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1.
Transl Androl Urol ; 13(3): 406-413, 2024 Mar 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38590963

ABSTRACT

Background: Firearm injuries increased significantly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to describe our experience with patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center with gunshot-related trauma to the genitourinary (GU) tract before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patients sustaining gunshot-related trauma to the adrenals, kidneys, ureters, bladder, scrotum, testicles, penis, and urethra between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021 were identified from our institutional trauma database. Patient charts were queried to extract demographic information, management, and follow-up. Results: A total of 117 patients met inclusion criteria with 39 (33%) of GU injuries occurring pre-COVID, and 78 (67%) occurring during or post-COVID. Seventy-two (62%) presented with kidney injury. Patients injured in the pre-COVID period were more likely to participate in a follow-up visit by 2.17 times at 60 days (P=0.017), 1.98 times at 90 days (P=0.030), and 2.04 times at 1-year (P=0.014) than during COVID. Pre-COVID, 46% of patients were injured in the city's northwestern region and 54% from other areas, during COVID 24% of patients came from the northwestern region compared to 76% from other areas (P=0.029). Conclusions: Gunshot wounds (GSW) involving the GU tract increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with renal injury most frequent. Follow-up visits declined by around half during the pandemic, primarily at 60 days, 90 days, and 1 year post-injury. The number of patients admitted with urologic injuries pre-COVID versus during COVID was significantly different depending on the patient's area of residence. More work is needed to evaluate the outcomes of traumatic GU injuries due to GSW pre- and post-pandemic.

2.
Am Surg ; 90(5): 1050-1058, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38093402

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Firearm violence is an American public health crisis that negatively impacts children and disproportionately affects Black youth. Few firearm injury prevention programs have been described in pre-adolescent children. The Future Healers Program is a novel collaboration constructed via partnership between the medical school, trauma center, academic surgery department, and local non-profit community organization. Our study sought to evaluate if (1) partnering with community organizations facilitated recruitment of children with prior exposure to firearm violence and (2) the health care community was a potential trusted partner appropriate for program delivery. METHODS: Children aged 4-13 were recruited to join the program via news outlets and social media and in partnership with a local non-profit organization. Of the children and parents participating in the program, 48% (44/92) and 59% (38/64), respectively, completed an IRB-approved survey study. Pearson's chi-square, percentages, and 95% confidence intervals evaluated differences between children and caregivers on sociodemographic characteristics, firearm exposure (FE), firearm violence exposure (FVE), and perception of health care. Participant's residence was geocoded in relationship to incidents of firearm injury (2008-2021) in the same region. RESULTS: Caregivers (95%) and children (84%) reported substantial exposure to firearm violence and resided in areas with frequent firearm injury incidents. Notably, 82% of caregivers and 66% of children reported having a family member injured by gunfire. A high percentage of caregivers (79%) and children (91%) self-reported trust in the health care system. CONCLUSION: Partnerships between community organizations and health care systems can develop prevention programs that effectively recruit and engage pre-adolescent children impacted by firearm violence.


Subject(s)
Firearms , Wounds, Gunshot , Child , Humans , United States , Adolescent , Homicide , Pilot Projects , Feasibility Studies , Wounds, Gunshot/prevention & control
3.
Telemed Rep ; 4(1): 259-265, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37637377

ABSTRACT

Background: Telemedicine is a rising field, with continuous expansion into different realms of health care delivery. However, minimal research has been done to analyze the utilization in surgical specialties. This study aims to assess satisfaction and acceptance of postoperative telehealth care after uncomplicated general surgery cases. Methods: Patients who had undergone uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy or uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy were eligible to be enrolled in this study. Patients with gangrenous gallbladder, malignancy, operative complications, or appendix perforation were excluded. The experimental group underwent postoperative follow-up within a web-based platform (http://bluejeans.com), whereas the control group had an in-person clinic visit. Survey results containing satisfaction, comfort, and time usage were obtained. Likert scale 1-5 was utilized to quantify responses. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled into this prospective single intervention trial (20 experimental, 10 control). Ninety percent (n = 18) of the experimental group stated satisfaction with their visit, and 75% (n = 15) would suggest telemedicine usage to other physicians. Postoperative visit satisfaction was not statistically different between the experimental and control groups (4.2 vs. 4.5, p = 0.124). A higher percentage of the control group took >3 h for the visit than the telemedicine group (30% vs. 15%), with two individuals in the control group dedicating their full day to the visit, compared with zero individuals in the experimental group. Comfort with technology used during the visit was not statistically different between the telemedicine and in-person groups (4.35 vs. 4.5, p = 0.641). Conclusions: Telemedicine for postoperative evaluation on selective general surgery cases is feasible and provides adequate patient satisfaction and improved time utilization.

