Ep 103 - December 2017 Round Up

Summary: St Emlyn's December Highlights and 2018 Outlook

Introduction

In the latest Sentiment podcast, Simon Carly and Natalie May review the December highlights from St Emlyn's and provide a preview of exciting upcoming events in 2018. The month featured a range of content, including clinical insights, wellbeing initiatives, and journal club discussions, while the upcoming year promises numerous educational opportunities.

December Highlights

1. Insights from the Intensive Care Society Meeting

Dan Horner attended the Intensive Care Society meeting in Liverpool, where Paul Young from New Zealand emphasized the scarcity of high-quality evidence for many intensive care interventions. He urged practitioners to critically evaluate the evidence behind their practices. Another notable topic was contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), with debates on its clinical significance. This post is essential for those in intensive care, providing a thorough overview of the current challenges and evolving practices in the field.

2. Updated Guidelines for Managing Paracetamol Overdose

A significant update discussed new guidelines for handling accidental therapeutic excess of paracetamol. The new approach moves away from automatic hospitalization, advocating for a more measured response based on clinical assessments and specific blood test results, such as INR and liver function tests. This shift is crucial for emergency medicine practitioners, helping to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and focus resources on patients who need them most.

3. The ED Wellness Spa Initiative

Laura highlighted the innovative ED Wellness Spa initiative in Manchester, designed to support clinician wellness. The spa provides a dedicated space in the ED for staff to relax and rejuvenate, featuring elements like a gratitude tree and wall, wellness literature, and mindfulness tools. It also includes team-building activities, such as raft building, aimed at fostering a supportive and cohesive team environment. This initiative is a pioneering effort to address healthcare provider burnout, promoting a holistic approach to staff well-being.

4. Pain Management in Minor Trauma

Gareth reviewed a study from the Annals of Emergency Medicine comparing the effectiveness of paracetamol, NSAIDs, and their combination in treating minor musculoskeletal trauma. The study found no significant difference in pain relief among the groups, suggesting paracetamol alone is sufficient. This challenges the routine use of combination therapies and supports a simpler, safer approach to pain management in emergency settings.

5. The Marcy Pan Guidelines on Anorexia Management

Vicki Vella discussed the Marcy Pan guidelines for managing severe anorexia, emphasizing the condition's high mortality rate and the need for careful clinical management. The guidelines include the use of the SUSS (Sit-Up Squat Stand) test to assess physical health and identify critical cases. Vicki also highlighted the issue of diabulimia, where individuals with type 1 diabetes manipulate insulin to lose weight, underscoring the importance of screening for eating disorders in these patients.

Upcoming Events in 2018

1. Teaching Cooperative Course in Cape Town

The year kicks off with the Teaching Cooperative Course in Cape Town from March 20-21. This course aims to transform medical education by moving away from traditional lectures to interactive, hands-on learning experiences. It is an excellent opportunity for educators to refine their teaching methods and engage more effectively with students.

2. BAD-EM Fest and St. Emlyn's Live

Following the Cape Town course, the BAD-EM Fest will be held from March 22-25, offering a unique blend of academic and creative sessions. Later in the year, St. Emlyn's Live will return to Manchester on October 9, providing another chance for professionals to delve into critical topics in emergency medicine.

3. FIX Courses in New York

The FIX (FemInEM Ideas eXchange) conference, set for October 17-18 in New York, focuses on gender equity in emergency medicine. The event features diverse speakers and workshops aimed at promoting inclusivity and equity in the medical profession. It's a must-attend for those committed to fostering a more equitable work environment.

4. RISUS Litology Course in New South Wales

In New South Wales, the RISUS Litology course will offer advanced training in resuscitation. The course, featuring experts like Cliff Reed and Karl Harbig, will focus on high-quality, evidence-based techniques through case-based discussions. This event is ideal for advanced practitioners seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills in resuscitation.

Final Thoughts

The St. Emlyn's team expresses gratitude to its community for their continued engagement and support. While not everyone can attend these conferences, the team remains committed to sharing key learnings through their blog and podcast, ensuring that valuable knowledge is accessible to all. The upcoming year promises further opportunities for learning and professional growth, fostering a global community of compassionate and informed emergency medicine professionals.

As the St. Emlyn's community looks forward to 2018, the team is excited to continue offering high-quality content and engaging with healthcare professionals worldwide. Here's to another year of growth, learning, and sharing in the vibrant field of emergency medicine.