Skill or Competency: What Should we be Assessing?

India introduced competency-based medical education (CBME) in the year 2019. There is often confusion between terms like ability, skill, and competency. The provided curriculum encourages teaching and assessing skills rather than competencies. Though competency includes skill, it is more than a mere skill, and ignoring the other aspects like communication, ethics, and professionalism can compromise the teaching of competencies as well as their intended benefits to the patient and the society. The focus on skills also undermines the assessment of relevant knowledge. This paper clarifies the differences between ability, skill, and competency, and re-emphasizes the role of relevant knowledge and its assessment throughout clinical training. It is also emphasized that competency assessment is not a one-shot process; rather, it must be a longitudinal process where the assessment should bring out the achievement level of the student. Many of the components of competencies are not assessable by purely objective methods and there is a need to use expert subjective judgments, especially for the formative and classroom assessments. A mentor adds to the success of a competency-based curriculum.

Reflection: A Tool for Learning and Assessment in Competency-Based Curriculum.

Reflection helps us learn from experiences, build good doctor-patient relationships and a professional identity. It also holds an important place in the competency-based curriculum as a tool for assessment, especially for competencies that cannot be assessed by conventional means. To embed reflection in the curriculum, we need to explicitly teach how to reflect, make it a habit by integrating it into the various curricular activities, assess reflections formatively, and provide an environment that allows guided reflections, taking care of ethical and emotional aspects. In the Indian scenario, reflection is taught in faculty development programs and as a part of short-term implementation projects. A more robust and nuanced effort is required to make reflection an inseparable component of the curriculum that will empower the graduates to be competent in the true sense.

A case of mixed type of paroxysmal dyskinesia: is there an overlap between two clinical categories of paroxysmal dyskinesia?

We report a sporadic case of paroxysmal dyskinesia of predominantly choreic and ballistic movements of 10 years duration in a 22-year-old male. The movement starts after exercise for certain period. However, for the next 5-15 min, the movements are triggered by sudden voluntary activity. These dyskinesias persist for about 10-30 s after sudden voluntary activity. Patient has to be immobile once symptoms start after the exercise to prevent the kinesigenic involuntary movements. Involuntary movements could be induced in the lower limbs, upper limbs, facial and jaw muscle by local exercise. Overtime symptoms occurred with minimal exercise. Secondary dyskinesia was ruled out by investigations. Patient responded well to Carbamazepine, relapsed when stopped taking it.

Study of screening of mental health status of coronavirus disease-19 confirmed noncritical patients admitted at a tertiary care hospital and a coronavirus disease care center in Ahmedabad.

BACKGROUND: Despite coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) being a major health crisis in the current times, only a few studies have addressed its potential direct effect on mental health, especially among COVID-19 patients. AIMS: This study was conducted to assess the mental health of COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In cross sectional study, mental health status of 301 symptomatic and 200 asymptomatic COVID-19 participants was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-28. RESULTS: Around 8.78% COVID-19 patients were found to be psychologically distressed that was predominantly higher among symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Risk of psychological distress was significantly higher in females, living in nuclear families and having a history of addiction. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 patients suffer from psychological distress, which needs to be addressed to cope well with this pandemic situation.

Evaluation of Psychiatric Morbidity in COVID-19-Positive Inpatients Referred to Consultation Liaison Psychiatry in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the risk of common mental illnesses. Consultation liaison psychiatry has been one of the most requested services in the face of this pandemic. We aimed to assess (a) the prevalence of psychiatric illness, (b) different types of psychiatric diagnoses, (c) presenting complaints, (d) reasons for psychiatric referrals, and (e) psychiatric intervention done on COVID-19 positive inpatients referred to consultation liaison psychiatry at tertiary care hospital. METHOD: This was a retrospective study of data collected from April 1, 2020, to September 15, 2020. Total 300 patients were referred and diagnosed with clinical interview and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorder Fifth Edition criteria. Analysis was done using chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and fisher exact test. RESULTS: Out of 300 patients, 26.7% had no psychiatric illness. Adjustment disorder was the commonest psychiatric diagnosis (43%), followed by delirium (10%). Statistically significant differences were found for parameters like Indian Council of Medical Research Category 4 of the patient, (hospitalized severe acute respiratory infection) (P value < 0.001), medical comorbidity (P value = 0.023), and past history of psychiatric consultation (Fisher exact test statistic value <0.001). Behavioral problem (27.6%) was the commonest reason for psychiatric referral. Worrying thoughts (23.3%) was the most frequent complaint. A total of 192 (64.3%) patients were offered pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric morbidity was quite high (73.3%) among them and adjustment disorder was the commonest (43%) psychiatric diagnosis followed by delirium (10%). Pharmacotherapy was prescribed to 64.3% patients and psychosocial management was offered to most of the referred patients.