4.
Health Promot Pract ; : 15248399221136533, 2022 Dec 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36511091

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disproportionately impact communities of color and expose health inequities. Minoritized communities experience disparities in chronic diseases, premature death, and cancer, and gaps continue to widen; systemic injustice in housing, nutrition, and environment are major contributors. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial justice movement, students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine created Grow502 to speak truth to the challenges of health disparities in Louisville, Kentucky. The goal was to pursue a healthier community by raising awareness. Community leaders and health professionals provided expert consultation. This partnership led to the co-creation of a curriculum focused on education, advocacy, community engagement, and creative media. Grow502 sought to support communities impacted by injustices due to racism, limited health literacy, redlining, and limited green space by creating programming centered on education and empowerment. Effective strategies to reduce disparities involve creating interventions with authentic engagement and context. Grow502 involves community stakeholders as active partners. We continue to intentionally seek effective collaborations and interventions that merge our mission and our diverse communities impacted by health disparities.

5.
Fam Med ; 54(8): 640-643, 2022 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36098696

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The issue of declining empathy and increasing burnout among residents is of concern for most programs. Numerous studies have shown these changes in both medical students and residents. However, the sequence of empathy decline and increasing burnout is unresolved and most studies have been cross sectional. This paper reports an individually-paired longitudinal analysis intended to clarify the sequence of these changes. METHODS: Beginning in 2017, 35 family medicine residents across all 3 years of training at a rural program completed an established empathy survey and a previously-validated single burnout question at the start of each year and at the midpoint. First, the empathy score for each resident was aligned with the next following burnout measure, and then the reverse sequence was followed, with burnout aligned with the following empathy score. RESULTS: With 125 responses to 133 survey opportunities, we saw a 94% response rate. Empathy scores across residency years decreased slightly and then improved almost to baseline. However, the analysis of variance test for quadratic trend was not significant. The burnout measure increased significantly over the residency years (J-T Statistic=4.89, P<.001). The correlation of the empathy score changing first showed a nonsignificant correlation (Rs=-.150, P=.133). The Spearman's ρ of the burnout measure changing first was significant (Rs=-.300, P=.006). CONCLUSIONS: In this group of residents, changes in burnout occurred before changes in empathy. If further research supports this finding, residency programs could focus more on efforts to address burnout to mitigate decreases in empathy.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Internship and Residency , Cross-Sectional Studies , Empathy , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires
6.
Am J Lifestyle Med ; 16(3): 318-333, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35706594

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate medical trainees' and patients' perceptions of the utility of a whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet for chronic disease management. Methods: A cross-sectional study using two original survey tools was implemented. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from trainees and patients to evaluate perceived motivations and barriers to WFPB diet implementation. Results: Two hundred trainees and 52 patients responded to the surveys. Nearly half (48%) of patients were willing to try a WFPB diet, expressing a desire for additional information and help with its practical application. Over half (53%) of trainees were willing to recommend a WFPB diet to patients but expressed concern about its acceptability and feasibility. Patients perceived significantly more barriers related to personal enjoyment of animal products while trainees perceived more socioeconomic barriers. Conclusion: Poor diet has been identified as the United States' leading risk factor for mortality from chronic diseases. Plant-predominant diets, such as a WFPB diet, are associated with improved health outcomes and may be an acceptable solution for many patients. WFPB dietary modification could be pursued with a motivational interviewing approach that targets patients' individual goals. Medical providers should address their own assumptions regarding the dietary changes their patients are willing to make.

7.
Am J Lifestyle Med ; 16(3): 271-283, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35706597

ABSTRACT

Purpose. To evaluate medical students' and family medicine residents' perceptions of their current degree of nutrition training in general and regarding a whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet. Methods. An original survey instrument was administered to medical students and family medicine residents. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to evaluate perceptions of nutrition education in medical training, a WFPB diet, and ideas for nutrition-focused curricular reform. Results. Of the 668 trainees surveyed, 200 responded (response rate = 30%). Of these, 22% agreed that they received sufficient nutrition education in medical school and 41% agreed that a WFPB diet should be a focus. Respondents with personal experiences with a plant-based diet were more willing to recommend it to future patients. Common ideas for curricular reform were instruction on a WFPB diet along with other healthy dietary patterns, patient counseling, a dedicated nutrition course, and electives. Conclusions. Nutrition education in US medical training needs improvement to address the growing burden of obesity-related chronic disease. Proper nutrition and lifestyle modification should therefore play a larger role in the education of future physicians. A focus on plant-predominant diets, such as the WFPB diet, may be an acceptable and effective addition to current medical school curriculum, and deserves further study.

