scholarly journals A Better Learning Community: Mixed-Methods Reveal Medical Student Preferences with Implications for Learning Community Design and Implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052110148
Author(s):  
Jasna Vuk ◽  
Steven McKee ◽  
Sara Tariq ◽  
Priya Mendiratta

Background: Medical school learning communities benefit students. The College of Medicine (COM) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) provides medical students with academic, professional, and personal support through a learning community (LC) made of 7 academic houses. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the academic house model at UAMS utilizing a mixed-methods survey. The aims were to: (1) assess student experience and satisfaction with academic houses, (2) describe the realms of advising and guidance, and (3) identify areas for improvement. Method: An online survey was assigned to 723 COM students (all students enrolled, first through fourth years) at UAMS in March 2019. The survey was comprised of 25 items (10 multiple-choice, 8 on the Likert scale, and 7 open-ended questions). Data was depicted using frequency and percentages and/or thematic review of free-form responses. Results: The survey response rate was 31% (227 students). The majority of students responding (132, 58.1%) attended 2 or more face-to-face meetings with the faculty advisor within the preceding year. However, 27 (11.9%) students did not have any meetings. Approximately two-thirds of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the guidance and direction provided by their advisors [very satisfied (n = 83; 36.6%); satisfied (n = 77; 33.9%)]. Themes that emerged from student generated areas for improvement include time constraints, advisor/advisee interest mismatch, and perceived inadequacy of advising content/connections. Conclusions: This study confirms the effectiveness of the LC model for advising and mentoring in the COM at UAMS. Uniquely, this study identifies not only learners’ satisfaction with their LC but also highlights areas for improvement which are widely generalizable and important to consider for institutions with or planning to start an LC.

2002 ◽  
Vol 126 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilene B. Bayer-Garner ◽  
Louis M. Fink ◽  
Laura W. Lamps

Abstract Context.—With the advent of modern diagnostic technology, use of the autopsy as a means of assessing diagnostic accuracy has declined precipitously. Interestingly, during the same period, the rate of misdiagnosis found at autopsy has not changed. Objectives.—To ascertain why an autopsy was requested, whether or not questions asked by clinicians were specifically addressed, and what types of misdiagnoses were found. Design.—One hundred forty-two consecutive autopsy records from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Hospital were reviewed. In the same period, 715 deaths occurred, giving an overall autopsy rate of 20.14%. Results.—Of the 125 autopsies in which the problem-oriented autopsy request was available for review, a reason for the autopsy was given in only 69 cases (55%). One hundred three clinical questions were asked, and of these, 81 were specifically addressed in the final anatomic diagnosis, 10 were addressed in some part of the autopsy report but not in the final anatomic diagnosis, 10 were not addressed at all, and 2 could not be answered by the autopsy. Sixty-one autopsies revealed 81 misdiagnoses: 47 class I (missed major diagnosis that, if detected before death, could have led to a change in management that might have resulted in cure or prolonged survival) and 34 class II misdiagnoses (missed major diagnosis in which antemortem detection would have not led to a change in management). Conclusions.—The autopsy continues to be a vital part of medical education and quality assurance. It is important for the clinician to provide a clinical summary and specific clinical questions to be addressed or to speak directly with the pathologist and for the pathologist to provide answers that are easily accessible within the autopsy report. In this way, a problem-oriented autopsy can be performed based on questions raised by the clinician and the pathologist as a result of the gross dissection and microscopic evaluation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. e91-e97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varinder Kaur ◽  
Sajjad Haider ◽  
Appalanaidu Sasapu ◽  
Paulette Mehta ◽  
Konstantinos Arnaoutakis ◽  
...  

Using the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, an affiliate program of ASCO, we outlined opioid-associated constipation (OAC) as a subject in need of quality improvement (QI) in our fellowship program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. We initiated a fellow-led QI project to advance the quality of patient care and provide a valuable avenue for QI training of young physicians. Fellows organized meetings with all stakeholders, addressed the scope of the problem, and devised strategies for OAC management. Monthly meetings were organized using Plan-Do-Study-Act principles. Mandatory check boxes were inserted into our electronic medical record templates to remind all physicians to identify patients on opioid medications and assess and address OAC. Final chart audit and patient satisfaction surveys were performed 6 months after project initiation. Assessment of OAC improved from 52% at baseline to 92% ( P < .003). This improvement corresponded with high patient satisfaction scores, with 90% of surveyed patients reporting adequate management of their constipation. In this QI initiative, we showed that participation in ASCO’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative helps identify areas in need of QI, and such fellow-led QI projects can serve as models for QI training of young physicians.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Johns

We are happy to publish our third issue of the Journal of Regional Medical Campuses. The response we have received has been excellent, both in numbers and quality of submissions. Our editorial board continues to meet regularly to discuss suggestions from our readers and future plans. Please continue to pass the word of our journal to your colleagues on our regional campuses.   I would like to acknowledge the article “Lessons learned through a partnership with Marshallese faith-based organizations to screen for hypertension and diabetes” by Dr. Pearl McElfish from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest Regional Campus. The program she describes was the winner of the 2017 AAMC Regional Medical Campus Star of Community Achievement Award. This award was presented at the GRMC Spring meeting in Washington, DC.   Alan Johns, MD, MEd Co-Editor, Journal of Regional Medical Campuses


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6564-6564
Author(s):  
S. Karri ◽  
S. R. Govindarajan ◽  
W. B. Bendure ◽  
S. A. Jackson ◽  
K. D. McKelvey ◽  
...  

