The Long and Short of Summative Assessment in Competency Based Medical Education: Time to Raise the Bar?

BACKGROUND: The Competency-based medical education (CBME) has been introduced for MBBS programme in India from 2019. Reorganization of the assessment system is required to meet the challenges imposed by this new framework. OBJECTIVES: An evaluation of the university summative assessments held prior to the introduction of CBME-based curriculum was carried out to analyze the pattern, relevance and distribution of questions. METHODS: Five sets of annual and supplementary summative examination papers from three universities, State (SU), Private (PU) and Medical (MU) were evaluated. The analysis included format i.e. Structured and Modified Essay questions, Short notes, other formats; marks distribution; terminology-based level of cognitive domain; subject-based relevance and topic-based distribution of questions. RESULTS: A total of 352 questions were analyzed. The maximum number of questions were from the state university (140, 39.7%).The contribution of short notes in the theory papers was 65.8% (PU), 87.1% (SU) and 88.9% (MU).Only the PU had Modified-Essay Questions (10.5%) and Modified short notes(4.7%). Terminology addressing higher cognitive domains was low as the questions assessed mainly the knowledge level (80-96.8%), comprehension 3.1%-6.4%. Only the PU had problem solving questions comprising 11.7% of total questions. Majority of questions had moderate or high relevance and only 2.1%-8.2% were of low-relevance. Inter-university differences in the topics were observed for dermatology, psychiatry, and infections. CONCLUSIONS: The present evaluation of high-stakes assessment in three universities indicates minor differences in the format of questions. Questions were predominantly in the form of short notes, structured essays and modified essays were a rarity; few questions targeted higher cognitive levels although majority had high-moderate relevance.

Therapeutic assessment of chloroquine-primaquine combined regimen in adult cohort of Plasmodium vivax malaria from a tertiary care hospital in southwestern India.

BACKGROUND: Of late there have been accounts of therapeutic failure and chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium vivax malaria especially from Southeast Asian regions. The present study was conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy of chloroquine-primaquine (CQ-PQ) combined regimen in a cohort of uncomplicated P. vivax mono-infection. METHODS: A tertiary care hospital-based prospective study was conducted among adult cohort with mono-infection P. vivax malaria as per the World Health Organization's protocol of in vivo assessment of anti-malarial therapeutic efficacy. Participants were treated with CQ 25 mg/kg body weight divided over 3 days and PQ 0.25 mg/kg body weight daily for 2 weeks. RESULTS: Of a total of 125 participants recruited, 122 (97.6%) completed day 28 follow up, three (2.4%) participants were lost to follow-up. Eight patients (6.4%) were ascertained to have mixed P. vivax and Plasmodium falciparum infection by nested polymerase chain reaction test. The majority of subjects (56.8%, 71/125) became aparasitaemic on day 2 followed by 35.2% (44/125) on day 3, and 8% (10/125) on day 7, and remained so thereafter. Overall only one therapeutic failure (0.8%, 1/125) occurred on day 3 due to persistence of fever and parasitaemia. CONCLUSIONS: CQ-PQ combined regimen remains outstandingly effective for uncomplicated P. vivax malaria and should be retained as treatment of choice in the study region. One case of treatment failure indicates possible resistance which warrants constant vigilance and periodic surveillance.

KADAM topical warm oxygen therapy device for diabetic foot ulcer-a novel approach.

Purpose: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a significant healthcare burden demanding prompt attention. In the past decade, newer technologies such as topical oxygen therapy have grown increasingly popular. The purpose of the study was to determine effect of KADAM-a topical warm oxygen therapy (TWOT) medical device in healing of DFU. Methods: The KADAM medical device developed by Yostra Labs Pvt Ltd, delivered pure oxygen between 93 ± 3% concentration at an optimal temperature range of 39-42º Celsius to DFU wound site. Results: A total of 40 diabetic foot ulcer individuals, aged over 18 years were included in the study. Individuals with the Grade 1 DFU were 34 (85%), grade 2 were 5 (12.5%) and grade 3 were 1 (2.5%). The changes in initial area and final area for the various diabetic foot ulcer grades were as follows: 0.32 [0.12, 0.96] (< 0.001) for grade 1 ulcer, 0.76 [0.54, 1.17] (P = 0.013) for grade 2 ulcer and 1.26 for grade 3 ulcer. The percentage reduction in wound size achieved for the grade 1 & 2 DFU were 100%, and grade 3 was 75%. Conclusion: Topical warm oxygen therapy serves as an adjunctive modality to facilitate diabetic foot ulcer healing in the clinical practice.

