Ep 49 - SMACC Workshops Review and Pearls

SMACC Chicago: Insights, Learning, and Community at St Emlyn's The SMACC (Social Media and Critical Care) Conference in Chicago brought together healthcare professionals and thought leaders from around the world. The St Emlyn's team, comprising Iain Beardsell, Simon Carley, Rick Boddy, and Natalie May, participated in various workshops and sessions, sharing their experiences and insights. This blog post captures the essence of the conference, highlighting key learning outcomes and the vibrant community spirit. Evidence-Based Medicine: From Theory to Practice Simon Carley kicked off the day with a workshop titled "Gambling with the Evidence," focusing on practical applications of evidence-based medicine (EBM). Unlike traditional EBM sessions that often dwell on statistics and literature reviews, this workshop emphasized how to translate evidence into clinical practice. Simon, alongside Rick Boddy, Rob McSweeney, Ken Milne, and Rory Spiegel, explored how healthcare professionals manage the overwhelming volume of evidence and integrate it into their practice. Key takeaways included strategies for storing and accessing evidence efficiently, influencing colleagues with evidence-based practices, and the importance of critical skepticism. The workshop stressed the responsibility of individuals to thoroughly understand the evidence before implementing changes in clinical settings. This session underscored the necessity of a balanced approach to adopting new practices, ensuring they are rooted in a comprehensive understanding of available evidence. FOAM: Creating and Sharing Educational Content Natalie May joined other prominent figures in the FOAM (Free Open Access Meducation) community for the "Brew Your Own FOAM" session. Alongside Salim Rezé, Rob Rogers, Haney Malamarts, and others, Natalie discussed the creation of blogs, podcasts, and other educational resources. The session, likened to an Apple bar, provided an informal yet informative platform for attendees to engage with experienced content creators. Participants gained insights into the technical and creative aspects of producing FOAM content. The session encouraged the sharing of knowledge and resources, emphasizing that a diverse range of voices and perspectives enriches the medical community. Natalie highlighted the importance of FOAM in democratizing medical education, making high-quality information accessible to a global audience. Exploring Chest Pain and Cardiology Pathways Rick Boddy delved into the nuances of chest pain management and cardiology in his workshops. The morning session on evidence-based medicine included discussions on the values and outcomes in clinical trials, particularly concerning stroke and thrombolysis. Rick emphasized the varying perspectives of patients, doctors, and policymakers, stressing the importance of considering these viewpoints when evaluating clinical outcomes. The afternoon's emergency cardiology workshop, featuring experts like Steve Smith and Louise Cullen, focused on chest pain pathways. The session covered a range of topics, from ECG interpretation to chest pain algorithms. Rick noted the growing interest in high-sensitivity troponins and the need for tailored chest pain pathways that cater to specific local populations. The discussion also addressed the challenges of implementing standardized pathways and the importance of trusting the evidence. Getting Creative: Enhancing Communication Skills Simon Carley also participated in a workshop titled "Getting Creative," which explored creative communication methods in the medical field. The workshop featured three sessions: Michelle Johnson on writing, Grace Slyo on visual presentations, and Rob Rogers on podcasting. Michelle Johnson, a skilled writer, guided participants through the art of crafting compelling narratives, particularly for blog posts. She emphasized the power of language and the importance of clear, concise communication. Grace Slyo's session focused on imp