The Surgical clinics of North America
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Surg. Clin. North Am. · Dec 2015
ReviewPsychosocial Support of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, debilitating disease whose effects spread far beyond the gut. IBD does not generally result in excess mortality; health care providers should thus focus their efforts on improving health-related quality of life and minimizing associated morbidity. A bidirectional relationship exists between IBD and psychiatric conditions; chronic inflammation can produce neuromodulatory effects with resultant mood disorders, and the course of IBD is worse in patients with anxiety and depression. Screening for the early signs of depression or anxiety and initiating appropriate treatment can lead to improved functioning and positively impact disease course.
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Advances in surgical and medical management have led to improved outcomes; however, the prognosis of CRC is often poor when detected at a symptomatic stage. ⋯ These features make CRC a suitable candidate for screening, and several options are available. This article outlines the evidence for established CRC screening tests along with a discussion on newer tests and ongoing research.
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This review investigates the available literature that addresses the impact simulator training has on patient outcomes. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search of studies reporting outcomes of simulation training and categorized studies based on the Kirkpatrick model of training evaluation. Kirkpatrick level 4 studies reporting patient outcomes were identified and included in this review. Existing evidence is promising, demonstrating patient benefits as a result of simulation training for central line placement, obstetric emergencies, cataract surgery, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, and team training.
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Maintenance of certification (MOC) is a process through which practitioners are able to show continuing competence in their areas of expertise. Simulation plays an increasingly important role in the assessment of students and residents, as well as in the initial practice certification for health care professionals. The use of simulation as an assessment tool in MOC has been sluggish to be universally accepted. This article discusses the role of simulation in health care education, how simulation might be effectively applied in the MOC process, and the future role of simulation in the MOC process.
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Simulation-based training (SBT) is a powerful educational tool permitting the acquisition of surgical knowledge, skills, and attitudes at both the individual- and team-based level in a safe, nonthreatening learning environment at no risk to a patient. Interprofessional education (IPE), in which participants from 2 or more health or social care professions learn interactively, can help improve patient care through the promotion of efficient coordination, dissemination of advances in care across specialties and professions, and optimization of individual- and team-based function. Nonetheless, conducting SBT IPE sessions poses several tactical and strategic challenges that must be effectively overcome to reap IPE's benefits.