On this research-based programme, I completed three separate projects; one literature review, one audit and one quality improvement project, all of which followed different formats so I enjoyed learning the different skills required for each research project.
I began with a literature review following the ‘BestBETS’ format, which helps you generate a ‘3-part question’ in response to a clinical problem comprised of patient characteristic, intervention and outcome.
Through this, I developed an understanding of how to generate search terms appropriate to my research question for online electronic databases to identify all studies applicable to my research question. I also learnt how to generate a PRISMA flow diagram to outline the conduct of the systematic review, and how to critically apprise papers and group research papers by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification system.
My second project was an audit performed at Aintree University Hospital where I reviewed patient outcomes over an eight-year period following an emergency thoracotomy at Aintree, since its Major Trauma Status in 2012. This project allowed me to develop knowledge in how to safely access patient hospital records via SIGMA software, and how to securely record data without breaking patient confidentiality. I also developed an understanding of SPSS software in order to prepare descriptive statistics for scientific research.
My third and final project was a statistical analysis evaluating the activation of the Major Haemorrhage Protocol in all Code Red Trauma patients. I obtained data from all patients requiring blood products in Aintree Emergency Department in 2020 and identified all Code Red Trauma patients activating the Major Haemorrhage Protocol.
This project allowed me to work with different members of the multidisciplinary team in order to gather the data required.
I found it particularly interesting learning about different team roles required in trauma cases and how these roles work together within the team.
I established good communication with the Transfusion Laboratory staff to obtain blood product wastage records and reasons for wastage in order to ascertain additional blood product wastage data.
Throughout the year I learnt how to present my findings by creating posters to summarise my research clearly and concisely. I was also able to discuss my results and answer questions regarding my data collection, statistical and cost analysis and my further recommendations following the results from the study. I also recorded a 5-minute audio presentation in addition to my poster to explain my findings.
I personally really enjoyed the year. I did (of course) find some aspects rather challenging.
Writing masters-level systematic reviews and audits after having little experience during medical school was quite hard. However, you are supported very well by all the clinical supervisors and strand lead throughout the masters with regular progress meetings.
Completing the masters has also made me more confident in analysing papers and writing research of my own, which you will go on to do in most speciality training. In addition, as you also create an oral presentation/poster for each research project you can then submit to conferences along the year and I have been delighted to have some of my posters accepted to various conferences.
Following my intercalated year, two of my research projects were accepted to the European Emergency Medicine Congress (link).
I have just come back from presenting my projects at the congress, which was held in Lisbon this year.
It was my first medical conference that I have attended and presented at and I really enjoyed the whole experience. It gave me the opportunity to speak to Emergency Medicine clinicians who work across Europe and attend presentations on some really interesting studies performed over the past year.