8.
Palliat Med Rep ; 2(1): 296-304, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34927155

ABSTRACT

Background: The interprofessional education exchange (iPEX) provides education, training, and mentoring to select interprofessional faculty trainee teams for development and implementation of interprofessional education (IPE) in palliative oncology. Objective: To evaluate the impact of the iPEX project on trainees' self-efficacy in IPE skills and IPE competencies. Design: A pre-/post-test design was used to evaluate trainees' progress. Trainees rated project components and developed IPE curricula in palliative oncology. Setting/Subjects: Sixteen United States-based faculty teams consisting of four to five members representing three or more disciplines completed the one-year faculty development project consisting of webinars, online interactive modules, a face-to-face workshop, mentoring, and assistance. The exchange of ideas, means for overcoming obstacles, collaborative teaching techniques, and curriculum development guidelines were integrated into the program. Measurements: Standardized measures of self-efficacy in IPE skills (Interprofessional Facilitation Skills Checklist) and IPE competencies (Core Competencies for Interprofessional Practice Individual Competency Assessment Tool) were used. Trainees rated the effectiveness of the project components on a scale of 1-5 (1 = not at all effective, 5 = extremely effective) and reported their plan for IPE palliative care curricula at their home institution. Results: Pre and post-paired samples t-test scores (n = 78) on both standardized instruments for IPE skills and competencies were significantly different (p < 0.001). Ratings of project components ranged from 3.97 to 4.90. Each team successfully developed a unique plan for IPE in palliative oncology. Conclusions: Multimodal faculty development and mentoring are successful means for improving self-assessed IPE skills and competencies.

9.
Transl Androl Urol ; 10(6): 2332-2339, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34295720

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Listening to preferred music can provide distraction and reduce the feeling of pain and negative emotions associated with an uncomfortable experience. Several studies have examined how music can reduce pain and anxiety related to urological procedures that are not typically performed under anesthesia, such as cystoscopy, cystoscopy with stent pull, and urodynamic studies. To our knowledge, no studies have been done to examine the effect of listening to preferred music generalized across a variety of these procedures. Therefore, we looked to combine multiple factors from prior studies to determine if listening to music of a patient's choice would decrease pain during various outpatient clinic urological procedures, and to examine differences between men and women. METHODS: This was a single investigator series randomized controlled trial with 91 subjects in an academic outpatient urology clinic. After applying exclusion criteria, eligible patients were randomized to a music group or non-music group via coin flip. Fifty-three patients were in the music group (16 men, 37 women) and 38 patients were in the non-music group (16 men, 22 women). Subjects in the music group selected a song to play during the procedure, which was stopped at the conclusion of the procedure. Pre- and post-procedure Visual Analog Pain Scale were completed by the subjects of each group and subsequently analyzed. Where appropriate either Pearson's Chi-Square or Independent-Sample t-test were used to compare the groups as well as randomized-repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: For men, pain scores worsened in both groups, however the music group experienced a statistically significant increase in pain (mean change =1.0, P=0.05), while the non-music group only clinically worsened (mean change =0.38, P=0.459). For women, the music group noticed an improvement in the pain score (mean change =-0.14, P=0.590), while the non-music group significantly worsened (mean change =1.14, P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Women who listened to music of their choosing experienced significant improvement in overall perceived pain compared to women who did not listen to music. Women may benefit from music as a novel tool to alleviate pain during outpatient clinic urological procedures.

