All Topics

Browse all clinical topics, calculators, and reference guides available on BetterCall.ie

Common Calls

Temperature Spike 🌡️

Clinical guide for managing temperature spikes and fever in hospital patients. Quick-reference for on-call scenarios, sepsis assessment, and fever management for NCHDs.

Falls 🚶‍♂️

Clinical guide for assessing and managing patient falls. Head injury assessment, fracture evaluation, syncope workup, and falls prevention for on-call doctors.

Chest Pain ❤️‍🔥

Clinical guide for assessing and managing chest pain. Differential diagnosis, ECG interpretation, ACS protocols, and emergency management for on-call doctors.

Adult cardiac arrest (ACLS)

Adult in-hospital cardiac arrest summary aligned with the 2025 AHA ACLS circular algorithm: high-quality CPR, shockable rhythm management, drugs, airway, capnography, and reversible causes.

Agitation / Delirium 🧠

Clinical guide for managing agitation and delirium. 4AT screening tool, causes, assessment, and management strategies for confused or agitated patients.

Shortness of Breath / Desaturation 🫁

Clinical guide for shortness of breath, short of breath, and desaturation. Assessment, differential diagnosis, oxygen therapy, and respiratory emergency management for NCHDs.

Community Acquired Pneumonia 🫁

Guide to recognising and managing community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults: interactive CRB65 severity calculator, HSE antibiotic pathways, aspiration pneumonia, and when to escalate.

Night Sedation 🌙

Clinical guide for prescribing night sedation and sleep aids. Drug reference table, dosing, contraindications, and sleep management for hospital inpatients.

Constipation 🚽

Clinical guide for managing constipation. Laxative and enema reference table, treatment protocols, and bowel management strategies for hospital inpatients.

Atrial Fibrillation 🫀

Clinical guide for managing atrial fibrillation. Rate vs rhythm control, anticoagulation, CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED calculators for stroke and bleeding risk assessment.

Altered Consciousness 🧠

Clinical guide for assessing altered consciousness. GCS calculator, DELIRIUM mnemonic, differential diagnosis, and emergency management for drowsy or unresponsive patients.

Hypotension 📉

Clinical guide for managing hypotension and shock. Assessment, causes, fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, and MAP calculator for on-call doctors.

Hypertension 🚨

Clinical guide for managing hypertension and hypertensive emergencies. Assessment, when to treat acutely, antihypertensive medications, and end-organ damage evaluation.

Hyperglycaemia 📈

Clinical guide for managing hyperglycaemia in hospital patients. Blood glucose targets, insulin sliding scales, DKA prevention, and diabetes management for NCHDs.

Stroke 🧠

Clinical guide for stroke and TIA management. FAST assessment, acute stroke protocol, thrombolysis criteria, and neurology referral for on-call doctors.

Headache 🧠

Guide to assessing headache in adults: interactive safety screen (high-risk features and Ottawa SAH rule), primary vs secondary causes, and when to escalate.

Epistaxis 👃🩸

Clinical guide for managing epistaxis (nosebleed). Anterior and posterior epistaxis treatment, nasal packing, cautery, and emergency management for on-call doctors.

Hyperkalaemia ⚡️

Emergency management of hyperkalaemia. ECG changes, treatment protocol, calcium gluconate, insulin-dextrose, and hyperkalaemia calculator for on-call doctors.

Hypoglycaemia 🍬

Emergency management of hypoglycaemia. Recognition, treatment protocol, glucagon, and prevention strategies for on-call doctors.

Low Urine Output 🚽

Clinical guide for assessing low urine output and oliguria. AKI calculator, fluid status assessment, causes, and management for on-call doctors.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) 🧪

Clinical guide for diagnosing and managing acute kidney injury. AKI staging, causes, investigations, treatment, and AKI calculator for NCHDs.

Sepsis Screening Tool ⚠️

Interactive HSE-aligned adult sepsis screening: walk through triggers, red & amber flags, and the Sepsis 6 bundle with timestamped checklist. Links to the official HSE screening form PDF.

