Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
A study found that ICU staff reported only 61% of errors detected by external observers, indicating a significant underreporting of unintended events. The use of observer monitoring can provide invaluable information about incidents in ICUs in a short period, improving quality and safety.
A study found that junior doctors in emergency medicine faced difficulties with referrals due to assumptions of inferiority by specialty doctors. Implementing formal teaching, clear guidelines, and role-playing improved outcomes and reduced communication issues.
A study published in Health Services Research found that patients with head injuries transferred from rural trauma centers to Level I trauma centers in Oregon and Washington had a 10% lower mortality risk. This improvement is attributed to the comprehensive care and training programs available at Level I centers.
Research analyzed emergency medical treatment for assaults during international rugby and football matches in Cardiff. The results showed a significant increase in assault cases on match days, with the highest rates observed when Wales won its matches.
Regular cardiovascular follow-up visits with a specialist significantly improve outcomes for heart failure patients, reducing emergency room visits and mortality rates. Access to specialty care is particularly important for elderly and rural patients, who often face barriers to timely treatment.
A two-hour brief negotiation intervention was developed and taught to 58 emergency room physicians, with over 90% passing the proficiency exam. The intervention helps hazardous and harmful drinkers by raising awareness of their drinking levels, enhancing motivation to reduce drinking, and negotiating a plan of action.
Researchers found a psychiatric rate of 5.27% among emergency department patients, significantly lower than national prevalence rates. The study identified significant disparities in psychiatric diagnoses between Caucasians and African Americans.
A comprehensive review of UK asthma frequency and health service use found that south Asian people had lower asthma symptoms, while black people had similar symptoms. South Asians were three times more likely, and blacks twice as likely, to have emergency hospital admissions for the condition.
A new study analyzed surveys from 2,515 asthmatic patients to identify reliable quality indicators for physician profiling. The researchers found that having a sufficient number of patients and using clear-cut indicators like asthma self-management knowledge and use of inhaled steroids can help determine the best doctor for patients.
Emergency department patients with unmet substance abuse treatment needs are 81% more likely to be admitted during their visit and 46% more likely to have visited the ER in the previous year. These patients account for $777.2 million in extra hospital charges annually.
Long waits for inpatient beds in emergency departments can lead to significant revenue loss, as delayed care blocks beds that could treat incoming patients. The study found hospitals may lose up to $168,000 in potential revenue per admitted chest pain patient wait, with the annual loss potentially exceeding $1.74 million.
Out-of-hospital intubation may be more harmful than helpful for patients with severe head injuries. Patients who are intubated prior to hospital arrival have a higher risk of death and neurologic impairment compared to those intubated in the hospital.
The ERICCA project aims to integrate electronic health records to improve asthma care for children. The system will facilitate communication among care providers, allow inter-disciplinary care planning, and provide clinical decision support.
A study in Kenya found that pediatric admission rates varied significantly among hospitals, with basic resources available in only 12 of 14 first-referral level hospitals. Strengthening district hospital infrastructure is crucial for achieving the Millennium Development Goal for child survival.
A study found that fourth-year medical students can identify victims of intimate partner violence, but often neglect to ask crucial questions about the patient's safety and well-being. The findings highlight the need for improved education on domestic violence screening in emergency medicine clerkships.
Researchers will test the effectiveness of a mechanical chest compression device to treat out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. The study aims to improve survival rates, which have remained stagnant for 30 years, and has the potential to benefit millions.
Prudent-layperson laws have reduced emergency department denials based on symptoms, rather than diagnoses. Insurers are now more likely to cover treatments, and fines for non-compliance have increased industry-wide changes in ED claims management.
A commentary by Pauls and Downie argues that mandatory reporting could erode trust between patients and physicians. Ovens, writing on behalf of the OMA's Section on Emergency Medicine, counters that exceptions exist to protect patient confidentiality while maintaining public safety.
A national study found that health care access for poor children has improved, with a decrease in emergency room visits and hospitalizations. However, the gap in care for uninsured children remains, with those without coverage experiencing worsening access to care.
