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Chawla KS, Jayaram A, McClain CD. The Missing Chapter: The Education of Surgery and Anesthesiology Trainees as Civic Advocates. Ann Surg 2021; 273:e125-e126. [PMID: 33351468 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000004723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted existing systemic inequities that adversely affect a variety of communities in the United States. These inequities have a direct and adverse impact on the healthcare of our patient population. While civic engagement has not been cultivated in surgical and anesthesia training, we maintain that it is inherent to the core role of the role of a physician. This is supported by moral imperative, professional responsibility, and a legal obligation. We propose that such civic engagement and social justice activism is a neglected, but necessary aspect of physician training. We propose the implementation of a civic advocacy education agenda across department, community and national platforms. Surgical and anesthesiology residency training needs to evolve to the meet these increasing demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashmira S Chawla
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anusha Jayaram
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Global Surgery Student Alliance (GSSA), Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Craig D McClain
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Biddiscombe M, Usmani O. Delivery and adherence with inhaled therapy in asthma. Minerva Med 2021; 112:564-572. [PMID: 33438386 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.20.07276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The benefits of inhaled medication for the treatment of respiratory diseases are immense. Inhalers are unquestionably the most important medical devices for the treatment of asthma and in Europe today there are more than 230 different device and drug combinations of inhaled therapies many of which are available for the treatment of asthma. They are designed to alleviate the symptoms of asthma by controlling inflammation and minimising exacerbations and are intended to be simple enough to operate by all patients regardless of their age and education. However, it is still a huge challenge for patients to use their inhaler correctly and consistently and achieving asthma control continues to be an elusive goal for most patients worldwide. The reality is that despite advances in the diagnosis of asthma, the availability of comprehensive asthma management guidelines and potent asthma medications combined with efficient delivery systems, uncontrolled disease is still linked to substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite the enormous benefits of delivering topically acting medication directly to the site of disease in the lungs adherence to treatment still remains one of the biggest challenges in asthma control. This current review looks at why patients have difficulty in using their inhalers and why adherence is so poor and how this may be improved through the use of innovation in inhaler design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyn Biddiscombe
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK -
| | - Omar Usmani
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
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Cvetkovski B, Hespe C, Tan R, Kritikos V, Azzi E, Bosnic-Anticevich S. General Practitioner Use of Generically Substitutable Inhaler Devices and the Impact of Training on Device Mastery and Maintenance of Correct Inhaler Technique. Pulm Ther 2020; 6:315-331. [PMID: 33038005 PMCID: PMC7672138 DOI: 10.1007/s41030-020-00131-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Generic substitution of inhaler devices is a relatively new phenomenon. The best patient outcomes associated with generic substitution occur when prescribers obtain consent from their patients to prescribe a generic inhaler and also teach their patient how to correctly use the new device. To date, no prospective observational study has assessed the level of training required for general practitioners (GPs) to demonstrate correct inhaler technique using two dry powder inhaler devices delivering fixed-dose combination budesonide/formoterol therapy. This study aims to (1) determine the level of training required for GPs to master and maintain correct IT when using two different dry powder inhalers that are able to be substituted in clinical practice and (2) determine the number and types of errors made by GPs on each device and inhaler device preference at each training visit. METHOD A randomized, parallel-group cross-over study design was used to compare the inhaler technique of participants with a Spiromax® placebo device and a Turbuhaler® placebo device. This study consisted of two visits with each participant over a period of 4 ± 1 weeks (visit 1 and visit 2). A total of six levels of assessment and five levels of training were implemented as required. Level 1, no instruction; level 2, following use of written instruction; level 3, following viewing of instructional video; level 4, expert tuition from the researcher; level 5/level 6, repeats of expert tuition from the researcher when required. Participants progressed through each level and stopped at the point at which they demonstrated device mastery. At each level, trained researchers assessed the inhaler technique of the participants. Participants were also surveyed about their previous inhaler use and training. RESULTS In total, 228 GPs participated in this study by demonstrating their ability to use a Turbuhaler® and a Spiromax® device. There was no significant difference between the proportion of participants who demonstrated device mastery with the Turbuhaler® compared with the Spiromax® at level 1, (no instruction), (119/228 (52%) versus 131/228 (57%), respectively, n = 228, p = 0.323 (McNemar's test of paired data). All but one participant had demonstrated correct inhaler technique for both devices by level 3(instructional video). There was a significant difference between the proportion of participants who demonstrated maintenance of device mastery with the Turbuhaler® compared with the Spiromax® at visit 2, level 1 (127/177 (72%) versus 151/177 (85%) respectively, p = 0.003; McNemar's test of paired data). All but two participants achieved device mastery by level 3, visit 2. More participants reported previous training with the Turbuhaler® than with Spiromax®. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that GPs are able to equally demonstrate correct use of the Turbuhaler® and Spiromax® devices, even though most had not received training on a Spiromax® device prior to this study. The significance of being able to demonstrate correct technique on these two devices equally has ramifications on practice and supported generic substitution of inhaler devices at the point of prescribing, as the most impactful measure a GP can take to ensure effective use of inhaled medicine is the correct demonstration of inhaler technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Cvetkovski
