge.
A new University of Cincinnati study found that missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis occur in 157 visits to an academic emergency department, 24 visits in an urban community hospital and six visits to a suburban community hospital.
A Harvard study reveals that access to outpatient psychiatric care in Massachusetts is severely limited, even for those with private insurance. The researchers found that only a small percentage of facilities listed by the largest insurer offered appointments within two weeks of a simulated patient's call.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 30-40% of women in Sudan, Uganda, and Congo do not want more children, yet only 4-16% use modern contraception. This gap highlights the need for increased family planning services in conflict-affected regions.
A new set of guidelines addresses how to manage emergency situations with minimal equipment in an African context. The guidelines can be used by individuals and organizations involved in first aid training programs in Africa.
A study found that expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults increases healthcare use and improves self-reported health and well-being. The study used a randomized controlled trial and compared outcomes between those randomly selected into the program and those not selected, avoiding common limitations of previous studies.
A study of over 4,500 hospitals found that critical access hospitals (CAHs) in rural areas had fewer clinical capabilities and worse patient outcomes compared to non-CAHs. CAHs were less likely to have intensive care units, cardiac catheterization capabilities, and basic electronic health records.
A citywide study found racial disparities in the use of clot-busting drugs for acute ischemic stroke treatment due to delays in seeking care and medical conditions. Despite no racial bias detected in doctors' treatment decisions, education is needed to address these disparities and improve outcomes.
Researchers found that a coordinated care system significantly reduced door-in-door-out times for STEMI patients, with median transfer times decreasing from 97 minutes to 58 minutes after implementation. The system improved outcomes and was supported by the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline initiative.
A randomized study found outpatient care for low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism to be as safe and effective as inpatient care. The study showed reduced rates of recurrent venous thromboembolism, major bleeding, and death in outpatient patients.
A large national multi-center study found that most children with minor blunt head trauma and normal CT scans do not require hospitalization for further observation. Children who were hospitalized after normal CT scans did not have subsequent abnormal CT scans or MRIs, and none required neurosurgical intervention.
A Penn study reveals that specialty physicians turn away two-thirds of children with public insurance, exacerbating existing healthcare disparities. Children with identical conditions and private insurance face significantly shorter wait times for appointments.
A new study links heart attack death rates to ambulance diversion, revealing that overtaxed emergency rooms lead to worse patient outcomes. For every 100 patients with acute myocardial infarction, there are three potentially avoidable deaths when ambulances are diverted for long periods.
A study found that ambulance diversion, a practice to reduce overcrowding, may increase mortality for patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients exposed to 12 or more hours of diversion had higher mortality rates at 30-day, 90-day, 9-month, and 1-year follow-ups.
A University of Cincinnati researcher is using simulation modeling to study the impact of electronic health record implementation on emergency departments. The study aims to quantify the operational disruption caused by EHRs and optimize efficiency during implementation.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that Massachusetts' health care reform law increased overall emergency department visits by 4.1% between 2006 and 2008, but reduced low-severity visits for the uninsured and Medicaid recipients. The authors suggest that limitations on primary care access and low co-payments ma...
A survey of 418 ED physicians found that 59% acknowledge less empathy for frequent users, who visit the ED at least 10 times a year. The study highlights the challenges posed by these patients and the need for hospital administrators to develop programs to manage their care.
Researchers found that recent hospitalizations significantly increase the likelihood of emergency department re-admissions, highlighting the importance of emergency departments in preventing readmissions. The study suggests that emergency physicians can play a crucial role in reducing re-admissions by taking care of patients and sendin...
A Rhode Island Hospital study found that female victims of community violence are more likely to be injured by a non-partner or intimate partner, and less likely to be injured by a weapon. The study also highlights the importance of accurate documentation and charting of youth injuries.
A recent study found that patients who delay seeking emergency medical care for asthma exacerbations are more likely to be sicker and hospitalized than those who seek care earlier. The study also revealed that patients who postponed treatment were not more likely to consult physicians before coming to the emergency department, but rath...
A study found that African-American children are more likely to have poorer lung function and less well-controlled asthma upon their first visit to an asthma specialist. They also reported a greater burden from asthma, with more emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit stays.
Physicians may be complicit in torture if they care for patients at the request of their torturers, but refusing treatment can abandon a patient in need. Guidelines suggest minimizing complicity by assessing consequences and following patient requests to mitigate or prevent acts of torture.
A retrospective cohort study found that early antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces mortality among HIV-infected adults with tuberculosis. Additionally, the inclusion of five psychotropic medicines in emergency health kits addresses a fundamental inequity in mental healthcare during humanitarian emergencies.
Physicians suggest that airlines adopt standardized recording systems for in-flight medical emergencies and mandatory reporting to the National Transportation Safety Board. They also recommend enhanced training for flight attendants and standardized communication with ground-to-air medical support.
The NCRP workshop aims to define circumstances for assessing the value of CT scanning while addressing issues of utilization patterns, radiation exposures, and overutilization. Participating organizations offer recommendations to control the inappropriate use of CT in emergency departments.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that black cardiac arrest victims are less likely to survive when treated in hospitals with a high proportion of black patients. The study analyzed Medicare records and found that only 31% of black patients treated in such hospitals survived, compared to 46% in pr...
A proposed Emergency Surgery Coalition aims to prevent supply delays and duplication of services after natural disasters. The coalition, involving experienced surgical humanitarian agencies, could support improved surgical delivery.
