Teaching Physicians Procedural Skills at a National Professional Meeting

Background: Practicing physicians often wish to improve their procedural skills but have limited educational opportunities to do so. Description: To summarize the effects of two procedural workshops on participants’ confidence, proficiency, and practice patterns. Evaluation: Following completion of a skin biopsy or arthrocentesis workshop, participants completed a post-course and an 8-month follow up evaluation. Recipients of this training rated it highly and reported that following training they performed more procedures, referred less, and noted an increase in their confidence that was still evident eight months after the workshop. Conclusion: Skin biopsy and arthrocentesis/joint injection skills can be taught to practicing physicians in a workshop setting at national professional meetings. Key Words: clinical competence; internal medicine; teaching; educational measuremen

Teaching Physicians Procedural Skills at a National Professional Meeting

Abstract: Background: Practicing physicians often wish to improve their procedural skills but have limited educational opportunities to do so. Description: To summarize the effects of two procedural workshops on participants ’ confidence, proficiency, and practice patterns. Evaluation: Following completion of a skin biopsy or arthrocentesis workshop, participants completed a post-course and an 8-month follow up evaluation. Recipients of this training rated it highly and reported that following training they performed more procedures, referred less, and noted an increase in their confidence that was still evident eight months after the workshop. Conclusion: Skin biopsy and arthrocentesis/joint injection skills can be taught to practicing physicians in a workshop setting at national professional meetings. Key Words: clinical competence; internal medicine; teaching; educational measurement Many patients, especially those in ambulatory settings, expect their physician to perform needed procedures. Patients benefit from the continuity, convenience, and in certain situations, decreased cos

Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Venous Ulceration

OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize the literature on the normal venous circulation of the leg, and the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). DATA SOURCES: English-language articles identified through a MEDLINE search (1966 –1996) using the terms venous insufficiency or varicose ulcer and epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and clinical trial (pt), and selected cross-references. STUDY SELECTION: Articles on epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of CVI. Randomized, controlled studies were specifically sought for treatment efficacy. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were manually extracted from selected studies and reviews; emphasis was placed on information relevant to the general internist. DATA SYNTHESIS: Chronic venous insufficiency is a common primary care problem associated with significant morbidity and health care costs. The clinical spectrum of disease ranges from minor cosmetic concerns to severe fibrosing panniculitis and ulceration. Duplex Doppler ultrasonography may be the single best test to rule out deep venous thrombosis and other entities that can mimic CVI. Leg elevation and compression stockings are effective treatments for CVI; recalcitrant cases may require intermittent pneumatic compression. Topical antiseptics, antibiotics, enzymes, or growth factors offer no clear advantages in ulcer healing. Ulcer dressings remain a matter of convenience, cost, and physician judgment. The role of surgery in CVI appears to be limited. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic venous insufficiency is a recalcitrant, recurrent medical problem. This condition can be managed by primary care physicians with relatively inexpensive treatment modalities in association with lifestyle modification

Skin Biopsy Techniques for the Internist

OBJECTIVE: To review three commonly performed skin biopsy procedures: shave, punch, and excision. DATA SOURCES: English-language articles identified through a MEDLINE search (1966 –1997) using the MeSH headings skin and biopsy, major dermatology and primary care textbooks, and cross-references. STUDY SELECTION: Articles that reviewed the indications, contraindications, choice of procedure, surgical technique, specimen handling, and wound care. DATA EXTRACTION: Information was manually extracted from all selected articles and texts; emphasis was placed on information relevant to internal medicine physicians who want to learn skin biopsy techniques. DATA SYNTHESIS: Shave biopsies require the least experience and time but are limited to superficial, nonpigmented lesions. Punch biopsies are simple to perform, have few complications, and if small, can heal without suturing. Closing the wound with unbraided nylon on a C-17 needle will enhance the cosmetic result but requires more expertise and time. Elliptical excisions are ideal for removing large or deep lesions, provide abundant material for many studies, and can be curative for a number of conditions, but require the greatest amount of time, expertise, and office resources. Elliptical excisions can be closed with unbraided nylon using a CE-3 or FS-3 needle in thick skin or a P-3 needle on the face. All specimens should be submitted in a labeled container with a brief clinical description and working diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Skin biopsies are an essential technique in the management of skin diseases and can enhance the dermatologic care rendered by internists

A Review of Journal Clubs in Postgraduate Medical Education

OBJECTIVE: To review the goals, organization, and teaching methods of journal clubs, summarize elements of successful clubs, and evaluate their effect on reading habits, and effectiveness in meeting teaching goals. Examples of clubs that utilize principles of adult learning are reviewed. DATA SOURCES: English language articles identified through a MEDLINE search (1966–1997) using the MeSH terms “internship” and “residency,” and text words “journal club” and “critical appraisal.” STUDY SELECTION: Articles on learning goals and organization were included if they represented national or regional surveys with a response rate of 65% or greater. Articles that evaluated teaching effectiveness were included if they used a controlled, educational design, or if they exemplified important adult learning principles. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were manually extracted from selected studies and reviews. DATA SYNTHESIS: A major goal for most clubs is to teach critical appraisal skills. Clubs with high attendance and longevity are characterized by mandatory attendance, availability of food, and perceived importance by the program director. Residents who are taught critical appraisal report paying more attention to the methods and are more skeptical of the conclusions, and have increased knowledge of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics, but studies have failed to demonstrate that these residents read more, or read more critically. Reading guidelines may be useful for teaching critical appraisal skills, and may be associated with increased resident satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Journal club formats are educationally diverse, can incorporate adult learning principles, and are an adaptable format for teaching the “new basic sciences.