How does a patient’s story become distorted as it passes through the emergency department? Using an illustrative handover, this post explores clearer summaries, structured communication, attentive listening and checking shared understanding, with practical ways for both the speaker and receiver to reduce misunderstandings.
Emergency Department Management
What happens when colleagues, relatives or public figures arrive expecting different treatment in the emergency department? This reflection examines fairness, pressure to prioritise, over-investigation and incomplete assessment, and considers how teams can handle personal connections while keeping care consistent with clinical need.
How often do we tell our emergency department colleagues that their work matters? This reflection explores the value of gratitude during demanding shifts and offers simple ways to make thanks sincere, specific and part of everyday team culture.
Mike Cadogan’s SMACC 2013 presentation explores learning through social media. This brief introduction points readers to the talk and recognises his role in founding Life in the Fast Lane and helping St Emlyn’s get started.
Simon Carley’s SMACC 2013 talk reflects on the development of St Emlyn’s and educational leadership through social media. The accompanying introduction asks whether FOAM needs a representative organisation and invites discussion about the movement’s future.
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.
Practical perspectives on trauma care and team leadership.
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