Donuts et al was established as a regional paediatric journal club in 2020 following recognition of a need for improved knowledge of critical appraisal and evidenced based medicine amongst paediatric trainees. 

Initially led by Colin Higgins the committee has grown to include Shaun O’Hagan, Fiona Wallace and myself, Jenna Johnston. Following Colin’s departure to pursue GRID training, I now lead the committee. 

The monthly journal club is hosted through the online platform Zoom. At present it runs on the second Wednesday of each month. A hosting team is identified in the weeks prior to the meeting and rotates through all Health and Social Care Trusts. The team consists of a presenting SHO and Registrar along with a  Consultant who facilitates the meeting. The choice of paper is at the discretion of the hosting team with the hope that it will be interesting and relevant to all. So far, we have covered a wide range of clinical topics and recently, we have welcomed the addition of regular statistics teaching from Professor Shields. 

Donuts et al has been found to have improved critical appraisal skills and impacted positively upon the clinical practice of those attending.

Keep up to date with us on twitter @nipaedsjournal.