In this episode of clinical conversations, Dr Kat Ralston chats with consultant toxicologist Dr Emma Morrison about poisoning in the older adult.

They explore why we need to think differently about deliberate self-harm in the older adult and talk through common toxicology cases, including decision-making around escalation. Finally, they consider a common sense approach to what we can do differently as clinicians to reduce the risk of self-harm and suicide in this patient group.

Dr Morrison trained in medicine at the University of Glasgow, with an intercalated BSc in Physiology. She also completed a PhD investigating to role of short RNAs as biomarkers and mediators in toxic injury. In 2020, Emma become a Consultant Physician at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Emma’s NHS work continues to support her passion of ensuring transparent and equitable decision making in prescribing, supporting the central tenets of value-based medicine. Her roles within medicines governance include Chairing Lothian’s Area Drug and Therapeutics Committee and is a committee member of the SMC.

Dr Kat Ralston is a geriatric medicine registrar in Edinburgh. She is also the Education Co-Vice Chair and the joint Podcast Lead for the RCPE Trainee & Members' Committee (T&MC).

--Useful Link--

TOXBASE - https://www.toxbase.org/

Recording date: 19 December 2024

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