. 2017 Dec 9;4(1):4–12. doi: 10.1136/bmjstel-2017-000221

Table 5.

Features of the local anaesthetic toxicity cognitive aids tested that were identified as beneficial and detrimental

Beneficial features	Detrimental features
A single stream flowchart structure A single-sided page with large-font design Use of simplified instructions, for example, a single command like ‘bolus 120 mL over 1 min’ Use of colour for contrast and to focus attention Use of black text on white background for maximum contrast and clarity Limiting information to that required during the crisis Absolute doses by weight and avoidance of need to perform calculations	Text dense aids Instructions containing multiple commands at each step Multiple streams in a flowchart (ie, need to go left to right AND top to bottom) Two-sided presentation Excessive use of red font Need for user to perform any calculations (regardless of how simple the calculations might be) Inclusion of information not relevant to treatment of the crisis

Beneficial features

Detrimental features

A single stream flowchart structure
A single-sided page with large-font design
Use of simplified instructions, for example, a single command like ‘bolus 120 mL over 1 min’
Use of colour for contrast and to focus attention
Use of black text on white background for maximum contrast and clarity
Limiting information to that required during the crisis
Absolute doses by weight and avoidance of need to perform calculations

Text dense aids
Instructions containing multiple commands at each step
Multiple streams in a flowchart (ie, need to go left to right AND top to bottom)
Two-sided presentation
Excessive use of red font
Need for user to perform any calculations
(regardless of how simple the calculations might be)
Inclusion of information not relevant to treatment of the crisis