A pilot program in Baltimore City identified frequent 911 callers and paired them with case workers, reducing calls by nearly half while improving access to care. The study found significant savings and benefits for participants, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions to improve EMS efficiency.
Stillbirths in low-income and middle-income countries are a major concern, with 98% of all stillbirths occurring in these regions. The Lancet report highlights the need for improved data collection and classification of programmatic causes of stillbirths.
The American College of Physicians urges a national policy to ensure better access to healthcare for immigrants, who face numerous barriers, including lack of insurance and fear of deportation. The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns to prevent public health issues and promote equitable care.
Research reveals that physician-based pre-hospital critical care support is scarce, particularly evenings and weekends. Critical care doctors are needed to improve survival rates for severely injured patients before hospital admission.
A new 2-hour accelerated diagnostic protocol identified 352 patients with chest pain at low risk of major adverse cardiac events, who could be discharged earlier. The 99% accurate protocol uses point-of-care biomarkers, ECG, and TIMI score to classify patients.
A new study by Weill Cornell and UC Davis foresees improvements in patient outcomes after a major earthquake through more effective use of information technology. The control tower-style telemedicine hub could boost the likelihood that critically injured victims will get timely care and survive.
Trauma patients who arrive at hospitals on weekends are more likely to survive, according to new research. The study found that the unique organization and staffing of trauma systems provide a built-in protection for these critically injured patients.
Ivory wave has emerged as a new legal high, replacing banned substance mephedrone, with reports of hospital admissions and deaths in various parts of England. The drug's effects include euphoria, paranoia, and cardiovascular problems, leading to violent behavior and organ damage.
A study by the American Heart Association found that brief video training significantly improves hands-only CPR performance, with over 90% of trained participants attempting CPR in an emergency. The training also showed improved compression rates and depths compared to untrained individuals.
A study published in CMAJ found that heart attack patients with a history of depression received lower priority care in emergency departments, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. This disparity may be due to healthcare staff assuming symptoms are anxiety-related rather than an actual heart attack.
A study by researchers at UCLA Stroke Center found that strokes and cardiovascular disease exacted an enormous toll on Hollywood stars. The team identified 30 actors who suffered strokes and 39 heart attacks among Oscar nominees between 1927 and 2009, with women accounting for 60% of stroke victims.
Researchers developed a new mode of dementia care that significantly reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations, while encouraging the use of non-harmful medications. The model results in improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and less emotional burden on family caregivers.
A systematic review of international evidence found that up to three-quarters of hospital tests are not followed up after discharge, posing serious safety implications for patients.
A study found that patients with ischemic stroke admitted to designated stroke centers had a lower risk of death at 30 days compared to those admitted to non-designated hospitals. The mortality rate was reduced by 2.5% in patients treated at stroke centers.
Hospitals with designated stroke centers in New York State have a significantly higher survival rate for patients with ischemic stroke, with a 15-20% increased likelihood of survival. Patients treated at these centers are also more likely to receive acute stroke therapy.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that only a third of births in rural Zambia occurred at a health facility, with half of mothers living over 25 km from basic emergency obstetric care. The level of care at the facility significantly influenced the odds of facility delivery.
A new CPR technique using compression-decompression and negative intrathoracic pressure increases blood flow to the heart and brain by nearly three times, leading to a 53% improvement in long-term survival. The study involved 46 EMS agencies and showed that this alternative method is more effective than standard CPR.
Researchers recommend a selective CT scan strategy to diagnose pulmonary embolism, reducing radiation exposure and adverse reactions. The approach involves using compression ultrasound to test for deep vein thrombosis before ordering a CT scan, resulting in cost savings and increased life expectancy for patients.
A recent study from Rhode Island Hospital found that sailing injuries on America's Cup boats are often caused by trips, falls, and collisions with fellow crew members. The majority of severe injuries were to the head, knee, leg, and arm, with heavy weather being a contributing factor in 36% of cases.
Research reveals that teen girls living in the most deprived areas are five times as likely to be assaulted compared to their affluent peers. The disparity is particularly pronounced for girls living in city areas, who are almost three times more likely to experience assault.
A pediatric trauma research network is crucial to develop evidence-based recommendations for improving standard of care for children injured in traumatic events. The establishment of such a network could minimize the occurrence and severity of pediatric trauma.
Vanderbilt University researchers are developing a robot system called TriageBot to assist in emergency room triage, collect medical data, and provide tentative diagnoses. The system aims to reduce wait times, alleviate staff strain, and minimize errors.
A recent French survey reveals that one in two emergency care doctors are prone to burn-out, with tension between home and working life being a significant factor. Poor teamwork also significantly increases the risk of burn-out among these physicians.
A study of UK trauma units found that every 5°C rise in temperature boosts kids' hospital admissions for serious injury by 10%, while snow prompts an 8% rise. The analysis of over 60,000 patients showed strong seasonal trends and correlations between weather conditions and admission rates.
A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that a nurse practitioner-led spinal clinic achieved 100% agreement on clinical diagnosis and 96% patient satisfaction. Patients waited an average of 12 weeks to see the nurse practitioner, significantly shorter than conventional clinics.
Researchers found that cardiac arrest patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia may experience substantial neurological awakening, which can start as early as day three but becomes apparent at day seven. This challenges the current paradigm of withdrawing care based on a 72-hour neurological exam.