All Topics
Browse all clinical topics, calculators, and reference guides available on BetterCall.ie
Common Calls
Temperature Spike π‘οΈ
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 πΆββοΈ
Clinical guide for assessing and managing patient falls. Head injury assessment, fracture evaluation, syncope workup, and falls prevention for on-call doctors.
Chest Pain β€οΈβπ₯
Clinical guide for assessing and managing chest pain. Differential diagnosis, ECG interpretation, ACS protocols, and emergency management for on-call doctors.
Agitation / Delirium π§
Clinical guide for managing agitation and delirium. 4AT screening tool, causes, assessment, and management strategies for confused or agitated patients.
Shortness of Breath / Desaturation π«
Clinical guide for managing shortness of breath and desaturation. Assessment, differential diagnosis, oxygen therapy, and respiratory emergency management for NCHDs.
Night Sedation π
Clinical guide for prescribing night sedation and sleep aids. Drug reference table, dosing, contraindications, and sleep management for hospital inpatients.
Constipation π½
Clinical guide for managing constipation. Laxative reference table, treatment protocols, and bowel management strategies for hospital inpatients.
Atrial Fibrillation π«
Clinical guide for managing atrial fibrillation. Rate vs rhythm control, anticoagulation, CHAβDSβ-VASc and HAS-BLED calculators for stroke and bleeding risk assessment.
Altered Consciousness π§
Clinical guide for assessing altered consciousness. GCS calculator, DELIRIUM mnemonic, differential diagnosis, and emergency management for drowsy or unresponsive patients.
Hypotension π
Clinical guide for managing hypotension and shock. Assessment, causes, fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, and MAP calculator for on-call doctors.
Hypertension π¨
Clinical guide for managing hypertension and hypertensive emergencies. Assessment, when to treat acutely, antihypertensive medications, and end-organ damage evaluation.
Hyperglycaemia π
Clinical guide for managing hyperglycaemia in hospital patients. Blood glucose targets, insulin sliding scales, DKA prevention, and diabetes management for NCHDs.
Stroke π§
Clinical guide for stroke and TIA management. FAST assessment, acute stroke protocol, thrombolysis criteria, and neurology referral for on-call doctors.
Epistaxis ππ©Έ
Clinical guide for managing epistaxis (nosebleed). Anterior and posterior epistaxis treatment, nasal packing, cautery, and emergency management for on-call doctors.
Hyperkalaemia β‘οΈ
Emergency management of hyperkalaemia. ECG changes, treatment protocol, calcium gluconate, insulin-dextrose, and hyperkalaemia calculator for on-call doctors.
Hypoglycaemia π¬
Emergency management of hypoglycaemia. Recognition, treatment protocol, glucagon, and prevention strategies for on-call doctors.
Low Urine Output π½
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) π§ͺ
Clinical guide for diagnosing and managing acute kidney injury. AKI staging, causes, investigations, treatment, and AKI calculator for NCHDs.
Sepsis β οΈ
Emergency management of sepsis and septic shock. Quick-reference guide for recognition, BUFALO protocol, sepsis calculator, and immediate treatment for NCHDs in Ireland.
Seizure β‘οΈ
Emergency management of seizures and status epilepticus. First-line treatment, benzodiazepines, antiepileptics, and neurology referral for on-call doctors.
Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA) πββοΈ
Clinical guide for managing discharge against medical advice (DAMA). Documentation, consent, risk assessment, and legal considerations for on-call doctors.
Haematuria π©Έ
Clinical guide for assessing and managing haematuria (blood in urine). Causes, investigations, urology referral, and emergency management for on-call doctors.
Blocked Urinary Catheter π«π§
Clinical guide for managing blocked urinary catheters. Irrigation techniques, replacement, urosepsis prevention, and catheter care for on-call doctors.
Bladder Scan Interpretation π§
Guide for interpreting bladder scans and post-void residual volumes. Urinary retention assessment, catheter decision-making, and voiding dysfunction for NCHDs.
DKA β Diabetic Ketoacidosis π
Emergency management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Diagnosis, fluid resuscitation, insulin protocol, electrolyte management, and monitoring for NCHDs.
Discharge Summary π
Guide for writing discharge summaries. Template, structure, medication reconciliation, and documentation requirements for NCHDs.
Patient Admission π
Comprehensive guide for patient admission and clerking. Specialty-specific history, examination, and investigations for NCHDs admitting patients.
Hypokalaemia β¬οΈ
Clinical guide for managing hypokalaemia. Potassium replacement calculator, causes, treatment protocols, and monitoring for on-call doctors.