Seizure ⚡️

Emergency management of seizures and status epilepticus. First-line treatment, benzodiazepines, antiepileptics, and neurology referral for on-call doctors.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) 🦠

Inpatient guide to recognising and managing shingles (herpes zoster): red flags, antiviral therapy, pain control, infection precautions, and when to escalate — aligned to HSE Irish guidance.

Cellulitis 🦵

Guide to recognising and managing cellulitis and erysipelas in adults: HSE antibiotic pathways, marking progress, red flags, MRSA risk, and when to escalate to IV therapy or secondary care.

Syncope 💫

Clinical guide for assessment and management of syncope in the emergency department. Red flags, risk stratification, and management algorithms based on IAEM guidelines.

Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA) 🏃‍♂️

Clinical guide for managing discharge against medical advice (DAMA). Documentation, consent, risk assessment, and legal considerations for on-call doctors.

Haematuria 🩸

Clinical guide for assessing and managing haematuria (blood in urine). Causes, investigations, urology referral, and emergency management for on-call doctors.

Blocked Urinary Catheter 🚫💧

Clinical guide for managing blocked urinary catheters. Irrigation techniques, replacement, urosepsis prevention, and catheter care for on-call doctors.

Bladder Scan Interpretation 💧

Guide for interpreting bladder scans and post-void residual volumes. Urinary retention assessment, catheter decision-making, and voiding dysfunction for NCHDs.

DKA – Diabetic Ketoacidosis 💉

Emergency management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Diagnosis, fluid resuscitation, insulin protocol, electrolyte management, and monitoring for NCHDs.

Discharge Summary 📝

Guide for writing discharge summaries. Template, structure, medication reconciliation, and documentation requirements for NCHDs.

Patient Admission 📝

Comprehensive guide for patient admission and clerking. Specialty-specific history, examination, and investigations for NCHDs admitting patients.

Hypokalaemia ⬇️

Clinical guide for managing hypokalaemia. Potassium replacement calculator, causes, treatment protocols, and monitoring for on-call doctors.

Hypomagnesaemia ⬇️

Hypomagnesaemia for NCHDs in Irish hospitals: causes, Magnesium Sona/Verla oral replacement, IV MgSO₄ guidance, and refractory hypokalaemia.

Hypophosphataemia ⬇️

Hypophosphataemia for NCHDs in Irish hospitals: Phospho-Sandoz®, IV phosphate rules, refeeding risk, and Galway/CUH-style thresholds.

Blood Results 🧪

Reference tables for interpreting blood results. Normal ranges, abnormal values, and clinical significance of common laboratory tests for NCHDs.

Allergic Reaction & Anaphylaxis 🤧⚡️

Emergency management of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Recognition, adrenaline administration, ABCDE protocol, and treatment for on-call doctors.

Opiate Overdose 💉

Emergency management of opioid overdose. Based on IAEM guideline: naloxone dosing, airway support, monitoring and disposition for NCHDs.

Anaemia (Inpatient) 🩸

Inpatient anaemia and transfusion. When to transfuse, thresholds, iron, and when to refer for NCHDs on the ward.

Febrile Neutropenia 🌡️

Emergency management of febrile neutropenia: assessment, immediate actions, antibiotic protocols, and monitoring for NCHDs.

Tumour Lysis Syndrome 🧬

Emergency management of tumour lysis syndrome: recognition, prevention, treatment, and monitoring for NCHDs.

Hypernatraemia 🧂

Clinical guide for managing hypernatraemia. Free water deficit calculator, causes, treatment protocols, and correction rates for on-call doctors.

Hyponatraemia 💧

Clinical guide for evaluating and managing hyponatraemia. Step-by-step algorithm, volume status assessment, SIADH, and correction rates for on-call doctors.

Abdominal Pain 🤢

Clinical guide for assessing abdominal pain. Differential diagnosis, red flags, surgical abdomen, investigations, and management for on-call doctors.

