British medical journal (Clinical research ed.)
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Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) · Feb 1982
Use of microcomputers for self-assessment and continuing education in anaesthesia.
The suitability of computer-assisted self-assessment was evaluated as a means of quality assurance in anaesthesia. Altogether 202 anaesthetists participated in four trials of the method. ⋯ Similar programs have been shown to be of value in medical education and thus computer-assisted self-assessment appears to fulfil simultaneously the functions of self-assessment and continuing education. The criteria for a method of quality assurance are met.
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Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) · Jan 1982
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of haemodynamic responses to dobutamine and salbutamol in cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction.
Nine patients with critically reduced cardiac output after acute myocardial infarction underwent a single cross-over comparison of dobutamine and salbutamol to compare the haemodynamic effects of these drugs, which have, respectively, predominantly beta 1-adrenergic and beta 2-adrenergic agonist activity. The responses were used to select the more appropriate treatment for individual patients. Only relatively small responses were obtained: those with poorest baseline measurements tended to show the least effect. ⋯ Dobutamine and salbutamol have closely similar haemodynamic effects when used in cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction. Both drugs increase cardiac index but heart rate also rises, and the increase in stroke index is relatively small. Mean arterial pressure is altered little by either agent, but dobutamine (in contrast with dopamine) tends to reduce pulmonary artery end-diastolic pressure, which may be beneficial.