Cluster headache responsive to indomethacin: Case reports and a critical review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Response to indomethacin is an essential feature for the diagnosis of both paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) and hemicrania continua (HC). Cluster headache (CH) is widely considered to be a disease unresponsive to indomethacin. CASE REPORTS: We report four patients with CH who responded to indomethacin. Two patients, who were refractory to the usual therapy for CH, fulfilled the criteria for chronic CH. Conversely, two patients had a history of episodic CH and showed response to both indomethacin and the usual therapy for CH. LITERATURE REVIEW: We also reviewed the literature for the presence of indomethacin response in patients with CH. We noted a large number of cases labeled as CH by the authors which showed a response to indomethacin. DISCUSSION: Many cases of definite or possible CH were wrongly labeled as PH because of patients' responding to indomethacin. CONCLUSION: The response to indomethacin in patients with CH may not be as immediate as in other indomethacin-responsive headaches, and many patients may need larger doses.

Unnecessary extractions in patients with hemicrania continua: case reports and implication for dentistry.

Headache and facial pain are both very high in the general population. Headache has been identified as one of the associated conditions in patients with chronic orofacial pain. The interrelation between the two has not been explored in the literature. Patients with facial pain often initially seek the care of a dentist. Misdiagnosis and multiple failed treatments (including invasive procedures) are very common in this population. This case report describes four patients whose condition fulfilled the International Headache Society's criteria for hemicrania continua but whose teeth were extracted because their pain was suspected to be of odontogenic origin. Each patient's records and the literature were reviewed for possible reasons for the unnecessary extractions. The findings suggest that initial treatment with drugs specific for primary headache disorders should be instituted before subjecting patients to invasive procedures.

Post-infectious new daily persistent headache may respond to intravenous methylprednisolone.

New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a subtype of chronic daily headache (CDH) that starts acutely and continues as a daily headache from the onset.It is considered as one of the most treatment refractory of all headache syndromes. The pathophysiology is largely unknown. Viral infections, extracranial surgery, and stressful life events are considered as triggers for the onset of NDPH. A few patients may have the onset of their symptoms during an infection. Here we report nine patients with NDPH like headache. All of them had a history suggestive of extracranial infections a few weeks prior to the onset of headache. All patients received intravenous methylprednisolone (IV MPS) for 5 days. Intravenous MPS was followed by Oral steroids for 2-3 weeks in six patients.The relief of headache started between the second and fifth days of infusion in all patients. The steady improvement in headache continued and seven patients experienced almost complete improvement within 2 weeks. Two other patients showed complete improvement between 6 and 8 weeks after initiation of IV MPS therapy. We conclude that NDPH-like headache may occur as a post infectious process following a recent infection. We also speculate on the possible mechanisms of headache in our patients.

The prevalence of headache may be related with the latitude: a possible role of Vitamin D insufficiency?

According to recent observations, there is worldwide vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) in various populations. A number of observations suggest a link between low serum levels of vitamin D and higher incidence of chronic pain. A few case reports have shown a beneficial effect of vitamin D therapy in patients with headache disorders. Serum vitamin D level shows a strong correlation with the latitude. Here, we review the literature to delineate a relation of prevalence rate of headaches with the latitude. We noted a significant relation between the prevalence of both tension-type headache and migraine with the latitude. There was a tendency for headache prevalence to increase with increasing latitude. The relation was more obvious for the lifetime prevalence for both migraine and tension-type headache. One year prevalence for migraine was also higher at higher latitude. There were limited studies on the seasonal variation of headache disorders. However, available data indicate increased frequency of headache attacks in autumn-winter and least attacks in summer. This profile of headache matches with the seasonal variations of serum vitamin D levels. The presence of vitamin D receptor, 1alpha-hydroxylase and vitamin D-binding protein in the hypothalamus further suggest a role of vitamin D deficiency in the generation of head pain.