Fear of Falling and Functional Mobility in Elders with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Coastal Karnataka, India: A Hospital-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Aging with diabetic neuropathy is likely to predispose people to falls. Despite being a high-risk population, estimates of falls and their associated factors are poorly documented in elderly diabetic neuropathy patients living in coastal Karnataka, India. OBJECTIVE: To investigate fear of falling and functional mobility, as an approximate measure of clinical fall risk, and explore the associated risk factors in elderly diabetic neuropathy patients living in coastal Karnataka, India. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 316 elders aged 60 to 80 with diabetic neuropathy. A detailed diabetic foot evaluation was done. Self-reported fear of fall and functional mobility was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale- International and Timed Up and Go test, respectively, with published cut-points. Additionally, a recall of 12 months of fall history was recorded. RESULTS: Descriptive analysis showed that self-reported fear of fall and below-average functional mobility was present in 39% and 49% of the elders with diabetic neuropathy, respectively. Spearman's correlational analysis revealed that self-reported fall concerns and functional mobility are significantly interdependent. Regression analysis suggested female gender, the severity of neuropathy, and previous falls as significant modifiers for fear of falls and poor functional mobility. CONCLUSION: Half of the elders (49%) with diabetic neuropathy have poor functional mobility and 39% have a fear of falling. Improving physical function and addressing fall concerns of elders with diabetic neuropathy can result in greater confidence to participate in everyday activities and contribute to their better health. Hence, early fall risk identification is recommended for providing better health care to these individuals.

Risk factors for wound infection caused by Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among hospitalized patients: a case control study from a tertiary care hospital in India.

BACKGROUND: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes infection in hospitals and communities. The prevalence and risk factors of MRSA infection is not homogenous across the globe. OBJECTIVE: To find the risk factors of MRSA infection among hospitalized patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional case control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in India. The risk factors were collected using checklist from 130 MRSA and 130 Methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infected patients. The pathogens were isolated from the wound swabs according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. RESULTS: Both the groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, diabetic status, undergoing invasive procedures, urinary catheterization and smoking (p>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed surgical treatment (OR 4.355; CI 1.03, 18.328; p=0.045), prolonged hospitalization (OR 0.307; CI 0.11, 0.832; p=0.020), tracheostomy (OR 5.298, CI 1.16, 24.298; p=0.032), pressure/venous ulcer (OR 7.205; CI 1.75, 29.606; p=0.006) and previous hospitalization (OR 2.883; CI 1.25, 6.631; p=0.013) as significant risk factors for MRSA infection. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment, prolonged and history of hospitalization, having tracheostomy for ventilation and pressure/venous ulcer were the key risk factors. Therefore, special attention has to be given to the preventable risk factors while caring for hospitalized patients to prevent MRSA infection.

Screening for basal metabolic rate and visceral fat among postmenopausal osteoporosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is an increase in basal metabolic rate (BMR) which is associated with level of glycaemic control. Women with postmenopausal osteoporosis have decreased BMR. The aim of the present study is to find the BMR using Meffin-St Jeor predictive equation in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have attained menopause with osteoporosis. MATERIALS & METHODS: 100 women who have attained menopause, who were diagnosed to have osteoporosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus were assessed for BMR using Meffin-St Jeor predictive equation. Detailed history of diabetes and menopause were obtained. Blood glucose value was measured using standard glucometers. Body composition for visceral fat (VF) was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Level of physical activity of the participants was measured using global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ). RESULTS: The median BMR of the participants was 1.075 (714, 1483.25). Statistically significant correlation was found between BMR and GPAQ (rs = 0.731), BMR and VF (rs = 0.678). However BMR was not correlated with FBS (rs = 0.083) duration of diabetes (rs = -0.046). CONCLUSION: There is a decrease in BMR in women with T2DM with postmenopausal osteoporosis. BMR was significantly correlated with level of physical activity and visceral fat.

Application of Topical Oxygen Therapy in Healing Dynamics of Diabetic Foot Ulcers - A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with diabetes may develop diabetic foot ulcers due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Multiple factors influence the ulcer healing process; oxygen helps in facilitating the different stages of wound healing. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the different levels of evidence available in the application of topical oxygen therapy, warm oxygen therapy, or other modes of topical oxygen delivery in the healing dynamics of diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: Databases searched included Pubmed/Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and CINAHL. The eligibility criteria of studies included participants ≥18 years with chronic non-healing diabetic foot ulcer (duration ≥3 months) receiving warm oxygen or topical oxygen therapy (TOT), and other modes of topical oxygen administration, which were compared with standard care group. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included. The primary outcome measure assessed was the rate of wound healing or wound closure. RESULTS: The review included 5 studies which used different modes of topical oxygen administration. The healing trajectory of the wounds was completely achieved in low-grade ulcers (grade 1), whereas all high-grade ulcers (grades 2, 3, and above) showed either 100% or 50% healing with a reduction in ulcer size and ulcer tissue depth. CONCLUSION: Topical oxygen therapy facilitates wound healing dynamics among individuals with chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

