Journal Club is a monthly event for the review and critical appraisal of key publications of importance to the practice of Emergency Medicine in BC.
Papers chosen for review at Journal Club represent important, influential, and not infrequently DEM publications of wide interest. A provincial "Methodology and Biostatistics Resource Person" DEM Faculty Member is assigned to each Journal Club to provide expertise and support and to oversee the production of a short "Article Appraisal" by the resident(s) reviewing a paper that summarizes the discussion and determinations that were reached. In Vancouver and distributed residency locations, Journal Club involves an evening meeting and social event.
For Faculty Members who miss a Journal Club, or live outside of locations where physical meetings are held, self-directed study is encouraged through the review of posted articles and appraisals. Reading the monthly appraisals is a quick and easy way to stay on top of the EM literature and learn what your colleagues thought of a paper when it was discussed. Participants are eligible to receive self-reported credits from the Royal College Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program or CFPC Mainpro credits for continuing professional development.
The selection of papers for review at Journal Club is overseen by the Chief Residents of the RCPS and CFPC Emergency Medicine training programs and is based on proposals by EM faculty and residents. If you come across a paper you feel merits consideration for review at Journal Club, please use the automated submission form to notify us of this.
For a guideline surrounding the selection of articles and review process, please see the Journal Club Timeline.
It is recommended that whenever possible Journal Club presenters use standardized UK “Critical Appraisal Skills Program” (CASP) checklists to organize their reviews. These are the same templates that are used in the Critical Appraisal sessions of the DEM NERD Block, and they are comprehensive and well organized. Presenting residents are expected to also submit a completed "Appraisal" following Journal Club, and after review and sign-off by the assigned Methodology & Biostatistics Resource Person, these will be posted on the DEM website. The early sections of the Appraisal can be completed prior to Journal Club, and the final sections completed after the group discussion.
CASP REVIEW CHECKLISTS
STROBE CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY CHECKLIST
DEM ARTICLE APPRAISAL TEMPLATE
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please email Dr. Frank Scheuermeyer
frank.scheuermeyer@ubc.ca.