What is Acute Medicine?

Acute medicine refers to a branch in the medical field that deals with ailments, diseases, infections and injuries of a sudden nature. Also called emergency medicine, these health conditions commonly appear without warning and are short in duration requiring immediate medical attention. Once the situation is no longer urgent, it would be classified as "subacute," or chronic, in nature.

There are many branches of acute medicine. Any health situation which hampers or threatens the wellbeing of a person comes under acute care. The highly trained medical professionals of acute medicine are specifically trained in emergency care. Examples of an acute medical condition can range from broken bones to heart attacks or respiratory distress ailments.

Also known as acute internal medicine, this form of treatment requires extensive knowledge of the internal organs and their functions. This is essential in many cases to restore overall health and prevent further health problems or death. Acute medicine commonly treats a patient in a hospital setting until the immediate health threat is over.

Most emergency personnel are trained in stabilizing a patient. However, many health professionals have a specialized field in acute medicine. For example a hematologist, a physician trained in the treatment of blood-related conditions would not treat a broken leg unless there was a problem or damage to the blood vessels.

The efficiency and success of acute medicine relies on a team of medical professionals. A typical team includes several physicians, nurses, therapists and support staff. Many times different doctors or health professionals are called in depending on the nature and severity of the health crisis. The team works in unison to stabilize the patient’s health.

In addition to highly trained medical staff, acute medicine relies on the use of many different medical techniques, instruments or devices. These tools, like x-ray machines, heart monitors and blood pressure cuffs are essential to diagnose and evaluate problems. Many others are considered life-saving and are crucial to sustain life in extreme emergency situations.

When further care is required, but usually within 24 to 48 hours after the emergency, another team is often called upon to provide extended care. Subacute care refers to treatment protocols after the patient is stable. This form of patient care is also performed in a hospital setting. Ambulatory care often refers to a continuance of care or specific treatments necessary to restore health. This form of therapy is often performed outside of the hospital or as an outpatient.