Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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.
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.
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.
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.
A geriatrician calls for improvements to primary care to meet the needs of older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Four processes and three models were identified as effective in providing comprehensive support, improving health outcomes, and patient satisfaction.
Three models of comprehensive primary care, including GRACE, Guided Care, and PACE, have shown promise in improving effectiveness and efficiency for complex primary care. These models focus on proactive processes such as comprehensive assessment, evidence-based care planning, and coordination of professionals to tailor care to patients...
Research finds that patients receiving a combination of ketamine and propofol have a faster recovery time and less severe side effects compared to using ketamine alone. The study, conducted by Drs. Amit Shah et al., included 136 children treated in the Paediatric Emergency Department.
Research suggests that while some survivors of disasters experience severe psychological trauma, others may recover within a few months or years. Effective psychological first aid and community-centered interventions have been shown to be beneficial in supporting survivors' recovery.
A Stanford study finds that 90% of emergency departments nationwide provide preventive-care services, despite being under pressure to prioritize acute care. The most common service is domestic violence screening, while HIV screening is the least offered. Many EDs struggle to balance quality and cost constraints.
Researchers found persistent racial, gender, and insurance-coverage based differences in triage categorization and cardiac testing among emergency room patients. African American and Hispanic patients were less likely to receive immediate care or basic cardiac testing procedures, such as ECGs.
A recent Editorial in The Lancet highlights the need for strong leadership and education to redefine surgery's role and extend its benefits to wider populations. Key findings include inadequate operating theatres, anaesthetic cover, and emergency care provision, as well as surgeons' absence from healthcare debates and positions of power.
A study of 32,782 patients found that delays in performing appendectomies for acute appendicitis did not significantly affect 30-day outcomes. Patients who waited longer for surgery experienced slightly longer operations and hospital stays but these differences were clinically insignificant.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that up to 27.1% of hospital emergency department visits could be treated at retail medical clinics or urgent care centers, which could save $4.4 billion annually in healthcare costs. These conditions include minor infections, strains, fractures, and lacerations.
A recent study found that over a quarter of acute care visits in the US are made to emergency departments, instead of personal physicians. This shift is attributed to primary care doctors' packed schedules and low reimbursement rates, which limit their ability to provide timely access to care.
A survey of 61 EMS agencies found wide variation in perceptions of workplace safety culture, with air-medical agencies tending to score higher across all domains. The study provides benchmarking data for EMS agencies and a reliable tool to evaluate safety within their agencies.
A predictive model using factors like age, blood pressure, and heart rate accurately predicted the development of critical illness in patients who received out-of-hospital emergency care. The study found that hospitals varying widely in quality of critical care could improve outcomes for critically ill patients by concentrating care at...
A retrospective study of 17 surgical programs from 13 countries found that the operative death rate was 0.2 percent, suggesting safe surgery is possible in these settings. The study highlights the need for quality improvement programs and global minimum standards for surgical care in humanitarian contexts.
A study published in The Lancet found that specialist retrieval teams significantly reduce mortality rates among children transferred to pediatric intensive care units. Children admitted from other hospitals had better outcomes and lower mortality rates when transferred by specialist teams compared to non-specialist transfers.
A community-based maternal health delivery strategy known as the MOM Project increased access to maternal health care services for internally displaced women in eastern Burma. The study found a ten-fold increase in women assisted at delivery by emergency obstetric care workers, resulting in improved antenatal and postnatal care outcomes.
A study found that nearly half of suicides among mental health patients occurred within a year of visiting an emergency department, highlighting the need for better screening and assessment practices. Frequent attendees were more likely to have a history of self-harm and alcohol misuse, underscoring their high risk group status.
A study by the University of Michigan Health System found that female physicians are more supportive than male physicians when it comes to honoring patient requests for a doctor of the same gender or background. The study also showed that racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslim patients, are more likely to have their requests...
Physicians who provided Guided Care reported higher levels of satisfaction with patient/family communications and knowledge of their patients' clinical characteristics. The study found significant benefits to physicians in improving chronic care, including reduced costs and improved health outcomes.
A study of 193,804 trauma patients found that uninsured individuals were more likely to die from injuries than those with private insurance. Patients covered by Medicaid or other insurance plans had better mortality rates for all injuries compared to those without insurance.
A study by OHSU Emergency Department found that Oregon's law prohibiting the sale of pseudoephedrine products led to a significant decrease in methamphetamine-related emergency room visits. The number of such visits dropped by 35% over a one-year period, from an average of 18 per week to 11.3.