Academic Emergency Medicine
Audio Summaries

Impact of Abortion Bans on Emergency Care for Patients With Vaginal Bleeding: An Ethnographic Analysis

Jun 5, 2026

This study investigates how Indiana's restrictive abortion ban affects emergency department clinicians' management of patients presenting with vaginal bleeding. Through ethnographic methods, the authors found that clinicians face significant legal uncertainty, leading to altered history-taking, cautious documentation practices, and anxiety regarding state reporting requirements, which ultimately risks patient care and trust. The findings highlight the need for robust institutional support to navigate the complexities of providing care in restrictive reproductive policy environments.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Pediatric Urethral Catheterization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Jun 5, 2026

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in assisting urethral catheterization in pediatric patients compared to the standard blind technique. The findings demonstrated that POCUS significantly improved first-attempt success rates and reduced the incidence of "dry taps," while also enhancing caregiver satisfaction and minimizing patient discomfort without delaying emergency department workflows. These results support the integration of ultrasound guidance into routine pediatric emergency care practices.

Impact of Point-of-Care Ultrasound on Patient-Family Experience and Behavioral Response in a Pediatric Emergency Department: A Randomized Control Survey Trial

May 26, 2026

This study investigates the impact of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) on the patient-family experience, stress, and anxiety in a pediatric emergency department setting. While both POCUS and non-POCUS groups showed significant reductions in stress and anxiety, families who received POCUS reported a greater perceived importance of the imaging and its role in alleviating their concerns. The findings suggest that POCUS may enhance patient-centered care, warranting further research into its implementation in pediatric emergency care.

Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Acute Rib Fractures in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial

May 20, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether the Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) performed by emergency medicine physicians, in addition to standard care, could improve pain, inspiratory capacity, and cough (PIC) scores in patients with acute rib fractures. The study found that the SAPB group showed a significant improvement in PIC scores compared to the control group, while opioid consumption at 24 hours was lower but not statistically significant. Overall, the SAPB was deemed a safe and effective adjunct for managing pain in this patient population.

Medication Safety Strategies for Geriatric Patients in the Emergency Department: A Narrative Review

May 16, 2026

The authors aim to address the challenges of medication safety for geriatric patients in the emergency department (ED), given their increased vulnerability to medication-related issues. Through a narrative review, they identify key strategies such as medication reconciliation, the use of tools to reduce inappropriate medications, and system-based interventions like Clinical Decision Support Systems to enhance pharmacotherapy management and improve safety outcomes for older adults in the ED.

High-Risk Medication Prescribing Among Older Adults in the Emergency Department: A National Assessment

May 15, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the prevalence and trends of high-risk medication prescribing among older adults discharged from the emergency department (ED) using the Geriatric Emergency Medication Safety Recommendations (GEMS-Rx) list. They found that 9.4% of older adults filled a GEMS-Rx medication within three days of discharge, with a notable decline in such fills from 2017 to 2022. The study highlights the need for improved geriatric medication safety, particularly for younger cohorts of older adults and females who were more likely to receive these high-risk medications.

Voices From Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders in Emergency Medicine, Understanding Their Experiences

May 14, 2026

This study investigates the experiences of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leaders in emergency medicine (EM) to identify factors that influence their effectiveness. Through qualitative interviews with DEI leaders across various institutions, the authors found that effectiveness is shaped by institutionally mediated, personally mediated, and internally mediated factors. The research underscores the importance of personal commitment, leadership development, and administrative support in enhancing the impact of DEI leaders within the EM field.

Clinical Features, CT Imaging Decisions and Yield by Age in Adults With Abdominal Pain in the Emergency Department

May 11, 2026

The study aimed to evaluate how age influences clinical features, CT imaging decisions, and diagnostic yield in adults presenting with abdominal pain in the emergency department. The findings revealed that CT utilization and diagnostic yield increased with age, while key physical exam findings, such as abdominal tenderness, were less sensitive in older adults. This suggests a need for age-aware imaging strategies and highlights the importance of recognizing abdominal pain as a geriatric-specific concern.

Lock and Protect, Reducing Access to Adolescent Means of Suicide: A Pilot Feasibility Study

May 8, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of "Lock and Protect," a web-based lethal means counseling decision aid for caregivers of adolescents presenting to the emergency department with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The pilot study found high enrollment and completion rates among caregivers, who reported the tool as respectful, useful, and effective in promoting safer home storage of medications. Overall, the study suggests that "Lock and Protect" is a viable intervention for enhancing suicide prevention efforts in pediatric emergency settings.

How Often Are Emergency Patients Diagnosed With Diabetic Ketoacidosis Despite Not Meeting Laboratory Criteria?

May 6, 2026

The authors aimed to determine how frequently emergency department patients are diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) despite not meeting established laboratory criteria. In their study of 1,676 patients, they found that while 53% met the laboratory criteria for DKA, 31% of those who did not meet the criteria were still diagnosed with DKA, indicating that emergency physicians may rely on clinical judgment in addition to laboratory results for DKA diagnoses.