Milestones for medical students completing a clinical genetics elective.

PURPOSE: We are not aware of any competency-based evaluation method that is specifically designed for a genetics elective for medical students. Here, we aimed to create a milestone template to improve evaluation and to use the feedback from the template to improve the elective. METHODS: Through an iterative process using feedback from eight medical students and eight attendings, we crafted a milestone template for the medical student genetics rotation. A "scavenger hunt" of activities was developed to address several gaps discovered through this process. RESULTS: All participants felt that the milestone template was complete for the student level and that it improved evaluation. In response to faculty feedback, we modified the evaluation process such that several evaluators rated students in only selected domains. Scavenger hunt activities were designed to address five domains that the students reported to be inadequately covered. CONCLUSION: Developing a milestone template has taken us a step closer to meaningful assessment of students completing the genetics elective and simultaneously allowed us to strengthen the elective. Meaningful elective experiences in genetics that provide individual feedback within a learner-centered assessment of progress and flexible out-of-classroom activities may contribute to lifelong learning and interest in genetics and genomics.Genet Med 19 2, 236-239.

Overview: referrals for genetic evaluation from child psychiatrists.

A growing multitude of known genetic diagnoses can result in presentation to child psychiatry. For numerous reasons, it is important to identify a genetic etiology in child psychiatry patients when it is present. Genetic diagnoses can guide treatment and enable access to specialized clinics and appropriate screening measures. They can also allow for genetic counseling for the patient and family. A better understanding of etiology with a named diagnosis can itself be of great value to many patients and families; prognostic information can be empowering. Since patients with genetic conditions may present to psychiatric care in diverse ways, child psychiatrists must decide who to refer for genetic evaluation. Here we create a table to provide a framework of concerning/notable history and exam features that a practicing child psychiatrist may encounter that should prompt one to consider whether a larger, unifying genetic diagnosis is at hand. We hope this framework will facilitate referral of child psychiatry patients to genetics so that more patients can benefit from an appropriate diagnosis.

What patients with addiction disorders need from their primary care physicians: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Although strong relationships between primary care providers (PCPs) and patients with addictive disease are essential for care, these relationships are often strained. Providers frequently have negative attitudes about treating these patients, in part due to the practical and psychosocial challenges that come with addictive disease. Resulting hostility frequently causes avoidance of primary care by patients with potentially increased morbidity. However, gaining knowledge of patient perspectives on these relationships could improve physician attitudes toward patients with addictive disease and relatedly improve care. METHODS: The authors conducted 18 semistructured interviews of patients with current or prior debilitating addictive disease recruited from a primary care practice in East Baltimore. Interview transcripts were analyzed using editing analysis to reveal major themes. RESULTS: Participants elucidated several provider characteristics that were essential for successful relationships. Providers needed to be knowledgeable about addiction, feel responsible for treating these patients, emphasize overall health, and engage patients in their own care. Additionally, participants strongly desired providers who treated them as "people" that they cared about. Interestingly, interviewees also frequently cited patient characteristics that could affect the strength of patient-provider relationships. These included being concerned about their health, feeling deserving of care, and having appropriate psychiatric care for concomitant mental health conditions. Practical obstacles and a disorganized mindset impeded patient-provider relationships. CONCLUSIONS: The interpersonal dynamics of the patient-provider relationship are particularly important for patients with addictive disease, as this relationship may be one of the most stable and rewarding in their lives. Patients felt that greater understanding of the practical and psychosocial challenges of addiction enabled providers to more effectively address their health concerns and to be more caring and less judgmental. It is hoped that this work will contribute to providers' understanding of patients with addictions, thus allowing them to form stronger relationships and ultimately provide better care.