Post-Operative Care 🏥

Comprehensive guide for post-operative care. Monitoring, common complications, pain management, and recovery protocols for surgical patients.

Fluid Replacement 💧

Clinical guide for fluid replacement and IV fluid therapy. NICE CG174 guidelines, fluid calculator, resuscitation, maintenance fluids, and electrolyte management.

Liver Disease Assessment ⚗️

Clinical guide for liver disease assessment. Child-Pugh and MELD calculators, cirrhosis staging, prognosis, and hepatology management for NCHDs.

Sick Day Rules 🏥

Sick day rules for inpatients: when to hold SADMANS, manage diabetes and steroids on the ward, and when to escalate. For NCHDs.

PR Bleed (Rectal Bleeding) 🩸

Clinical guide for assessing and managing PR bleed (rectal bleeding). Causes, red flags, investigations, when to refer to surgery or gastroenterology for on-call doctors.

Upper GI Bleed 🩸

BSG-led acute upper GI bleeding care bundle with Glasgow-Blatchford calculator. Recognition, resuscitation, risk stratification, treatment, referral, and review for on-call doctors.

Procedures

IV Cannulation 💉

Step-by-step guide for IV cannulation. Technique, site selection, troubleshooting, and complications for NCHDs performing vascular access.

Male Catheterisation 💦

Step-by-step guide for male urinary catheterisation. Technique, indications, complications, and troubleshooting for NCHDs.

Phlebotomy 🩸

Guide for phlebotomy and venepuncture. Technique, tube selection, order of draw, and troubleshooting for blood sampling.

NG Tube Insertion 🤧

Step-by-step guide for nasogastric tube insertion. Technique, position confirmation, complications, and troubleshooting for NCHDs.

Central Line Removal 〰️

Guide for central line removal. Technique, precautions, complications, and post-removal care for CVC and PICC lines.

Death Pronouncement 🕊️

Guide for death pronouncement and certification. Clinical examination, documentation, death certificate, and supporting families.

ABG Sampling 🌬️

Guide for arterial blood gas sampling. Technique, site selection, ABG interpretation calculator, and troubleshooting for NCHDs.

Blood Cultures 🧫

Guide for taking blood cultures. When to take, technique, sterile procedure, and interpretation for infection workup.

Requesting Radiology Studies 🩻

Guide for requesting radiology studies. Indications, appropriate imaging, request forms, and communication with radiology department.

Ferinject Administration 💉

Guide for Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) administration. Indications, dosing, infusion protocol, and monitoring for iron deficiency anaemia.

PICC Line Management 🙋

Guide for PICC line management. Care, troubleshooting, complications, and maintenance of peripherally inserted central catheters.

Drugs

Analgesia 💊

Comprehensive guide to pain management and analgesia. WHO pain ladder, opioid prescribing, drug reference table, and pain assessment for NCHDs.

Laxatives 💩

Reference guide for laxatives and enemas. Drug table with senna, lactulose, phosphate enema, suppositories, dosing, and prescribing for constipation management in hospital inpatients.

Antiemetics 🤢

Reference guide for antiemetics. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for nausea and vomiting management.

Sleeping Pills 🌙

Reference guide for sleeping pills and night sedation. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for sleep management in hospital inpatients.

Medications for Agitation 💊

Reference guide for medications for agitation. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for behavioural management in hospital inpatients.

Palliative Medications 💜

Reference guide for palliative medications. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for end-of-life care and symptom management.

Antihypertensives 🧯

Reference guide for antihypertensive medications. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for blood pressure management.

Diabetes Medications 💉

Reference guide for diabetes medications. Drug table, dosing, and prescribing for type 2 diabetes and insulin therapy.

Steroids 💉

Comprehensive guide to corticosteroids: types, indications, dosing, side effects, and conversion calculator for NCHDs.

Respiratory Drugs 💨

Reference guide for respiratory medications including salbutamol (Ventolin), ipratropium, and nebulisers. Drug table, dosing, inhaler techniques, and prescribing for asthma and COPD management.

