Establishment of a Clinical Pharmacist-Led Multiple Myeloma Clinic with Collaborative Prescribing Model at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research in Qatar.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a chronic and incurable hematologic malignancy that is prevalent among the elderly. Interprofessional patient care showed superiority over physician-only care in multiple settings, including MM. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of CP-led clinic and CPs interventions on MM patient care. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Real-world analysis of ambulatory patients with MM showed that clinical pharmacists (CPs) were central to the optimization of therapy and adherence to treatment schedules and supportive medications. PRACTICE INNOVATION: The CP-led MM Clinic was established with a collaborative prescribing agreement (CPA) in 2022 at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) in Qatar and was the first of its kind in the MENA region. This CPA allowed CPs to issue refills for supportive medications and order required laboratory tests. EVALUATION METHODS: Data collected included the number of CP interventions, refills ordered by CPs, documentation of patient education, and medication reconciliations. The data were retrospectively collected and analyzed comparing ambulatory patients with MM treated before (2021) to those treated after the clinic implementation in 2022. RESULTS: The study population comprised 20 patients. A higher number of CPs interventions were documented post-clinic than pre-clinic (343 vs. 76, P=0.004), with earlier initiation of bisphosphonate post-clinic (25 vs. 206 days, P = 0.008). There were also significant improvements in the introduction of risk appropriate venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis (43% vs. 6%, P=0.001) as well as vitamin D and calcium supplementation (100% vs. 68%, P=0.02) post-clinic. Twenty-two medication refills for supportive medications and eight pre-chemotherapy laboratory investigations were ordered by CPs. CONCLUSION: The CP-led clinic provided a timely link to care optimization for ambulatory MM patients. This innovative CPA model implemented in the clinic could potentially be applied to different cancer settings to optimize safe and effective patient care.

Clinical and economic impact of oncology-trained pharmacist integration in an ambulatory cancer clinic.

INTRODUCTION: Outpatient oncology practice is a growing area of opportunity for pharmacists to provide clinical services and evidence-based care. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective chart review analyzed the clinical and economic benefits of a board-certified oncology pharmacist after integration into the ambulatory oncology clinic setting. Primary outcomes were total cost avoidance for pharmacist interventions and impact on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) OP-35 measures. Pharmacist interventions were characterized into distinct types which were then assigned a cost avoidance value. Cost avoidance was calculated per hour and then extrapolated to a yearly estimate based on a 40-h work week for one year for one full-time equivalent pharmacist. Data collection for the primary clinical outcome was performed by compiling provider-specific emergency department (ED) and inpatient admission rates for diagnoses specified in CMS OP-35 measures within 30 days after receiving outpatient chemotherapy. The rates for the data collection period were compared to the rates six months prior to pharmacist integration to assess pharmacist impact. RESULTS: In six months, 516 total interventions were made by the oncology pharmacist. The incidence of ED visits was 3.34% and 1.72% during the pre- and post-pharmacist intervention periods, respectively. The incidence of inpatient admissions was 2.43% and 0.34% pre- and post-pharmacist intervention, respectively. Total cost avoidance was estimated to be US$375,795 and when accounted for the median pharmacist salary at our institution, total cost savings was US$204,437. CONCLUSION: The presence of an oncology pharmacist specialist in the ambulatory cancer clinic provided clinical and economic benefits to the cancer clinic.

