Australasian Medical Journal
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Student feedback on problem-based learning processes
Get PDFBackgroundProblem-based learning (PBL) sessions consist of a brainstorming phase, search phase, individual study, and reporting phase. At the Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba, PBL is a new learning modality first introduced in May 2013. AimsPBL processes have not been studied previously at the Xavier University School of Medicine, hence the present study was carried out to obtain information about the PBL processes and note differences, if any, among different groups of students.MethodThe study was conducted among first- to fourth-semester undergraduate medical students during July 2014 using a previously validated PBL processes instrument developed by van den Hurk et al. Information about gender, semester, weekly hours of study, and learning resources used was obtained. Respondents’ agreement with a set of 23 statements was noted using a Likert-type scale, which was scored as 1=totally disagree with the statement, 2=disagree, 3=neutral, 4=agree, and 5=totally agree with the statement. Mean scores were compared among different groups of respondents.ResultsFifty-one of the 58 students (87.9 per cent) participated. The weekly average study time was 29.9 hours. Lecture handouts and textbooks were commonly used information sources. The mean scores (scale 1 to 5) for learning-issue-driven searching, and extensiveness of searching were 3.49 and 3.45, respectively. The score for explanation-oriented preparation was 3.94, while those for breadth and depth of discussion were 3.75 and 3.62, respectively. Most scores were higher among second-semester students, but the difference was not significant. ConclusionThe self-reported scores were comparable to those reported in previous studies done using the same PBL processes instrument in other medical schools. At Xavier University School of Medicine interactive lectures are the major teaching method and topics covered during PBL are also likely to be covered during lectures, which could influence the scores. The findings of our study providing information about how students function during PBL brainstorming and presentation sessions and how they use different learning resources would be of interest to other medical schools worldwide following a hybrid curriculum. Further studies are required.
A Study of Acute Otitis Externa at Wellington Hospital 2007-2011
Get PDFBackgroundAcute otitis externa (AOE) is a common inflammatory condition affecting the external ear that occasionally presents with persistent, severe pain, which may be unresponsive to first-line therapy and require assessment and treatment in the hospital setting.AimsTo identify the microorganisms responsible for cases of otitis externa presenting to Wellington Hospital, New Zealand, over a five-year period between 2007 and 2011. We also aim to evaluate current management of this condition and to recommend future treatment options. MethodA five-year retrospective study, with data obtained from case notes and electronic records for all patients presenting with otitis externa to Wellington Hospital between 2007 and 2011. ResultsOf three hundred and forty-seven cases identified, 144 were included in the study. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was the most common organism (46.5 per cent), while Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was the second most common (31.9 per cent). Most patients received appropriate topical treatment. However, a significant number were treated with systemic antibiotics alone without adverse outcomes. ConclusionPseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common microbe causing acute otitis externa in patients that require hospital level management in Wellington, New Zealand. In most cases, patients received appropriate topical therapy; however, it appears a large number received systemic antibiotic therapy without topical treatment. We recommend broad-spectrum topical antimicrobial therapy in all patients with uncomplicated AOE and culture-sensitive topical treatment with consideration of systemic antimicrobials for severe AOE requiring hospital admission
Paraneoplastic polyarthritis in association with metastatic neuroendocrine tumour of the adrenal gland
Get PDFParaneoplastic polyarthritis is a rare manifestation described in association with various solid tumours. We describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of a 28-year-old woman who presented with fever, weight loss, and symmetrical polyarthritis, subsequently diagnosed to have a metastatic neuroendocrine tumour of the adrenal gland with paraneoplastic polyarthritis. Paraneoplastic polyarthritis must be considered in polyarthritis unexplained by common aetiologies. The unusual presentation of this case, alerts us about the atypical presentation of these tumours. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case study of a neuroendocrine tumour presenting as paraneoplastic polyarthritis
How Caribbean Medical Students view communications
No full textBackground Medical student attitudes towards communication skills are important for curriculum planners and teachers. Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) is a private medical school admitting students mainly from the United States and Canada. Aims Attitude of students towards communication skills has not been previously studied in the institution. Hence the present study was carried out. Method The study was carried out among the first, second, third and fourth semester undergraduate medical (MD) students at XUSOM, Aruba during July 2013 using the communication skills attitude scale (CSAS). Respondents’ age, gender, nationality, occupation of parents, place of residence of family, semester of study were noted. The positive and negative attitude scale scores were calculated and compared among different subgroups of respondents (
SHARED LANGUAGE: TOWARDS MORE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Get PDFThe ability to communicate to others and express ourselves is a basic human need. As we develop our understanding of the world, based on our upbringing, education and so on, our perspective and the way we communicate can differ from those around us. Engaging and interacting with others is a critical part of healthy living. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that they are understood in the way they intended. Shared language refers to people developing understanding amongst themselves based on language (e.g. spoken, text) to help them communicate more effectively. The key to understanding language is to first notice and be mindful of your language. Developing a shared language is an ongoing process that requires intention and time, which results in better understanding. Shared language is critical to collaboration, and collaboration is critical to business and education. With whom and how many people do you connect? Your 'shared language' makes a difference in the world. So, how do we successfully do this? This paper shares several strategies. Your sphere of influence will carry forward what and how you are communicating. Developing and nurturing a shared language is an essential element to enhance communication and collaboration whether it is simply between partners or across the larger community of business and customers. Constant awareness and education is required to maintain the shared language. We are living in an increasingly smaller global community. Business is built on relationships. If you invest in developing shared language, your relationships and your business will thrive.
Innovation in patient decision support
Get PDFPatient decision aids (PDAs) help to support patients in making an informed and value-based decision. Despite advancement in decision support technologies over the past 30 years, most PDAs are still inaccessible and few address individual needs. Health innovation may provide a solution to bridge these gaps. Information and computer technology provide a platform to incorporate individual profiles and needs into PDAs, making the decision support more personalised. Health innovation may enhance accessibility by using mobile, tablet and Internet technologies; make risk communication more interactive; and identify patient values more effectively. In addition, using databases to capture patient data and the usage of PDAs can help: developers to improve PDAs’ design; clinicians to facilitate the decision-making process more effectively; and policy makers to make shared decision making more feasible and cost-effective. Health innovation may hold the key to advancing PDAs by creating a more personalised and effective decision support tool for patients making healthcare decisions