Performing lumbar punctures for suspected CNS infections: experience and practice of trainee doctors

Sylviane Defres; Josephine Mayer; Ruth Backman; Rachel Kneen

doi:10.12968/hmed.2015.76.11.658

Performing lumbar punctures for suspected CNS infections: experience and practice of trainee doctors

Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2015 Nov;76(11):658-62. doi: 10.12968/hmed.2015.76.11.658.

Authors

Sylviane Defres¹, Josephine Mayer², Ruth Backman³, Rachel Kneen⁴

Affiliations

¹ Clinical Research Fellow in the Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool and Specialist Registrar in Infectious Diseases in the Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals Trust, Liverpool.
² Academic Foundation Programme Doctor.
³ Postdoctoral Health Services Researcher in the Institute of Infection and Global Health.
⁴ Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE.

PMID: 26551497
DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2015.76.11.658

Abstract

Lumbar punctures are essential in the management of suspected CNS infections. However, despite clear guidelines their use can be haphazard. This survey investigated the training, knowledge and experience of UK doctors in training in relation to lumbar punctures.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Central Nervous System Infections / diagnosis*
Clinical Competence*
Clinical Decision-Making
Education, Medical, Graduate*
Hospital Medicine / education*
Humans
Self Efficacy
Spinal Puncture*
Surveys and Questionnaires
United Kingdom