Scot Med J
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With recent 'working-time'-related changes to surgical training structure, the value of dedicated research during surgical training has been questioned. Online survey examining career and academic outcomes following a period of surgically related dedicated research at a Scottish University between 1972 and 2007. Of 58 individuals identified, contact details were available for 49 and 43 (88%) responded. ⋯ Eighty-one percent (n = 35) thought that research was necessary for career progression, but only 42% (n = 18) felt research should be integral to training. In conclusion, the majority of surgical trainees completing a dedicated research period, published papers and continued to pursue a surgical career with a research interest. A period of dedicated research was thought necessary for career progression, but few thought dedicated research should be integral to surgical training.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of intradermal anaesthesia on success rate and pain of intravenous cannulation: a randomized non-blind crossover study.
Intravenous cannulation is a commonly performed procedure. This study aimed to determine whether the success rate and pain of intravenous cannulation is affected by prior injection of intradermal lidocaine. Intravenous cannulation was performed twice in 45 healthy volunteers. ⋯ The difference between the mean pain scores was 21.2 mm (95% CI 15.1-27.3 mm). In conclusion, the success rate of intravenous cannulation may be reduced with the use of intradermal lidocaine, but success rate is primarily dependent on vascular condition. Intradermal lidocaine achieves a clinically significant reduction in the pain of intravenous cannulation.
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Comparative Study
A new approach to scoring systems to improve identification of acute medical admissions that will require critical care.
Removal of the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Vale of Leven Hospital mandated the identification and transfer out of those acute medical admissions with a high risk of requiring ICU. The aim of the study was to develop triaging tools that identified such patients and compare them with other scoring systems. The methodology included a retrospective analysis of physiological and arterial gas measurements from 1976 acute medical admissions produced PREEMPT-1 (PRE-critical Emergency Medical Patient Triage). ⋯ Results showed that in patients with arterial gases, the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was significantly higher in PREEMPT-2 (89·1%) and PREAMBLE-2 (84.4%) than all other scoring systems. Similarly, in all patients, it was higher in PREAMBLE-2 (92·4%) than PREAMBLE-1 (88·1%) and the other scoring systems. In conclusion, risk of requiring ICU can be more accurately predicted using PREEMPT-2 and PREAMBLE-2, as described here, than by other early warning scoring systems developed over recent years.
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The Nintendo Wii is now the world's most popular home games console owing to its simple interface and replication of sports activities. Although safety advice is provided by the manufacturer, a number of injuries have previously been described. ⋯ His condition spontaneously resolved with rest and conservative measures. His presentation represents significant muscle injury through the use of this games console and the replication of sporting activities; physicians should be aware of the variety of musculoskeletal presentations such use of these devices can produce.
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In 2002 it was highlighted that sledging results in serious injuries in the paediatric population and safety recommendations were made. The aim of this study was to re-examine the number, severity and aetiology of sledging-related trauma. This was a retrospective study performed in the Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) of the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital (RACH) during two periods totalling 12 days, when there was continuous snow ground cover. ⋯ No patients were wearing a helmet. In conclusion, there has been little change in the epidemiology and aetiology of paediatric sledging injuries since 2002. Work is needed to inform parents of the previously recommended safety measures that could reduce the morbidity of this activity without detracting from the enjoyment.