Browsing by Subject "Preventive Medicine"

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    Improving CPAP Adherence for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Practical Application Primer on CPAP Desensitization
    (2020) Chernyak, Yelena
    Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common medical condition with well-established morbidity and mortality. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a highly effective treatment prescribed to most individuals with OSA that has documented poor adherence rate for a variety of reasons including claustrophobia and discomfort. CPAP desensitization is an effective, simple, and brief treatment shown to improve adherence rates to CPAP. Methods: A psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine developed this module focused on teaching medical residents the techniques of CPAP desensitization. The educational activity was an interactive 45-minute seminar which included a didactic component followed by a case presentation and interactive role-play. A post-seminar survey was used to evaluate the content of the workshop, as well as growth in awareness and perception of knowledge and skills with a pre- to post-workshop evaluation. Results: In a survey of 25 primary care and psychiatry residents and sleep medicine fellows, 92% of respondents indicated that the topic of CPAP barriers and CPAP desensitization was important. Ratings of self-reported knowledge and skills improved nearly one-third following the workshop. Qualitative feedback indicated the utility and enthusiasm learners had for this topic. Discussion: The workshop on CPAP desensitization was a valuable tool that should be disseminated more widely to improve treatment adherence in the significant portion of the population that suffers from OSA which does not use adherence to positive airway pressure therapy. The workshop is applicable to other health professionals including medical students and nursing, social work, or psychology trainees.
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    Perspectives on Colon Cancer Screening—A Physician Panel Discussion for Preclinical Medical Students
    (Association of American Medical Colleges, 2020-10) Dilly, Christen K.; Craven, Hannah J.; Molleston, Jean P.; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Introduction Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the US, and the survival rate improves drastically with early detection. It is important for medical students to understand screening options, and to be able to effectively discuss these options with their patients. While basic information about colon cancer screening is ubiquitous in US medical school curricula, no published curricula describe teaching students the nuances of negotiating this discussion with patients and tailoring screening to individual patients' needs. Methods We developed a 90-minute session for second-year medical students as part of a gastroenterology and nutrition course. We provided a short lecture on colon cancer screening. We then had a panel of practicing gastroenterologists and a primary care physician discuss their approaches to six hypothetical cases. The students reflected in writing on what they learned from the session and on their opinions of the session format. Results Of second-year medical students, 139 attended the session and 110 submitted written reflections on the session (79% response rate). The students perceived significant gains in knowledge, communication skills, and attitudes around the discussions. Discussion This expert panel session taught medical students knowledge and communication skills related to colon cancer screening. The session could be easily implemented at any medical school, either at the preclinical or clinical level.