Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
A new study found that over 40% of children who underwent complicated appendicectomy recovered faster and had fewer complications when cared for in the home following surgery. This model of care reduced hospital time by 35% and saved families and hospitals over $1,400 per day.
A large-scale study found that patient pain upon arrival and placement in hallway beds are associated with poorer patient experience in EDs. On the other hand, receiving radiology studies generates more positive experience scores. Understanding these underlying factors can help improve patient outcomes and experiences.
A new study found that doctors and patients agree on the urgency level of emergency department visits only about 38% to 57% of the time. Researchers explored concordance between discharge diagnoses and reasons for visit, finding that nearly 40% of visits are not medical emergencies.
A recent Canadian Medical Association Journal study found no differences in in-hospital deaths or hospital admission rates between people experiencing homelessness and housed patients with severe COVID-19. However, those experiencing homelessness were less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit or intubated.
Researchers found that women who received text message reminders were twice as likely to get their cervical cancer screenings within 150 days compared to those without reminders. The study suggests a promising low-cost approach to increasing cancer screenings in underserved populations.
A lack of access to dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in hospital visits for children's painful dental issues. Research found a 62% increase in emergency department visits from Medicaid-insured kids, with young children being seen twice as often.
A study found that socioeconomically disadvantaged patients used emergency departments less for non-avoidable visits, despite an overall rebound in ED use by 2022. This trend reverses pre-pandemic increases in ED utilization among Medicaid and dual-eligible patients.
A new consensus report on anaphylaxis has been released, providing updated clinical criteria and guidelines for diagnosing and treating the condition. The report includes distinct infant findings to improve management in young children, addressing a significant burden on patients and caregivers worldwide.
Researchers found that limiting daytime sleep and getting approximately seven hours of sleep each night in the first week after a concussion may speed up recovery. Youth who sleep more or less than ideal amounts during this period may experience slower symptom resolution.
The ESC Acute CardioVascular Care congress will cover acute and critical care management of patients with cardiovascular disease. The meeting features around 300 abstracts and 95 sessions across two days, focusing on cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock.
A new study found that people seeking emergency care for hallucinogen use were at a 2.6-fold higher risk of death within 5 years compared to the general population. The increased risk was highest among individuals with medical comorbidities and those from low-income neighborhoods.
In a new study published in The Lancet, researchers found that one in eight patients in African hospitals are critically ill, with one in five dying within a week. Basic but crucial health interventions can significantly reduce mortality and are inexpensive enough to be provided in general wards.
A new home-based intervention has been shown to reduce unplanned hospital admissions among older adults with mild frailty by 35%. The service, which includes personalized visits and tailored support, also leads to small improvements in wellbeing and reduces hospital costs.
A study found that emergency clinician prescribing of buprenorphine increased in California, leading to more patients starting treatment for opioid use disorder. The efforts were successful in getting patients started, with at least one in three filling a second prescription within 40 days.
A study found that patients who received opioid prescriptions in the emergency department were more likely to receive additional opioid prescriptions or require hospital admissions in the following year. Patient characteristics, such as age and health conditions, played a significant role in determining risk.
Residents of Ontario with cannabis use disorder had a significantly higher risk of death compared to the general population. The findings highlight the importance of addressing cannabis use disorders, especially as global trends toward cannabis legalization continue.
A study of US poison center calls reveals a significant rise in caffeine energy product exposures among children and adolescents, with powdered caffeine exposures skyrocketing by 633%. Most exposures were unintentional and occurred in children under 6 years old.
Researchers from Flinders University assessed the RAPIDx AI tool using a pioneering artificial intelligence platform, PROLIFERATE_AI. The study found that experienced clinicians demonstrated high comprehension and engagement with the tool, while less experienced users faced usability challenges.
Eleven scientists will be recognized for their individual exceptional professional achievements and contributions to stroke care and research. Four groundbreaking scientists are devoted to stroke research, while six others will be recognized for their new research findings presented during the meeting.
A new pilot study assesses how caregivers use advanced wearable technology to support people with dementia, finding that it reduces emotional strain and increases caregiver satisfaction. The technology, called Theora Care, provides a wearable device and smartphone application that alerts caregivers when the person has wandered.