11.
Teach Learn Med ; 33(1): 36-48, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32634054

ABSTRACT

THEORY: Impostor phenomenon (IP) is a widely recognized experience in which highly performing individuals do not internalize success. Self-doubt toward one's ability or intelligence is unexpectedly common. Prior research has associated IP with medical student perceptions, burnout, and demographic characteristics. However, understanding how student IP experiences are related to actual academic achievement could help medical schools better support student performance and resilience. Hypotheses: The purpose of this research was to examine whether there is a relationship between medical students' USMLE Step 1 scores and experiences of IP. Because medical students receive frequent, objective feedback on exam performance, we hypothesized that students with lower Step 1 scores would experience higher levels of IP. Methods: In 2019, all M1-M4 students at the University of Louisville were invited to complete Clance's (1985) Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), a previously validated, 20-item, Likert-style scoring instrument designed to reflect respondents' IP experience. We categorized subjects into one of four levels based on CIPS scoring guidelines. For students who had completed Step 1 at the time of the survey, we conducted a Welch's ANOVA test to identify relationships between a student's level of experienced IP and Step 1 scores. We also completed an item analysis comparing individual CIPS item responses with Step 1 performance. Results: Per the CIPS scoring guidelines, we categorized the 233 respondents as experiencing few (10.3%), moderate (47.6%), frequent (31.8%), or intense (10.3%) characteristics of IP. Nearly 90% of our sample experienced at least moderate levels of IP, with over 40% experiencing frequent or intense IP. There were no statistically significant differences among CIPS groups and mean Step 1 scores [F (3, 59.8) = 1.81, p = 0.155], and total/inter-quartile Step 1 score ranges broadly overlapped among all four IP experience levels. Within-item response patterns among high and low-scoring students also varied across individual CIPS items. Conclusions: The association between IP experience and Step 1 performance was nonlinear in our cross-sectional sample: the group having the most intense IP experiences did not have the lowest score rank on Step 1, nor did the group with the fewest IP characteristics make up our highest performing group. This, along with the broad dispersion of scores within each of the four IP levels, suggests that students' internalization of achievement and feelings of IP are not consistently aligned with their actual performance on this assessment. Response variation on individual CIPS items suggest that underlying factors may drive variation in IP and performance. These results highlight the need for additional work to identify the constructs of IP that influence medical students specifically so that medical education stakeholders may better understand IP's impact on other facets of medical school and implement the resources necessary to support individuals who experience IP.


Subject(s)
Academic Success , Educational Measurement/statistics & numerical data , Internal-External Control , Self Concept , Students, Medical/psychology , Achievement , Adult , Education, Medical, Undergraduate/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Male , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Students, Medical/statistics & numerical data
12.
Med Sci Educ ; 30(2): 719-726, 2020 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34457730

ABSTRACT

Medical students need to understand how culture and patient management relate in order to provide optimal care to a diverse society. Multiple studies call for more cultural training in medical education. Some studies show that well-intentioned cultural competency curriculum can reinforce stereotypes, yet it is essential for educators to discuss varying identities with our students in their training in order to avoid the implication that white is the default patient identity. Our study evaluates a pilot, novel approach for integrating cultural content into the biomedical sciences, specifically gross anatomy. Clinical vignette practice questions were developed as tools to help students expand their anatomical knowledge and cultural and socioeconomic awareness, taking special consideration to avoid stereotypical presentations. We evaluated class of 2021 students' self-reported cultural awareness and ability to utilize culturally relevant information through completion of a survey in fall 2017 (pre) and winter 2017 (post). The students were surveyed on their ability to recognize and/or integrate culturally relevant information. Twenty-one students (n = 21) participated. There was significant improvement in the overall cultural awareness score between the pre- and post-surveys (pre mean = 3.54, while post mean = 3.81; p = 0.016). The most dramatic domains that students became aware of included incorporating culturally relevant information into a treatment plan and communicating with sensitivity and respect when caring for patients. Culturally informed curriculum does not need to be limited to the humanities courses in medical education. Direct integration into biomedical sciences is a novel approach to help students gain exposure to biomedical and cultural content simultaneously.

13.
MedEdPORTAL ; 15: 10816, 2019 03 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31139735

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Before their clinical rotations, medical students have limited exposure to women's health issues, particularly abortion. Methods: We piloted a problem-based learning (PBL) module to introduce second-year medical students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine to counseling patients about pregnancy options. Students were divided into groups of 10 and met for two 2-hour sessions. In the first session, learners were presented with a case about a woman diagnosed with Zika virus who was considering pregnancy termination. Students discussed the case and developed learning objectives to research. One week later, students reconvened and shared what they had learned individually. Students were asked to complete pre- and post-PBL surveys. PBL facilitators also completed a survey evaluating the module. Results: Fifty-eight percent of students felt informed or very informed about abortion after the PBL, compared to 30% before (p < .001). Students' mean quiz score increased from 29% on the pretest to 40% on the posttest (p < .001). Ninety-three percent of facilitators believed this PBL provided students with tools to better counsel about abortion, but only 56% of faculty felt adequately trained to facilitate this discussion. Discussion: Students appreciated this PBL as an opportunity to discuss pregnancy options counseling and to clarify their own values surrounding abortion provision. Despite their positive response to the module, students identified barriers that would prevent them from implementing knowledge learned from this module in practice.


