Welcome to ICU: Airway Management Starting in intensive care can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing airways. This guide will walk you through the basics in simple terms, so you feel more confident when you encounter these situations. Why Do We Intubate Patients in ICU? In the ICU, we intubate patients (put a
Digital nerve block is a quick and effective method to provide anaesthesia for injuries and procedures to the digits. This is a useful skill for any doctor working in the emergency department. This article will cover the relevant anatomy, indications, complications and technique to perform this procedure. Anatomy Sensation to the dorsal and palmar aspects
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
Ultrasound scan (USS) guided cannulation is a technique to obtain peripheral vascular access under ultrasound visual guidance. It is particularly useful when peripheral venous access is difficult. It is essential you are confident with cannulation before attempting USS guided cannulation. This article describes the equipment required and method for performing USS guided cannulation. Indications Venous
Learn how to recognise pleural effusions on chest X-ray with this practical case-based guide for medical students and junior doctors.
Learn how to recognise pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax on chest X-ray, assess acute patients, and manage according to BTS 2023 guidelines
Malnutrition is a common and often under-recognised problem in hospitalised patients. It is associated with increased risk of infection, poor wound healing, prolonged hospital stay, and higher mortality. Early identification is essential. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is a validated and widely used tool to identify adults at risk of malnutrition and guide further
Falls risk assessment is a core component of patient safety in hospital practice. While prevention strategies are essential, they rely on accurate and repeated identification of risk factors. A structured multifactorial falls risk assessment (MFRA) should be completed for at-risk patients on admission and reviewed regularly. This article provides a practical deep dive into how
Delirium is an acute disturbance in attention, awareness, and cognition, commonly seen in hospitalised patients, particularly older adults. It is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and long-term cognitive decline. Despite its prevalence, delirium is often under-recognised. Early identification through structured assessment is essential to allow prompt management and reduce complications. This article
Deconditioning refers to the loss of physical, functional, and cognitive abilities that can occur during hospital admission, particularly in older patients with frailty. It can begin within hours of bed rest and is associated with longer hospital stays, increased dependency, and higher rates of discharge to care homes. Up to 65% of older patients experience