Anticoagulation Meds 💉

Reference guide for anticoagulation medications. Tinzaparin dosing tool (Rotherham chart), drug table, and prescribing for anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy.

Anticoagulation: peri-procedural holds 💉

Interactive algorithm for DOAC/warfarin peri-procedural holds based on bleeding risk, renal function, and drug type. ACCP/PAUSE trial evidence.

Warfarin 🩸

Concise reference for warfarin: indications, INR targets, monitoring, interactions, and safety. Use the embedded tool for elevated INR/bleeding management.

Biologic Medications 💉

Reference guide for biologic medications. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

Chemotherapy Drugs 🧪

Quick reference for common chemotherapy drugs: classes, dosing, side effects, and monitoring requirements for NCHDs.

Immunotherapy Drugs 🛡️

Quick reference for immunotherapy drugs: checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, side effects, and monitoring requirements for NCHDs.

Antibiotic IV to PO Switch 💊

Reference table for switching from intravenous to oral antimicrobials. Includes dosing conversions, bioavailability considerations, and clinical notes based on HSE AMRIC guidelines.

Prescribing Rules 💊

Essential prescribing rules and guidelines for NCHDs. Medication safety, documentation requirements, and prescribing best practices in Irish hospitals.

Consents

Colonoscopy Consent 💩

Consent guide for colonoscopy (lower GI endoscopy). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Coronary Angiogram Consent 🫀

Consent guide for coronary angiogram. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Electrical Cardioversion Consent ⚡️

Consent guide for electrical cardioversion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

ERCP Consent 📸

Consent guide for ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Gastroscopy Consent 📹

Consent guide for gastroscopy / OGD (upper GI endoscopy). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Consent 🔬

Consent guide for flexible sigmoidoscopy (lower GI endoscopy). Procedure explanation, bowel preparation, sedation options, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

PCI Consent 🫀

Consent guide for PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Bronchoscopy Consent 🫁

Consent guide for bronchoscopy (respiratory endoscopy). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Lumbar Puncture Consent 💉

Consent guide for lumbar puncture. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Pleural Tap Consent 💉🫁

Consent guide for pleural tap (thoracentesis). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Ascitic Drain Insertion Consent 💉

Consent guide for ascitic drain insertion (paracentesis). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, SAAG calculator, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Zoledronic Acid Infusion Consent 💉

Consent guide for zoledronic acid (Aclasta) infusion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

PICC Line Insertion Consent 🙋

Consent guide for PICC line insertion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Port-a-Cath Insertion Consent 💉

Consent guide for Port-a-Cath insertion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Blood Products Consent 🩸

Consent guide for blood product transfusion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

Monoclonal Antibodies Consent 🧬

Consent guide for monoclonal antibody treatment: explanation, common risks, alternatives, monitoring, and drug-specific counselling points.

Consults

Anaesthetics Pre-Op Assessment 🩺

Pre-operative assessment template: ASA and Mallampati classification, history, examination, and investigations for NCHDs.

Cardiology Consult 🫀

Guide for cardiology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Renal Consult 🧪

Guide for renal/nephrology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Rheumatology Consult 🦴

Guide for rheumatology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Respiratory Consult 🫁

Guide for respiratory/pulmonology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Gastroenterology Consult 🤢

Guide for gastroenterology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Endocrinology Consult 🍬

Guide for endocrinology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Haematology Consult 🩸

Guide for haematology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Neurology Consult 🧠

Guide for neurology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Oncology Consult 🎗️

Guide for oncology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Microbiology Consult 🦠

Guide for microbiology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Dermatology Consult 🩺

Guide for dermatology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Palliative Care Consult 🌿

Guide for palliative care consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Psychiatry Consult 🧠

Guide for psychiatry consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

General Surgery Consult 🏥

Guide for general surgery consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Orthopaedics Consult 🦴

Guide for orthopaedics consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Urology Consult 💧

Guide for urology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Plastic Surgery Consult 🩹

Guide for plastic surgery consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.

Vascular Consult 🩸

Guide for vascular surgery consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.