A contemporary review of NICE’s January 2014 head-injury guideline, CG176. The post explores what changed for emergency clinicians, including CT decisions in adults and children, anticoagulation, cervical spine imaging and discharge information, while discussing the evidence and uncertainties behind the recommendations.
JC: Updated NICE Head Injury Guidelines – Worth a Scan? Read More
A look back at preparations for the St Emlyn’s team’s appearance in SimWars at SMACC Gold 2014. The post introduces the team’s trailer for the live resuscitation competition and links to other contributions, including a James Bond-themed version.
SimWars SMACCGold the trailer with St.Emlyn’s Read More
Does giving prasugrel before angiography help patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes? This 2014 appraisal of ACCOAST examines the balance between ischaemic outcomes and major bleeding, alongside patient selection, the composite endpoint and the limits of applying the findings more widely.
JC. ACS: Antiplatelets ACCOAST-ed? Read More
An introduction to the evidence-based medicine workshop at SMACC Gold 2014, led by St Emlyn’s and Critical Care Reviews. It sets out an approach to asking useful questions, finding relevant research and translating evidence into care, with a self-assessment quiz on everyday EBM habits.
SMACCGold EBM workshop with St.Emlyns and Critical Care Reviews Read More
How do experienced trauma team leaders know whether they are performing well? This reflection makes the case for peer observation and feedback, describes a practical process using a TEAM assessment sheet, and explores how colleagues can help each other develop beyond formal training.
Are you a good Trauma Team Leader? St.Emlyn’s Read More
A 2014 discussion of NICE guidance on intravenous fluids in adults, viewed from the emergency department. It explores assessment, prescribing, reassessment and staff training, while questioning how broad hospital guidance translates to the more individual decisions required during resuscitation.
A collection of BestBets critical appraisal checklists for clinicians preparing for journal club or examinations. The post links to tools for different study designs, including randomised trials, diagnostic studies, reviews, decision rules and qualitative research, and encourages sharing completed appraisals.
JC: BestBets checklists for critical appraisal. St.Emlyn’s Read More
Should families be offered the chance to be present during brain-death evaluation? This 2013 journal club examines a small randomised study of understanding and psychological wellbeing, while considering participation, loss to follow-up and questions about families’ and clinicians’ experiences that the trial could not resolve.
JC: Family presence for Brain Death Evaluation. St.Emlyn’s Read More