Blood Results π§ͺ
Reference tables for interpreting blood results. Normal ranges, abnormal values, and clinical significance of common laboratory tests for NCHDs.
Allergic Reaction & Anaphylaxis π€§β‘οΈ
Emergency management of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Recognition, adrenaline administration, ABCDE protocol, and treatment for on-call doctors.
Febrile Neutropenia π‘οΈ
Emergency management of febrile neutropenia: assessment, immediate actions, antibiotic protocols, and monitoring for NCHDs.
Tumour Lysis Syndrome π§¬
Emergency management of tumour lysis syndrome: recognition, prevention, treatment, and monitoring for NCHDs.
Hypernatraemia π§
Clinical guide for managing hypernatraemia. Free water deficit calculator, causes, treatment protocols, and correction rates for on-call doctors.
Abdominal Pain π€’
Clinical guide for assessing abdominal pain. Differential diagnosis, red flags, surgical abdomen, investigations, and management for on-call doctors.
Post-Operative Care π₯
Comprehensive guide for post-operative care. Monitoring, common complications, pain management, and recovery protocols for surgical patients.
Fluid Replacement π§
Clinical guide for fluid replacement and IV fluid therapy. NICE CG174 guidelines, fluid calculator, resuscitation, maintenance fluids, and electrolyte management.
Liver Disease Assessment βοΈ
Clinical guide for liver disease assessment. Child-Pugh and MELD calculators, cirrhosis staging, prognosis, and hepatology management for NCHDs.
Procedures
IV Cannulation π
Step-by-step guide for IV cannulation. Technique, site selection, troubleshooting, and complications for NCHDs performing vascular access.
Male Catheterisation π¦
Step-by-step guide for male urinary catheterisation. Technique, indications, complications, and troubleshooting for NCHDs.
Phlebotomy π©Έ
Guide for phlebotomy and venepuncture. Technique, tube selection, order of draw, and troubleshooting for blood sampling.
NG Tube Insertion π€§
Step-by-step guide for nasogastric tube insertion. Technique, position confirmation, complications, and troubleshooting for NCHDs.
Central Line Removal γ°οΈ
Guide for central line removal. Technique, precautions, complications, and post-removal care for CVC and PICC lines.
Death Pronouncement ποΈ
Guide for death pronouncement and certification. Clinical examination, documentation, death certificate, and supporting families.
ABG Sampling π¬οΈ
Guide for arterial blood gas sampling. Technique, site selection, ABG interpretation calculator, and troubleshooting for NCHDs.
Blood Cultures π§«
Guide for taking blood cultures. When to take, technique, sterile procedure, and interpretation for infection workup.
Requesting Radiology Studies π©»
Guide for requesting radiology studies. Indications, appropriate imaging, request forms, and communication with radiology department.
Ferinject Administration π
Guide for Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) administration. Indications, dosing, infusion protocol, and monitoring for iron deficiency anaemia.
PICC Line Management π
Guide for PICC line management. Care, troubleshooting, complications, and maintenance of peripherally inserted central catheters.
Drugs
Analgesia π
Comprehensive guide to pain management and analgesia. WHO pain ladder, opioid prescribing, drug reference table, and pain assessment for NCHDs.
Laxatives π©
Reference guide for laxatives. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for constipation management in hospital inpatients.
Antiemetics π€’
Reference guide for antiemetics. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for nausea and vomiting management.
Sleeping Pills π
Reference guide for sleeping pills and night sedation. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for sleep management in hospital inpatients.
Medications for Agitation π
Reference guide for medications for agitation. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for behavioural management in hospital inpatients.
Palliative Medications π
Reference guide for palliative medications. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for end-of-life care and symptom management.
Antihypertensives π§―
Reference guide for antihypertensive medications. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for blood pressure management.
Steroids π
Comprehensive guide to corticosteroids: types, indications, dosing, side effects, and conversion calculator for NCHDs.
Respiratory Drugs π¨
Reference guide for respiratory medications. Drug table, dosing, inhaler techniques, and prescribing for asthma and COPD management.
Anticoagulation Meds π
Reference guide for anticoagulation medications. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy.
Warfarin π©Έ
Concise reference for warfarin: indications, INR targets, monitoring, interactions, and safety. Use the embedded tool for elevated INR/bleeding management.
Biologic Medications π
Reference guide for biologic medications. Drug table, dosing, indications, and prescribing for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Chemotherapy Drugs π§ͺ
Quick reference for common chemotherapy drugs: classes, dosing, side effects, and monitoring requirements for NCHDs.
