Evidence-Based Medicine

Could nebulised hypertonic saline prevent admission for infants with bronchiolitis? This 2013 journal club examines a Cochrane review, separating findings in hospitalised children from the smaller emergency and outpatient studies, and highlighting the uncertainty around admission avoidance.

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.

Could a small chest drain with a Heimlich valve allow selected patients with pneumothorax to receive outpatient care? This 2013 journal club examines a systematic review, weighing encouraging reports against variable study quality, limited randomised evidence and unanswered questions about patient selection.

A 2013 invitation to scrutinise proposals for faster access to stroke thrombolysis. The post links competing discussions about the evidence and asks how assumptions about benefit should inform investment in prehospital pathways and hospital processes.

What did the 3MG trial add to the evidence for magnesium in acute severe asthma? This 2013 appraisal compares intravenous and nebulised treatment with placebo, focusing on admission and breathlessness while stressing that patients with life-threatening features were excluded.