Telehealth utilization and patient satisfaction in an ambulatory movement disorders center during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Studies suggest that patients are satisfied with telehealth in ambulatory settings. However, tele-neurology satisfaction data are limited by a small sample size and COVID-19-era data is not specific to movement disorders clinics. In this prospective observational study, telehealth utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic was assessed, and patient satisfaction was compared between telehealth and in-person visits in an outpatient movement disorders center. METHODS: Patients ≥18 years who completed an appointment at Northwestern's Movement Disorders Clinic were invited to complete a post-visit Medallia survey. The primary outcomes of the survey were likelihood to recommend (LTR) provider, LTR location, and 'spent enough time,' on a 0-10 scale. Responses were categorized into in-person vs. telehealth groups. RESULTS: Telehealth utilization significantly increased from a pre-COVID timeframe rate of 0.3% (Nov 2019 to Feb 2020) to 39.5% during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 through April 2021) (p-value < 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, 621 patients responded to the post-visit Medallia survey (response rate = 30%), including 365 in-person and 256 telehealth visits. No significant differences were observed between in-person and telehealth encounters in LTR provider (p = 0.892), LTR location (p = 0.659), and time spent (p = 0.395). Additional subgroup multivariable analysis did not support differences in satisfaction between different age groups. DISCUSSION: With its large sample size, our study demonstrates that in the setting of increased TH utilization in movement disorders clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients reported similar satisfaction with telehealth compared to in-person visits. This study supports the utility of telehealth to provide specialized neurologic clinic care.

Cancer Clinic Redesign: Opportunities for Resource Optimization.

Ambulatory cancer centers face a fluctuating patient demand and deploy specialized personnel who have variable availability. This undermines operational stability through the misalignment of resources to patient needs, resulting in overscheduled clinics, budget deficits, and wait times exceeding provincial targets. We describe the deployment of a Learning Health System framework for operational improvements within the entire ambulatory center. Known methods of value stream mapping, operations research and statistical process control were applied to achieve organizational high performance that is data-informed, agile and adaptive. We transitioned from a fixed template model by an individual physician to a caseload management by disease site model that is realigned quarterly. We adapted a block schedule model for the ambulatory oncology clinic to align the regional demand for specialized services with optimized human and physical resources. We demonstrated an improved utilization of clinical space, increased weekly consistency and improved distribution of activity across the workweek. The increased value, represented as the ratio of monthly encounters per nursing worked hours, and the increased percentage of services delivered by full-time nurses were benefits realized in our cancer system. The creation of a data-informed demand capacity model enables the application of predictive analytics and business intelligence tools that will further enhance clinical responsiveness.

Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection from an Urban Ambulatory COVID-19 Clinic-Guidance for Outpatient Clinicians in Triaging Patients.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus infection (COVID) presents with flu-like symptoms and can cause serious complications. Here, we discuss the presentation and outcomes of COVID in an ambulatory setting along with distribution of positive cases amongst healthcare workers (HCWs). METHOD: Patients who visited the COVID clinic between 03/11/2020 and 06/14/2020 were tested based on the CDC guidelines at the time using PCR-detection methods. Medical records were reviewed and captured on a RedCap database. Statistical analysis was performed using both univariate and bivariate analysis using Fischer's exact test with 2-sided P values. RESULTS: Of the 2471 evaluated patients, 846 (34.2%) tested positive for COVID. Mean age of positivity was 43.4 years (SD ± 15.4), 60.1% were female and 49% were Black. 58.7% of people tested had a known exposure, and amongst those with exposure, 57.3% tested positive. Ninety-four patients were hospitalized (11.1%), of which 22 patients (23.4%) required ICU admission and 10 patients died. The overall death rate of patients presenting to clinic was 0.4%, or 1.2% amongst positive patients. Median length of hospital stay was 6 days (range 1-51). Symptoms significantly associated with COVID included: anosmia, fever, change in taste, anorexia, myalgias, cough, chills, and fatigue. Increased risk of COVID occurred with diabetes, whereas individuals with lung disease or malignancy were not associated with increased risk of COVID. Amongst COVID positive HCWs, the majority were registered nurses (23.4%), most working in general medicine (39.8%) followed by critical care units (14.3%). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Blacks and females had the highest infection rates. There was a broad range in presentation from those who are very ill and require hospitalization and those who remain ambulatory. The above data could assist health care professionals perform a targeted review of systems and co-morbidities, allowing for appropriate patient triage.

Implementing Routine HIV Screening in an Urban Adolescent Population at a General Pediatric Clinic.

