What makes emergency department staff stay, and what makes their work harder? This appraisal examines a UK qualitative study of staff experiences, exploring workplace culture, leadership and support, with barriers and opportunities for improving working conditions and retention.
Retention, working conditions and opportunities in EM Read More
Does a low Glasgow Coma Scale score in acute poisoning always require intubation? This appraisal examines a randomised trial of a conservative airway strategy, focusing on patient selection, criteria for intervention and the importance of assessing the clinical trajectory.
Intubation for the low GCS tox patient Read More
Why do New Year’s resolutions so often fade? Liz Crowe explores the difference between motivation and habit, using cues, behaviour and rewards to think about change. Her reflection offers practical examples of starting small, shaping routines and responding kindly to setbacks.
Resolutions or Habits? Read More
Could selective aortic arch perfusion become a future resuscitation technique? This appraisal examines a feasibility study using perfused human cadavers, explaining the procedure and its limitations. It considers the research and practical questions that remain before clinical use.
Selective aortic arch perfusion Read More
A personal reflection from 2023 on artificial intelligence in medicine, education and assessment. Drawing on automation in aviation, the author explores the potential benefits and the risk of losing the clinical experience and judgement needed when technology cannot provide an answer.
AI & Medicine: Saviour or Snake Oil? Read More
Iain and Simon review the October and November 2023 posts, including CRYOSTAT-2, the DAShED study and the annual ILCOR update. The episode also considers emergency department flow, the value of silence and the emergency care community’s humanitarian voice.
How do injury patterns in e-scooter riders compare with those in cyclists? This appraisal examines a retrospective trauma registry study, considering the injuries recorded, differences in the circumstances of incidents and the implications for prevention and assessment.
E-scooter injury patterns – are they different and does it matter? Read More
How do experienced prehospital clinicians decide when to give blood? This appraisal explores a qualitative study of physicians at two UK air ambulance services, examining the role of experience and uncertainty, and what these decisions can teach us about training and reflection.
Prehospital transfusion decision making Read More
