Journal Club Summary Methodology Score: 2.5/5 Usefulness Score: 2/5 Gaspari RJ, et al. Ann Emerg Med. 2019 Jan;73(1):1-7 Question and Methods: Unblinded single-centre RCT comparing POCUS vs. physical exam guided I&D of abscesses in systemically well patients, comparing treatment failure at 10d defined by repeat I&D producing purulence. Findings: InRead More →
A checklist is a physical, cognitive aid that lists essential actions required for a task to compensate for limitations in human memory. While checklists have been around forever, the concept of checklists in medicine is much newer. Medical checklists have been gaining popularity and appearing on social media, but isRead More →
Journal Club Summary Methodology Score: 3.5/5 Usefulness Score: 3/5 Shaikh N, Hoberman A, Hum SW, Alberty A, Muniz G, Kurs-Lasky M, Landsittel D, Shope T. JAMA Pediatr. 2018 Jun 1;172(6):550-556. Question and Methods: The objective was to develop a risk-tool (UTICalc) to aid physicians in deciding when to perform urinanalysis and when toRead More →
In the second part of this two-part series, Dr. Michael Wong discusses the process for obtaining consent for incapable persons in the Emergency Department. For a review of a rational and patient-centered approach to difficult discussions in the Emergency Department around goals of care and resuscitation, please see the firstRead More →
Journal Club Summary Methodology: 3/5 Usefulness: 3.5/5 Annane D, et al. N Engl J Med. 2018 Mar 1;378(9):809-818. Editorial: A Role for Hydrocortisone Therapy in Septic Shock? Question and Methods: Large multi-center, double-blinded, randomized-controlled trial comparing effects of steroids (fludrocortisone + hydrocortisone) to placebo on 90-day mortality of ICU patientsRead More →
In this two-part series, Dr. Michael Wong begins by reviewing a rational and patient-centered approach to difficult discussions in the Emergency Department around goals of care and resuscitation. In part two, we discuss the process for obtaining consent for incapable persons in the Emergency Department. Common pitfalls with the currentRead More →
The Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Guidelines are the standard of care for the modern battlefield. TCCC offers operational guidelines for a range of combat personnel – from recommendations for all combatants to combat paramedics and SOF medics. Though these guidelines represent years of cumulative civilian and battlefield experience andRead More →
Gallstone diseases are common and can lead to various intraabdominal emergencies. Gallstones are found in approximately 6% of men and 9% of women in the United States [1]. Epidemiological studies in Scandinavia reported even higher prevalence, finding 13-18% of men and 15-25% of women had gallstones [2]. Common risk factorsRead More →
Journal Club Summary Methodology: 3/5 Usefulness: 3.5/5 Annane D, et al. N Engl J Med. 2018 Mar 1;378(9):809-818. Editorial: A Role for Hydrocortisone Therapy in Septic Shock? Question and Methods: Large multi-center, double-blinded, randomized-controlled trial comparing effects of steroids (fludrocortisone + hydrocortisone) to placebo on 90-day mortality of ICU patientsRead More →
Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is becoming increasingly prevalent in Emergency Departments (EDs) for diagnostic, procedural, and management purposes. In this post, we will examine some less known, but extremely useful, indications for POCUS. For further information, please visit our POCUS archives and see Dr. Rajiv Thavanathan’s previous Grand RoundsRead More →