Researchers developed a new screening tool to identify adolescents at risk of carrying firearms in emergency departments. The tool, FiGHTS, uses known risk factors and has shown promising results in preventing firearm injuries among this age group.
A recent case report reveals that MDMA can trigger heart attacks, with symptoms similar to those caused by cocaine or amphetamine use. Physicians are advised to familiarize themselves with the emerging trend of MDMA use and its potential risks.
A study analyzing data from over 56,000 U.S. patients found that almost two out of three received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors within the first 24 hours, resulting in a 2.7% in-hospital death rate compared to 4.7%. The researchers emphasized the importance of aggressive treatment protocols and adherence to established guidelines.
Researchers studied 342,300 chronically ill veterans to track health care and survival between 1994-1998. Patient survival rates remained largely unchanged, while hospital stays fell by 50% and outpatient care increased moderately.
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) survey shows physician assistants are steadily expanding into various medical settings. The latest findings demonstrate a growing trend of PAs working in primary care fields and specialized medical offices.
A three-year community campaign aimed at the public and health professionals increased the use of tPA, a life-saving emergency drug for stroke patients. The study found that 69% of eligible patients received tPA, compared to 2.2% in non-intervention areas.
The study found that uninsured patients and Medicaid recipients account for a significant proportion of emergency department visits due to tooth pain or injury. Despite receiving antibiotics or pain medication, these patients often lack follow-up dental care.
A recent study by the American College of Emergency Physicians found no significant racial differences in the administration of pain medications to children, but did reveal regional variations. Children in the South and West received narcotics more frequently than those in other parts of the country.
Researchers developed a guideline to identify low-risk heart failure patients for targeted home treatment, reducing unnecessary hospital stays. The study used data from over 33,000 cases and identified nearly 16% of patients as low risk, promising success in similar contexts.
Researchers found that cooling the brain to 33 degrees Celsius increased survival rates and reduced microscopic brain injury by half. Hypothermia treatment also stimulated brain recovery by increasing growth factors derived from glia-cells in the brain.
A study found that over half of illicitly distilled moonshine samples contained high levels of lead, a toxic substance that can harm those who abuse it. The researcher hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking moonshine.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that minorities in low-poverty areas are more likely to use public mental health services, often due to being more visible and attention-worthy. This disparity affects black and Hispanic residents, who are disproportionately represented in high-poverty neighborhoods.
Researchers created a set of tools to evaluate disaster drills in four parts: command and control, out-of-hospital care, in-hospital care, and system integration. The methods are designed to be practical for disaster planners worldwide, particularly in developing countries disproportionately affected by disasters.
A recent study conducted at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that approximately one in five mothers who visited the pediatric emergency department or a well-child clinic had depression. The study also revealed that 76% of these mothers reported difficulty caring for their children due to their depressive symptoms.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that alcohol increases a person's vulnerability to injury in car crashes, regardless of blood-alcohol level. Drivers and passengers with any amount of alcohol in their system were more than one and a half times as likely to experience serious injuries, which severity was also 30% higher.
A UC Irvine study found that hospitals can successfully evacuate patients and staff without relying on outside assistance. Non-structural problems like water leaks and electrical outages pose the biggest risk to facilities during disasters. The study provides basic steps for responding to bioterrorist attacks on medical facilities.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that allergy specialist care can significantly reduce emergency room visits for asthma. Patients receiving adequate inhaled corticosteroid therapy (at least four canisters per year) and/or allergy specialty care had a lower risk of hospitalization, with 27% showi...
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that walk-in patients with minor illnesses have a minimal impact on emergency department overcrowding. The study's authors suggest increasing hospital capacity to quickly assess and admit acutely ill patients is key to solving the issue.
Researchers have rediscovered a World War II era antidote for Lewisite, a chemical warfare agent that causes immediate pain and blistering. The treatment, BAL, can remove heavy metals such as arsenic, copper, and lead from the human body.
Researchers found payment rates for emergency department charges decreased from 60% to 53% between 1996 and 1998. The privately insured group experienced the largest decline, with payments dropping from 75% to 63% of charges.
A New York City woman was poisoned after ingesting a herbal product believed to be contaminated with digitalis lanata, a plant-derived cardioactive steroid. She recovered after receiving antidotal therapy and digoxin-specific Fab fragments.