Immunotherapy Drugs π‘οΈ
Quick reference for immunotherapy drugs: checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, side effects, and monitoring requirements for NCHDs.
Antibiotic IV to PO Switch π
Reference table for switching from intravenous to oral antimicrobials. Includes dosing conversions, bioavailability considerations, and clinical notes based on HSE AMRIC guidelines.
Prescribing Rules π
Essential prescribing rules and guidelines for NCHDs. Medication safety, documentation requirements, and prescribing best practices in Irish hospitals.
Consents
Colonoscopy Consent π©
Consent guide for colonoscopy. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Coronary Angiogram Consent π«
Consent guide for coronary angiogram. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Electrical Cardioversion Consent β‘οΈ
Consent guide for electrical cardioversion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
ERCP Consent πΈ
Consent guide for ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Gastroscopy Consent πΉ
Consent guide for gastroscopy (OGD). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
PCI Consent π«
Consent guide for PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Bronchoscopy Consent π«
Consent guide for bronchoscopy. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Lumbar Puncture Consent π
Consent guide for lumbar puncture. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Pleural Tap Consent ππ«
Consent guide for pleural tap (thoracentesis). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Ascitic Drain Insertion Consent π
Consent guide for ascitic drain insertion (paracentesis). Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, SAAG calculator, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Zoledronic Acid Infusion Consent π
Consent guide for zoledronic acid (Aclasta) infusion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
PICC Line Insertion Consent π
Consent guide for PICC line insertion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Port-a-Cath Insertion Consent π
Consent guide for Port-a-Cath insertion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Blood Products Consent π©Έ
Consent guide for blood product transfusion. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.
Consults
Cardiology Consult π«
Guide for cardiology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Renal Consult π§ͺ
Guide for renal/nephrology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Rheumatology Consult π¦΄
Guide for rheumatology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Respiratory Consult π«
Guide for respiratory/pulmonology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Gastroenterology Consult π€’
Guide for gastroenterology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Endocrinology Consult π¬
Guide for endocrinology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Haematology Consult π©Έ
Guide for haematology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Neurology Consult π§
Guide for neurology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Oncology Consult ποΈ
Guide for oncology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Microbiology Consult π¦
Guide for microbiology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Dermatology Consult π©Ί
Guide for dermatology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Palliative Care Consult πΏ
Guide for palliative care consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Psychiatry Consult π§
Guide for psychiatry consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
General Surgery Consult π₯
Guide for general surgery consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Orthopaedics Consult π¦΄
Guide for orthopaedics consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Urology Consult π§
Guide for urology consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Plastic Surgery Consult π©Ή
Guide for plastic surgery consultation and referral. Key information to provide, common indications, and referral scripts for NCHDs.
Calculators
ABG Calculator π
Quick ABG interpretation tool for acidβbase analysis: pH, PaCOβ, HCOββ», anion gap, and compensation. Built for junior doctors.
AKI Calculator π«
AKI calculator for staging acute kidney injury using creatinine and urine output criteria. Built for junior doctors.
SAAG Calculator π§ͺ
Calculate Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) to differentiate portal hypertension from other causes of ascites. Uses Irish/British units (g/L).
Sepsis Calculator β οΈ
Use this tool to assess the severity of sepsis with a validated scoring system.
Body Mass Index (BMI) π
Calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) for adult patients using weight and height.
AF Risk Calculators π
Calculate CHAβDSβ-VASc, HAS-BLED, and ORBIT scores to assess stroke and bleeding risks in patients with atrial fibrillation.
4AT Delirium Score π§
Use the 4AT score to rapidly assess delirium and cognitive impairment in clinical settings.
Free Water Deficit π§
Estimate the volume of free water needed to correct hypernatremia using the Free Water Deficit formula.
Creatinine Clearance π§ͺ
Estimate renal function using the Cockcroft-Gault formula with the Creatinine Clearance Calculator.
Glasgow Coma Scale π§
Calculate the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to assess level of consciousness in patients with potential brain injury.
MAP Calculator π
Calculate Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) to assess organ perfusion and guide management in hypotension or shock.
Potassium Replacement π
Tool for potassium replacement based on severity and method of administration. Includes safety and monitoring guidance.
Warfarin Calculators π©Έ
Use these calculators to assess bleeding risk and dosing for patients on Warfarin.
Weight Conversion βοΈ
Use this tool to convert between kilograms and pounds for clinical accuracy and documentation.
Opioid Conversion Calculator π
Safe opioid dose conversions for palliative care based on Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines.
Steroid Conversion Calculator π
Convert between different corticosteroid preparations using prednisolone as the reference standard.