PURPOSE: To increase the rate of routine HIV screening during preventative visits for adolescent patients aged 15 to 21 in a pediatric and adolescent clinic in accordance with national recommendations, which are poorly implemented nationwide. METHODS: This was a quality improvement initiative. Four plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were conducted from May 2016 to February 2020. Interventions included education of and reminders for the multidisciplinary team on guidelines and testing, creation of a standardized workflow, introduction of a rapid point-of-care HIV antibody test (POCT), and implementation of an opt-out, medical assistant/nursing-driven protocol for HIV rapid point-of-care testing. The primary outcome measure was the monthly percentage of adolescents screened for HIV during preventative visits. Data is presented in a p-control chart and means were adjusted for special cause variation according to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement guidelines. RESULTS: Rates of routine HIV screening at preventative visits for youth ages 15 to 21 increased from the pre-intervention rate of 5.16% to a final rate of 41.5% over four PDSA cycles. Mean screening rates were adjusted after introducing the HIV POCT (+18.5%) and after implementing the medical assistant/nursing-driven protocol (+17.9%). CONCLUSIONS: We successfully increased routine HIV screening rates at preventative visits for adolescents at an urban pediatric and adolescent clinic. This was in large part due to testing with a rapid HIV POCT and a clinic protocol allowing medical assistants and nurses to order the test under a physician's name as part of the intake process. Ours can be a model for other clinics.

Summary recommendations on the use of protective equipment for health care personnel involved in triage and ambulatory consult of patients in COVID-19 pandemic

Background@#In a low resource setting, strategies to optimize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies are being observed. Alternative protective measures were identified to protect health care personnel during delivery of care@*Objective@#To provide list of recommendations on alternative protective equipment during this Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic@*Methodology@#Articles available on the various research databases were reviewed, appraised and evaluated for its quality and relevance. Discrepancies were rechecked and consensus was achieved by discussion.@*Recommendations@#The use of engineering control such as barriers in the reception areas minimize the risk of healthcare personnel. Personal protective equipment needed are face shields or googles, N95 respirators, impermeable gown and gloves. If supplies are limited, the use of N95 respirators are prioritized in performing aerosol-generating procedures, otherwise, surgical masks are acceptable alternative. Cloth masks do not give adequate protection, but can be considered if it is used with face shield. Fluid-resistance, impermeable gown and non-sterile disposable gloves are recommended when attending to patients suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Used, soiled or damaged PPE should be carefully removed and properly discarded. Extended use of PPE can be considered, while re-use is only an option if supplies run low. Reusable equipment should be cleaned and disinfected every after use@*Conclusion@#In supplies shortage, personal protective equipment was optimized by extended use and reuse following observance of standard respiratory infection control procedures such as avoid touching the face and handwashing. The addition of physical barriers in ambulatory and triage areas add another layer of protection

Enhancing the emergency general surgical service: an example of the aggregation of marginal gains.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to enhance the emergency general surgical service in our high-volume centre in order to reduce four-hour target breaches, to expedite senior decision making and to avoid unnecessary admissions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aggregation of marginal gains theory was applied. A dual consultant on-call system was established by the incremental employment of five emergency general surgeons with a specialist interest in colorectal or oesophagogastric surgery. A surgical ambulatory care unit, which combines consultant-led clinical review with dedicated next-day radiology slots, and a dedicated working week half-day gastrointestinal urgent theatre session were instituted to facilitate ambulatory care pathways. RESULTS: The presence of two consultant surgeons being on call during weekday working hours decreased the four-hour target breaches and allowed consultant presence in the surgical ambulatory care clinic and the gastrointestinal urgent theatre list. Of 1371 surgical ambulatory care clinic appointments within 30 months, 1135 (82.7%) avoided a hospital admission, corresponding to savings of £309,752 . The coordinated functioning of the surgical ambulatory care clinic and the gastrointestinal urgent theatre list resulted in statistically significantly reduced hospital stays for patients operated for abscess drainage (gastrointestinal urgent theatre median 11 hours (interquartile range 3, 38) compared with emergency median 31 hours (interquartile range 24, 53), P < 0.001) or diagnostic laparoscopy/appendicectomy (gastrointestinal urgent theatre median 52 hours (interquartile range 41, 71) compared with emergency median 61 hours (interquartile range 43, 99), P = 0.005). Overnight surgery was reduced with only surgery that was absolutely necessary occurring out of hours. CONCLUSION: The expansion of the 'traditional' on-call surgical team, the establishment of the surgical ambulatory care clinic and the gastrointestinal urgent theatre list led to marginal gains with a reduction in unnecessary inpatient stays, expedited decision making and improved financial efficiency.

