Articles

In this section, we will explore some articles about emergency room medicine and health. 

Enough is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

The vitamins and supplements market is gaining in popularity each year. In 2010, the industry made 28 billion dollars in sales. That is because most people think that taking supplements is going to make them healthier and prevent diseases. Does it really help? Is it worth spending money on vitamins and supplements? Those are the questions some researchers from John Hopkins University wanted to clarify for the benefit of the public by reviewing serious studies. In fact, they found out the benefits were nearly non-existent for well-nourished adults. Indeed, the studies show there is no link with the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or mortality. Furthermore, taking supplements does not delay cognitive decline. Moreover, it is proven that taking too much b-carotene, vitamin E or vitamin A could possibly be unhealthy. In short, it is not necessary to spend money on vitamins and supplements.  

Source: Guallar E, Stranges S, Mulrow C, J. Appel L. Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements. Annals of  Internal Medicine, 2013 Dec 13; 159(12); 850-851

How Long is Too Long? Assessing Wait Times in Canadian EDs

Everyone in their lifetime had to wait for many hours at the emergency department. Effectively, because of the lack of well-trained staff, this phenomenon is widespread in Canada, and Quebec is on top of the list with approximately five hours of waiting time. Statistics demonstrate that there is a strong correlation between the waiting time and the risk of mortality. The patient's condition has the time to get worse before being taken in charge. Making the accessibility to family doctors easier is part of the solution. Indeed, because some patients with benign issues do not have a simple way to access a doctor, their only option is to go to the emergency. It overloads the system for people who need urgent care. Also, increasing the number of specialized nurse practitioners would help. They can treat many problems that do not require going to the emergency. 

Source : ROOPRAI, Paul., and al. healthydebate, How Long is Too Long? Assessing Wait Times in Canadian EDs, (site consulted on 2021-11-28), https://healthydebate.ca/2020/09/topic/assessing-wait-times-in-canadian-eds/ 

8 Signs You'd Thrive as an Emergency Physician

Being an emergency room doctor is not meant for everyone. In this optic, this article proposes eight qualities that every emergency physician must have to succeed. To begin, it is essential to be able to stay calm. Indeed, it is not possible to focus properly on each case if emotions take all the place. Then, having a great ability to work in a team is necessary. Effectively, when a patient needs urgent care, a big team is dedicated to the effective treatment of this person. For the well-being of the patient, the doctor has to communicate clearly with the other professionals and to consider others' ideas. Also, it is crucial to be able to do multiple things at the same time to ensure fluidity in the ER. The emergency department is one of the busiest places in the hospital. Furthermore, doctors have a couple of patients under their responsibility at the same time. Moreover, emergency physicians must be able to make quick decisions because everything happens extremely rapidly in the ER. However, it is still vital to take the necessary time, especially when meeting a patient for the first time. In this sense, focusing on details is also an important asset. After, it is essential to crave to solve problems. Indeed, each case can be immensely complex because a single symptom can have a ton of possible causes. Also, in some circumstances, doctors have to deal with limited knowledge. To continue, emergency doctors are born leaders. This trait is essential because doctors often have management positions. Furthermore, they must create a rewarding working atmosphere with the team. Finally, having a predictable schedule must be something an emergency physician likes (less true in Canada). 

Source: St.George's University. 8 Signs You'd Thrive as an Emergency Physician, (site consulted on 2021-11-30), https://www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/traits-of-an-emergency-physician/

Doctors Without Borders Changed The Way We Heal The World

Doctors Without Border (MSF) is a humanitarian medical organization created in 1971 by 13 doctors. MSF's goal is to offer medical services in countries suffering from poverty, natural disasters, or war. Nowadays, with its presence in 67 countries, MSF is the most renowned medical organization. Because of its influence, MSF is able to bring concrete changes. For instance, the organization can put pressure on governments by denouncing abuses of power, unethical practices, and more. MSF receives all its funding from private sources. In this optic, MSF does not have to please governments to receive money and operate. That is also why MSF is always the first to respond to every crisis. For example, in 2003, Doctors Without Borders was the only medical organization present during Liberia's civil war. Moreover, the humanitarian group made a huge difference during the Ebola pandemic in Africa. The organization created protocols to ensure safety and quality care in several African countries. Also, MSF provided treatments and medical supplies. 

Source: NPR, Doctors Without Borders Changed The Way We Heal The World, (site consulted on 2021-11-30), https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2014/10/09/354754651/doctors-without-borders-changed-the-way-we-heal-the-world 

* Data from 2018

Pictures: 

1- The Publication Plan, Are medical journals fit for purpose in the modern world, (site consulted on 2021-12-03), https://thepublicationplan.com/2016/04/27/are-medical-journals-fit-for-purpose-in-the-modern-world/

2- Doctors Without Borders, MSF in 2018: Facts and figures, (site consulted on 2021-12-03),  https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/msf-2018-facts-and-figures