Ep 228 - January 2024 Monthly Round Up - New Year Resolutions, intubating poisoned patients and wellbeing in the ED
Feb 24, 2024
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Topics discussed in the podcast include making New Year resolutions habits, intubating poisoned patients with decreased consciousness, and improving working conditions in Emergency Departments. The hosts also talk about their recent conference experiences, balancing ICU resources, exploring the Finkerschstein-Schneurne-Fliel method in intubation strategies, and critical appraisal in medicine.
Develop lasting positive habits for personal and professional growth.
Reevaluate intubation practices for comatose patients with low GCS scores, considering individualized approaches.
Deep dives
Creating Habits for Change
One of the main points discussed in the podcast is the importance of creating habits for lasting change in personal and professional life. The host emphasizes that changes should focus on developing positive habits rather than occasional adjustments. By linking cues, behaviors, and rewards, lasting habits can be formed over a period of 59 to 91 days. The podcast highlights the significance of creating alternative habits to replace negative routines, citing examples like avoiding unhealthy snacks as rewards for a bad day.
Reevaluating Intubation Practices in Toxicology
The podcast delves into the reconsideration of intubation practices for comatose patients with low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, particularly in cases of suspected acute poisoning. Traditional guidelines recommending intubation for GCS levels below eight are being reexamined due to evolving evidence suggesting that airway reflexes can be present even at higher GCS levels. The discussion emphasizes the importance of individualized approaches, monitoring patient trajectories to determine the need for intubation, considering factors like intensive care unit bed availability and short-term critical care needs.
Addressing Working Conditions in Emergency Medicine
Another key topic explored in the podcast revolves around the working conditions and retention challenges in emergency medicine. The discussion focuses on the factors contributing to distress among clinical staff, highlighting issues such as untellable work environments, culture of blame, lack of adequate support, and compromised leadership. Recommendations include creating a supportive work environment, fostering positive leadership, and investing in leadership training for clinicians in emergency medicine. The podcast underscores the importance of addressing these workplace challenges to ensure a thriving and sustainable emergency medicine workforce.