Subject(s)
Abortion, Induced , Counseling , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/diagnosis , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control , Problem-Based Learning , Students, Medical/statistics & numerical data , Zika Virus Infection/congenital , Curriculum , Education, Medical, Undergraduate , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Zika Virus/immunology
14.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 35(6): 991-998, 2019 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31025099

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to better understand pediatric Pseudotumor Cerebri syndrome, and its relationship to age, obesity, and other medical conditions; and to evaluate response to conventional treatments. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on consecutive patients who were diagnosed with PTCS between January 1, 2007, and July 31, 2014. A total of 78 patients were included in this study: 54 female (69.3%) and 24 male (30.7%). Variables including age, sex, body mass index, concomitant medical conditions, secondary causes, associated symptoms, physical exam findings, imaging results, recurrence of symptoms, and treatment modalities were analyzed. Patients were grouped into "pre-kindergarten," "elementary," and "adolescent" based on their age; and weight categories of underweight, normal weight, overweight, moderately, and severely obese. RESULTS: Mean age of symptom onset was 11.92 ± 4.09 years. Elementary and adolescent age patients were more likely to be overweight, moderately obese, and severely obese, while this finding was not found for patients in pre-kindergarten group. Headache (83.3%) and visual disturbances (48.7%) were the most common presenting complaints. Asthma (16.6%) was the most common associated concomitant medical condition. Medical management resulted in resolution in 84% of population, 15% required surgical interventions, and the recurrence rate was found to be 20.5%. There was a statistically significant trend in success with medical management in younger patients (p = 0.04), while medically refractory PTCS was seen in adolescent females. Recurrence of PTCS had a linear trend with increased occurrence in adolescent age group with higher BMI. Asthma was observed to be frequently associated with PTCS in our cohort. Obesity is strongly associated with PTCS, not only in the adolescent group but also in the younger elementary age group. Treatment remains similar to management in the adults with a good response (84%) to medical management and a low relapse rate.


Subject(s)
Pseudotumor Cerebri/epidemiology , Pseudotumor Cerebri/therapy , Adolescent , Asthma/epidemiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Comorbidity , Female , Humans , Male , Obesity/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors
15.
PM R ; 11(6): 657-660, 2019 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30729714

ABSTRACT

A sacral pedicle stress fracture is an uncommon source of low back pain in adolescent athletes. Given the extensive differential diagnosis of low back pain coupled with the fact that nondirected specific imaging can be normal, diagnosis can be delayed. We report the case of a 15-year-old African American male, dual-sport athlete who experienced low back pain from a sacral pedicle stress fracture. This case highlights the importance of a thorough history and physical examination in tandem with appropriate testing to identify predisposing factors to ultimately arrive at a diagnosis. A comprehensive, conservative treatment approach is described.


Subject(s)
Fractures, Stress/etiology , Leg Length Inequality/diagnosis , Low Back Pain/etiology , Spinal Fractures/etiology , Vitamin D/blood , Adolescent , Athletes , Epiphyses/injuries , Femoral Fractures/etiology , Fractures, Stress/physiopathology , Humans , Male , Medical History Taking , Physical Examination , Running/physiology , Sacrum/injuries , Sacrum/physiopathology , Spinal Fractures/physiopathology
16.
J Womens Health (Larchmt) ; 28(4): 515-525, 2019 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30620238

