Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
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Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A survey of trauma professionals and the general public reveals differing opinions on end-of-life care following severe injuries. While both groups prefer palliative care, there are disparities in views on patients' rights to demand care and the role of divine intervention.
A Northwestern University study found that more than three-quarters of patients don't fully comprehend their emergency department discharge instructions. Patients who fail to follow instructions may have a higher risk of complications after leaving the hospital, according to lead author Kirsten Engel.
A U-M study found that three-quarters of ER patients leave with a misunderstanding of their diagnosis, treatment, and post-visit instructions. Patients often reported feeling confident despite lacking understanding, highlighting the need for improved communication between ER teams and patients.
Researchers found that patients who disclose intimate partner violence (IPV) to clinicians in primary care or obstetrics/gynecology settings experience the most benefit, with minimal serious harm. In contrast, emergency department disclosures are more problematic for patients, leading to fear and avoidance of healthcare.
A community-wide study found that nearly 28% of pediatric emergency department visits could have been replaced with telemedicine, freeing up resources and reducing costs. Telemedicine also offers personalized care and cost savings for insurers, who may realize $14 per child per year in savings.
A remote monitoring program can improve heart failure patients' condition and reduce hospital readmissions. Patients who participated in the program had lower average hospital readmission rates compared to those receiving usual care.
A UC Davis study found that critically ill children transferred from smaller hospitals are sicker and require more hospitalization days, mechanical ventilation, and medication. The study recommends better coordination with regional medical centers and greater use of telemedicine services.
New research from the Ontario Prehospital Advanced Life Support project shows that advanced life support for trauma patients prior to hospital transport has no survival benefits and may even cause harm. The study found no difference in patient survival rates between those receiving basic and advanced life support.
A report by The Lancet reveals that only 16 of the 68 priority countries are on track to meet the MDG4 and MDG5 targets, with many more experiencing no progress or reversals. Investments in immunization have led to rapid increases in coverage for routine services.
Dr. Criley developed the paramedic model in 1969, training firefighters to provide emergency care to heart attack victims. The program was later adopted nationwide, thanks in part to a TV show about it, and continues to save lives today.
Scientists warn of an impending crisis due to superbugs like Acinetobacter that have become resistant to all available antibiotics, including those thought safe. The bacteria cause severe infections, pneumonia, skin, and wound infections, and even meningitis, leading to significant patient mortality.
Researchers found that calling a doctor's office instead of 9-1-1 can delay patients from reaching the emergency room during the critical three-hour window for acute stroke treatment. Calling an emergency number or ambulance is the quickest way to receive timely treatment and potentially avoid serious post-stroke disability.
A nationwide collaborative study found that emergency department patients who underwent alcohol screening and brief intervention reported lower rates of risky drinking than those who received only written information. The study enrolled over 7,751 patients and showed that more than one-fourth exceeded low-risk drinking limits.
A recent survey found that two out of 18 northwest England hospitals lacked a written chemical emergency plan and three A&E departments had no staff trained in chemical decontamination. The study highlights major gaps in preparedness for chemical incidents, calling for national guidelines to be set and enforced.
A randomized clinical trial found GRACE's success in improving quality of care, health-related quality of life measures, while reducing emergency department use and hospital admissions. The program involves a support team meeting with patients at home to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized care plans.
A home-based geriatric care program for low-income seniors resulted in higher-quality medical care, improvement in quality of life, and fewer emergency department visits. However, the intervention did not prevent decline in physical functioning. The program improved health outcomes without increasing hospital admissions.
A recent survey by LA BioMed researchers found that only 6% of emergency rooms in the US have all the necessary equipment and medicine for treating children. The majority of pediatric visits occur in non-child-friendly hospitals or rural facilities, highlighting a need for improvement in pediatric preparedness.
Patients report feeling uncertain about out-of-hours primary care services, with concerns over appropriateness and responsiveness. Staffing issues and slow handling times are also cited as key problems, highlighting the need for better patient experience monitoring.
A population-based study found that having a primary physician and high continuity of care lowered emergency department use among elderly patients. Additionally, rural residence, low socioeconomic status, and higher physician-to-population ratio were associated with increased emergency department use.
