Use of nebulised N-acetylcysteine as a life-saving mucolytic in intensive care: A case report.

We present a case of critical airway obstruction secondary to a solid tracheal mucus plug in a patient with pneumonia. Following failed conventional mucolysis therapy, nebulised N-acetylcysteine acted as a life-saving mucolytic, and prevented imminent cardiorespiratory arrest. Use of oral N-acetylcysteine as a mucolytic has been long established within respiratory medicine in managing chronic airway disease, but is rarely utilised in critically ill or mechanically ventilated patients due to the lack of comparative studies in literature.

Delivery and use of individualised feedback in large class medical teaching.

Background: Formative feedback that encourages self-directed learning in large class medical teaching is difficult to deliver. This study describes a new method, blueprinted feedback, and explores learner's responses to assess its appropriate use within medical science teaching.

Methods: Mapping summative assessment items to their relevant learning objectives creates a blueprint which can be used on completion of the assessment to automatically create a list of objectives ranked by the attainment of the individual student.

Integrating feedback into medical education.

Maximizing the potential of feedback requires being receptive to suggestions for change, adapting feedback according to different learning styles, and making the most of new developments. This article provides a foundation in the theory of modern medical education for those receiving or giving feedback at any level.