Is there need to search for alternatives to indomethacin for hemicrania continua? Case reports and a review.

Hemicrania continua (HC) is a daily continuous unilateral headache of moderate intensity with super imposed exacerbations of more severe pain accompanied by migrainous and cranial autonomic features. Response to indomethacin is an essential feature in the IHS diagnostic criteria. However, indomethacin is associated with a number of side effects. HC is a life long condition, and skipping of a single dose of indomethacin usually leads to reappearance of headache. Various drugs have been tried as alternatives to indomethacin in the patients intolerant to indomethacin. We report two cases of HC responsive to topiramate and review the available alternatives for the patients of HC. We also discuss the side effects of indomethacin in the various headache disorders and other painful conditions, and suggest the need for trial of other drugs for the patients of HC.

Chronic tension-type headache with vitamin D deficiency: casual or causal association?

The prevalence of tension-type headache and vitamin D deficiency are both very high in the general population. The inter-relations between the two have not been explored in the literature. We report 8 patients with chronic tension-type headache and vitamin D deficiency (osteomalacia). All the patients responded poorly to conventional therapy for tension headache. The headache and osteomalacia of each of the 8 patients responded to vitamin D and calcium supplementation. The improvement in the headache was much earlier than the improvements in the symptom complex of osteomalacia. We also speculate on the possible mechanisms for headache in the patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Migrainous vertigo responsive to intravenous methylprednisolone: case reports.

Migrainous vertigo (MV) is a newer evolving concept in which vertigo is causally related to migraine. We report 4 patients with MV. Episodes of severe MV of more than 1-day duration were successfully terminated by intravenous methylprednisolone (IV MPS) in 2 patients. Two other patients who had attacks of MV almost daily also showed complete response to IV MPS.

Coexistence of cluster headache and paroxysmal hemicrania: does it exist? A case report and literature review.

The coexistence of different types of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias is a rare phenomenon. The two different types of headache may occur either at two different periods or simultaneously at the same time. We report a 22-year-old male who had cluster headache (CH) and chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH) since the onset of symptoms. Both types of headache responded to indomethacin. Review of the literature suggests that simultaneous occurrence of CH and CPH in a patient may be both over and under reported.

Hemicrania continua unresponsive or partially responsive to indomethacin: does it exist? A diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma.

Hemicrania continua (HC) is a primary headache disorder characterized by a continuous, unilateral headache that varies in intensity, waxing and waning without disappearing completely. Ipsilateral cranial autonomic features and response to indomethacin are essential features for the diagnosis of HC. We hereby, describe three patients with the clinical phenotypes of HC in whom response to indomethacin was either incomplete or not sustained. We also review the literature especially for the presence of indomethacin response and ipsilateral cranial autonomic features.

A novel approach to suicide prevention - Educating when it matters.

BACKGROUND: Looking at the burden of suicide, there is a dire need for medical schools to incorporate suicide prevention training. Effective communication helps in early detection and management of suicidal behavior. Medical students can act as a GATEKEEPER if they receive adequate training. METHODOLOGY: This was an educational intervention study done at tertiary care teaching hospital to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students toward depression and suicide and to impart and assess communication skills for suicide prevention in one of the four batches of students in 4th semester. Pretest was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude toward depression and suicide, followed by training using interactive lectures, demonstration of interview, and hands-on training with patients and role-plays. The posttest and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) were administered for skill assessment. Feedback was taken regarding this intervention. RESULTS: The mean marks of the pre- and post-test were 8.96 (8.3-9.6) and 14.58 (13.8-15.3), respectively, out of 25. The difference was statistically significant (t = 13.24, P ≤ 0.0001) which suggests improvement in knowledge. We found mixed responses in attitude statements showing limited change. Mean obtained marks on OSCE examination out of 66 was 42.7. Among various components of OSCE, students scored high on rapport building. The most useful components of trainings were role-play, OSCE, and interaction with patients as per their feedback. CONCLUSION: The intervention was found effective in increasing knowledge, changing attitude, and enhancing communication skills of medical students toward suicide prevention. Training of communication skills for suicide prevention in depressed person should be given to every medical student as suggested by feedback.

