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Frequenty Asked Questions

What is the BEEM Course?

This is a 16 hour, emergency medicine, continuing medical education event.

Who is the BEEM Course for?

Physicians working in emergency departments anywhere in the industrialized world.

What are the objectives of the BEEM Course?

Our objectives are to bring attendees up-to-date with the latest studies relevant to the practice of emergency medicine and, in doing so, help them develop their critical appraisal skills and understanding of evidence-based medicine.

How is the BEEM course different from other CME events?

Rather than presenting an updated summary of specific emergency medicine topics, we present the most relevant emergency medicine studies published in any one of over 100 peer-reviewed medical journals during the previous 12 months. We've minimized the amount of "expert opinion" by presenting an objective critical appraisal of each study using validated criteria.

Who are the presenters at the BEEM Course?

The presenters are emergency physicians, with academic appointments as teachers and/or researchers with post-graduate training in evidence-based medicine teaching and/or clinical epidemiology. Although the majority of presenters are from the Division of Emergency Medicine at McMaster University, high profile emergency physician researchers from other centres will appear as guest presenters.

How much does the BEEM Course cost?

The cost varies according to whether it is a two-day or four-day course but it will always be less than most other CME events.

Who sponsors the BEEM Course?

The BEEM Course is a CME function of the Division of Emergency Medicine at McMaster University. We've reduced conflict of interest in critically appraising studies of therapies by avoiding corporate sponsorship.

Can I get credit for attending the BEEM Course?

Yes, the BEEM Course is accredited through the Continuing Health Sciences Education office at McMaster University. Information on what CME credits are available can be found our Study Credits page.

Is the BEEM Course interactive?

Absolutely! Attendees are collectively asked to evaluate the performance of each study according the to the critical appraisal criteria and thereby determine for themselves whether the study provides sufficient evidence for a change in practice. While the presenters provide expertise in critical appraisal, everyone in attendance is themselves an expert in their practice and the applicibility of the science to their own scenario. Questions and discussions are encouraged but the level of participation is left up to the attendee. Some of the most valuable discussions held at previous BEEM courses have been participant driven.

Is any preparation required for attending the BEEM Course?

No, just register and show up.

Are there any course materials for the BEEM Course?

Attendees are provided with a manual containing abstracts and critical appraisals of all of the relevant clinical trials and synopses of systematic reviews from the previous 12 months as well as a glossary of definitions of evidence-based medicine terms and reference articles.

What sort of studies are included in the BEEM Course?

We've selected studies of the highest levels of evidence: systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. Below is brief list of some the studies published in 2004 that we have critically appraised and presented at previous events:

Sterile versus nonsterile gloves for repair of uncomplicated lacerations in the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial.
Three day versus five day treatment with amoxicillin for non-severe pneumonia in young children: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.
A comparison of buffered lidocaine versus ELA-Max before peripheral intravenous catheter insertions in children.
Successful use of the new high-dose mannitol treatment in patients with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 3 and bilateral abnormal pupillary widening: a randomized trial.
Dexamethasone for the treatment of sore throat in children with suspected infectious mononucleosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
Magnesium for acute stroke (Intravenous Magnesium Efficacy in Stroke trial): randomised controlled trial.
Doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroid to prevent asthma exacerbations: randomised controlled trial.
Optimal duration of antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in older women: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
Modified transthecal digital block versus traditional digital block for anesthesia of the finger.
Prehospital hypertonic saline resuscitation of patients with hypotension and severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial.

When is the next BEEM Course?

January 28-31, 2008 at SilverStar Mountain, British Columbia, Canada. We're planning on going back to Cozumel for SunBEEM in November, following up on our recent success there, and are currently following up on invitations to teach the BEEM course in 2008 in New Zealand and the Middle East...