A Quality Improvement Initiative: Using Lean Methodology to Improve Efficiency of the Morning Cycle Monitoring at an Ambulatory Academic Fertility Clinic.

OBJECTIVE: Patients receiving fertility treatments require near-daily blood work and ultrasound for cycle monitoring. Patient volumes at an academic hospital-based ambulatory clinic were expected to increase with expanded provincial funding. The aim of this quality improvement project was for 85% of cycle monitoring patients to have a turnaround time (TAT) of 20 minutes or less from arrival until checkout. METHODS: This is a time series study analyzed with statistical process control methodology. A baseline survey was conducted to understand patient priorities. Multiple site-specific change ideas were developed by front-line staff using lean methodology including standard processes, standard work, supportive tools, visual management, and staffing and scheduling to meet Takt time. Patient and staff satisfaction surveys were conducted after implementation (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). RESULTS: With the start of funding in December 2015 the clinic accommodated a 17% increase in daily patient volumes and increased the proportion of patients receiving education at each visit from 50% to 100%. Despite increased patient volumes and added education time, the control chart showed special cause variation with decreased TATs from 38.2 to 34.7 minutes. Patient surveys showed that their priorities were being met or exceeded, and all staff reported increased satisfaction with the new process. CONCLUSION: By using lean methodology in an ambulatory fertility setting, the clinic was able to improve efficiency in the morning monitoring process to decrease patient TATs while accommodating increased patient volumes and improving the quality of patient care.

Improving medical students' competencies: using longitudinal ambulatory setting preceptorship.

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An Examination of the Workflow Processes of the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Program in Health Care Settings.

INTRODUCTION: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a public health program used to identify, reduce, and prevent problematic use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs that has been adapted for implementation in emergency departments and ambulatory clinics nationwide. METHODS: This study used a combination of observational, timing, and descriptive analyses from a multisite evaluation to understand the workflow processes implemented in 21 treatment settings. Direct observations of 59 SBIRT practitioners and semi-structured interviews with 170 stakeholders, program administrators, practitioners, and program evaluators provided information about workflow in different medical care settings. RESULTS: The SBIRT workflow processes are presented at three levels: service delivery, information storage, and information sharing. Analyses suggest limited variation in the overall workflow processes across settings, although performance sites tailored the program to fit with existing clinical processes, health information technology, and patient characteristics. Strategies for successful integration include co-locating SBIRT providers in the medical care setting and integrating SBIRT data into electronic health records. CONCLUSIONS: Provisions within the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 call for the integration of behavioral health and medical care services. SBIRT is being adapted in different types of medical care settings, and the workflow processes are being adapted to ensure efficient delivery, illustrating the successful integration of behavioral health and medical care.

Benzodiazepine Prescribing in Older Adults in U.S. Ambulatory Clinics and Emergency Departments (2001-10).

OBJECTIVES: To assess trends in benzodiazepine use from 2001 to 2010 in older adults in U.S. ambulatory clinics and emergency departments (EDs). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: 2001 to 2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 65 and older for whom the reason for visit might prompt a physician to use a benzodiazepine (e.g., anxiety, detoxification, back sprain). MEASUREMENTS: The NAMCS and NHAMCS were used to evaluate U.S. ambulatory clinic and ED visits. Encounters involving individuals aged 65 and older for whom a benzodiazepine might be prescribed were analyzed. Trends in benzodiazepine use in these visits were explored, and predictors of use were assessed using survey-weighted chi-square tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2010, benzodiazepines were used in 16.6 million of 133.3 million ambulatory clinic visits and 1.9 million of 18.1 million ED visits with the selected reasons for the visits. There was no change in benzodiazepine use in either setting over the study period, although benzodiazepine use for those aged 85 and older increased from 8.9% to 19.3% in ambulatory clinics and 10.1% to 17.2% in EDs. Individuals visiting clinics with anxiety were five times as likely to receive benzodiazepines (odds ratio (OR) = 4.8), and those in EDs were twice as likely (OR = 2.3). CONCLUSION: Despite safety concerns, benzodiazepine use in older adults in U.S. ambulatory clinics and EDs did not change from 2001 to 2010. In the oldest individuals, who are at higher risk of adverse events, a greater increase was seen than in those aged 65 to 84. Additional measures may be needed to promote alternatives to benzodiazepines.