- Quality Use of Respiratory Medicine Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Charlotte Hespe
- School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachel Tan
- Quality Use of Respiratory Medicine Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vicky Kritikos
- Quality Use of Respiratory Medicine Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Azzi
- Quality Use of Respiratory Medicine Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sinthia Bosnic-Anticevich
- Quality Use of Respiratory Medicine Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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Volerman A, Carpenter D, Press V. What can be done to impact respiratory inhaler misuse: exploring the problem, reasons, and solutions. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:791-805. [PMID: 32306774 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1754800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Respiratory inhalers, when used correctly, provide critical treatments for managing pulmonary conditions. However, many patients misuse inhalers, negatively affecting disease control, quality of life, healthcare utilization, and costs. Numerous factors are associated with misuse and are nested within four levels of influence: individual, interpersonal, organizational/institutional, and policy. AREAS COVERED This review analyzed published literature and identified the most salient factors at each socio-ecological framework level. English language articles from any year were identified from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase databases. Misuse exists across clinical settings, patient populations, and device types. Several potential solutions are highlighted. Published interventions to improve inhaler technique have utilized handouts, in-person, virtual, and biofeedback approaches both inside and outside of healthcare settings with varied effectiveness. However, some interventions have superior effectiveness for improving technique and reducing acute care utilization. EXPERT OPINION To robustly address inhaler misuse, future solutions should focus on multi-level approaches to account for the myriad of factors contributing to inhaler misuse. Solutions should also streamline inhaler equipment, identify innovative technology-based solutions, support collaborations across healthcare and non-healthcare settings, and ensure reimbursement to healthcare professionals for inhaler education. Rigorous research studies must be funded and supported to identify and disseminate solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Volerman
- University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics , Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Delesha Carpenter
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy , Asheville, NC, USA
| | - Valerie Press
- University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics , Chicago, IL, USA
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Abdel Fattah MT, Abdel Aziz AO, Abdel Aziz MO, Atta MI, Mounir SM, Amin SA. Prescription of inhalers among pulmonologists and nonpulmonologists: is there a difference. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF BRONCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.4103/ejb.ejb_26_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Dekhuijzen PNR, Lavorini F, Usmani OS. Patients' perspectives and preferences in the choice of inhalers: the case for Respimat(®) or HandiHaler(®). Patient Prefer Adherence 2016; 10:1561-72. [PMID: 27574405 PMCID: PMC4993394 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s82857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor inhaler technique hampers the efficacy of drug therapy in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Not only does this affect individual patient care, but it also impacts on the wider health care economics associated with these conditions. Treatment guidelines recommend a systematic approach to drug class selection; however, standardization of inhaler selection is currently difficult owing to the complexity of the interaction between the inhaler device and the patient. Specifically, individual patient preference can influence how successful a treatment is overall. This article reviews inhaler devices from the patient perspective, with a particular focus on the dry powder inhaler HandiHaler(®) and Respimat(®) Soft Mist™ Inhaler. It discusses factors that influence device preference and treatment compliance and reviews tools that can aid health care professionals to better match inhaler devices to individual patients' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federico Lavorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Omar S Usmani
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
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Han MK, Martinez CH, Au DH, Bourbeau J, Boyd CM, Branson R, Criner GJ, Kalhan R, Kallstrom TJ, King A, Krishnan JA, Lareau SC, Lee TA, Lindell K, Mannino DM, Martinez FJ, Meldrum C, Press VG, Thomashow B, Tycon L, Sullivan JL, Walsh J, Wilson KC, Wright J, Yawn B, Zueger PM, Bhatt SP, Dransfield MT. Meeting the challenge of COPD care delivery in the USA: a multiprovider perspective. