Latest posts

A review of the 2021 anaphylaxis guideline update, linking the underlying physiology with emergency treatment. Iain Beardsell discusses early intramuscular adrenaline, the changing roles of antihistamines and steroids, and the guideline's approach to observation and discharge after a response to treatment.

How can hospitals learn from a major incident while protecting those affected? This May 2021 post introduces the published hospital data from the Manchester Arena bombing, explaining the ethical challenges of reporting identifiable events and the development of a dedicated trauma-registry module.

Why can clinicians read the same evidence and reach different conclusions? Simon Carley uses a Bayesian analogy to explore how prior beliefs shape critical appraisal and thresholds for changing practice, suggesting ways to recognise those beliefs before interpreting a new paper.

Iain and Simon's March 2021 round-up covers RECOVERY results, trauma triage, cricothyroidotomy and COVID-19 thromboprophylaxis. The episode also discusses emerging concerns about vaccine-induced thrombosis, alongside the FRCEM revision guide and changes to undergraduate medical education.

An April 2021 discussion of post-vaccination headache as evidence about vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia was emerging. It explores VITT, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and the role of clinical probability, targeted investigation and specialist input, reflecting the uncertainties and guidance available at that time.

How can we judge the quality of online medical education? Simon Carley and Peter Brindley discuss FOAMed assessment tools, the limits of numerical ratings and why readers still need critical appraisal and primary sources.