Here we focus on blood tests requests for a variety of common scenarios you might see in practice and also common further tests you may do as a result of the first abnormality. When ordering blood tests remember three rules What are “routine” blood tests? Routine bloods usually means FBC, U&Es & CRP. For some,
Balancing your workload as a resident doctor whilst teaching medical students effectively is difficult so here are some tips!
It takes time to get used to the ward round. Particularly, when patients are being seen so fast it seems impossible to document properly. The most important tip is to ask your colleagues currently doing the job to explain how it works and any tips they have. FY1s also frequently contribute these explanations & tips
As a resident doctor, you will frequently look after patients prior to and after their operation. You may be asked to clerk patients who are admitted to hospital the night before their operations. Here are some things to consider during your clerking & whilst you’re considering pre & post-operative issues. Pre-Operative Clerking Pre-Operative Considerations Post-Operative
Sharps injuries happen when you least expect them. You can’t always prevent them but you can do a lot to reduce the risk. It might be the patient is delirious and moved their arm, or you missed the sharps bin when trying to put the ABG needle into it, and it falls into your hand;
If cannulation of a paediatric patient is required, consider simultaneously taking blood samples to avoid repeated venepuncture attempts. Preparation, comfort, and communication are crucial to minimise distress. The Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) prediction score helps identify patients in whom IV access may be challenging. It considers vein palpability, vein visibility, age, and history of prematurity.
Everyone will receive a complaint – this is inevitable. Usually, these are informal, “I’m unhappy with the care delivered” from a relative or the patient. In this article, I’ll focus on themes contained in Good Medical Practice guidance & Duty of Candour from the GMC, advice from MDU (dealing with your first complaint & how to respond) and MPS. Make
Frequently patients wish to self-discharge from hospitals. This article pertains to adult patients only (18y+) and these patients can be broadly split into three groups: Reminder on Capacity Do read the GMC guidance on capacity, which reminds us that patients have presumed capacity. Thus patients need to have a ‘disease of mind or brain’ before
FY1s are usually most apprehensive about being on call, but it is also the shift you will usually learn the most. Predominantly as an FY1 you will be doing ward cover shifts and so that is what we will focus on below, with templates to improve your documentation. Our Webinars Types of On-call Shifts A brief
Audits & QIPs are a way to identify issues, drive changes and assess the effects they have. It is your way of making improvements in your workplace, where you can assess the impact they have to see if they were worthwhile. It is easy to make a poster, provide education or tell people to do
