Recreating simulation scenarios for interprofessional education: an example of educational interprofessional practice.

High-fidelity simulation has proliferated in healthcare education. Once a novelty, simulation is now a mainstay of many curricula and even required by some accrediting bodies. Interprofessional behaviors, manifested through interprofessional education and practice are believed to improve patients' lives. The exciting potential of simulation-interprofessional education (SIM-IPE) is now being explored. This report details a SIM-IPE experience from a university medical simulation center and Schools of Nursing and Medicine. Circumstances required an existing scenario to be "retrofitted" for interprofessional education. Key decision points, challenges and practices are highlighted in the hope that they may be of use to other simulation educators.

Marfan syndrome teaching algorithm: does it make a difference?

Marfan Syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant, connective tissue disorder that is due to a deficiency in the structural protein, fibrillin. MFS patients are more likely to experience aortic aneurysms and dissections, dislocated lens, and/or severe musculoskeletal deformities than non-MFS patients. Attainment of a longer lifespan in MFS patients is directly dependent on vigilant blood pressure (BP) control, frequent cardiology surveillance, annual eye exams and frequent dental hygiene visits. This study evaluated the effect of a Marfan Syndrome Teaching algorithm (MFSTA) on 20 MFS patients, with regard to BP management, cardiovascular medication adherence; adherence to activity restrictions; and attendance at scheduled eye, cardiology and dental exams. This study demonstrated adherence improvement in the attendance at scheduled cardiology, ophthalmology, and dental exams from 50%, 55% and 70% prior to the study, respectively, to 95%, 90% and 100% post study. Furthermore, subject adherence with self-administration of ordered cardiovascular medications increased from 50% (pre-study) to 93.3% (93.3%), and subject adherence with activity restrictions escalated from 70% (pre-study) to 95% (post study). All subjects demonstrated proficiency in regular testing and recording of their blood pressure. There was no significant change in the mean systolic BP (SBP) for 13 of the subjects who had both pre- and post-intervention BP recording, although the post intervention SBP was slightly higher (p = 0.30). However all subjects in the intervention period demonstrated a mean SBP of 124.7 mm Hg, with standard deviation (SD) of 12.9 mm Hg. Limited pre-intervention BP readings of 7 subjects prevented a pre- and post-SBP comparison. The MFSTA model should be considered for other patient populations involving chronic cardiovascular healthcare conditions.

A randomized controlled trial to reduce delay in older adults seeking help for symptoms of acute myocardial infarction.

Older adults with symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have longer pre-treatment delay times than their younger counterparts. A 2-group, randomized controlled sample consisted of 115 adults, 65 years of age or older with a self-reported history of coronary artery disease. A pre-test was given to all participants followed by a structured education and counseling intervention to those in the experimental group. Data were re-collected at 3 months. There was a statistically significant increase in knowledge, beliefs, and perceived control without an increase in anxiety in the intervention group. There was no significant difference in attitudes. Older adults at risk for AMI should be targeted for individualized education and counseling in clinics, physician offices, and community centers.