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Professional burnout is a growing problem among physicians. Neurology has been found to be one of the specialties with the highest prevalence for burnout. However, little is known about gender-specific risk factors. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the prevalence of burnout among a sample of women neurologists in the United States and (2) to identify predictive factors leading to burnout. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was distributed to 798 U.S. women neurologists through the closed Facebook group Women Neurologists Group. Burnout was assessed with the Mini-Z survey. Additional questions assessed current practice settings, family and childcare responsibilities, work-life balance, gender discrimination experiences, career satisfaction, and plans for career changes. RESULTS: The survey received 181 responses, yielding a 22.7% response rate. Most respondents were 1-10 years post-training and 35.4% indicated they felt neutral or dissatisfied toward their current job; 42.6% of respondents reported symptoms of burnout. Working in a high stress environment, lack of control over the work schedule, a higher number of hours at work, and self-reported gender discrimination were each independent predictive factors for burnout. Having more children was associated with decreased likelihood of becoming a physician again, and less than a third of respondents with three or more children indicated they would become a physician again. While 91.1% of respondents considered themselves effective with electronic health record use, 56.9% indicated insufficient time for documentation. CONCLUSIONS: Professional burnout and career dissatisfaction have high prevalence in women neurologists and threaten the future of the neurology workforce. There is an urgent need for interventions to alleviate stressors associated with burnout and measures to reduce gender discrimination.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Job Satisfaction , Neurologists/psychology , Adult , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Sex Factors , Sexism , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States/epidemiology , Work-Life Balance
17.
J Rural Health ; 35(1): 42-48, 2019 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28464267

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to determine what effect a rural-based 8-week surgical clerkship during the third year of medical school in a rural setting has on students' opinions about rural living and practice. METHODS: Thirty-three third-year medical students completed a rural health opinion survey at the beginning and end of their 8-week rural rotation and a survey measuring their interest in rural practice after the rotation. The setting was a rural hospital with an average acute care census of 100 that is a regional referral center for 5 rural counties. FINDINGS: Urban campus-based students had a statistically significant positive change in opinions about rural comfortable living, availability of quality services, community support, and medical resources. The urban campus-based students also showed a significantly increased interest in small town practice after the rotation. CONCLUSIONS: Our hypothesis that urban-based students would report an increased level of rural community support at the end of the rotation was confirmed. These urban-based students also reported positive opinions about rural living and practice. The students primarily based at the urban campus also showed a statistically significant more positive attitude toward pursuing a career in a small town after the 8-week experience. This suggests that brief rural immersion experiences may make the larger student pool at an urban campus available to address rural workforce challenges. Future studies at multiple rural sites with a larger sample size are needed to confirm this possibility.


Subject(s)
Clinical Clerkship/methods , Rural Health Services/trends , Students, Medical/psychology , Attitude of Health Personnel , Career Choice , Clinical Clerkship/trends , Education, Medical, Undergraduate/methods , Humans , Professional Practice Location/statistics & numerical data , Students, Medical/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires
18.
Congenit Heart Dis ; 13(5): 788-793, 2018 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30033580

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The 2016 American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) content outline is comprehensive, including more than 50 cardiology-specific objectives within eight content areas. This study complements the quantitative analysis of a Kentucky-wide survey of trainees, pediatricians, and pediatric cardiologists asking them to identify "most important" cardiology content by analyzing their open-ended comments about "what should be added" and "why?" within these eight categories. DESIGN, METHODS, OUTCOME MEASURES: This cross-sectional study used an original, online survey instrument based on the 2016 ABP cardiology-specific objectives. We began an initial analysis of the qualitative data using Pandit's version of Glaser and Strauss Grounded theory (constant comparison). However, upon finding an abundance of comments focused on Diagnosis, we proceeded with a secondary analysis that further categorized Diagnosis comments into three themes aligned with Bloom's taxonomy. Additional comments focused on Management and clustered into Emergent/Acute Care (Resuscitation); Short-term Care (Inpatient); and Longitudinal Care (Outpatient). RESULTS: Of the 136 respondents, 23 (17%) were residents, 15 (11%) fellows, 85 (62%) pediatricians, and 13 (10%) pediatric cardiologists with 80% of attendings having faculty/gratis faculty status. The open-ended questions "what needs to be added" and "why" generated 93 comments; 60 of which focused on Diagnosis; further classified as Recognize (16), Differentiate (12), and Evaluate (32). Management comments were related to acuity and care setting, grouped as Emergent/Acute Care (Resuscitation) [10]; Short-term Care (Inpatient) [6]; and Longitudinal Care (Outpatient) [17]. CONCLUSIONS: The 93 comments analyzed for this article showed a distinct preference for all respondents, trainees, pediatricians, and cardiologists alike, to value the addition of diagnostic skills with emphasis in the "evaluate" skill set as important cardiology curricular content beyond that included in the 2016 ABP cardiology-specific objectives. Responses could be used to provide practical guidance for curriculum design and reform.


