Introduction
The goal of this teaching module is to give an overview of GI bleeding, guide the differentiation of upper & lower GI bleeds, and discuss early investigations and management. It aims to emphasise the emergency management of these conditions, and knowing when to escalate & seek help.
Content Contributors:
Author: Dr Phillip St Flour
EDITOR: Dr Phillip St Flour
CONTENT APPROVAL: Dr Camron Grofton
Version History Version
Version 1 – 10 June 2020
It requires 30 minutes preparation.
It can be taught in 1 hour
Teaching approach
As with all modules, familiarise yourself with the NPMT principles.
this session aims to cover:
Identification of differential diagnoses for Upper and Lower GI bleeds and be able to distinguish between them based on history and examination findings.
Identify and triage emergent presentations of GI bleeding
Recognize key early management priorities in critical gastrointestinal bleeding
Identify early investigations and management of Acute GI bleeding
Tips & Tricks on running an effective session:
Be as interactive as possible
Encourage discussion of cases students have been exposed to, or questions they may have encountered in their reading
If you are unsure of the answer to questions, indicate sources that could be consulted by students and strategies to solve this question were you to encounter it on the wards
Things to include :
When to escalate and who to escalate to – calling a rapid response
Early management and investigation principles - Being crystal clear on the appearance of a GI bleed and discussing it with patients so they know what you’re asking e.g. appearance of melaena
Things to avoid:
Spending too much time discussing particular conditions ion depth & getting weighed down with too much detail
From our feedback, the more interactive and ‘put on the spot’ you make the session, the more valuable it will be. Having students think on the spot and share their ideas in a non-threatening environment is key to making the session light-hearted and collaborative so that they can apply what they have learnt at medical school to a clinical patient.