Symptoms from the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index and clinical factors associated with delayed gastric emptying in patients with suspected gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND: The association between upper gastrointestinal symptoms and delayed gastric emptying (GE) shows conflicting results. This study aimed to assess whether the symptoms of the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) and/or the scores were associated with the result of GE tests and whether they could predict delayed GE. METHODS: Patients referred for suspected gastroparesis (GP) were included in a prospective database. Demographical data, medical history, and symptoms of the GCSI score were collected for each patient. A GE scintigraphy was then performed with a 4-hour recording. Delayed GE was defined as a retention rate ≥ 10% at 4 h. RESULTS: Among 243 patients included in this study, 110 patients (45%) had delayed GE. The mean age (49.9 vs. 41.3 years; p < 0.001) and weight loss (9.4 kg vs. 5.6 kg; p = 0.025) were significantly higher in patients with delayed GE. Patients with diabetes or a history of surgery had a higher prevalence of delayed GE (60% and 78%, respectively) than patients without comorbidity (17%; p < 0.001). The GCSI score was higher in patients with delayed GE (3.06 vs. 2.80; p = 0.045), but no threshold was clinically relevant to discriminate between patients with normal and delayed GE. Only vomiting severity was significantly higher in patients with delayed GE (2.19 vs. 1.57; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: GE testing should be considered when there are symptoms such as a higher weight loss, comorbidities (diabetes, and history of surgery associated with GP), and the presence of vomiting. Other symptoms and the GCSI score are not useful in predicting delayed GE.

Intracerebroventricular administration of TRH Agonist, RX-77368 alleviates visceral pain induced by colorectal distension in rats.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) acts centrally to exert pleiotropic actions independently from its endocrine function, including antinociceptive effects against somatic pain in rodents. Whether exogenous or endogenous activation of TRH signaling in the brain modulates visceral pain is unknown. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received an intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of the stable TRH analog, RX-77368 (10, 30 and 100 ng/rat) or saline (5 µl) or were semi-restrained and exposed to cold (4°C) for 45 min. The visceromotor response (VMR) to graded phasic colorectal distensions (CRD) was monitored using non-invasive intracolonic pressure manometry. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously 10 min before ICV RX-77368 or saline. Fecal pellet output was monitored for 1 h after ICV injection. RX-77368 ICV (10, 30 and 100 ng/rat) reduced significantly the VMR by 56.7%, 67.1% and 81.1% at 40 mmHg and by 30.3%, 58.9% and 87.4% at 60 mmHg respectively vs ICV saline. Naloxone reduced RX-77368 (30 and 100 ng, ICV) analgesic response by 51% and 28% at 40 mmHg and by 30% and 33% at 60 mmHg respectively, but had no effect per se. The visceral analgesia was mimicked by the acute exposure to cold. At the doses of 30 and 100 ng, ICV RX-77368 induced defecation within 30 min. These data established the antinociceptive action of RX-77368 injected ICV in a model of visceral pain induced by colonic distension through recruitment of both opioid and non-opioid dependent mechanisms.

Endoscopic Follow-Up Between 3 and 7 Years After Sleeve Gastrectomy Reveals Antral Reactive Gastropathy but no Barrett's Esophagus.

BACKGROUND: The main concerns following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) include the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its complications, such as Barrett's esophagus (BE). However, there is conflicting data on esophageal conditions, and studies on alterations of gastric mucosa after SG are lacking, despite reported cases of gastric cancer. Our aim was to assess esophageal and gastric lesions after SG. METHODS: From November 2017, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) was proposed at least 3 years after SG to all patients operated on in our institution. Endoscopic results and gastric histological findings were analyzed. BE was defined as endoscopically suspected esophageal metaplasia with histological intestinal metaplasia. RESULTS: Between September 2008 and August 2018, 375 patients underwent SG at our institution, of which 162 (43%) underwent at least one UGE 3 years or more after SG (91% women, mean preoperative age: 43.3±10.3 years). Despite a significant increase in the prevalence of symptomatic GERD, hiatal hernia, and esophagitis after SG (p<0.001 vs. preoperatively), no cases of BE were detected. Gastric dysplasia was not found and the prevalence of gastric atrophy tended to decrease after SG. However, 27% of patients with gastric biopsies developed antral reactive gastropathy. CONCLUSIONS: At a mean follow-up of 54 months after SG, no BE or gastric dysplasia was identified. However, reactive gastric lesions appeared, and their long-term consequences need to be further clarified. Thus, the timing of endoscopic follow-up, starting as early as 3 years after SG should be reevaluated to improve patient adherence with long-term endoscopies.