A study by American College of Emergency Physicians found that only half of emergency department visits are paid, with payments decreasing from 60.3% to 53% between 1996 and 1998. The decline threatens the ability of emergency departments to provide care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.
A new study provides validated guidelines for emergency physicians to care for chest-pain patients using cocaine, improving treatment outcomes and reducing complications. The protocol divides patients into high-risk and low-risk categories, allowing doctors to determine which patients can be safely discharged home.
A study found that 42% of emergency patients waited more than 60 minutes for care, with longer waits in poorer neighborhoods. Emergency departments with better staffing ratios had shorter waiting times, suggesting physician and nurse staffing as a solution to reduce wait times.
The study found that drug shortages affecting patients in emergency departments have grown significantly since 1995. Emergency physicians can help manage these shortages by communicating with hospitals and patients about available options, but solving the issue will take many years.
A recent study examined three independent databases to develop a comprehensive picture of the occupational hazards faced by EMS workers. The findings reveal that EMS personnel are exposed to various risks, including ambulance crashes, assaults, and exposure to infectious diseases.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that computer prescriptions significantly reduced errors in the prescribing process. The system improved legibility and accuracy, resulting in a 0.8% error rate compared to 2.3%, saving time for pharmacists and improving patient safety.
A study of 75 patients found that postponing care for those with non-serious illnesses had comparable health outcomes to immediate care. Additionally, a new combination therapy for arthritis patients showed promise in reducing joint symptoms and improving function.
A ESMO survey found that almost all oncologists (92%) believe dying patients should receive anti-tumor therapy alongside end-of-life care. However, less than half routinely coordinate patient care or collaborate with support teams.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that shocking the heart after prolonged cardiac arrest can cause further damage, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options. The study suggests that waiting a few minutes before defibrillation may be a more effective approach.
A University of Pittsburgh study found a marker for blood clots in patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside the hospital. The researchers identified increased clotting in veins, which worsens with longer cardiac arrest duration.
A JAMA study found that pharmacist interventions significantly improved peak flow rates for patients with asthma, but not those who received standard care. The study also showed a notable decrease in breathing-related emergency department or hospital visits among the intervention group.
A recent study found that the federal government's E/M coding system for Medicare has poor agreement among coding specialists, resulting in overbilling. The system's complexity and lack of precision lead to inconsistent coding practices.
Researchers found no difference in cosmetic appearance between sutured and non-sutured hand cuts after three months. Patients treated conservatively reported less pain and shorter treatment times compared to those who received sutures.
Leaders in emergency medicine will read the same articles to share a common knowledge and background, with annual self-assessment tests to prove mastery of medical literature. The requirement aims to improve patient safety and physician accountability, as mandated by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
The American College of Emergency Physicians has issued first consensus guidelines on lightning safety before summer storms. These guidelines emphasize the importance of individual responsibility in avoiding lightning injury and provide tips on safer practices, including knowing safe locations and following weather updates.
A national survey found that most adults are unaware of the effectiveness of policies like raising taxes on alcoholic beverages and increasing the drinking age. Effective measures have saved tens of thousands of lives, but public awareness is needed to prevent accidents.
Researchers found that while Medicaid kids use the ER for non-urgent care more frequently than expected, a shift to managed care has actually reduced these instances. The studies also revealed that nearly half of parents' decisions to visit the ER were logical, based on their child's condition and available resources.
Bats are the leading cause of human rabies in the US, with tiny bites going unnoticed. The study found it unlikely for bat rabies to be transmitted through the air or from an infected animal like a cat or dog. Dr. Gibbons advises seeking emergency care if direct contact occurs.
Two new studies introduce a reliable assay to detect brown recluse spider venom in patients, reducing the need for invasive biopsies. The assay detects venom in hair, fluid from wounds, and skin biopsies, improving diagnosis accuracy and avoiding misidentifications.
A study published in JAMA found that restorative home care significantly improves the likelihood of remaining at home, reduces emergency visits, and enhances self-care and mobility among older patients. The model is based on principles adapted from geriatric medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, and goal attainment.