Carole Foot

Uroscopic rainbow: modern matula medicine

Visual inspection of a patient’s urine has long been used by physicians, with colour recognised as having important clinical implications. In this review the authors will revisit this ancient pastime with relevance to contemporary medical practice.

Midazolam metabolism: Implications for individualised dosing?

To compare the clearance of midazolam and its metabolites in critically ill paediatric and adult patients.

The Australian Consultant Intensivist Transition (CIT) Course: Timely and Relevant for Intensivists Everywhere

This article aims to outline a new educational initiative on offer to newly qualified intensivists in Australasia, the Consultant Intensivist Transition (CIT) course. It is timely to consider the relevance of such a course in the UK as the recently formed UK Faculty of Intensive Care addresses the training needs of the intensive care specialist of the future.

The S.T.A.B. trial-standardized testing of artificial blood: a comparative study of various products that may be used as artificial blood for high fidelity simulation training in the critical care setting.

Aim: In the current climate of medical education, there is an ever-increasing demand for and emphasis on simulation as both a teaching and training tool. The objective of our study was to compare the realism and practicality of a number of artificial blood products that could be used for high-fidelity simulation. Method: A literature and internet search was performed and 15 artificial blood products were identified from a variety of sources. One product was excluded due to its potential toxicity risks. Five observers, blinded to the products, performed two assessments on each product using an evaluation tool with 14 predefined criteria including color, consistency, clotting, and staining potential to manikin skin and clothing. Each criterion was rated using a five-point Likert scale. The products were left for 24 hours, both refrigerated and at room temperature, and then reassessed. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the most suitable products, and both inter- and intra-rater variability were examined. Results: Three products scored consistently well with all five assessors, with one product in particular scoring well in almost every criterion. This highest-rated product had a mean rating of 3.6 of 5.0 (95% posterior Interval 3.4–3.7). Inter-rater variability was minor with average ratings varying from 3.0 to 3.4 between the highest and lowest scorer. Intrarater variability was negligible with good agreement between first and second rating as per weighted kappa scores (K = 0.67). Conclusion: The most realistic and practical form of artificial blood identified was a commercial product called KD151 Flowing Blood Syrup. It was found to be not only realistic in appearance but practical in terms of storage and stain removal.