Brit J Hosp Med
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had significant implications for society, with the introduction of restrictive social measures. Antibody tests provide a way of identifying patients who have been previously exposed to the virus and thus may have a degree of immunity. This is important in the development of public health policy, as local and national bodies seek to relax social restrictions in an attempt to mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic. This article explores the essential statistical concepts used to interpret the findings of diagnostic investigations, with examples illustrated using COVID-19 antibody tests.
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Current best practice in placement of arterial lines is to attempt to cannulate the radial artery in the first instance. However, if the radial artery is difficult to cannulate there is no consensus among clinicians on how best to proceed. This article looks at the evidence for the different options.
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This article reports on the career choice of foundation doctors going through a local foundation programme and whether they planned to take an F3 year. The authors also prospectively gathered views relating to their career choice and the need for an F3 year. ⋯ The local picture in terms of trainees taking an F3 option reflects the national trend. Some trainees find foundation training a stressful time and so need to be offered support. The authors comment on the factors that make a career appealing to trainees.
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The hand is an extremely versatile organ adapted for fine tasks with various clinicoanatomical compartments. This article reviews the types of common hand infections that present to the emergency department and/or hand surgeon, with relevant investigations and strategies for diagnosis and treatment, with the emphasis on distinguishing between superficial and more serious infections.