Teaching medical students using role play: Twelve tips for successful role plays

Engaging students in role play promotes active learning. Planned and structured role plays can be used to deliver components of the curriculum in clinical rotations of a medical programme. Role plays are most effective if learning objectives are defined, and the cases are challenging. All students should be involved and ground rules should be set. Allow adequate time for the role play, feedback and reflection. Let the students enjoy themselves. This paper provides 12 tips to create a meaningful learning experience for students using role play

Caring for residents with dementia beyond medication /

General practitioners provide most of the medical care for people with dementia who live in residential aged care facilities. Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) including psychosis, depression, agitation, aggression, and disinhibition, often occur. These affront the person’s dignity and well being and are often managed with psychotropic medications. Cholinesterase inhibitors are of no benefit in reducing these behaviours. Aims: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the ‘Spark of Life’ program, a social therapeutic, person-centred care program, which aims to improve memory, language, communication, social interaction, and behaviours. BPSD and associated variables were assessed as key outcome measures. Method: A small n case multiple baseline design was employed to assess the impact on behaviours, depression, pain, activity including falls, use of restraint, sleep, and requirements for antipsychotic, antidepressant and hypnotic medications. Data was obtained from people with dementia, their caregivers, and family members. Results: Continuous assessment of BPSD outcome measures over 8 months will be presented in graphical format for several residents with mild to moderate dementia. Related outcomes for carers and families will also be presented. Conclusions: The impact of this program on the wellbeing of residents may provide an effective non-pharmacological approach to the prevention and management of BPSD, enabling a reduction in the use of psychotropic medications

Effectiveness of the ‘Spark of Life’ dementia care program

Aim: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘Spark of Life’ (SOL) program (a person-centered dementia care program) in improving outcomes for people with dementia and their carers. To date there has been no empirical research to evaluate the impact of this program on persons with dementia. The specific aims of the current study are to assess the effect of the SOL Program on: (1) Quality of life, satisfaction and person specific clinical outcomes for people with dementia (mild to moderate). (2) Caregiving satisfaction and approaches to dementia care for nurse caregivers. (3) Families’/Relatives' perceptions of care (satisfaction with care) and perceptions of the quality of life for their loved one with dementia. Method: The research design utilises multiple single-subject (small n) designs. The inclusion of multiple and heterogeneous study participants in which a complex intrasubject design is repeated increases the confidence that can be placed in inferences made about the intervention. The basic design is a time series for a single person(s) and a single outcome, with a single time of intervention. Results: Data analysis utilizes a combination of statistical and visual inspection methods. Continuous assessment (across 8-10 months) of outcome variables at baseline and post-intervention will be presented. Measurement outcomes include the Dementia Quality of Life Instrument (DQOL), Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ), the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Quality of life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QOL-AD). Results for clinical outcome measures including behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, cognition, function and medications will also be presented. Conclusion: Optimizing outcomes for people with dementia is complex given the individual and idiosyncratic manifestations of the dementia syndrome. The current research makes a significant contribution by expanding the literature on outcomes research for people with dementia, their nursing home caregivers and families

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) management in general practice

[v. 1] Guidance and clinical tips to help identify, manage and refer CKD in your practice -- [v. 2] Summary guide