A recent study found that patients who left emergency departments before being medically advised had higher rates of readmission, mortality, and increased costs. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 53.6% increase in such cases, primarily due to concerns about infection, long wait times, and dissatisfaction with care.
Researchers from Notre Dame and a Mexican hospital created a cooperative cancer monitoring tool to track children's health in low-income communities. The SaludConectaMX system aims to alleviate the challenges faced by families with pediatric cancer, including fragmented healthcare systems and limited access to resources.
A new study found a significant increase in firearm-related hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rates 34% higher than predicted pre-pandemic trends. The gap was largest for Black patients, children, and those covered by Medicaid, who experienced rates 44%, 46%, and 41% higher, respectively.
Dr. Jared M. Kutzin has been elected President of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), a position he will hold for one year. He aims to expand affiliations and strategic partnerships worldwide and develop relationships with emergency medical services partners.
Research led by University of Pittsburgh scientists found that exposure to long-wavelength red light reduces blood clots in humans and mice. The study's findings have the potential to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by blood clots worldwide.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that lower access to air conditioning increases the need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure. People living in areas with low air conditioning availability are at higher risk, especially children and the Black population.
Lewis S. Nelson, M.D., takes helm as dean of FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine, spearheading innovative medical education programs and research initiatives. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Nelson aims to foster innovation, research, and clinical excellence at the college.
A new study found that emergency department physicians differ in their likelihood of hospitalizing patients, with those who admit more patients being discharged sooner but not less likely to die. The study suggests that differences in physician decision-making drive these variations, rather than patient health.
A McGill University-led study found patterns between triggers and symptoms of anaphylaxis, revealing a strong link between tree nuts and throat tightness. The research also suggests that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of severe reactions to nut allergies.
A new study reveals the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in hospital visits for acute coronary syndrome, particularly among older adults and women. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to ensure access to critical care during future emergencies.
The Pfizer-BioNTech XBB vaccine provided protection against severe COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among children aged 5-17 during the 2023-2024 season. The vaccine showed an estimated vaccine effectiveness of 63-73% in preventing severe illness.
Researchers found significant increases in anxiety, stress, and cortisol among emergency responders during training, highlighting the importance of recovery time. The study's results shine a spotlight on burnout affecting over 50% of healthcare professionals.
The program aims to decrease opioid use by increasing provider knowledge of integrative therapies and providing sustained outpatient follow-up. University Hospitals will refine evidence-based integrative therapies such as music therapy and acupuncture to address acute pain.
A CU Anschutz study found that using a decision aid led to less personal uncertainty and distress among older adults, but not reduced depression. The online tool helped participants feel more confident in their decisions.
A study of 1,600 patient records found that large language model-generated notes were superior to physician-written summaries in automated evaluation methods. However, they were marginally inferior in usefulness and safety using a novel evaluation framework.
The American Heart Association warns hunters about the increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to exertion, cold temperatures, and excitement. Hunters should recognize symptoms, take breaks, and have a plan in case of emergencies. Learning Hands-Only-CPR can also save lives.
A new approach to first trimester obstetrical care combining point-of-care ultrasound and immediate multidisciplinary care has reduced emergency visits by 81%. This integration allows for timely diagnosis of abnormal pregnancies, improved education and support for all patients, including those experiencing miscarriage.
A new XR simulator has been introduced to equip nursing students with skills needed in caring for children requiring mechanical ventilation and tracheal suctioning. The simulator, Simmar+ESTE-SIM, combines physical equipment with computer programs to provide comprehensive training.
Research from the University of Surrey found a clear association between high nurse and doctor turnover rates and increased patient mortality rates. A one standard deviation increase in nurse turnover is associated with 35 additional deaths per 100,000 hospital admissions within 30 days.
A new study reveals that patients attending first referral hospitals in low- and middle-income countries receive safe and effective surgical care comparable to higher level referral centers. District hospitals manage to deliver safe surgical care despite having fewer full-time surgeons and medically trained anaesthetists.
