• J R Griffiths and N Roberts.
• Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Northern General Hospital, University Hospitals Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. jrgriffiths@doctors.org.uk
• Postgrad Med J. 2005 Jul 1; 81 (957): 456-8.

BackgroundThe safe insertion of a chest drain is a skill doctors across specialties require. Incorrect placement can lead to significant morbidity and even mortality.MethodsThis audit surveyed junior doctors working in a teaching hospital about their specialty and level of experience with intercostal drains. They were then asked to mark on a photograph where they would insert a chest drain for a pneumothorax in a non-emergency situation.ResultsOf the 55 junior doctors surveyed, 45% were outside the safe area of chest drain insertion as defined by the British Thoracic Society. The most common error was a choice of insertion site too low (24%).ConclusionsIn this audit 45% of juniors surveyed would have placed a chest drain outside the safe triangle recommended by the British Thoracic Society. The common mistake of a choice of insertion site too low should be discussed in postgraduate teaching programmes.

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