Clinical management of alcohol use disorders in the neurology clinic.

Alcohol misuse adversely affects health outcomes, but alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are often ignored by healthcare providers in primary and specialty ambulatory care clinics. Data show that early identification and brief intervention for alcohol misuse in these settings can effectively reduce alcohol consumption and its medical sequelae. The aim of this chapter is to review the epidemiology of problematic alcohol use in ambulatory care settings, the diagnostic criteria for AUDs, the approach called SBIRT (screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment) as a model program to target alcohol misuse in everyday clinical practice, when and how to refer patients to resources beyond the clinic for their alcohol use problems, and the medical illnesses associated with AUDs.

Emergency department and outpatient treatment of acute injuries in older adults in the United States: 2009-2010.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to describe epidemiological patterns of acute injuries treated in emergency department (ED) and outpatient primary care settings in the United States. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2009 and 2010 National Health Care Surveys. SETTING: Emergency departments and outpatient primary care clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Older adults (≥ 65) with initial visits for acute injuries. MEASUREMENTS: Frequencies and incidence rates of medically attended injury according to participant characteristics and care setting. RESULTS: Of the 19.7 million medically attended acute injuries in older adults in 2009-10, 50% were treated at EDs and 50% at outpatient primary care clinics. The annual incidence rate of medically attended injuries rose with age, from 20.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 17.0-24.6) per 100 in those aged 65 to 74 to 41.5 (95% CI = 33.5-49.4) per 100 for those aged 85 and older. Of injury-related ED visits, 60% occurred outside standard business hours, 36% were triaged as low acuity, and 25% resulted in admission. Only 9% of injury-related primary care visits had injury prevention counseling documented. CONCLUSION: Medically attended injuries area common in older adults, and their incidence increases with advancing age. Half of all initial visits for acute injuries in older adults are to primary care clinics. Most injured individuals are discharged home, and injury prevention counseling is rarely documented. To inform injury prevention efforts appropriately and to avoid underestimating the burden of injury, future injury studies should include a range of outpatient and inpatient care settings.

Pharmacist's Role in Improving Medication Safety for Patients in an Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Ambulatory Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), supported by complex drug regimens, are vulnerable to drug therapy problems (DTPs) at interfaces of care after discharge from hospital and may benefit from timely pharmacy interventions and education. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect on medication safety of, as well as potential barriers to, incorporating a pharmacist in the multidisciplinary team of an allo-HCT clinic. METHODS: Two pharmacists rotated to attend the allo-HCT clinic of a tertiary care, university-affiliated cancer centre between January and June 2010 (coverage for 1 of 3 clinic days per week). For every patient who was seen by a pharmacist, all discharge medications were reconciled from the inpatient ward to the clinic. The pharmacists' primary task was to perform medication reconciliation and to identify and resolve DTPs. The pharmacists also provided medication education to patients and pharmacy consultations to clinic staff. Working with the outpatient pharmacy, the pharmacists helped to clarify prescriptions and drug coverage issues. Medication discrepancies identified and interventions performed by the pharmacists were recorded and were later graded for clinical significance by a panel of clinicians. Patient and staff satisfaction surveys were conducted at random during the study period. Barriers to the flow of patient care and other operational issues were documented. RESULTS: The 2 pharmacists saw a total of 35 patients over 100 visits. They identified a total of 50 medication discrepancies involving 17 (49%) of the patients and 70 DTPs involving 23 (66%) of the patients. Thirty-one of the 70 DTPs resulted directly from a medication discrepancy. Twenty (95%) of the 21 unintentional medication discrepancies and 7 (70%) of the 10 undocumented intentional medication discrepancies were graded as clinically significant or moderately significant. Satisfaction surveys completed by patients and clinic staff yielded positive responses supporting pharmacists' participation. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists working as part of the multidisciplinary team identified and resolved medication discrepancies, thereby improving medication safety at the allo-HCT clinic.

