The opening day of the 2022 RCEM Spring CPD Conference in Bournemouth, reviewed by Chris Gray. Topics include point-of-care ultrasound, trauma research, neurosurgical transfer, cardiology, dermatology and toxicology, alongside reflections on clinical decision-making.
What happens when an ECG is requested or handed over for a signature 'just in case'? Iain Beardsell examines targeted testing, clinical context, interruptions and respectful teamwork, questioning routine habits without arguing that patients should stop having ECGs.
A January 2022 appraisal of a randomised trial of routine calcium in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Laura Howard examines return of circulation, survival and safety concerns, including the implications of stopping the trial early and excluding patients with specific indications for calcium.
A 2021 appraisal of early CT coronary angiography for patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. It examines a UK randomised trial's patient outcomes, use of invasive angiography and limitations, asking whether routine CTCA is justified in this selected population.
A fictional glimpse of chest pain assessment in 2050. Rick Body follows Fiona through a future of personalised risk prediction, implanted diagnostics and virtual consultation, using medical fiction to explore how technology might change both care and the experience of illness.
A friend's experience of chest pain prompts this 2021 introduction to spontaneous coronary artery dissection. It explores presentation, diagnosis, management and life after SCAD, highlighting why few conventional cardiovascular risk factors should not obscure this important cause of myocardial infarction.
Practical perspectives on trauma care and team leadership.
Explore the series →