Multidisciplinary approach of teaching radiology to medical students in Egypt: Is this an effective method?

Background In multidisciplinary education, different perspectives from more than one discipline are used to illustrate a certain topic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online, multidisciplinary radiology curriculum to teach radiology to medical students in Egypt. A multidisciplinary team of radiologists, surgeons, and internists taught a series of 5 case-based radiology sessions on a web conference platform. Topics included common clinical case scenarios for various body systems. Undergraduate medical students across Egypt were enrolled in the course. A pre-test–post-test design was used to evaluate the efficacy of each session. Upon course completion, students filled out a subjective survey to assess the radiology education series. Results On average, 1000 students attended each session. For each session, an average of 734 students completed both the pre-test and post-test. There was a statistically significant increase in post-test scores compared to pre-test scores across all 5 sessions (p < 0.001) with an overall average score improvement of 63%. A subjective survey at the end of the course was completed by 1027 students. Over 96% of students found the lecture series to be a worthwhile experience that increased their imaging knowledge and interest in radiology, and that the use of a multidisciplinary approach added educational value. About 66% of students also reported that the session topics were “excellent and clinically important.” There was a marked increase in reported confidence levels in radiology competencies before and after attendance of the sessions. Conclusions An online radiology curriculum with a multidisciplinary approach can be implemented successfully to reach a large group of medical students and meet their educational objectives.

Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome

Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome or myofascial pain disorder is one among the triad of disturbances that is encompassed within the umbrella term, TMJ disorders. Due to a lack of consensus on definitive symptoms and mode of diagnosis, it continues to remain an elusive entity for clinicians working with head and neck disorders and dentists alike. Additionally, There is a general lack of simplification in literature to enhance understanding and this is further complicated by the use of multiple descriptive terminologies to refer to the disorder. It is the objective of this chapter to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject for the reader, to clarify the various nuances of diagnosis, treatment planning and management modalities in addition to throwing light on the evolving terminologies, causative mechanisms and recent trends in MPDS management. The author has also highlighted the importance of a multi modality management approach, psychological rehabilitation with long term patient follow up. The authors personal experience with the use of specialised splints has been elucidated with relevant clinical case scenarios.

Switching from a traditional undergraduate programme in (clinical) pharmacology and therapeutics to a problem-based learning programme

Purpose The pharmacology and clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (CPT) education during the undergraduate medical curriculum of NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal, was changed from a traditional programme (i.e. discipline-based, lectures) to a problem-based learning (PBL) programme (i.e. integrated, case-based discussions) without an increase in teaching hours. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this change improved the prescribing competencies of final-year medical students. Methods Final-year students from both programmes (2015 and 2019) were invited to complete a validated prescribing assessment and questionnaire. The assessment comprised 24 multiple-choice questions in three subdomains (working mechanism, side-effects and interactions/contraindications), and five clinical case scenarios of common diseases. The questionnaire focused on self-reported prescribing confidence, preparedness for future prescribing task and education received. Results In total, 36 (22%) final-year medical students from the traditional programme and 54 (23%) from the PBL programme participated. Overall, students in the PBL programme had significantly higher knowledge scores than students in the traditional programme (76% (SD 9) vs 67% (SD 15); p = 0.002). Additionally, students in the PBL programme made significantly fewer inappropriate therapy choices (p = 0.023) and fewer erroneous prescriptions than did students in the traditional programme (p = 0.27). Students in the PBL programme felt more confident in prescribing, felt better prepared for prescribing as junior doctor and completed more drug prescriptions during their medical training. Conclusion Changing from a traditional programme to an integrated PBL programme in pharmacology and CPT during the undergraduate medical curriculum may improve the prescribing competencies of final-year students.

