For the September 2023 issue of CJEM, we collaborated with their team to present “Just the facts: traumatic cardiac arrest”1 in a visually simplified format. Traumatic cardiac arrest shares many similarities, yet a few subtle differences from your typical medical resuscitation. Prognostically favourable factors such as shockable rhythm, and organized cardiac activity on ultrasound still exist. Compared to the medical counterpart, neurologically intact survival is often reliant on reversing the cause of the …
Call for Junior Editors, Class of 2023-24
We are pleased to announce that CanadiEM is now accepting applications for our Junior Editor program! If you are interested in learning more about Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAM) or becoming part of our virtual community of practice,1 this program is for you. The application deadline is October 31, 2023. We are currently looking for applications for our blogs, infographics, newsletter, and social media teams. What are Junior Editors? The role of …
CJEM Visual Abstract – Machine learning to identify attributes that predict patients who LWBS in a pediatric ED
For the August 2023 issue of CJEM, we collaborated with their team to present “Machine learning to identify attributes that predict patients who leave without being seen in a pediatric emergency department”1 in a visual abstract format. A mismatch in patient load and ED resources that allow for timely care have led to increased numbers of patients who want to leave without being assessed by a physician or advanced care provider (LWBS). Reported …
Can diltiazem replace adenosine as part of the initial management of stable supraventricular tachycardia?
A 50-year-old female presents to your ER with a chief complaint of palpitations. A 12-lead ECG shows supraventricular tachycardia at a rate of 165 bpm, and she is put on telemetry. She is clinically stable. You attempt the modified Valsalva maneuver with no effect. You explain that you will have to give her medication to bring her heart rhythm back to normal. She asks if you will give her “that adenosine drug” and …
CJEM Visual Abstract – Buprenorphine/naloxone initiation and referral as a quality improvements intervention for patients who live with opiate use disorder
For this issue of CJEM, we collaborated with their team to present “Buprenorphine/naloxone initiation and referral as a quality improvements intervention for patients who live with opiate use disorder”1 in a visual abstract format. Opioid use disorder is a major public health concern that accounts for a high number of potential years of life lost. Often, these patients use the ED as their primary contact with the healthcare system. The recommended treatment, buprenorphine/naloxone, …
Tiny Tips: The 6 S’s Mnemonic for Mitigating Cognitive Bias in the Emergency Department
The chaos and rapidity associated with the ED make it an environment much more prone to diagnostic error.1 96% of these incidents involving missed diagnoses can be attributed to various cognitive biases/factors.2 The consequence of these biases ultimately lead to incomplete H/P’s (20-42% of errors),2,3 failure to consider competing diagnoses (32% of errors),3 or failure to order or follow-up on investigations (44-58% of errors).2,3 So what can be done? Presented below are 6 …