Australasian Medical Journal
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Evaluation of Free i-Applications for Tertiary Level Gross Anatomy Education
Get PDFBackgroundThe use of electronic resources in education, including i-applications used on portable handheld devices, is increasing. Apple® handheld devices are popular, with free applications the most prevalent download form. Many gross anatomy i-applications are available, however no information on the quality of free anatomy products is available. Rating such products could therefore guide product recommendations. AimTo evaluate the quality and range of free iPod® applications that are applicable for tertiary level gross anatomy education. MethodsA search of the iTunes® Application Store with keywords anatomy, free, medical, functional, clinical, gross, and human was performed, with inclusion based on free applications containing human gross anatomy usable for tertiary education purposes. Application specification was noted; each was trialled independently and rated for usability, specification, academic level, and quality (image and programme).ResultsSixty-three applications were identified and eleven met inclusion criteria. Two provided gross anatomy of the entire body, nine examined specific regions or systems. Five were judged introductory in academic level, five intermediate, and one advanced. One application was rated low quality, and four excellent. None were considered difficult to use (six easy, five medium). Application size ranged between 1.2MB and 229MB (mean 27MB).ConclusionsThere are few free i-applications for learning gross anatomy and most concentrate on individual body systems, with the academic level and usability of all products well rated. Results suggest some free I-applications could be suitable adjuncts for gross anatomy education at both an undergraduate and graduate level
Hepatitis C Better Outcomes Through Partner Support
No full textBackground Globally, it is estimated that 170 million people are living with hepatitis C and between three and four million are newly infected annually. In Australia, around 1% of people are living with chronic hepatitis C, with two-thirds of these being men. Aims This research aimed to determine the impact of hepatitis C treatment on partners of patients using in-depth exploratory techniques. Method Four infected men and their partners (n= 8 participants) and three service providers were recruited and interviewed separately to identify the needs of female partners supporting patients with Hepatitis C. Discussion was based on the experiences of female partners during the treatment phase of male hepatitis C patients. Results All participants recognised a need for greater assistance for partners of hepatitis C treatment patients. It was also recognised that strong social support improved treatment outcomes and helped to maintain the survival of family relationships during the intensive treatment phase. Conclusion Although this research was limited by size, it provides valuable insights into ways to enhance hepatitis C management outcomes beyond traditional medical treatment regimes, for example through formal partner support
Diabetic Mastopathy
Get PDFDiabetic mastopathy is the occurrence of lymphocytic mastitis and stromal fibrosis in men as well as women having long-standing diabetes. Clinical and radiological appearance can raise a suspicion of malignancy and result in unnecessary biopsy. As these lesions are known to recur; failure to recognise them can have devastating results. A case of diabetic mastopathy is therefore presented for the knowledge and benefit of all so that unnecessary surgery can be avoided
Umbilical Endometriosis
Get PDF IntroductionCutaneous or umbilical endometriosis is a rare entity that is often overlooked because of chronic abdominal pain. We present a case of umbilical hernia that presented to the general surgeons due to chronic abdominal pain and nodule in the umbilicus, which was clinically diagnosed as umbilical papilloma.Case presentationA 48-year old multiparous Caucasian woman presented with painful nodule in the umbilicus for two and half years. The nodule was excised and the histopathological diagnosis was umbilicus endometriosis. ConclusionUmbilical endometriosis is a very rare disease but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in women presenting with umbilical swelling.
Recurrent Jaundice in an Otherwise Healthy Male
Get PDFA 41-year-old Asian-Indian male presented with recurrent episodes of jaundice over the past six months. Physical examination was normal, barring mild icterus. Laboratory parameters revealed indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Further evaluation yielded a diagnosis of severe nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency. Indirect hyperbilirubinemia was ascribed to ineffective erythropoiesis. Underlying Gilbert’s syndrome was ruled out by provocative testing with lipid-restricted diet. Presentation of severe vitamin B12 deficiency with isolated hyperbilirubinemia without concomitant major haematologic or neurologic dysfunction is unusual and potentially underdiagnosed. Awareness of this possibility can permit early diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency and forestall development of severe haematologic and neurologic sequelae
Conducting a module on clinical research for PharmD students: My experiences.
No full textIn this article the author shares his experiences of conducting a clinical research module for PharmD students of Kathmandu University. The module may be among the first conducted on this topic in Nepal.
Empathic Education in Design: Strategies for Healthcare Practitioners?
Get PDFThe education of professionals, such as healthcare practitioners, involves an enculturation process that immerses individuals into the rites, rituals and values of the particular profession. Professionalisation, particularly in fields that have a long history, reinforces values that are inherent to the core skills and practices essential to the profession. Due to the complexity of enculturation, when a shortfall is discovered within the education of professionals, it can be challenging to shift the value system. This paper is a response to a growing body of research on how to develop stronger, more meaningful education on physician-patient relationships with a particular focus on developing the attribute of empathy. The aim of this paper is to present five strategies for empathic education in design that may be used by healthcare educators towards developing stronger physician-patient relationships. The presentation of these strategies is a response to numerous studies on medical education that illustrate a decline in student empathy during the training process. In addition, studies in medical education have illustrated that teaching empathy is best done through the arts. This paper presents five empathic education strategies in the form of case studies. The research strategies are qualitative by nature in order for one to understand the emotional, physical and intellectual needs and experiences of others. The results illustrate benefits, challenges and unexpected outcomes that may occur while teachers and students engage in empathic education. Key results include stories about how empathic education strategies can push people outside their comfort zones. This can develop into a respect for others that could not be learned through exposure to theory alone. Using empathic education strategies in learning environments provides rich input towards expanding the interpersonal skills and empathic horizons of individuals. Five strategies used in the design field are presented here in order to provoke and support healthcare professionals in the pursuit of creating a more humanistic-centered approach in the enculturation process
Internet Usage in Older Australian Adults
No full textBackground The cost of healthcare in Australia’s ageing population is ever increasing. In an attempt to reduce these rising costs, the internet has been suggested as a possible means of disseminating health-related information and promoting preventive health behaviours. Objective Our objective was to determine the proportion of Australians aged 50-74 years who have internet access, and the characteristics of internet usage, current online health information seeking behaviour, and the willingness to receive unsolicited health information via the Internet. Method A random sample of N=25,511 urban older Australians aged 50 to 74 years received a questionnaire via mail and were asked to complete questions concerning variables related to internet usage. N=8,762 returned a competed questionnaire. Results Eighty-two per cent of respondents reported having internet access, mainly at home (94%), and the majority actively use this technology (93%). Younger people and those of higher socio-economic status and higher education were more likely to have access (