How strong was the evidence behind major transfusion protocols in trauma? This 2013 journal club examines a systematic review and meta-analysis, exploring before-and-after study bias, variation between protocols and why a statistically inconclusive pooled result may leave an important clinical question unresolved.
Could surgical fixation help patients with flail chest who need ventilatory support? This 2013 journal club examines a small study using historical controls, exploring promising findings alongside selection bias, differences between groups and the need for stronger comparative evidence.
Should patients without ST elevation receive coronary intervention after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest? This 2013 review explores observational evidence, presenting rhythms, symptoms and ECG findings, while emphasising that associations with survival do not establish a benefit caused by the intervention.
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.
Do we judge evidence for a new device differently from evidence for a new drug? Following a 2013 debate about video laryngoscopy, this reflection examines enthusiasm, prior beliefs and patient outcomes, arguing for consistent standards when assessing clinical technologies.
A 2013 journal club examines a randomised trial comparing GlideScope video laryngoscopy with direct laryngoscopy in trauma patients. It considers survival, uncertainty around a small head-injury subgroup and whether results from a specialist trauma centre apply across emergency medicine.
Practical perspectives on trauma care and team leadership.
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