A reflection written ahead of NHS Change Day 2014 asks how individual pledges can improve patient care. It explores taking ownership of small changes, learning from colleagues across the health service and overcoming the belief that one person’s contribution is too small to matter.
On Pledging and Change at St Emlyn’s Read More
A contemporary review of NICE’s January 2014 head-injury guideline, CG176. The post explores what changed for emergency clinicians, including CT decisions in adults and children, anticoagulation, cervical spine imaging and discharge information, while discussing the evidence and uncertainties behind the recommendations.
JC: Updated NICE Head Injury Guidelines – Worth a Scan? Read More
How does a patient’s story become distorted as it passes through the emergency department? Using an illustrative handover, this post explores clearer summaries, structured communication, attentive listening and checking shared understanding, with practical ways for both the speaker and receiver to reduce misunderstandings.
Miscommunication and Handover in the ED. St Emlyn’s Read More
How often do we tell our emergency department colleagues that their work matters? This reflection explores the value of gratitude during demanding shifts and offers simple ways to make thanks sincere, specific and part of everyday team culture.
Attitude of Gratitude – Showing Some Love in the ED Read More
What happens when advice found through online medical education is challenged after something goes wrong? A fictional scenario opens a discussion about applying FOAM in clinical practice, evaluating trusted online colleagues and explaining that trust to clinicians outside the social-media community.
When FOAM Doesn’t Wash Read More
What did the 2013 review of the Liverpool Care Pathway mean for emergency care? This reflection argues for individualised end-of-life care, conversations with patients and families, and honest discussion of uncertainty, rather than losing sight of comfort and dignity as the paperwork changes.
Road to… Nowhere? ED Implications of the Liverpool Care Pathway Review Read More
Starting a job that involves seeing children can feel daunting. This 2013 collection introduces paediatric emergency medicine resources on examining children, recognising serious illness, assessing sick babies and approaching resuscitation, with links to short talks, podcasts and further learning.
Paediatric EM: Seeing Kids is Child’s Play at St Emlyn’s Read More
How should we approach petechiae in a child who appears well? This 2013 review explores causes beyond meningococcal disease, the uncertainty around investigation, and safeguarding considerations, emphasising the importance of the wider history, examination and discussion with colleagues.
Don’t Be Rash – Petechiae in Well Kids at St Emlyn’s Read More