Development and feasibility of virtual molecular tumor board.

e18334 Background: Practicing precision oncology is challenging due to the complex molecular interpretation and its implications in deciding pertinent treatment options. This is addressed by institutional Molecular Tumor Board (MTB) which is presided by all oncology sub-specialists including molecular biologist and bioinformatician, doing a meticulous job in untwining the intricacies but fail to obtain experiences across institutes. Further, meeting of all MTB members is neither always feasible nor accessible for the community oncologists. We hereby offer a virtual formation of MTB that is easily accessible and remotely attended by various experts across institutes, giving their opinion objectively at their ease that can be documented and archived. Methods: Virtual MTB (vMTB), a mobile cloud-based application was developed for both android and iOS platforms. The vMTB process involves submission and review of cases, whereby assigned members can opine blindly and rate different treatment options. Followed by averaging of rating score and then a final recommendation generated by the vMTB case-convener within 7 days, based on clinical context. A pilot study (2 months duration) was carried out where clinical cases bearing molecular information were invited from various oncology centers across India. Results: 21 cases were submitted (19 relapsed refractory, 3 treatment naïve) that included Breast (6), Lung (5), Leukemia/Lymphoma (3), Gall bladder (2), Uterine (2), Urinary bladder (1), GBM (1) and Sarcoma (1) cancers. The molecular query was based on 18 somatic (8 FoundationOne & 10 Others) and 3 germline testing. Cases assigned to vMTB members (~7 members/case) had ~ 6 treatment options/case with a response turn-around time ~4 days. Therapeutic final recommendation(s) were given for all cases with 95% concordance among the members; 6 cases where multiple options were advised, discordance rate was 14%. Additional molecular diagnostic workup was advised in 3 cases. vMTB recommendations including 10 off label treatment options were accepted by majority of the submitting physicians (82%). Clinical benefit was observed in 5 (24%) cases within the stipulated analysis duration. Conclusions: vMTB is a user-friendly, feasible, acceptable mobile solution alternate to MTB for objectively generating clinically meaningful consensus document for complex molecular clinical case scenarios, where guidelines are limited. To best of our knowledge, this is a first smart mobile solution connecting various oncology experts and have an immediate utility for the practicing community oncologists globally.

The Fourth Domain of Palliative Care

This chapter proposes palliative psychology competencies in the fourth domain of palliative care, which addresses the social needs of the patient and the family. The unit of care in palliative care is represented by the patient and the family; thus, this chapter highlights the unique needs of family caregivers. The many challenges of caregiving are described by reviewing the literature and using clinical case scenarios. The risk factors and protective factors in caregiving are discussed and incorporated in assessment templates. Psychological and psychosocial interventions that can effectively support family caregivers are discussed. The function, structure, and execution of a family meeting in the palliative care setting is described. This chapter also describes bereavement support for family caregivers and the management of complications of bereavement.

The First Domain of Palliative Care

This chapter proposes palliative psychology competencies in the first domain of palliative care based on the framework of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care. Competencies are conceptualized as comprising knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The role of palliative psychologists is presented through the discussion of clinical case scenarios. These roles for psychologists are discussed in the context of different palliative care settings (inpatient; outpatient, home-based palliative care, hospice). The relevant application of clinical skills is discussed. The difference between palliative care and hospice is also presented. Finally, this chapter approaches the topic of professional self-care, which is conceptualized as a necessary competence for palliative psychologists. The discussion presents risk factors, protective factors, and interventions especially relevant to palliative psychologists.

The role of antibiotic therapy and hysteroscopy technique in the prevention of infectious and inflammatory complications

Inflammatory complications are relatively frequent in the hierarchy of complications of hysteroscopy. The article describes two clinical case scenarios of hysteroscopic procedures complicated by pelvioperitonitis. The analysis of contemporary local and international literature is presented, and shows different attitude towards the antibiotic prophylaxis of inflammatory complications related to hysteroscopy. Taking into account that potential spread of infected material from the uterine cavity through the tubes into Douglas space plays role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory complications, it is advisable to consider the value of intra-uterine pressure as one of the main factors responsible for the development of inflammatory complications. It is also prudent to use the technique and values of in-office hysteroscopy to prevent tubal reflux and thus reduce the chance of infectious complications. The possibility of complete abandonment of antibiotic prophylaxis requires additional research and confirmation with clinical studies.