Interferential therapy for chronic constipation in adults: The CON-COUR randomizedcontrolled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation (CC) is a frequent condition, and the first-line treatment includes dietary rules, the use of laxatives, and biofeedback for evacuation disorders. However, almost half of the patients are dissatisfied with their current treatment. We report the first double-blind randomized multicenter trial assessing the effectiveness of transabdominal electrical stimulation by interferential therapy (IFT) in the treatment of CC in adults. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 trial was conducted at 7 centers in France. The primary endpoint was 8-week efficacy as defined by the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements during the last 4 weeks of the 8-week stimulation period. Secondary endpoints included the evaluation of the effects of IFT on symptoms (Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms questionnair (PAC-SYM)), quality of life (QOL) (Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life), Colonic transit time (CTT), anorectal manometry, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The proportion of 8-week responders was not significantly different between the two groups (73.2% in the IFT group vs. 67.1% in the sham group). After 8 weeks of stimulation, the mean overall PAC-SYM score and the mean reduction in the overall PAC-SYM score were significantly greater in the IFT group than in the sham group. No differences were observed concerning CTT, anorectal manometry, or patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Although the primary endpoint was not reached, IFT can significantly alleviate the symptoms and improve the QOL of CC patients. It can be assumed that new treatments require different modes of evaluation and that the assessment of patient-reported outcomes may become a priority among therapeutic targets of CC. Trial registration number NCT02381665.

No Long-Term Mucosal Lesions in the Esophagus but More Gastric Mucosal Lesions after Sleeve Gastrectomy in Obese Rats.

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) often induces gastroesophageal reflux, with few and discordant long-term data on the risk of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in operated patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of SG on esogastric mucosa in a rat model at 24 weeks postoperatively, which corresponds to approximately 18 years in humans. After 3 months of a high-fat diet, obese male Wistar rats were subjected to SG (n = 7) or sham surgery (n = 9). Esophageal and gastric bile acid (BA) concentrations were measured at sacrifice, at 24 weeks postoperatively. Esophageal and gastric tissues were analyzed by routine histology. The esophageal mucosa of the SG rats (n = 6) was not significantly different in comparison to that of the sham rats (n = 8), with no esophagitis or BE. However, there was more antral and fundic foveolar hyperplasia in the mucosa of the residual stomach 24 weeks after SG than in the sham group (p < 0.001). Luminal esogastric BA concentrations did not differ between the two groups. In our study, SG induced gastric foveolar hyperplasia but no esophageal lesions at 24 weeks postoperatively in obese rats. Therefore, long-term endoscopic esophageal follow-up that is recommended in humans after SG to detect BE may also be useful for detecting gastric lesions.

