Do intravenous fluids shorten an emergency department stay for uncomplicated alcohol intoxication? This 2013 journal club reviews a randomised trial, examining its selected patient population, length-of-stay findings and uncertainty, and asks whether an impulse to intervene is supported by evidence.
Could online estimates of pre-test probability help clinicians choose investigations for pulmonary embolism and acute coronary syndromes? This initial 2013 discussion examines a trial of web-based decision support, exploring radiation exposure, gaps in the calculator’s data and unanswered questions about diagnostic safety.
Journal ClubEvidence-Based Medicine
Can one CT scan reliably investigate coronary artery disease, pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection in patients with chest pain? This 2013 review of triple rule-out CT examines diagnostic accuracy, patient selection and reference standards, asking whether the evidence establishes a meaningful benefit for emergency patients.
Philosophy of Emergency Medicine
A SMACC 2013 presentation on risk in emergency medicine, with a video and accompanying slides. Its deliberately provocative outline challenges how clinicians think about diagnosis, uncertainty and the risks they take in everyday practice.
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.
Published during Joe Lex’s visit to Manchester in April 2013, this short post directs readers to his earlier Forty Years on the Frontline talks. It offers a way to hear his perspective for colleagues who could not attend the evening.
Practical perspectives on trauma care and team leadership.
Explore the series →