Clin Med
-
NHS ePortfolio is currently the standard assessment method used for most UK training programmes, from the Foundation Programme to core and specialty training years. This article discusses the terminology used in online assessments and gives a hands-on guide for trainees in how to successfully use ePortfolio.
-
The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains incompletely understood, but is thought to be a consequence of immune dysregulation, impaired mucosal integrity, enteric bacterial dysbiosis and genetic susceptibility factors. Recent drug advances in the treatment of IBD have clarified the role of existing medication, including 5-amino-salicylic acids (5-ASAs) and has seen a burgeoning use of treatment with biologicals. With recent advances in our understanding of these debilitating diseases, it is hoped that novel therapeutic targets can be identified.
-
Comparative Study
Assessing the accuracy and certainty in interpreting chest X-rays in the medical division.
The chest X-ray (CXR) is an important diagnostic tool in diagnosing and monitoring a spectrum of diseases. Despite our universal reliance on the CXR, our ability to confidently diagnose and accurately document our findings can be unreliable. We sought to assess the diagnostic accuracy and certainty of making a diagnosis based on 10 short clinical histories with one CXR each. ⋯ Junior trainees felt least certain about making their diagnosis and were less likely to be correct. We recommend that StRs and consultants review all the CXRs requested to ensure accuracy of diagnosis. There also needs to be discussion with the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) about the need of including a separate CXR competency as part of a trainee's generic curriculum on the e-portfolio, something which is currently lacking.