Current problems in pediatric and adolescent health care
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Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care · Jul 2014
ReviewCompetency-based curricular design to encourage significant learning.
Most significant learning (SL) experiences produce long-lasting learning experiences that meaningfully change the learner's thinking, feeling, and/or behavior. Most significant teaching experiences involve strong connections with the learner and recognition that the learner felt changed by the teaching effort. L. ⋯ Emphasis on defining assessment methods prior to developing teaching/learning activities is the key: this ensures that assessment (where the learner should be at the end of the educational activity/process) drives instruction and that assessment and learning/instruction are tightly linked so that assessment measures a defined outcome (competency) of the learner. Employing backward design and the AAMC's MedBiquitous standard vocabulary for medical education can help to ensure that curricular design and redesign efforts effectively enhance educational program quality and efficacy, leading to improved patient care. Such methods can promote successful careers in health care for learners through development of self-directed learning skills and active learning, in ways that help learners become fully committed to lifelong learning and continuous professional development.
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Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care · Apr 2014
ReviewScreening and brief intervention for risky alcohol use.
Alcohol screening and brief intervention are effective evidence-based methods recommended by multiple major medical societies. Primary care providers are uniquely positioned to recognize patients with alcohol use problems when they utilize screening in their practices. SBI has the potential to improve patients' overall health, reduce the risk of alcohol dependence, and prevent future alcohol-exposed pregnancies.
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Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care · Oct 2014
ReviewCommercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of children in the United States.
Child commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking are global health problems requiring a multidisciplinary approach by individuals, organizations, communities, and national governments. The adverse emotional, physical, and social consequences for victims are legion and in many areas of the United States and the rest of the world, victim resources are scarce. Since violence, deprivation, abuse, and infection are so integral to the exploitation experience, victims may present for care to community and academic pediatric and adolescent health care providers. ⋯ The five stages of trafficking are explained, as are typical physical and emotional consequences of exploitation. The medical evaluation is described, including potential indicators of CSEC and sex trafficking, common medical presentations by victims, approaches to the comprehensive medical interview, and the appropriate medical exam with diagnostic testing and treatment. Finally, a discussion of common victim needs is provided, with a description of resources and referrals.
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Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care · Mar 2015
ReviewAspects of abuse: recognizing and responding to child maltreatment.
Child maltreatment is a public health problem and toxic stress impacting at least 1 in 8 children by the age of 18 years. Maltreatment can take the form of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and emotional maltreatment. While some children may experience only one form of maltreatment, others may survive multiple forms, and in some cases particularly complex forms of maltreatment such as torture and medical child abuse. ⋯ Pattern recognition does not only apply to specific injuries or constellation of injuries but also applies to patterns of behavior. Harmful patterns of behavior include psychological maltreatment and medical child abuse, both of which cause significant harm to patients. As health professionals serving children and families, pediatric providers are in a unique position to identify suspected maltreatment and intervene through the health care system in order to manage the physical and psychological consequences of maltreatment and to promote the safety and well-being of children and youth by making referrals to child protective services.
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Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care · Sep 2012
ReviewNail disorders as signs of pediatric systemic disease.
Herein, we describe some of the more common changes in the nail unit that can be seen in systemic diseases in children. Changes that can be seen are not limited to those discussed in the following pages. ⋯ When evaluating a pediatric patient with a nail disorder, it is important to perform a complete physical examination of the skin and oral mucosa, as other clues to the diagnosis of the nail problem may be found. A comprehensive family history is also important to uncover possible syndromic associations with nail disease or diseases that can manifest with nail changes.