Aims: Several views are needed to visualise the scaphoid. These are routinely called 'scaphoid views'. The authors believe that asking for scaphoid views from the radiology department often leads to a wide variety and number of radiographic views being taken. Methods: 50 radiographers were asked which and how many views of the scaphoid they would take, in the acute setting and then in the out-patient department. Results: We found a wide variation in the descriptive terms used by radiographers for particular views. There was also little agreement on how many and which radiographic views to take when asked for 'scaphoid views'. Conclusions: Not only is there complete lack of agreement on what 'scaphoid views' should be, it was also discovered that there was little agreement on the nomenclature of the individual views themselves. Loss of information can result from the wrong views being taken and unnecessary radiation exposure. We recommend five particular views, which together visualise all areas of the scaphoid.

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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether metronomes can improve the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 38 papers were found using the reported searches, none of which directly addressed the problem but some 21 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of those best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that the use of metronomes to guide the rate at which external chest compressions are delivered is associated with improved rates closer to those recommended in the current resuscitation guidelines.

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether testing for troponin levels is useful after discharge of an Implanted Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD). Many papers were found using the reported searches, none of which directly addressed the problem but some 13 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of those best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that the number of ICD discharges must be taken into account when evaluating any troponin level rise. Overall a positive troponin assay post ICD discharge is independently associated with an increased mortality.

After passing the MRCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), the main concern for most GPs in training is passing the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA). 'What should I revise, how should I prepare, how long should I prepare for, should I go on a course?' etc. are common questions. A group of ST2s in Northamptonshire were tasked with conducting a project to find what evidence or advice there was to guide GPs in training as to which preparation resources are the most effective for passing the CSA. To start, a scoping search looked for advice that was already available to GPs in training from unbiased sources.