Helen Macdonald

Research integrity and publication ethics editor, The BMJ. Talk Evidence podcaster. Rapid Recommendations co-creator. Former GP. My views

[Gordon H. Guyatt @GuyattGH]

Our group has developed an inventory of all estimates of minimal important differences for all patient-reported outcomes known to humankind and rated the credibility of each MID. We are keen to work with anyone interested in using the fruits of our work. https://t.co/UmlQLsYQXa

[The BMJ @bmj_latest]

In the October episode of the #TalkEvidence podcast, the team discuss the efficacy of lateral flows, the covid inquiry, and what new research tells us about how clinician burnout affects patient outcomes
@drhelmac @juan_francomd @jsross119
https://t.co/2qLLcw0s56

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

@alf_collins @dnunan79 @ThomasAgoritsas @RichardLehman1 @stokemacca @sfinnikin @Pers_Care_Inst Whilst I am a big fan of talking (one of my fav things). I wonder whether we could do create some prototypes of what this rec/not rec info might look like. I’ve a few ideas but I wonder if they would do the trick in reality…

[The BMJ @bmj_latest]

How should we deal with content published many years ago that may now be offensive or harmful?

BMJ aims to acknowledge offence or harm while preserving the scientific record, write @KamranAbbasi, @drhelmac, and @s_ragavooloo
https://t.co/ZQpj6skdMI @bmj_company

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

@PaulGlasziou @wiserhealthcare Interesting. Is there a link back to the research paper?

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

I have often stored away and borrowed phrases from members of the palliative care team. When I read this thread I’m reminded of why. (Thank you)

[Kathryn Mannix @drkathrynmannix]

With thanks to @richardodurrant for permission to share our DMs.
Worries about lack of nutrition at the end of life are very common, & should always be taken seriously.
I'm talking here about dying from an illness, & how dying impacts appetite & gut function.
cc @APMPostTweets
1/

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

I wanted to find out whether changing evidence, or other considerations, were behind falling isolation periods after infection with covid. @AllysonPollock had an interesting perspective…

[The BMJ @bmj_latest]

With isolation periods being reduced or stopped in the event of a negative lateral flow test, this #TalkEvidence episode explores the data behind these decisions.

@AllysonPollock joins @drhelmac and @jsross119.
Listen at https://t.co/BSv1tEDUe6 or https://t.co/Q2t2eEqjRK

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

I also agree (from my biased position of loving working on the challenges of making our living evidence and guidance). It’s wonderful to work with people and organisations who want to make evidence and it’s translation work better

[Joseph Ross @jsross119]

Agree strongly with this commentary and the need to reform our models of evidence synthesis from "static" to "living". And major shout outs to @drhelmac, @NavjoytLadher, @eloder and many others @bmj_latest who made living reviews happen during COVID19 https://t.co/Yk2BTx8EFj

[Kamran Abbasi @KamranAbbasi]

"There was never a more important time to be evidence based, patient centred, open, and courageous. These are The BMJ's values, and we will live by them to improve the health of people and the planet"

Thank you for each and every warm welcome

@bmj_latest
https://t.co/KA4ZaWwWzi

[Alexandra Freeman @alex_freeman]

How much difference does it make to open the windows?
Wear a mask?
What if we're eating?
Questions we've all been asking about covid - hoping to help answer them with this new tool:
https://t.co/83RYxghbY2

@d_spiegel @CathNoakes @harryrutter @will_s_t

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

@mgtmccartney Happy birthday! (I have a big one coming up too. Think I will have to go on a Somerset run to work out my life plan also)

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

@HastingsJ123 @natalie_banner @bmj_latest @HDR_UK Hi @HastingsJ123 you are right - apologies for not thinking of this in advance. @bmj_latest have just freed up the artcile so that you and others should not hit the paywall. I hope that you find it useful...

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

Thanks @bmj_latest @natalie_banner and Cathie Sudlow @HDR_UK for talking with me. I hope GPs and members of the public continue to learn more about this project and others like it. Have a read, or listen to Natalie on BMJ podcast #TalkEvidence

[The BMJ @bmj_latest]

Launch of the NHS’s flagship GP data extraction programme has been further delayed with no fixed start date.

What were the concerns surrounding it and how could communication and understanding of the project be improved? @drhelmac
https://t.co/2pUwwE2zPG

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

@RichardLehman1 @bmj_latest @jsross119 🤷🏻‍♀️ But you have such a way with words @RichardLehman1 that I am sure you will tell us??

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

Fancy entering? The Primary Care category in #TheBMJAwards recognises teams who have improved the health of the wider community through a specific project. The deadline to submit 14 June and you can gain national recognition for your work https://t.co/MpiwRDkRUp

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

Would you like to apply to work with us on The BMJ as a clinical editor? If so take a look at this job. It is great (I'm biased because I also do this job and love it ;) Fun, interesting, lovely team. Can be done remotely as part of a portfolio career. https://t.co/MjmG15bukw

[Alexandra Freeman @alex_freeman]

Our graphics to illustrate the potential benefits and potential harms of the AstraZeneca vaccine as announced by the MHRA this afternoon.

Benefits accrued over 16 weeks, at three different levels of exposure to the virus.

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

If your tracking covid treatments or just after a nice summary this thread from @RSiemieniuk will give you plenty to get started...

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

And Gordon reminded me that when making guidance it is important to be clear on what you value. Systems such as GRADE are a great way to structure and share your logic behind your recommendations (DOI: this is a system he created and it is used in BMJ Rapid Recommendations)

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

Two great guests last week on #TalkEvidence. A whistle stop tour of the UK's vaccine committee from Anthony Harden. Then, how GRADE can support good guidance with #EBM legend Gordon Guyatt

[The BMJ @bmj_latest]

In the latest #TalkEvidence podcast, Anthony Harnden from the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation takes us inside the committee's decision making for covid-19 vaccines @drhelmac
https://t.co/5DTazttKyp
https://t.co/0FaoS8efsZ

[Helen Macdonald @drhelmac]

I learned that lesser heard of vaccines might help against emerging variants and that there are tough decisions ahead on booster vaccinations