A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine evaluates the use of a cranial accelerometry device to detect large-vessel occlusion strokes in prehospital settings. The research demonstrates that obtaining adequate recordings with this device is highly feasible, marking an important step forward in stroke management.
A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine finds that low-dose ketamine is an effective adjunct to morphine for managing acute pain, providing relief to both opioid-tolerant and opioid-naive patients. The study demonstrates significant reductions in pain scores for 30 minutes compared to a placebo.
The 2024 Guidelines for First Aid provide critical updates on recognizing and responding to mild, moderate, and life-threatening emergencies. The guidelines offer enhanced guidance on managing opioid overdoses, bleeding, and other conditions, as well as improved recommendations for emergency care involving children.
The World Health Organization calls for a unified response to protect healthcare in conflict settings. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasizes that two-thirds of those dying are women and children, highlighting the need for an end to the war and negotiations between parties.
A new study found that pregnant people in Massachusetts who made multiple unscheduled hospital visits during pregnancy were more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity. The study revealed that nearly half of these patients visited multiple hospitals, leading to inconsistent treatment and poor maternal outcomes.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that using Chat GPT Plus does not significantly improve the accuracy of doctors' diagnoses, but it outperformed conventional methods in certain cases. The researchers suggest that physicians need more training and experience with AI to capitalize on its potential.
The updated guidance reaffirms the importance of CPR with breaths for resuscitating individuals who have drowned. It also highlights the need for prevention, recognition, and safe rescue to improve chances of survival. The recommendations are based on evidence-based practices to restore breathing and blood circulation.
A study analyzing data from over half a million adults found lower survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in predominantly Black and Hispanic communities, with improvements seen since the pandemic waned but not yet reaching pre-pandemic levels
A study of over 650,000 patients in Ontario found that nearly a third visited emergency departments in the months leading up to their cancer diagnosis. Most visits were related to symptoms specific to their type of cancer.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation's Capture the Fracture campaign highlights top-performing Fracture Liaison Services that deliver gold-standard care. These services prioritize continuous care, tailored treatment plans, and teamwork to reduce secondary fractures and improve patient outcomes.
A new study found that improving pediatric emergency care readiness can prevent up to 2,143 child deaths annually with modest financial investment. The research suggests an annual cost of $3 per child can save approximately 30 lives in Oregon.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified disparities in pediatric concussion care, finding that non-Hispanic Black children and those with public insurance are more likely to be seen first for a concussion in the emergency department. This suggests that establishing up-to-date community-level resources could improv...
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has revealed new insights into treating cats exposed to toxic lilies. The study found no significant difference in acute kidney injury prevalence between inpatient and outpatient groups, suggesting that outpatient management may be a viable option fo...
The number of seizures in US children due to medication or substance exposure has more than doubled between 2009 and 2023. The main culprits are over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription antidepressants, painkillers, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Research finds that increases in air pollution levels correspond with a higher number of patients visiting the hospital emergency department, particularly for cases of trauma, breathing difficulties, and skin conditions. The study suggests that heavy traffic is directly responsible for increased trauma cases and indirectly contributes ...
Miscarriage affects 15-20% of pregnancies, causing devastating effects. Outpatient early pregnancy assessment clinics can provide compassionate and tailored care, but services are lagging.
Researchers found that certain factors increased the risk of death after sepsis, including advanced age, dementia, heart disease, cancer, and previous hospitalizations. A total of 50.6% of patients with sepsis died within two years, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and follow-up care.
Researchers found a significant increase in the use of naloxone by people without medical training to treat opioid overdoses. From June 2020 to June 2022, EMS reported 24,990 patients receiving naloxone from an untrained bystander before EMS arrived, representing a 43.5% growth.
Researchers investigate links between environmental exposures, air pollution, and temperature with EMS transports for health emergencies. The study aims to guide decisions on resilient healthcare infrastructure as climate changes.
A new study suggests that many cyclists fail to wear helmets due to perceived inconvenience and discomfort, yet incentivizing them with free helmets, education, and reminders can increase helmet use. The research found that 75% of participants who received incentives wore helmets consistently after one year.