Articles tagged with Emergency Medicine
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers identified three key trauma features - boggy swelling to the head, abdominal bruising, and thigh swelling or deformity - that prompt immediate review and prioritized treatment. The study found children brought in by carers were seen within an average time of 58.5 minutes, highlighting the need for improved triage alerts.
International experts warn that climate change will have a significant impact on emergency medical services globally, with 62% of respondents saying no assessment or action has been taken. The need for mitigation actions, education, and research is considered crucial in all regions.
The study found significant disparities in age-specific all-cause mortality across racial and ethnic groups, with the greatest relative increases seen in populations ages 25 to 64. These findings deviated from pre-pandemic patterns, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address health inequities.
The American Heart Association has committed $4.7 million to strengthen stroke care in Minnesota and $5.05 million in South Dakota through the Mission: Lifeline initiative. This will improve access to timely and effective treatments for stroke patients, especially those in rural areas.
Daily multidisciplinary telemedicine rounds by board-certified intensivists failed to decrease ICU stays for critically ill adults. No significant impact on patient outcomes was observed.
A new study from UCSF has found that ChatGPT overprescribes in emergency care situations, providing unnecessary x-rays and antibiotics. The AI model was less accurate than resident physicians, with a tendency to err on the side of caution. Researchers emphasize the need for better frameworks to evaluate clinical information before AI c...
A new study by Stanford Medicine found that upgrading emergency departments to be more prepared for pediatric care could save children's lives and reduce costs. The research team analyzed data from hundreds of hospitals in 11 states and found that doing so would cut deaths of pediatric emergency patients by almost half.
Brendan G. Carr, MD, MS, receives the Colin C. Rorrie Award for Excellence in Health Policy, recognized for his work on building regional systems for emergency care and advocating for increased collaboration between public and private sectors. Ugo Ezenkwele, MD, MPH, receives the Leon L. Haley Jr. Award for Excellence in Diversity, Inc...
The study analyzes 40 years of avalanche data, showing a significant increase in survival rates from 43.5% to 53.5% and a decrease in rescue time from 45 minutes to 25 minutes.
A new study from the University of South Australia highlights the importance of validating children's pain experiences to prevent chronic pain. Researchers found that by demonstrating acceptance, understanding, and legitimacy, parents and doctors can help children feel heard and believed, leading to better emotional regulation skills a...
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a 10-year, $100 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to continue its Linking Investigations in Trauma and Emergency Services (LITES) Network. The network will fund new research on trauma care and expand ongoing studies.
A randomized clinical trial found that a voice-activated cognitive behavioral therapy program improved insomnia symptoms in breast cancer survivors. The intervention, delivered in an in-home setting, demonstrated efficacy in reducing sleep disturbances and enhancing overall quality of life.
Researchers found that placing defibrillation pads in the front and back position had a 2.64-fold greater odds of returning spontaneous blood circulation compared to front and side placement. The study suggests this positioning may effectively "sandwich" the heart, delivering electrical current more comprehensively.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has identified key opportunities to strengthen climate education for healthcare professionals. The authors propose a developmental learning model with six interconnected domains that build on foundational skills in communication and collaboration.
Researchers analyzed over 150,000 COVID-19 cases in Japan and found CAPA occurred in 0.4% to 2.7% of severe or critical patients, with higher risk seen in men, older adults, and those with respiratory diseases. Early detection and treatment with antifungal drugs are crucial for improved outcomes.
The study highlights the importance of improving working conditions in A&E departments to retain doctors. Strategies such as education, community building, and mentorship can help reduce turnover rates.
Researchers found that bringing specialists to rural patients through mobile physicians provides faster treatment and better outcomes for stroke cases treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The study's findings suggest that transferring physicians can significantly prolong patient transfer times due to complexity and coordination issues.
A NIH-supported study found that optional emergency department screening increased syphilis diagnosis by 24.4% among nearly 300,000 encounters, particularly among pregnant people. The strategy can help close current healthcare gaps in syphilis diagnosis and treatment.
A clinical trial led by Washington University School of Medicine found that two anti-coagulant drugs did not improve outcomes for patients who received vessel-clearing interventions after a blood clot in the brain. The study aimed to test whether adding these medications could prevent further clots, but results showed no benefit.