Review article: diagnostic and therapeutic approach to persistent abdominal pain beyond irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Persistent abdominal pain (PAP) poses substantial challenges to patients, physicians and healthcare systems. The possible aetiologies of PAP vary widely across organ systems, which leads to extensive and repetitive diagnostic testing that often fails to provide satisfactory answers. As a result, widely recognised functional disorders of the gut-brain interaction, such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, are often diagnosed in patients with PAP. However, there are a number of less well-known differential diagnoses that deserve consideration. AIM: To provide a comprehensive update on causes of PAP that are relatively rare in occurrence. METHODS: A literature review on the diagnosis and management of some less well-known causes of PAP. RESULTS: Specific algorithms for the diagnostic work-up of PAP do not exist. Instead, appropriate investigations tailored to patient medical history and physical examination findings should be made on a case-by-case basis. After a definitive diagnosis has been reached, some causes of PAP can be effectively treated using established approaches. Other causes are more complex and may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, pain specialists, psychologists and physiotherapists. This list is inclusive but not exhaustive of all the rare or less well-known diseases potentially associated with PAP. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent abdominal pain (PAP) is a challenging condition to diagnose and treat. Many patients undergo repeated diagnostic testing and treatment, including surgery, without achieving symptom relief. Increasing physician awareness of the various causes of PAP, especially of rare diseases that are less well known, may improve patient outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic pyloric balloon dilation in patients with refractory gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There has been interest in the use of pyloric therapies for the treatment of refractory gastroparesis. However, data on endoscopic pyloric dilation are scarce. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of this procedure in refractory gastroparesis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 47 patients referred for refractory gastroparesis, confirmed by gastric emptying scintigraphy, and treated with endoscopic pyloric through-the-scope balloon dilation. The primary endpoint was the effectiveness of the procedure, evaluated with the Gastric Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) at 2 and 6 months. RESULTS: A clinical response, defined by a 1.0 point decrease in the GCSI score, was observed in 25 patients at 2 months (53%) and in 19 patients at 6 months (40%). The mean GCSI score decreased significantly at 2 and 6 months compared to the preoperative score (3.9 ± 0.87 vs 2.3 ± 1.37 and 3.9 ± 0.87 vs 2.9 ± 1.27, respectively; p < 0.0001). No complication was observed. Nine patients had a delayed relapse at 1 year. A second dilation was performed for eight patients and it was effective in five of them (63%). The mean follow-up time of the patients was 27.0 ± 10.4 months. At 2 years, 15 patients still experienced improvement following this treatment (32%). No predictive factor of clinical response was identified. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of pyloric dilation is 53% at 2 months, with sustained improvement in one third of patients at 2 years. This treatment should be considered as an alternative option to pyloromyotomy.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass as a salvage solution for severe and refractory gastroparesis in malnourished patients.

BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis (GP) is a rare condition for which several symptomatic treatments are available, but they may fail, leading to a discussion of gastrectomy. Few studies have described gastric-preserving surgery, particularly in malnourished patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the treatment of severe refractory GP with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). SETTING: A university center. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of adult patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB. Severity and frequency of GP symptoms were compared before and 1 year after surgery using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) score (0-5), the vomiting (VM) score (0-4), and the visual analog scale (VAS) for abdominal pain. RESULTS: Of the 9 patients with refractory GP, 7 were malnourished and 2 had obesity. There were no postoperative deaths. One patient was operated on for internal hernia without bowel necrosis. The mean GCSI score decreased significantly from 3.6 (range: 1-5) preoperatively to 2.1 (range: .3-4.4) postoperatively (P = .0019). The mean VM score improved significantly after surgery, from .22 (range: 0-1 units) preoperatively to 2.55 (range: 1-4) postoperatively (P = .007). The mean VAS score also decreased significantly from 7.0 (range: 5-9) preoperatively to 2.44 (range: 0-7) postoperatively (P = .0015). A nonsignificant weight and albumin change was observed at 1 year postoperatively, with a tendency for weight regain in malnourished patients. CONCLUSION: In malnourished patients with severe and refractory GP, this study suggests the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of RYGB for the treatment of vomiting and abdominal pain.

