Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
A study by the American College of Emergency Physicians finds that emergency department visits increased 27% from 1990-1999, with critically ill visits rising 59% and urgent visits increasing 36%. The number of beds per population also decreased, exacerbating the problem.
The article explores the challenges of managing emergency department overcrowding and the legal duty to provide care. It discusses the complexities of weighing patient diversion against accepting critically ill patients, raising questions about liability and hospital responsibilities.
Researchers tested BNP levels in 325 patients with dyspnea, finding those with high levels had a 51% chance of developing congestive heart failure or dying within six months. The study supports the use of BNP testing as a tool for diagnosing patients at risk of congestive heart failure.
Researchers found that preauthorization was granted in only half of visits, and denied or downcoded in the remaining 50%. The lack of timely reimbursement creates a financial burden on patients and hospitals. Prudent layperson laws aim to eliminate prior authorization and retrospective denials for emergency care.
The risk of injury requiring medical attention on amusement park rides is one in 124,000, while the risk of fatal injury is one in 150 million. Giant roller coasters produce high G forces that can cause neurologic injury.
Undertreated asthma has a significant impact on women's lives, affecting their physical activities, relationships, and overall well-being. Many women report poorly controlled symptoms, anxiety, and worry about their condition.
The Johns Hopkins emergency department has implemented an acute care unit to reduce overcrowding, resulting in a 40% decrease in ambulance diversion hours. The unit has also seen a significant drop in patient walkouts during the midnight shift, from 20.6% to 8.9%.
Researchers developed a simple risk index using age, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure to predict mortality risk in STEMI patients. The index revealed a strong and independent predictor of mortality risk, with a 20-fold gradient of increasing mortality.
Researchers found that treating patients in the Emergency Department with Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT) improves patient outcomes. Patients treated with EGDT had a lower mortality rate, fewer organ failures, and shorter hospital stays compared to those receiving standard care.
A study found that managed care coverage improves the quality of care for children with asthma, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary emergency department visits. Children in managed care plans were more likely to see their primary care physicians before visiting the ER, leading to more appropriate treatment.
A recent audit reveals major deficiencies in funding, staff, and service provision for head injured patients. Rehabilitation and follow-up services are poor, with only a third of A&E departments involved in recommended care.
A population-based study found that the annual rate of potential brain injury was 16 per 10,000 among males and 7 per 10,000 among females. The leading causes of brain injury varied by age, with falls from heights being common among young children and accidents involving motor vehicles or bicycles being common among older teenagers.
Two UK studies reveal that NHS Direct led to a significant decrease in Accident and Emergency department visits, with a substantial reduction in staff time needed. However, the rise in hospital switchboard calls indicates that more people need medical advice, highlighting the need for increased NHS Direct usage.
The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) needs a broader scope and clearer goals to truly benefit children and families. States should focus on quality of care, including regular physician visits and preventive services, as well as plan ahead for primary care services and evaluate program effectiveness.
Defibrillator availability for home use could save thousands of lives, says Dr. Mickey Eisenberg. Despite high costs, he suggests AEDs could become more affordable and accessible with proper labeling and training.
Establishing stroke centers in hospitals can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients by dedicating resources to diagnose and treat stroke patients within the critical 3-hour time period. The Brain Attack Coalition recommends primary and comprehensive stroke centers to provide emergency care and extensive care, respectively.
Researchers at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver developed a care plan to address patients who frequently visit emergency departments with conditions treatable in community settings. The program involved social workers, physicians, and nurses, reducing hospital visits by 71%.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) covered by non-profit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) received higher use of lifesaving therapy and emergency transportation compared to those with fee-for-service insurance. HMOs improved access to timely urgent care, particula...
A Massachusetts General Hospital study reveals that a majority of patients with unpaid bills were poor enough to qualify for state-sponsored free care or Medicaid. The study found that 84% of free-care patients and 78% of emergency bad debt patients had incomes below the federal poverty level.
A University of Illinois professor's study reveals that crew members' communication timing greatly affects performance during emergencies. High-performing crews were found to be targeted and specific with their exchanges, while low-performing crews had a disconnect between training and actual conditions.
The REACT trial found a median delay of 2.2 hours, far lower than most U.S. studies have found, indicating an improvement in patients seeking care earlier. This decline is attributed to increased awareness and education about heart attack symptoms and the need for rapid action.
Researchers found that 69% of congestive heart failure patients in managed care plans were admitted to hospitals through the emergency room, compared to 29-58.5% for patients with other types of insurance. This may be due to barriers to outpatient care or timely hospital admission.
A nationwide review of managed-care companies' gatekeeping practices found nearly one-third of patients denied emergency medical care suffered adverse outcomes. The study highlights the need for in-person medical assessments, as telephone gatekeeping failed to reliably distinguish between safe and unsafe cases.