Emergency Department Management
Could consultants gain more control over their working hours while maintaining department cover? Craig Ferguson explains how annualised hours and self-rostering work together in a shared spreadsheet, describing the flexibility achieved, the safeguards needed and the practical problems encountered.
How well do SOFA, qSOFA and SIRS predict outcomes in patients with suspected infection? This 2017 review examines a large intensive-care database study, highlighting missing data, sensitivity and specificity, and the limits of applying ICU findings to the emergency department.
Does diazepam add anything to naproxen for acute low back pain? This 2017 trial appraisal examines the lack of additional benefit in a selected group without radicular symptoms, alongside questions about blinding, follow-up and how well the results fit everyday ED patients.
Anand Swaminathan revisits his SMACCDub argument for considering thrombolysis in selected patients with submassive pulmonary embolism. This 2017 opinion piece weighs possible functional benefits against major bleeding, emphasising patient selection, shared decisions and the uncertainty in the evidence available then.
Moving a critically ill patient from the ED can be a high-risk part of their care. Natalie May and Simon Carley’s podcast notes explore patient preparation, equipment, team selection and handover, with contingency plans for delays, deterioration and airway problems.
Does love have a place in critical care? In this companion to her SMACCDub talk, Liz Crowe explores compassion for patients, colleagues and ourselves, arguing that human connection, supportive leadership and psychological safety belong alongside clinical expertise.
Practical perspectives on trauma care and team leadership.
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