Impact of Gastric Electrical Stimulation on Economic Burden of Refractory Vomiting: A French Nationwide Multicentre Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Medico-economic data of patients suffering from chronic nausea and vomiting are lacking. In these patients, gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is an effective, but costly treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety and medico-economic impact of Enterra therapy in patients with chronic medically refractory nausea and vomiting. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively from patients with medically refractory nausea and/or vomiting, implanted with an Enterra device and followed for two years. Gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) score, vomiting frequency, nutritional status and safety were evaluated. Direct and indirect expenditure data were prospectively collected in diaries. RESULTS: Complete clinical data were available for142 patients (60 diabetic, 82 non-diabetic) and medico-economic data were available for 96 patients (36 diabetic, 60 non-diabetic), 24 months after implantation. GIQLI score increased by 12.1 ± 25.0 points (p < .001), with a more significant improvement in non-diabetic than in diabetic patients (+15.8 ± 25.0 points, p < .001 versus 7.3 ± 24.5 points, p = .027, respectively). The proportion of patients vomiting less than once per month increased by 25.5% (p < .001). Hospitalisations, time off work and transport were the main sources of costs. Enterra therapy decreased mean overall healthcare costs from 8873 US$ to 5525 US$ /patient/year (p = .001), representing a saving of 3348 US$ per patient and per year. Savings were greater for diabetic patients (4096 US$ /patient/year) than for non-diabetic patients (2900 US$ /patient/year). CONCLUSIONS: Enterra therapy is an effective, safe and cost-effective option for patients with refractory nausea and vomiting. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT00903799.

Circulating bile acids concentration is predictive of coronary artery disease in human.

Synthetized by the liver and metabolized by the gut microbiota, BA are involved in metabolic liver diseases that are associated with cardiovascular disorders. Animal models of atheroma documented a powerful anti-atherosclerotic effect of bile acids (BA). This prospective study examined whether variations in circulating BA are predictive of coronary artery disease (CAD) in human. Consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled. Circulating and fecal BA were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Of 406 screened patients, 80 were prospectively included and divided in two groups with (n = 45) and without (n = 35) CAD. The mean serum concentration of total BA was twice lower in patients with, versus without CAD (P = 0.005). Adjusted for gender and age, this decrease was an independent predictor of CAD. In a subgroup of 17 patients, statin therapy doubled the serum BA concentration. Decreased serum concentrations of BA were predictors of CAD in humans. A subgroup analysis showed a possible correction by statins. With respect to the anti-atherosclerotic effect of BA in animal models, and their role in human lipid metabolism, this study describe a new metabolic disturbance associated to CAD in human.

Do Preoperative Esophageal pH Monitoring and High-Resolution Manometry Predict Symptoms of GERD After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

BACKGROUND: Predictive factors of evolution or appearance of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) have not been identified to date. We aimed to assess the evolution of GERD symptoms 1 year after SG and to determine preoperative predictive factors using high-resolution manometry (HRM) and ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH monitoring (APM). METHODS: We included 160 patients who underwent SG between 2013 and 2017 and performed preoperative APM and HRM. Positive APM was defined according to the Lyon consensus. Symptoms of GERD, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) use, weight loss (WL), and diet were recorded in all patients before and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: One year after surgery, 58 patients (36.3%) complained of GERD symptoms compared to 52 patients (32.5%) preoperatively (p=0.48). Among patients with preoperative GERD symptoms, only 26/52 patients (50%) still had symptoms, whereas 32/108 (29.6%) asymptomatic patients developed de novo GERD symptoms after surgery. PPI use increased after surgery reaching 36.9% of patients against 15.0% before (p<0.0001). Only preoperative symptoms of GERD were predictive of postoperative symptoms (OR= 2.47 [1.14-5.45]; p=0.023) in multivariate analysis. Preoperative manometric parameters, postoperative diet, and WL were not related to postoperative symptoms. In asymptomatic patients before surgery, silent GERD (positive APM without symptom) was predictive of postoperative GERD symptoms (OR=2.69 [1.00-7.25]; p=0.049). CONCLUSION: Evolution of GERD symptoms after SG reveals improvement for half of the patients and de novo GERD symptoms in one-third of patients. Predictive factors of postoperative symptoms are preoperative symptoms and positive preoperative APM in asymptomatic patients.

Are bedside colonoscopies performed in intensive care unit really useful?