6564 Background: HNPCC, the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC), is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and caused by micro satellite instability and mutations in mismatch repair genes. Affected patients (pts) and first degree relatives tend to develop colonic and extra colonic tumors that need to be tested for the mutations. Genetic consultation (GC) should be routinely offered to the affected pts and relatives. To assess the utilization of GC, we assessed the frequency of referral for GC for the presence of HNPCC syndrome at our medical center. Methods: Patients with CRC were identified from the tumor registry at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) from January 1st 2000 to September, 2006. Pts’ charts were reviewed for synchronous or metachronous HNPCC tumors and family history (FH). FH was categorized as positive according to the Bethesda criteria (BC, 2000–2002), revised Bethesda criteria (RBC, 2003–2006), negative (documented FH but no h/o cancer) or inadequate documentation. Percentage of pts with positive FH for HNPCC syndrome and those with CRC less than 50 years of age (for pts diagnosed 2003–2006) who were referred for GC was calculated. The list of these pts was cross referenced to the list in genetics clinic at UAMS and CAVHS. Results: 858 patient charts were reviewed. Table 1 shows the number of pts meeting criteria for genetic counseling. 138 (16%) pts had inadequate /no documented FH. Of the 720 pts with documented FH, 67 (9.3%) had positive FH and 126(17%) met BC / RBC. Only 13 (10.3%) of 126 pts were referred for genetic counseling. The number of pts eligible for GC increased with inclusion of RBC. However, the percentage of eligible pts referred for GC was extremely low. Conclusions: FH is not adequately documented in many pts presenting with CRC. Only a small percentage of pts who qualify for GC are referred. Education of health care providers for referral to genetics counseling is warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose. [Table: see text]


1987 ◽  
Vol 96 (6) ◽  
pp. 538-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Wetmore

Although carbon dioxide laser therapy has been the preferred treatment for laryngeal papillomatosis for the past 10 to 15 years, only one major study has been published on the effect of laser surgery on the course of this disease. This report presents 46 patients who were treated by laser microlaryngoscopy during a 7(1/2) year period at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Among the 37 patients with adequate follow-up, 13 (35%) have gone into remission. The remission rate was 69% among patients who had exhibited laryngeal papillomatosis for 5 years or less, compared with a 10% remission rate in patients who had the disease for more than 5 years. None of the patients went Into remission at puberty.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Stefan ◽  
Gerd Mantl ◽  
Claudia Höfner ◽  
Julia Stammer ◽  
Markus Hochgerner ◽  
...  

Aims: Research conducted prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic indicates that remote psychotherapy is as effective as in-person treatment. At that time, it usually was the therapist’s individual choice to work remotely, whereas the pandemic pushed psychotherapists, including previous skeptics, to incorporate remote work methods into their routine due to limited face-to-face contact. There is little knowledge of the way therapists experienced this sudden and forced transition to remote psychotherapy as the only treatment option. The present study aims to assess psychotherapists’ experience and proficiency delivering remote psychotherapy as well as to investigate perceived changes in the psychotherapeutic relationship.Methods: An online survey was administered to psychotherapists of the Austrian Association for Group Therapy and Group Dynamics (ÖAGG). Three test periods (t) were set (t1: April, 2020 with N = 175; t2: May–June, 2020 with N = 177; t3: November–December, 2020 with N = 113). Research was conducted longitudinally using a mixed-methods research design.Results: While psychotherapists’ levels of experience with telephone-based psychotherapy remained similar across all test periods, they became slightly more experienced using video therapy over the test period observed. However, they continued to feel less experienced compared to the use of telephone-based psychotherapy. The therapeutic relationship appeared to improve over the course of the first two test periods, while the third period showed a slight decline. No general deterioration of the psychotherapeutic relationship was found in the timespan studied.Conclusion: Despite many challenges and concerns, psychotherapists seem to adapt and enhance their skills in remote psychotherapy over time. The present paper confirms and enhances previous findings in the field due to its longitudinal approach. Remote psychotherapy can be a credible and trustworthy alternative to in-person treatment to be adopted and implemented on principle by a majority of psychotherapists regardless of their orientation. Furthermore, it sheds light on chances, problems und general observations regarding the comprehensive provision of remote psychotherapy in a pandemic situation.


1995 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 620-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross E. Vanderbush ◽  
Eddie B. Dunn ◽  
Walter J. Morrison

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