Does the precordial thump deliver the dramatic benefit its image suggests? This 2013 journal club examines Australian cardiac-arrest registry data, considering rhythm deterioration, the small number of treated patients and the limitations of using observational records to judge an intervention.
JC: There’s no jump with a precordial thump. St.Emlyn’s Read More
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.
Miscommunication and Handover in the ED. St Emlyn’s Read More
Can symptoms or clinical scores predict which adults with sore throat will develop complications? This 2013 journal club examines a large primary-care cohort, using rare outcomes to explain positive predictive value and to question assumptions behind antibiotic prescribing.
JC: The Trouble With Tonsils. St.Emlyn’s Read More
Could online estimates of pre-test probability help clinicians choose investigations for pulmonary embolism and acute coronary syndromes? This initial 2013 discussion examines a trial of web-based decision support, exploring radiation exposure, gaps in the calculator’s data and unanswered questions about diagnostic safety.
JC: I’ll just ask Dr Google..for some PE/ACS investigation advice @ St.Emlyn’s Read More
Should a displaced ankle fracture be X-rayed before reduction? This 2013 journal club challenges the conclusions of a retrospective study, exploring differences between patient groups, missing documentation and the limitations of repeat manipulation as an outcome before accepting a proposed change in practice.
JC. Should we X-ray before manipulating a displaced ankle fracture? St.Emlyn’s Read More
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.
There’s a vIP in the ED at St.Emlyn’s Read More
What did the original trial comparing temperature targets of 33°C and 36°C after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest establish? This 2013 appraisal explores sample size, uncertainty and the distinction between failing to detect a difference and demonstrating equivalence, placing the debate in its historical research context.
JC: What’s the target temperature for OOHCA cooling. St.Emlyn’s Read More
How strong was the evidence behind major transfusion protocols in trauma? This 2013 journal club examines a systematic review and meta-analysis, exploring before-and-after study bias, variation between protocols and why a statistically inconclusive pooled result may leave an important clinical question unresolved.
JC: Major Transfusion Protocols – evidence or lack of? St.Emlyn’s Read More
