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Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Emergency Medicine for July 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.<\/p>\n
Inpatient Volume Greater Driver of Ambulance Diversion<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An increase in inpatient volume is associated with a greater increase in diversion hours for ambulances when the volume increase occurs among inpatients versus emergency department visitors, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Odds of Death Up With Medium-, Large-Caliber Firearms<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is a correlation for firearm caliber with likelihood of death from gunshot wounds, according to a study published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n High-Sensitivity Blood Test May Help Rule Out Intracranial Injury<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A combined test of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) assay results has high sensitivity for detection of intracranial injury among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to a study published online July 24 in The Lancet Neurology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Few Published Programs Address Medical Trainee Mistreatment<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are very few published descriptions of programs that address the mistreatment of medical trainees, according to a review published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Boards May Contribute to Mental Health Stigma for Doctors<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Existing policy has been amended to encourage licensing boards to require disclosure of physical or mental health conditions only when these would negatively impact a physicians’ ability to practice medicine, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Better Care Quality Needed for Universal Health Coverage<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In order to achieve universal health coverage, stakeholders must focus on the quality of health services, including provision of effective, safe, timely, equitable, integrated, and efficient health services, according to a report published by the World Health Organization.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Teen Boy Suffers Serious Burns After ‘Hot Water Challenge’<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An Indianapolis teen suffered serious burns after his friends poured boiling hot water on him as part of fad called the “Hot Water Challenge.”<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Four Strategies Help Doctors Make Personal, Professional Gains<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>, four strategies are presented to help physicians make personal and professional gains.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Fatal Child Drownings in Open Water Areas Are Increasing<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most fatal child drownings occur each year between May and August, the majority of which happen in lakes, rivers, oceans, and other types of open water, according to a report released by Safe Kids Worldwide.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n CDC: Homicides by Firearm on the Rise in the United States<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Gun murders are on the rise in the United States and are the most common type of murder, according to a QuickStats<\/i> report published in the July 27 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Readmission Rate 19.2 Percent After Acute Exacerbation of COPD<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The rate of 30-day index readmissions after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is 19.2 percent, according to a study published in the July issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n 2002 to 2014 Saw Hike in AMI Rate in Pregnancy, Puerperium<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurred in one of every 12,400 hospitalizations for those hospitalized during pregnancy and the puerperium, according to a study published online July 18 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA: Whey Powder Behind Recent Salmonella<\/i>-Linked Recalls<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ritz and Goldfish crackers, Swiss Rolls — they’ve all been tied to possible Salmonella<\/i> contamination through a common ingredient, dry whey powder, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Assessing, Improving Patient Satisfaction Cuts Malpractice Risk<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Assessing and improving patient satisfaction can help physicians avoid being sued for malpractice, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Use of 2017 ACC\/AHA Guidelines Would Increase HTN Prevalence<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)\/American Heart Association (AHA) hypertension guidelines would increase the proportion of 45- to 75-year-olds labeled as having hypertension in the United States and China, according to a study published online July 11 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n CDC: Salmonella<\/i>-Tainted Melon Outbreak Appears to Be Over<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella<\/i> outbreak linked to melons and fruit salad mixes appears to be over, say officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<\/p>\n FDA Outbreak Update<\/a><\/p>\n CDC Final Update<\/a><\/p>\n Prehospital Plasma Cuts Mortality Risk in Hemorrhagic Shock<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Prehospital administration of thawed plasma during air medical transport results in lower 30-day mortality compared with standard-care resuscitation in injured patients at risk for hemorrhagic shock, according to research published in the July 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Steroid Abuse Put 60-Year-Old Bodybuilder in the Hospital<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a report published online July 23 in BMJ Case Reports<\/i>, doctors present the case of an amateur weight-lifter who developed non-ischemic cardiomyopathy after using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Insurers May Be Underpaying Doctors<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurance companies sometimes underpay doctors the contracted amount for a service or procedure, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Guidance Provided for Reporting Foodborne Illness<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidance for health care professionals on reporting foodborne illnesses.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of appropriate statistical methodology can allow for the synthesis of data collected as part of traditional clinical trials with real-world data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Lowering Default Number of Pills Can Reduce Prescribed Opioids<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reducing the default number of opioid pills prescribed in an electronic medical record (EMR) system can effectively decrease the amount of opioids prescribed after procedures, according to a study published online July 18 in JAMA Surgery<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practices and physicians should prepare for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, network communications failures, and active shooter situations, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act may increase costs and reduce quality of health care for veterans, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Salmonella<\/i> Spurs Recall of Swiss Rolls, Bread<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Possible Salmonella<\/i> contamination has led to the recall of rolls and bread made by Flowers Foods, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Salmonella<\/i> Spurs Recall of Ritz Crackers<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A number of Ritz Crackers products are being recalled due to possible Salmonella<\/i> risk, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walmart’s Generic Drug Discount Program (GDDP), which sells many commonly used generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply, offers savings over Medicare for some generic cardiovascular medications, according to a research letter published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical institutions and organizations need to ensure there are proactive interventions to transform the workplace in order to address sexual harassment and discrimination, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Warns Against Risks of Contaminated Synthetic Cannabis<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Users of synthetic marijuana products and health care providers should be aware of the risk of bleeding associated with contamination of synthetic cannabinoid products with brodifacoum, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Few HIV Tests Given to Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in