Knowledge Assessment of E-Bug Assisted Antimicrobial Resistance Education Module in Class VII School Students of South Indian Coastal Town of Manipal.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a recognized public health threat today globally. Although many active and passive stewardship strategies are advocated to counter AMR clinically, educating school going children on AMR could be a cost-effective measure to minimize AMR development in the future. We implemented NICE's e-bug as a module to educate class VII school students on AMR determinants. A prospective quasi-experimental study on 327 students from nine different schools of class VII around Manipal town, Udupi district, Karnataka state, India were included in the study. Ten questions on AMR determinants from the e-bug program were used in written pre-test. After an education intervention, a post-test was conducted. Descriptive statistics to estimate epidemiological characteristics, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks and Kruskal⁻Wallis tests were applied to analyze statistical significance of pre/post-test performance scores and between schools. Students had inadequate knowledge on seven AMR determinants (antimicrobial indication, its course, hand hygiene, fermentation, spread of infection, microbial multiplication and characteristics of microbe) as analyzed from the post-test performance (p < 0.05). Comparison of post-test performance between schools showed significant improvement in scores (p < 0.05) for three questions (definition on antimicrobial, cover while cough/sneezing and microbial characteristics). Although students exhibited sub-optimal knowledge on some AMR determinants, they showed keenness to learn, which was evident by their post-test performance. Our findings and previous similar studies from Europe are suggestive of early pedagogic interventions on AMR through inclusion of such education modules in the regular school curriculum could be a potential tool for AMR prevention.

Hand dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus frequently show complications in feet and hands. However, the literature has mostly focused on foot complications. The disease can affect the strength and dexterity of the hands, thereby reducing function. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on identifying the existing evidence on how type 2 diabetes mellitus affects hand strength, dexterity and function. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, CINHAL, Scopus and Web of Science, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials for reports of studies of grip and pinch strength as well as hand dexterity and function evaluated by questionnaires comparing patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy controls that were published between 1990 and 2017. Data are reported as standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Among 2077 records retrieved, only 7 full-text articles were available for meta-analysis. For both the dominant and non-dominant hand, type 2 diabetes mellitus negatively affected grip strength (SMD: -1.03; 95% CI: -2.24 to 0.18 and -1.37, -3.07 to 0.33) and pinch strength (-1.09, -2.56 to 0.38 and -1.12, -2.73 to 0.49), although not significantly. Dexterity of the dominant hand did not differ between diabetes and control groups but was poorer for the non-dominant hand, although not significantly. Hand function was worse for diabetes than control groups in 2 studies (MD: -8.7; 95% CI: -16.88 to -1.52 and 4.69, 2.03 to 7.35). CONCLUSION: This systematic review with meta-analysis suggested reduced hand function, specifically grip and pinch strength, for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus versus healthy controls. However, the sample size for all studies was low. Hence, we need studies with adequate sample size and randomized controlled trials to provide statistically significant results.

Prevalence of Foot Complications in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Community-Based Survey in Rural Udupi.

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of foot complications among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the rural part of Udupi district, Karnataka, India. A cross-sectional observational study design was conducted in the rural area of Udupi district. In the study, accredited social health activists were trained to screen people with type 2 diabetes mellitus for diabetic foot complications at a community level. Adults over 35 years of age were screened for the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus by accredited social health activists who reside in the rural part of Udupi district. Participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the study. Blood glucose level was measured using a glucometer. Foot examination was done by visual inspection, monofilament, tuning fork, and pedal pulse. In the present study, 2110 among the total participants were found to have type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of musculoskeletal foot complications was 1218 (58%), vascular problem 466 (22.2%), sensory neuropathy 634 (30.2%), autonomic neuropathy 1729 (81.9%), ulcer 134 (6.38%), and infection 561 (26.7%) among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the current study, we found 84.7% of people residing in rural Udupi had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, there is a strong need to create awareness about diabetic foot care in these people.

Cefoperazone Induced Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Cefoperazone is a beta-lactam antibiotic which is frequently used in treating a variety of gram positive and gram negative infections. The chemical structure of cefoperazone contains a side chain of N-methylthiotetrazole which can inhibit vitamin K metabolism resulting in hypoprothombinemia. We report a case of cefoperazone induced coagulopathy manifesting as gastrointestinal bleeding. A Naranjo assessment score of 5 was obtained, indicating a probable relationship between the patient's coagulation function disorder and her use of the suspect drug.

Multidrug and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis from a general practice perspective.

Despite intensive efforts to eradicate the disease, tuberculosis continues to be a major threat to Indian society, with an estimated prevalence of 3.45 million cases in 2006. Emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has complicated eradication attempts in recent years. Incomplete and/inadequate treatment are the main causes for development of drug resistance. Directly observed therapy, short-course (DOTS) is the World Health Organization (WHO) strategy for worldwide eradication of tuberculosis, and our country achieved 100% coverage for DOTS through the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program in 2006. For patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, the WHO recommends a DOTS-Plus treatment strategy. Early detection and prompt treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is crucial to avoid spread of the disease and also because of the chances of development of potentially incurable extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in these cases. This review discusses the epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, and also outlines the role of primary care doctors in the management of this dangerous disease.