Sensitising intern doctors to ethical issues in a doctor-patient relationship.

There is a felt need in India to influence the ethical behaviour of doctors by giving students formal education in ethics in medical colleges. Since internship is the interface between learning and independent practice, it is important to sensitise intern doctors to ethical issues in a doctor-patient relationship at this stage.

Serotonin syndrome presenting as pulmonary edema.

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a potentially life-threatening condition resulting from excessive central and peripheral serotonergic activity. Clinically, it is a triad of mental-status changes, neuromuscular abnormalities, and autonomic disturbances. It can be caused by intentional self-poisoning, overdose, or inadvertent drug interactions. We report the case of a 58-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obsessive compulsive disorder who developed pulmonary edema as a possible complication of SS. SS was caused by a combination of three specific serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline), linezolid, and fentanyl. The hospital course was further complicated by difficult weaning from the ventilator. SS was identified and successfully treated with cyproheptadine and lorazepam. The case highlights the importance of effective consultation-liaison and prompt recognition of SS as the presentation may be complex in the presence of co-morbid medical illness.

The Clinical Presentation and Outcome of the Institutionalized Wandering Mentally Ill in India.

INTRODUCTION: There are estimated 400,000 wandering mentally ill persons in India, found in poor physical state wandering on streets and railway stations; mainly treated either by government run Hospitals for Mental Health (HMH) or Psychiatry units of a Government Medical College (GMC). They require psychosocial rehabilitation along with treatment. AIM: To study the presentation, clinical profile and rehabilitative outcome of wandering mentally ill admitted in government psychiatric care facilities. The objective was to establish them as a distinct psychiatric inpatient population requiring special attention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a chart review of all wandering mentally ill patients institutionalized during a period of two years in two distinct government facilities. Additionally, clinical staff was interviewed for cross checking the data and for eliciting problems faced in management. The discharged patients were contacted to assess the present status. RESULTS: Forty seven patients in HMH and 35 patients in GMC were studied. Wandering mentally ill patients were brought to mental health facility by helping person (30) and police (23). Majority of them (61) were picked up from streets and railway station. Most of them (56) belonged to <40 years age group and communication with them was difficult due to language barrier in 51. Diagnosed as Psychosis NOS (45) initially, they presented with poor physical condition, with positive viral markers (25) and pregnancy in females (4). Most common final diagnosis was schizophrenia (45) along with prominent negative symptoms and poor cognitive abilities. Forty three of them showed good improvement on treatment. Forty five gave their address; Relatives were found in 39 through police, post cards and social workers and were rehabilitated back to family. CONCLUSION: Wandering mentally ill constitutes a unique patient population with specific challenges different from other inpatients in management and rehabilitation. Provisions to take care of this most vulnerable group of the society and mechanisms to watch for their continuous implementation are required.

Marchiafava: Bignami Disease Treated with Parenteral Thiamine.

Marchiafava - Bignami disease is rare sequelae of chronic alcohol use. We present a case with transient ischemic attack like presentation and its management with parenteral thiamine. A 53 year old male with history of country liquor use since 32 years was brought to hospital with acute onset of delirium & mild weakness involving motor functions of left side of the body, non-reactive planters and exaggerated tendon reflexes on left side. The MRI showed bilateral hyper intense signal on T2W and FLAIR images & Hypo intense lesion on T1W images involving body, genu and splenium of corpus callosum. The features are suggestive of Marchiafava - Bignami Disease. There have been few guidelines for management of MBD and literature supports use of parenteral thiamine 500mg leading to remission of symptoms and symptomatic improvement. It is advisable to use parenteral thiamine in all cases as it overlaps management of other co-morbidities of chronic alcoholism.