Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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.
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.
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.
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.
The University of Pittsburgh will lead a multidisciplinary consortium to investigate and determine the best methods for treating sepsis, a life-threatening disease affecting 750,000 Americans annually. The $8.4 million NIH grant aims to identify the ideal way to stop sepsis in its tracks and improve survival rates.
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.
A study found that lobbing raw eggs at people as a prank can result in blunt ocular trauma, leading to injuries such as tears, bruising, and raised internal pressure. In some cases, this can cause permanent loss of eyesight.
A new study by UCLA researchers analyzed clots removed from the brain blood vessels of 25 stroke victims, revealing that they are composed of similar components. The analysis showed that red blood-cell accumulations often accumulated on clots after impaction in the brain artery, contradicting previous assumptions.
Despite recent atrocities, British hospitals remain poorly prepared for major incidents, with many lacking clear plans and regular rehearsal schedules. The survey found that only 54% of doctors were clear about their role in responding to a major incident, highlighting the need for improved preparation.
Blood alcohol levels above legal limits increased significantly among emergency care patients, with a 113% rise in lab tests from 1999 to 2004. The number of intoxicated women doubled, while men consistently outnumbered women across all age groups.
A new study predicts that the US will spend $2.2 trillion on stroke care over the next 45 years unless preventive measures are taken. The highest costs will be for African American and Latino patients, who suffer strokes at younger ages and receive poorer-quality care.
Language barriers compromise health care for 50 million U.S. residents who do not speak English at home, resulting in delayed care, preventable injuries, and higher healthcare costs. The article highlights the need for adequate language services to ensure optimal communication, patient satisfaction, and safety.
The study will enroll up to 20,000 patients in North America over two years, testing new saline solutions for trauma patients and a unique airway valve for cardiac arrest. The research aims to improve circulation and oxygenation in critically ill patients.
A study found that manual chest compressions were more effective than automated devices in treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The research, published in JAMA, also showed that the device associated with worse neurological outcomes in survivors.
The study found that falls among the elderly in North East England resulted in a significant cost to the ambulance service, with an average of £145 per fall. A third of calls required assistance only and were related to sheltered housing organisations, while one in four of those transported to emergency care were admitted to hospital.
Researchers developed a rapid diagnostic protocol for TIA patients, reducing hospital stays to 25 hours and costs by $662. The protocol did not harm patients, with comparable clinical outcomes to traditional inpatient admission.
Researchers highlight disparities in bystander CPR for Latino victims of cardiac arrest. Therapeutic hypothermia also shows promise in reducing mortality and neurological damage after cardiac arrest.
Emergency departments are struggling with high rates of pursuit-related fatalities, particularly among African Americans and Native Americans. The 2004 influenza vaccine shortage also exacerbated issues, especially for patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions and those without insurance coverage.
The study found that escalating biphasic energy regimens were more successful in terminating ventricular fibrillation (VF) and converting to an organized rhythm for secondary shocks. However, the difference was not seen in overall survival rates.
Researchers found that cooling a person by 2°C during the first day after resuscitation can significantly improve their chances of recovering from cardiac arrest. The study, which used rats to replicate human brain injury, showed that even modest cooling of the brain can have beneficial effects on recovery.
A study involving 10,635 students found Greek pledges who get drunk weekly have five times the risk of falling from a height and two and a half times the risk of experiencing a burn compared to non-Greek students. They also face higher risks of other injuries, including sexual assault.
The LA Kids program significantly reduced pediatric epinephrine dosing errors in cardiac arrest cases, with correct doses increasing from 28% to 57% and doses within 20% of the exact dose rising from 44% to 70%. The study emphasizes the importance of system-wide changes and education.
The conference aims to define the scientific parameters of surge capacity, a critical measure of disaster preparedness. Experts will explore the linkages between disaster surge and daily surge, developing a better understanding of this complex issue.
Disparities in health status persisted for one or more minority groups, with Asian Pacific Islanders facing inferior oral health and Native Americans experiencing hearing/vision problems. The study also found disparities in care, including lack of health insurance and communication issues with usual sources of care.
A new study suggests that regionalizing heart attack care, similar to trauma care, could be feasible for the US. Nearly 80% of Americans live within a 60-minute ambulance trip of an angioplasty-performing hospital, with most being able to reach one within 30 minutes.