Sociodemographic Characteristics, Health Literacy, and Care Compliance in Families With Spina Bifida

Children with spina bifida experience varying rates of disease complications and health system overutilization. Data on sociodemographics, urinary tract infection, clean intermittent catheterization, and health system utilization were collected from caregiver-patient dyads. Newest Vital Sign (NVS) and Brief Health Literacy Screen (BRIEF) were administered to evaluate health literacy (HL). In total, 105 dyads completed enrolment with 24.8% versus 12.4% of caregivers scoring poor/marginal on the NVS and BRIEF, respectively. Nearly half on clean intermittent catheterization missed a catheterization over the previous week. Medicaid insurance, parental education, and household income predicted HL ( P 6 times and 12 incurred charges over $50 000. Caregivers of children who missed ≥4 catheterizations per week had lower NVS scores ( P = .03). Children with spina bifida represent high utilizers, and consideration of sociodemographic and HL differences is necessary when tailoring care plans

A Pilot Study of Art Museum-Based Small Group Learning for Pre-Health Students

Margot Kelly-Hedrick,1 Kaitlin M Stouffer,2 Elizabeth Benskin,3 Suzy Wolffe,3 Norah Wilson,4 Margaret S Chisolm5 1Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; 2Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; 3Department of Education, The Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, MD, USA; 4Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; 5Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, and of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USACorrespondence: Margot Kelly-Hedrick, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 2927, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC, 27710, USA, Email [email protected]: Health professions educators are increasingly recognizing the fundamental role the arts and humanities play in professional identity formation; however, few reports exist of programs designed specifically for pre-health professional students.Methods: We designed and delivered four, 2.5-h sessions for pre-health professions students at a local museum in partnership with museum educators. Participants were invited to respond to a follow-up survey asking about their perceived insights from and importance of the session. We used descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.Results: Ten of the participants responded to the survey (n=10/23, response rate=43%) and all supported the integration of such an experience in their pre-health curriculum. The qualitative analysis of responses to the open-ended item about any insights gained from participation in the program revealed three themes: cultivation of the health professional, personal growth, and awareness and appreciation of multiple perspectives.Discussion: Participants who responded to our survey drew meaningful connections to the relevance of these sessions to their development as future professionals.Keywords: pre-health, pre-medical education, arts and humanities, art museu