PURPOSE: Effectiveness of bedside Colonoscopies in Intensive Care Unit (CICU) might be limited by the poor quality of colonic preparation, and their feasibility. We sought to describe the indications and the profitability of CICU. METHODS: Retrospective, bicenter observational study (2004-2015) in unselected critically ill patients. We questioned the clinical profitability of CICU, according to its indications and preparation. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven CICU were performed in 84 patients (sex ratio 1.4, 49 M/35F; age 72.9 years [61.7-84.7]), for lower gastro-intestinal bleeding in 67 patients (LGIB, 60.3%) and for other causes in 44 (39.6%). The profitability was more frequent when CICU was performed for another reason than LGIB (75% vs 28.3%; p < 0.0001). Preparation was good in 47 procedures (42.3%) and allowed 33 complete CICU (29.7%). Fifty-six CICU (50.4%) were performed as a 2nd investigation after a contrast enhanced computed tomography. Three CICU were complicated by 3 hemodynamic and 2 respiratory failures, but none of them were fatal. CONCLUSIONS: CICU is clinically useful in half of cases, in the diagnostic and the therapeutic management of critically ill patients. Its profitability is close to scheduled colonoscopies and superior in non-lower gastro-intestinal bleeding indications.

The pathophysiology of bile acid diarrhoea: differences in the colonic microbiome, metabolome and bile acids.

Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is a common disorder resulting from increased loss of bile acids (BAs), overlapping irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D). The gut microbiota metabolises primary BAs to secondary BAs, with differing impacts on metabolism and homeostasis. The aim of this study was to profile the microbiome, metabolic products and bile acids in BAD. Patients with BAD diagnosed by SeHCAT testing, were compared with other IBS-D patients, and healthy controls. Faecal 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis was undertaken. Faecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured. BAs were quantified in serum and faeces. Faecal bacterial diversity was significantly reduced in patients with BAD. Several taxa were enriched compared to IBS-D. SCFA amounts differed in BAD, controls and IBS-D, with significantly more propionate in BAD. Separation of VOC profiles was evident, but the greatest discrimination was between IBS-D and controls. Unconjugated and primary BA in serum and faeces were significantly higher in BAD. The faecal percentage primary BA was inversely related to SeHCAT. BAD produces dysbiosis, with metabolite differences, including VOC, SCFA and primary BAs when compared to IBS-D. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the pathophysiology of BAD.

Jackhammer esophagus: Clinical presentation, manometric diagnosis, and therapeutic results-Results from a multicenter French cohort.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Jackhammer esophagus (JE) is a hypercontractile esophageal motor disorder defined by at least two swallows with a distal contractile integral (DCI) >8000 mm Hg.s.cm during high-resolution manometry (HRM). The relationship between symptoms and hypercontractility and the response to therapies have been poorly evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical presentation, manometric diagnosis, and therapeutic results in a large cohort of JE patients. METHODS: Patients with JE diagnosed among the HRM tests performed in nine academic French centers from 01/01/2010 to 08/31/2016 were included. Patient charts were reviewed to collect clinical and therapeutic data. RESULTS: Among the 16 264 HRM tests performed during this period, 227 patients (60.8 ± 13.8 years, 151 male) had JE (1.7%). Dysphagia was the most frequent symptom (74.6%), followed by regurgitation (37.1%) and chest pain (36.6%); 4.7% of the patients were asymptomatic. The diagnostic workup was heterogeneous, and only a minority of patients had esophageal biopsies. None of the individual symptoms were significantly associated with any of the manometric parameters defined, except for dysphagia, which was significantly associated with the mean of all DCIs >8000 mm Hg.s.cm (P = .04). Additionally, the number of symptoms was not associated with any manometric parameter. Medical treatment and endoscopic treatments had poor efficacy and a high relapse rate. CONCLUSION: Jackhammer esophagus is a rare motility disorder. Diagnostic workup is heterogeneous and should be standardized. Symptoms are poorly associated with manometric parameters. The medical treatments and endoscopic therapies currently used are inefficient.

Long-term consequences of one anastomosis gastric bypass on esogastric mucosa in a preclinical rat model.