South<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few HIV tests in the southern United States are provided for black men who have sex with men (MSM) even though they account for a substantial percentage of new diagnoses, according to research published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Embezzlement Not Uncommon in Medical Practices<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Embezzlement occurs frequently in medical practices and steps should be taken to prevent it, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coverage rates and access to care are significantly higher in states with Medicaid expansion, compared with non-expansion states, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Lyme-Bearing Ticks More Widespread in U.S. Than Thought<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses have been identified in dozens of places across the United States where the pests had never previously been recorded, according to a study published online July 12 in PLOS ONE<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Epinephrine Ups Survival in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Epinephrine use results in improved 30-day survival versus placebo in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, according to a study published online July 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Salmonella<\/i> Outbreak in 26 States Linked to Raw Turkey Products<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella<\/i> outbreak that has sickened 90 people in 26 states has been linked to a variety of raw turkey products, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Patients Care About the Clothes Doctors Wear<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do in fact care what doctors wear, according to a study recently published in BMJ Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Seven Strategies Can Help Practices Manage Staff Time Off<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several strategies can be implemented to help address management of staff time off, allowing mutual respect for the employee and employer requests, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Salmonella<\/i> Outbreak Linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella<\/i> outbreak that’s sickened 21 people in five states has been linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad. Five people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.<\/p>\n FDA Recall Notice<\/a><\/p>\n CDC Food Safety Alert<\/a><\/p>\n FDA: Some Rx Drugs May Become Available Without Seeing a Doctor<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new draft guideline from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests Americans could get widely used prescription medicines for cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, and migraine headaches without having to see a doctor.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Trials Supporting FDA Approval of Breakthrough Drugs Examined<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pivotal trials supporting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals granted Breakthrough Therapy designation often lack randomization, double-blinding, and control groups, according to a research letter published in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Alternative Payment Models Should Include Precision Medicine<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association has committed to working to integrate precision medicine into alternative payment models (APMs), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Cataract Surgery May Cut Risk of Serious Car Accidents<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cataract surgery is associated with a modest decrease in the risk of the patient being in a serious traffic crash as the driver, according to a study published online June 28 in JAMA Ophthalmology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Shared Decision-Making Approach to Zika Best for Travelers<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An approach to shared decision-making that stratifies risk might be most appropriate for preventing Zika infection, according to an Ideas and Opinion piece published online July 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Establishes New Task Force on Drug Shortages<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a recent statement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., announced the formation of a new drug shortages task force to thoroughly explore the reasons why drug shortages remain a persistent challenge.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Brief Safety Plan Intervention in ER Can Cut Suicidal Behavior<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) plus follow-up phone calls for suicidal patients presenting in the emergency department cuts suicidal behavior and increases the likelihood of outpatient mental health treatment over the next six months, according to a study published online July 11 in JAMA Psychiatry<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Smallpox<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — TPOXX (tecovirimat) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat smallpox.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n FDA: Illnesses Tied to Fresh Crab Meat Imported From Venezuela<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There have been 12 reported cases of people in the United States becoming sick after eating fresh crab meat from Venezuela, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n E. Coli<\/i> Found in Water at Tennessee Ziplining Facility<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Health officials say they found Escherichia coli<\/i> in water at a ziplining facility in Tennessee that has been linked to an outbreak affecting at least 500 people.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Adoption of EHR Linked to Reduction in Mortality Rates<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is associated with a reduction in mortality rates in U.S. hospitals, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Two-Thirds of Parents Report Their Child Has Had Headache<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Two-thirds of parents report that their child has had a headache not related to a fall or head injury, according to the results of the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health at the University of Michigan.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Inappropriate Prescribing of Abx High in Urgent Care Centers<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variability in the proportion of visits at which antibiotics are prescribed among traditional medical and retail clinic settings, according to a research letter published online July 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Physician Burnout Tied to Higher Risk of Medical Errors<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physician burnout, fatigue, and work-unit safety grades are independently associated with medical errors, according to a study published online July 9 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Factors Identified That Affect Resuscitation Teams’ Success<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Successful resuscitation teams share common, core elements that are associated with better in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) outcomes, according to a study published online July 9 in Circulation<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n eCare Plan Set to Improve Doctor\/Pharmacist Relationship<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pharmacist eCare Plan is designed to improve communication between pharmacists and physicians by allowing documentation to be available via electronic health records (EHRs), according to an article published online in Drug Topics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n 100 Now Sickened by Salmonella-Tainted Honey Smacks Cereal<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One hundred people across 33 states have now fallen ill with Salmonella<\/i> after eating Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<\/p>\n FDA Recall Notice<\/a><\/p>\n CDC Press Release<\/a><\/p>\n Data Support FDA Restrictions on Child Cough and Cold Medicines<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — New research supports expanded restrictions on opioid-containing cough and cold medications (CCMs) for children, according to a short communication published recently in Clinical Toxicology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Virtual Assistants Not HIPAA Compliant<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Virtual assistant programs like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa are not yet in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), warns an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Gender Bias in Medicine Has Far-Reaching Consequences<\/font><\/p>\n