Med Rib

October 2003
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 28 October 2003

Fire drill vs. the Fire

My task was to spend the whole evening - about five hours - at the surgical emergency ward of Yarmouk Hospital in south-west Baghdad

(Martin Asser, BBC correspondent)


5:40:57 PM    

Review Papers

Systematic review papers are the reflex suggestion of most senior doctors when I enquire about the validity/efficacy of a new/old procedure or treatment.   My subsequent journal searches often reveal papers that are distinctly patchy.   Some do not 'do as they say on the tin' and briefly cover the eye-catching title only to follow with the author's pet topic.  It is also not uncommon to finish reading with my initial question unanswered.  An increasing trend seems to be that the population reviewed is so tightly controlled it may be useless in reality to compare with my patient in question.  And don't get me started on newly released 'wonder drugs'

But I digress.  Bandolier is uniformly excellent.  Without question.  It has saved me days of useless searches over the past year.   I was highly amused to come across the following title from an archived issue.

How systematic reviews can disappoint.

They also have a wonderful NNT (Number Needed to Treat) calculation sheet (.pdf)

(Bandolier)

 


4:43:05 PM    

Demos

Demos is a greenhouse for new ideas which can improve the quality of our lives. As an independent think-tank, our aim is to create an open resource of knowledge and learning that operates beyond traditional parties, identities and disciplines.

Demos connects researchers, thinkers and practitioners to an international network of people changing politics. Our ideas regularly influence government policy, but we also work with companies, NGOs, schools and professional bodies – any organisation that can make change happen. Our partners share a desire to understand a complex, globalising world, and to play an active role in shaping its future.

Demos knowledge is organised around five themes, which combine to create new perspectives. The themes are democracy, learning, enterprise, quality of life and global change. But we also understand that thinking by itself is not enough. Good ideas grow out of practice. Demos has helped to initiate a number of practical projects which are delivering real social benefit through the redesign of public services.

Like a greenhouse, Demos is open and transparent. We share our ideas as widely as possible, through books, seminars, conferences and the internet. As a registered charity, all our research is carried out in the public interest.

For Demos, the process is as important as the final product. We bring together people from a wide range of backgrounds to cross-fertilise ideas and experience. By working with Demos, we expect all our partners to develop  sharper insight into the way ideas shape society.

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Now has public access.


4:27:52 PM    

The Mighty Kelvin

The view from Kelvin Way, behind Glasgow University.   It is breathtaking that one can be surrounded by such beauty in the heart of the grimy city.

February, 2003


4:19:29 PM    

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