Subject(s)
Cardiology/education , Curriculum , Education, Medical, Graduate/methods , Pediatrics/education , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Kentucky , Surveys and Questionnaires
19.
PM R ; 10(11): 1164-1172, 2018 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29783067

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Functional movement disorders (FMDs) are conditions of abnormal motor control thought to be caused by psychological factors. These disorders are commonly seen in neurologic practice, and prognosis is often poor. No consensus treatment guidelines have been established; however, the role of physical therapy in addition to psychotherapy has increasingly been recognized. This study reports patient outcomes from a multidisciplinary FMD treatment program using motor retraining (MoRe) strategies. OBJECTIVE: To assess outcomes of FMD patients undergoing a multidisciplinary treatment program and determine factors predictive of treatment success. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: University-affiliated rehabilitation institute. PATIENTS: Thirty-two consecutive FMD patients admitted to the MoRe program from July 2014-July 2016. INTERVENTION: Patients participated in a 1-week, multidisciplinary inpatient treatment program with daily physical, occupational, speech therapy, and psychotherapy interventions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome measures were changes in the patient-rated Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) and the physician-rated Psychogenic Movement Disorder Rating Scale (PMDRS) based on review of standardized patient videos. Measurements were taken as part of the clinical evaluation of the program. RESULTS: Twenty-four of the 32 patients were female with a mean age of 49.1 (±14.2) years and mean symptom duration of 7.4 (±10.8) years. Most common movement phenomenologies were abnormal gait (31.2%), hyperkinetic movements (31.2%), and dystonia (31.2%). At discharge, 86.7% of patients reported symptom improvement on the CGI, and self-reported improvement was maintained in 69.2% at the 6-month follow-up. PMDRS scores improved by 59.1% from baseline to discharge. Longer duration of symptoms, history of abuse, and comorbid psychiatric disorders were not significant predictors of treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of FMD patients experienced improvement from a 1-week multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation program. Treatment outcomes were not negatively correlated with longer disease duration or psychiatric comorbidities. The results from our study are encouraging, although further long-term prospective randomized studies are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.


Subject(s)
Motor Activity/physiology , Movement Disorders/rehabilitation , Occupational Therapy , Physical Therapy Modalities , Psychotherapy , Speech Therapy , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Movement Disorders/physiopathology , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome
20.
Congenit Heart Dis ; 13(1): 147-153, 2018 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29181874

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Although pediatrician-reported relevance of Canadian cardiology-specific objectives has been studied, similar data are not available for the 2016 American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) cardiology-specific objectives. This study asked Kentucky trainees, pediatricians, and pediatric cardiologists to identify "most important" content within these objectives. DESIGN, METHODS, OUTCOME MEASURES: This cross-sectional study used an original, online survey instrument based on the 2016 ABP cardiology-specific objectives. We collected quantitative data (numerical indications of importance) and qualitative data (open-ended replies regarding missing content and difficulty in teaching and learning). Respondents indicated the top two choices of most important items within eight content areas. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and chi-square analysis were calculated. Content within categories was organized using naturally occurring "clusters" and "gaps" in scores. Common themes among open-ended qualitative responses were identified using Pandit's version of Glaser and Strauss Grounded theory (constant comparison). RESULTS: Of the 136 respondents, 23 (17%) were residents, 15 (11%) fellows, 85 (62%) pediatricians, and 13 (10%) pediatric cardiologists. Of attendings, 80% reported faculty/gratis faculty status. Naturally occurring clusters in respondent-designated importance resulted in ≤3 "most selected" objectives per content area. Objectives in "most selected" content pertained to initial diagnosis (recognition of abnormality/disease) (n = 16), possible emergent/urgent intervention required (n = 14), building a differential (n = 8), and planning a workup (n = 4). Conversely, themes for "least selected" content included comanagement with subspecialist (n = 15), knowledge useful in patient-family communication (n = 9), knowledge that can be referenced (as needed) (n = 7), and longitudinal/follow-up concerns (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the utility of an online survey methodology to identify pediatric cardiology content perceived most important. Learners and faculty generally provided concordant responses regarding most important content within the cardiology-specific ABP objectives. Medical educators could apply this methodology to inform curriculum revision.


Subject(s)
Cardiology/education , Curriculum , Education, Medical, Graduate/organization & administration , Heart Diseases , Pediatrics/education , Surveys and Questionnaires/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Kentucky , Male
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