A 2015 introduction to chemsex for emergency clinicians, exploring drug use in sexual settings, patients’ reasons for attending and the importance of sensitive assessment. The article emphasises non-judgemental conversations, confidentiality, specialist advice and appropriate follow-up, including opportunities to disclose non-consensual experiences.
Taking a sexual history in the emergency department requires privacy, sensitive language and a willingness to question assumptions. Janos Baombe explores communication, confidentiality, relevant medical and social history, specialist support and follow-up, with particular attention to patients who may have experienced sexual assault.
Could an automated blood test make the original MACS chest pain rule practical to use? This 2015 research update explains validation with a new heart-type fatty acid binding protein assay, how the rule was recalibrated and why testing its effects in clinical practice was the next step.
Rick Body and Kerstin de Wit introduce the drugs then known as novel oral anticoagulants in this 2015 podcast. The first part explores how they work, their place alongside older treatments, prescribing considerations and monitoring, capturing the questions surrounding their early adoption in emergency practice.
Does more severe chest pain make a heart attack more likely? Rick Body describes a 2014 study of emergency department patients, showing the difference between a statistically significant association and a useful diagnostic test, and why mild discomfort alone cannot provide reassurance about the underlying cause.
Rick Body examines NICE’s 2014 recommendations on high-sensitivity troponin testing for early exclusion of NSTEMI. The article and podcast explain the guidance’s limited assay-specific scope, the distinction between excluding infarction and deciding on discharge, and the practical challenge of fitting repeat testing into emergency department workflows.
Practical perspectives on trauma care and team leadership.
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