Rick Body introduces his SMACC Gold 2014 talk, ‘The Heart Under Stress’, on using history, examination and troponin testing when assessing possible acute coronary syndrome. The accompanying post also reflects on turning research into an engaging conference presentation, with storytelling and humour alongside the clinical discussion.
The Heart Under Stress – St. Emlyn’s at SMACC Gold Read More
Rick Body discusses a 2014 study of emergency physicians’ judgement in suspected acute coronary syndromes. He explores the limitations of clinical judgement alone, the potential contribution of ECG and troponin results, and why promising findings still required validation before being used as a discharge strategy.
How accurate is clinical judgement for acute coronary syndromes? 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
How reassuring are a mild presentation and an initially normal scan after head injury in someone taking warfarin? This 2012 review examines the limitations of decision rules, evidence on delayed bleeding and the uncertainty then surrounding observation and repeat imaging.
Minor Head Injury and Anticoagulants -You Snooze, You Ooze Read More
Could the ADAPT protocol identify chest-pain patients suitable for earlier discharge? This 2012 appraisal examines its combination of risk scoring and serial troponin testing, then questions symptom timing, external validation, assay choice and how many patients might actually avoid further investigation.
Low risk chest pain? ADAPT my management? Read More
Who with chest pain needs investigation for acute coronary syndrome? Rick Body’s 2012 discussion examines what symptoms and signs can—and cannot—tell us, challenges reliance on labels such as ‘atypical’, and explores the tension between avoiding missed diagnoses and reducing unnecessary admissions.
Acute Coronary Syndrome – Deciding Who To Investigate Read More
