The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
-
The current continuing medical education (CME) cycle began on January 1, 2007, and will end on December 31, 2009. Final statistics for the 2004-2006 CME cycle will not be available until May 31, 2008. The author provides an update on trends in osteopathic CME programs, details minor changes to the requirements for AOA-accredited Category 1 CME sponsors, and describes new online CME opportunities. In addition, the current article explains changes regarding the American Osteopathic Association's awarding and recording of CME credit hours for physicians who have specialty board certification.
-
J Am Osteopath Assoc · Jan 2008
Emergency department screening and intervention for patients with alcohol-related disorders: a pilot study.
Physicians in emergency departments (EDs) treat more patients with alcohol-related disorders than do those in primary care settings. ⋯ Implementation of an effective SBIR program for alcohol-related disorders can be accomplished in the ED.
-
J Am Osteopath Assoc · Dec 2007
ReviewManaging cancer pain with nonpharmacologic and complementary therapies.
Nonpharmacologic interventions are important adjuncts to treatment modalities for patients with cancer pain. A variety can be used to reduce pain and concomitant mood disturbance and increase quality of life. Physicians may feel relatively uninformed about which modalities have been used for patients with cancer and have scientific support. ⋯ It focuses on those having empirical support or promising preliminary evidence, with the goal of familiarizing physicians with therapies that may complement regular oncologic care. This review updates an article published in November 2005. An anecdotal case study has been added to illustrate incorporation of nonpharmacologic and complementary therapies in the treatment of a patient with cancer-related pain.
-
Cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the United States despite advances in prevention, early detection, and newer treatment protocols. Pain continues to be the most feared complication of this diagnosis. ⋯ Although clinical evidence is convincing that opioids are effective in treating patients for cancer pain, physician reluctance to prescribe them and patient unwillingness to take such medication continue. Barriers to opioid use are multifactorial, but with education of healthcare providers and patients, pharmacotherapy for pain management will be more effective.
-
Management of cancer pain is still a significant problem in healthcare today despite the fact that such discomfort can be controlled in approximately 90% of patients. Emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual suffering associated with this disease complicates the problem. ⋯ Pain intensity scales, complementary and alternative methods, and the role of an interdisciplinary care team, as well as a need to provide spiritual support to both patient and family, are included in this discussion. A case vignette describes management of cancer pain in a typical patient admitted to hospice.