An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a very useful investigation for cardiac symptoms. It is important doctors are able to perform an ECG as it is not uncommon to be in a situation where no available staff can do it (especially in community settings). This article aims to serve as a quick guide or refresher on how
Feeling faint during blood tests is a common occurrence in clinical practice. Some patients may experience mild dizziness or nausea, while others may develop a full vasovagal syncope resulting in temporary loss of consciousness. Although these episodes are usually brief and self-limiting, they can be distressing for both patients and healthcare staff. Poor recognition of early warning signs may lead to falls, injuries, failed procedures, and increased patient anxiety surrounding future blood tests. Recognising high-risk patients, positioning them appropriately, and responding calmly to early symptoms can significantly improve patient safety
Venepuncture in children can be challenging for both healthcare professionals and families. Anxiety, movement, small veins, and previous negative experiences may all make blood sampling more difficult. Good preparation, communication, and technique can significantly improve success rates and reduce distress for the child. This article provides a practical overview of paediatric venepuncture, including communication strategies, preparation, equipment considerations, and practical tips. This article serves as the third installment in our phlebotomy and venepuncture article series. Why Paediatric Venepuncture is Different Children are not simply “small adults”. Venepuncture may be more difficult due to smaller veins, anxiety, fear, movement during procedures, previous traumatic
Venepuncture is one of the most commonly performed clinical procedures in healthcare. It is used to obtain blood samples for diagnostic testing, monitoring chronic conditions, guiding treatment decisions, and investigating acute illness. Although venepuncture is considered a routine procedure, obtaining blood successfully and safely requires good preparation, communication, and technique. Poor venepuncture technique may lead to patient discomfort, bruising, haemolysis, inaccurate results, failed samples, and repeated procedures. This article provides a practical overview of basic venepuncture, including preparation, vein selection, technique, troubleshooting, and common pitfalls encountered in everyday clinical practice. It serves as the second article in our phlebotomy and venepuncture series. Indications Venepuncture may be performed for a wide range of clinical reasons, including: Blood samples are often essential in guiding diagnosis and management, therefore obtaining good-quality
Contrast agents are an essential part of modern medical imaging. This guide highlights essential principles any doctor should know about contrast – how it works, when to use it, and how to manage risks – so you can make safe clinical decisions and answer patients’ questions with confidence. What is contrast? Contrast refers to a
As a new F1 in August, it can feel like quite a daunting task to verify a death, particularly if you have never seen this done before. This step by step guide will take you through the process of death verification to help make this task easier as you settle into your new role. Verifying
Here we assume you know the basics, and instead we focus on the common pitfalls with tips on how to be safe & well reasoned. Not all FY1s have the opportunity to clerk patients but the underlying principles are of great value if you’re doing an FY1-led ward round. Be Thorough The expectation is that
It is important for resident doctors to understand what the discharge planning process involves so you can have an active role in multidisciplinary team meetings. This article focuses on discharging home with an appropriate package of care but discharge planning also involves discharging to different types of homes (which is discussed in another article). Introduction
Often one of the scariest things you can do as you will most likely be speaking to a more senior colleague in an unfamiliar speciality. However, as an F1, you may well know the patient best and therefore you may be best placed to refer the patient. e.g. Calling a paediatric haematology teamHi, my name
As a resident doctor, you will have face situations where you have to convey potentially distressing information, whether it is explaining a diagnosis or blood results to a patient or giving difficult news to relatives. Breaking bad news well is an essential communication skill which can strengthen the relationship between a patient and a doctor
