ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The application of new information technologies will have a lasting impact on the physicians' working environment. Not only will classic learning methods change, but also ways of communication and strategies to find relevant information. This survey is designed to demonstrate current methods of and demand for continuing medical education and communication. METHODS: 110 participating physicians (26% female, 74% male) in nine different regional hospitals were asked regarding "continuing medical education", "communication" and "use of computerized technology". RESULTS: Most physicians regard their colleagues, scientific journals, textbooks and scientific meetings as most useful. The internet, scientific staff at research institutions and pharmaceutical representatives were valued as less useful. Physicians regarded scientific basis, speed and user-friendliness as the most important features of potential data and knowledge sources. Case specificity, German language and interactivity were viewed as less important. Most physicians expressed a growing need for education regarding use of e-mail as a communication tool and internet research techniques. CONCLUSION: Continuing medical education is in strong demand. The successful introduction of modern information technologies into physicians' daily work may and should be enhanced by specifically tailored training courses.
Subject(s)
Education, Medical, Continuing , Efficiency , Hospital Information Systems/statistics & numerical data , Information Storage and Retrieval/statistics & numerical data , Internet/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Attitude of Health Personnel , Computer Literacy , Diffusion of Innovation , Female , Germany , Hospitals, General , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: IV lysine acetylsalicylate (aspirin) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute migraine attacks, but little is known about its effectiveness and safety in patients hospitalized for management of severe headache, typically arising from abrupt withdrawal of other acute attack medications. METHODS: We present an audit of our use of IV aspirin in 168 patients in a tertiary referral setting. RESULTS: The findings demonstrate subjective approval of this medication by the patients and objective improvements in pain scores, a decrease of ≥3 points on a 10-point visual analog pain scale being seen on >25% occasions on which the medication was administered. Further, side effect rates were low (5.9%), with no serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: IV aspirin is safe, effective, and useful in the inpatient management of headache.