A North Carolina team of doctors and nurses has created a model to provide faster treatment for heart attack patients. The RACE project uses caregivers from 65 hospitals and emergency medical teams throughout the state to diagnose and treat heart attacks more quickly, with median times improving by 22%.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that only 40% of heart attack patients received recommended aspirin therapy, and 69% of pneumonia patients got recommended antibiotics, highlighting racial, geographic, and financial disparities in access to care.
Research by Dr Brendan Kelly found that medical romance novels often feature primary care and emergency settings, with common plot pairings including male doctor with female doctor or nurse. The novels highlight the romantic possibilities of these settings and suggest an urgent need for training programs to include romance education.
The study found that maternal mortality decreased by 68% in the ICDDR,B region and 54% in the government region over a 30-year period. Additionally, educational differentials played a significant role in reducing maternal mortality, with women having more than eight years of schooling being less likely to die.
A nationwide independent Taser study found that the devices cause a low occurrence of serious injuries, with 99.7% of subjects experiencing mild injuries or none at all. The study, funded by the National Institute of Justice, included six law enforcement agencies and reviewed nearly 1,000 cases.
A study of black and white patients with asthma found that blacks were more likely to visit the emergency department or be hospitalized for the condition, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status. The researchers suggest that genetic differences may underlie these racial disparities in asthma outcomes.
Temple University's Department of Emergency Medicine is participating in a nationwide study to identify the best outpatient therapy for community-acquired MRSA, a growing concern with antibiotic-resistant properties. The research aims to determine effective treatments and gain FDA approval for generic antibiotics.
Two studies examine triage guidelines for emergency heart patients and find that those who followed the guidelines had similar outcomes to those who did not. However, low-risk patients who were discharged after receiving standard treatment had a small risk of developing acute coronary syndrome in the long term.
A two-year study will assess optimal methods for reducing heat stress in firefighters, evaluating the efficacy of different rehabilitation methods. The study aims to improve firefighter health and safety by understanding the mechanisms of heat stress and its effects on the heart.
A study of UK trainee doctors found they were gaining less experience in performing common practical procedures, such as suturing and wound exploration. The decline in hands-on experience may be attributed to formal teaching and assessments, or senior staff taking over procedures to meet waiting time targets.
Patients with respiratory problems face a higher risk of death during longer ambulance journeys, which can range from 0 to 58 kilometres. The study found that the further the patient has to travel, the more likely they are to die, with a 13% increase in mortality for those with breathing problems over 20km distances.
Research conducted by UC Sociology Professor David Maume found that women are more likely to leave their jobs to attend to their children, while men prioritize work. The study suggests that traditional gender roles persist despite changing attitudes on family responsibilities.
A 30-minute video-based training session is as effective as a three- to four-hour course in teaching laypersons basic life-saving techniques. At six months after training, those who took the shorter course performed CPR and used an AED just as well or better than those who took the traditional training.
Research in Emergency Medicine Journal reveals UK licensing law changes trebled overnight visits to emergency care for alcohol-related problems. The new laws allowed alcohol to be available around the clock, leading to a rise in alcohol-related issues and violent assaults.
University of Cincinnati researchers have created a unique online system to reduce medical errors and improve patient care in local hospital emergency departments. The initiative, called the Committee for Procedural Quality and Evidence-Based Practice (CPQE), covers numerous conditions from triage and diagnosis to treatment and discharge.
Severe human bite wounds are 12 times more common in men, with most injuries occurring during brawls on weekends or public holidays. Eighty-six percent of cases involved alcohol, and 65% of facial injuries were to the ear.
A recent study conducted by University of California - San Diego researchers found that using a Taser on healthy individuals does not cause lasting harm. The study monitored the physiological effects of a single Taser activation in human subjects and discovered no clinically significant or lasting changes.
Researchers analyzed ED usage using the 'Emergency Department Algorithm' (EDA) tool, finding that only 6.8% of Medicaid dollars were spent on ED-provided care, contrary to estimates. The study suggests that legislative efforts to reduce ED spending for Medicaid patients would have a minimal impact on overall expenditures.
A double-blind randomized clinical trial found albuterol to have a clear advantage over epinephrine in successful discharges from the Emergency Department. The study involved over 700 infants and showed a surprising result of a small but real advantage in using albuterol.
A new study validates the Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria, showing that two-thirds of patients with a low probability of pulmonary embolism receive unnecessary tests. The protocol uses clinical criteria to rule out clots in the lung, reducing costs and side effects associated with CT scans.