CONTEXTE: Les patients subissant une greffe allogénique de cellules souches hématopoïétiques (GACSH), appuyée par un traitement médicamenteux complexe, sont vulnérables aux problèmes pharmacothérapeutiques lors de changement de milieu de soins après avoir reçu leur congé de l'hôpital et pourraient tirer profit d'interventions et de conseils pharmaceutiques en temps opportun. OBJECTIF: Déterminer les répercussions sur la sécurité des médicaments de la participation d'un pharmacien et les obstacles potentiels à sa participation à l'équipe multidisciplinaire d'une unité clinique de GACSH. MÉTHODES: Deux pharmaciens se sont relayés pour se joindre à l'équipe de l'unité clinique de GACSH d'un centre de cancérologie tertiaire affilié à une université, entre janvier et juin 2010 (participation à une des trois journées par semaine d'ouverture de l'unité clinique). Pour chaque patient qu'il a rencontré, le pharmacien a comparé les médicaments prescrits au départ de l'hôpital au schéma pharmacothérapeutique adopté à l'unité de GACSH. La principale tâche des pharmaciens était d'effectuer un bilan comparatif des médicaments et de détecter et de résoudre tout problème pharmacothérapeutique. Les pharmaciens devaient également fournir des conseils sur les médicaments aux patients et des consultations au personnel de l'unité clinique. En collaboration avec la pharmacie externe, le pharmacien aidait à clarifier les ordonnances et à préciser les modalités de remboursement des médicaments. Les divergences médicamenteuses relevées par les pharmaciens et les interventions effectuées par ceux-ci ont été consignées, puis dans un second temps classées par un panel de cliniciens selon leur importance clinique. Des sondages sur la satisfaction des patients et du personnel ont été effectués au hasard pendant la période de l'étude. Les obstacles au bon déroulement des soins aux patients et d'autres problèmes de fonctionnement ont été cernés et consignés. RÉSULTATS: Les deux pharmaciens ont vu 35 patients en tout au cours de 100 visites. Ils ont détecté un total de 50 divergences médicamenteuses touchant 17 (49 %) des patients et 70 problèmes pharmacothérapeutiques touchant 23 (66%) des patients. Trente-et-un de ces 70 problèmes pharmacothérapeutiques étaient directement attribuables à une divergence médicamenteuse. Vingt (95 %) des 21 divergences non intentionnelles et 7 (70 %) des 10 divergences intentionnelles non consignées ont été classées comme étant significatives ou modérément significatives sur le plan clinique. Les sondages sur la satisfaction remplis par les patients et le personnel de l'unité ont dégagé des réponses favorables à la participation des pharmaciens. CONCLUSIONS: Les pharmaciens qui ont participé à l'équipe multidisciplinaire ont détecté et résolu des divergences médicamenteuses, améliorant ainsi la sécurité des médicaments à l'unité de GACSH. [Traduction par l'éditeur].

Self-evaluation by residents in ambulatory clinic practice at Fukuoka University Hospital / 医学教育

1) We have performed ambulatory clinic practice for first-year residents 3 times. Residents evaluated the practice program and their own examination skills using questionnaires after the practice.2) Most residents felt that this program was necessary and effective for clinical training. Self-evaluation scores for the last practice were slightly higher than those for the first practice in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains.3) Residents recognized the importance of ambulatory clinic practice. This program was suggested to be effective for postgraduate clinical education.

Report on clinical clerkships at an outpatient clinic / 医学教育

1) During clinical clerkships at an outpatient clinic, medical students recognized the importance of medical interviews for problem-solving and for the physician-patient relationship.<BR>2) The clinical clerkships were well accepted by patients.<BR>3) Students worked harmoniously as members of medical teams.