Although bariatric surgery is proven to sustain weight loss in morbidly obese patients, long-term adverse effects have yet to be fully characterized. This study compared the long-term consequences of two common forms of bariatric surgery: one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) in a preclinical rat model. We evaluated the influence of biliopancreatic limb (BPL) length, malabsorption, and bile acid (BA) reflux on esogastric mucosa. After 30 weeks of follow-up, Wistar rats operated on RYGB, OAGB with a short BPL (15 cm, OAGB-15), or a long BPL (35 cm, OAGB-35), and unoperated rats exhibit no cases of esogastric cancer, metaplasia, dysplasia, or Barrett's esophagus. Compared to RYGB, OAGB-35 rats presented higher rate of esophagitis, fundic gastritis and perianastomotic foveolar hyperplasia. OAGB-35 rats also revealed the greatest weight loss and malabsorption. On the contrary, BA concentrations were the highest in the residual gastric pouch of OAGB-15 rats. Yet, no association could be established between the esogastric lesions and malabsorption, weight loss, or gastric bile acid concentrations. In conclusion, RYGB results in a better long-term outcome than OAGB, as chronic signs of biliary reflux or reactional gastritis were reported post-OAGB even after reducing the BPL length in a preclinical rat model.

Daily medical education for confined students during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A simple videoconference solution.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection has recently spread globally and is now a pandemic. As a result, university hospitals have had to take unprecedented measures of containment, including asking nonessential staff to stay at home. Medical students practicing in the surgical departments find themselves idle, as nonurgent surgical activity has been canceled, until further notice. Likewise, universities are closed and medical training for students is likely to suffer if teachers do not implement urgent measures to provide continuing education. Thus, we sought to set up a daily medical education procedure for surgical students confined to their homes. We report a simple and free teaching method intended to compensate for the disappearance of daily lessons performed in the surgery department using the Google Hangouts application. This video conference method can be applied to clinical as well as anatomy lessons.

Disruption of Circadian Rhythms and Gut Motility: An Overview of Underlying Mechanisms and Associated Pathologies.

Circadian rhythms ensure that physiological processes occur at the most biologically meaningful time. The circadian timing in the gastrointestinal tract involves interlocking transcriptional and translational feedback loops that culminate in the rhythmic expression and activity of a set of clock genes and related hormones. The suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral core molecular clocks oscillate every 24 hours and are responsible for the periodic activity of various segments and transit along the gastrointestinal tract. Environmental cues may alter or reset these rhythms to align them with new circumstances. Colonic motility also follows a circadian rhythm with reduced nocturnal activity. Healthy humans have normal bowel motility during the day, frequently following awakening or following a meal, with minimal activity during the night. Maladjusted circadian rhythms in the bowel have been linked to digestive pathologies, including constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Our advanced knowledge of the link between the circadian clock and gastrointestinal physiology provides potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. This review seeks to establish evidence for the correlation between circadian rhythm, bowel movements and digestive health, and examine the implications of disrupted circadian rhythms on gut physiology.

Standardized Patients or Conventional Lecture for Teaching Communication Skills to Undergraduate Medical Students: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The conduct of a medical interview is a challenging skill, even for the most qualified physicians. Since a training is needed to acquire the necessary skills to conduct an interview with a patient, we compared role-play with standardized patients (SP) training and a conventional lecture for the acquisition of communications skills in undergraduate medical students. METHODS: An entire promotion of third year undergraduate medical students, who never received any lessons about communications skills, were randomized into 4 arms: 1) SP 2 months before the testing of medical communications skills (SP); 2) conventional lecture 2 months before the testing (CL); 3) two control groups (CG) without any intervention, tested either at the beginning of the study or two months later. Students were blindly assessed by trained physicians with a modified 17-items Calgary-Cambridge scale. RESULTS: 388 students (98.7%) participated. SP performed better than CL, with significant statistical differences regarding 5 skills: the use of open and closed questions, encouraging patient responses, inviting the patient to clarify the missing items, encouraging of the patient's emotions, and managing the time and the conduct of the interview. The SP group specifically improved communications skills between the SP training and testing sessions regarding 2 skills: the use of open and closed questions and encouraging patient responses. No improvements in communications skills were observed in CG between the two time points, ruling out a possible time effect. CONCLUSION: Role-play with standardized patients appears more efficient than conventional lecture to acquire communication skills in undergraduate medical students.