Researchers surveyed healthcare workers about their willingness to report to work during disasters. Workers were more likely to come to work when they felt their role was important, safe traveling to work, and supported by family. However, fear and uncertainty can lead to a decrease in staff availability, complicating disaster response.
Healthcare workers' perceptions of their role in disaster response and safety concerns significantly impact their willingness to report to work. Hospital crisis planners must address these factors to ensure adequate staffing during disasters.
Preliminary results of Taser exposure on healthy subjects revealed no clinically significant changes in cardiovascular and blood parameters after a single 5-second exposure. The study measured systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, calcium, sodium, potassium levels and blood pH in 32 subjects.
A new animal study investigates three methods of treatment for severe internal injuries, with HBOC-201 resuscitation showing improved survival rates. The study's findings suggest targeting a Mean Arterial Pressure of 80 mmHg is more favorable than a target MAP of 100 mmHg.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was prevalent among those affected by Hurricane Katrina, with a diagnosis rate of over 38% in New Orleans. The prevalence is significantly higher than the general US population, suggesting a need for long-term, coordinated mental health response as part of disaster relief efforts.
Young female drivers are showing an alarming increase in fatal automobile crashes related to alcohol use and a failure to use seatbelts. Airbag studies suggest that these occupants, especially those under 4'11
A new treatment protocol for sepsis, known as Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT), has been shown to reduce hospital mortality rates by 33%. By implementing EGDT as a routine protocol in emergency departments, patients can experience improved outcomes and reduced costs.
The US health care system ranks last compared to five other nations on quality, access, efficiency, equity, and outcomes. Despite spending more on healthcare than other countries, the US also invests less in health information technology.
A study of 314 low-income Indiana residents with heart failure found that pharmacist-led patient-centered care resulted in patients taking their medications 16% more consistently. This approach also reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations by 19%, saving the healthcare system $14 in costs for every dollar spent.
A study found that poor urban asthmatic children are more likely to seek emergency care for asthma than their affluent peers. The main reasons include parents' feelings of panic and anxiety about their child's symptoms, previous outpatient visits, and a belief that emergency care provides faster treatment.
The US critical care delivery system is in critical condition due to a growing mismatch between demand and supply. A new report proposes regionalizing the system to centralize expertise, equipment, and facilities, making services readily available to those most in need.
A study found that undocumented immigrants with pregnant women account for 48,391 Emergency Medicaid cases, with 99% being Hispanic and 95% female. This trend indicates an increasing burden on publicly funded healthcare, necessitating improved services such as comprehensive contraceptive care and chronic disease management.
Uninsured individuals are more likely to receive less medical care, including recommended follow-up care, after a sudden health change. They also experience larger declines in short-term health and report worse health status months later.
Patients switching to high-deductible health plans experienced a 10% reduction in emergency department visits for less severe conditions. This decrease suggests patients are deferring non-emergency care, but more research is needed to understand long-term consequences.
A case study reports a 36-year-old bodybuilder developing diabetes after using growth hormone and anabolic steroids for extended periods. Regular blood sugar checks are urged for individuals taking high doses of growth hormone to prevent similar cases.
Research on violent assaults found that feet were the most dangerous bodily weapon, causing more severe injuries than sharp objects. Kicking was particularly hazardous, leading to more severe injuries than using sharp objects.
A nationwide panel recommends ranking hospitalized patients by their risk level and assigning a score-based system to make decisions about discharging or transferring patients in emergency situations. This approach could safely empty 70% of hospital beds within 72 hours, improving resource allocation and patient care during disasters.
A new database reveals a wide range of patient visits per year, with higher volume facilities concentrated in metropolitan areas. The study suggests different approaches may be needed to ensure access to emergency care for all Americans, particularly in rural settings.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that many major biomedical journals have inadequate conflict of interest policies and practices. The study revealed that less than half of these journals require policies for editors or peer-reviewers and that many do not disclose potential conflicts to readers.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that hospitals using six specific strategies have faster door-to-balloon times, resulting in better patient outcomes. These strategies include activating the catheterization laboratory and having real-time data feedback for staff.
A new multicenter research consortium, called Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock (ProCESS), is beginning a large-scale study to determine whether specific interventions can halt the progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. The project aims to establish standard procedures to diagnose and treat sepsis in emergency departments.