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2016; 4:473-526. [PMID: 27185520 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(16)00094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the USA continues to grow. Although progress has been made in the the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and care guidelines, whether patients' quality of life is improved will ultimately depend on the actual implementation of care and an individual patient's access to that care. In this Commission, we summarise expert opinion from key stakeholders-patients, caregivers, and medical professionals, as well as representatives from health systems, insurance companies, and industry-to understand barriers to care delivery and propose potential solutions. Health care in the USA is delivered through a patchwork of provider networks, with a wide variation in access to care depending on a patient's insurance, geographical location, and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, Medicare's complicated coverage and reimbursement structure pose unique challenges for patients with chronic respiratory disease who might need access to several types of services. Throughout this Commission, recurring themes include poor guideline implementation among health-care providers and poor patient access to key treatments such as affordable maintenance drugs and pulmonary rehabilitation. Although much attention has recently been focused on the reduction of hospital readmissions for COPD exacerbations, health systems in the USA struggle to meet these goals, and methods to reduce readmissions have not been proven. There are no easy solutions, but engaging patients and innovative thinkers in the development of solutions is crucial. Financial incentives might be important in raising engagement of providers and health systems. Lowering co-pays for maintenance drugs could result in improved adherence and, ultimately, decreased overall health-care spending. Given the substantial geographical diversity, health systems will need to find their own solutions to improve care coordination and integration, until better data for interventions that are universally effective become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- MeiLan K Han
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Carlos H Martinez
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David H Au
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, and VA Puget Sound Health Care System, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jean Bourbeau
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cynthia M Boyd
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard Branson
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gerard J Criner
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ravi Kalhan
- Asthma and COPD Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Jerry A Krishnan
- University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Suzanne C Lareau
- University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Todd A Lee
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - David M Mannino
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Fernando J Martinez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Meldrum
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Valerie G Press
- Section of Hospital Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Byron Thomashow
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Tycon
- Palliative and Supportive Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Kevin C Wilson
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; American Thoracic Society, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jean Wright
- Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Yawn
- Family and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patrick M Zueger
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Surya P Bhatt
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, and UAB Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mark T Dransfield
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, and UAB Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Lavorini F. Inhaled drug delivery in the hands of the patient. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2015; 27:414-8. [PMID: 25238005 DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2014.1132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both diseases with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Inhaled therapy for these conditions has a number of advantages over systemic therapy, but requires the patients to use, and to master the use of, an inhaler device. However, many patients cannot use inhalers correctly, and over 50% of patients struggle to use a metered-dose inhaler properly. Poor inhaler technique is associated with a reduced asthma control, worst COPD outcomes, and wastage of economic resources. Of perhaps more concern is the fact that many health professionals also do not know how to use inhalers correctly and are therefore not in a position to coach patients effectively. Training patients and caregivers in the correct inhaler preparation and use is an essential component in the process toward achieving reliable and repeatable medication delivery. Instructions should be inhaler-specific, and they include instruction on how to load or prime the device. Providing only the leaflet that comes with the medicines does not lead to adequate inhalation technique, not even immediately after the patient has read the instructions and practiced with the inhaler. One-on-one sessions with health-care professionals probably represent the most effective educational method. However, it appears that, by itself, even repeated instruction could be insufficient to achieve improved adherence in the long term, as there is a tendency for patients or caregivers to forget what they have learned as time elapses since the training event. Thus, despite the development of several new and improved types of inhaler device, the evidence currently available points to little or no progress having been made with patients' ability to use their inhalers. As the range of drugs delivered by inhalation increases, inhaler technique checks and training need to be an integral part of the routine management of any patient with either asthma or COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Lavorini
- Careggi University Hospital , Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Florence, Italy
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Lavorini F, Usmani OS. Correct inhalation technique is critical in achieving good asthma control. PRIMARY CARE RESPIRATORY JOURNAL : JOURNAL OF THE GENERAL PRACTICE AIRWAYS GROUP 2014; 22:385-6. [PMID: 24270367 PMCID: PMC6442870 DOI: 10.4104/pcrj.2013.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Lavorini
- Careggi University Hospital, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Florence, Italy
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Hallberg CJ, Lysaught MT, Najarro RA, Cea Gil F, Villatoro C, Diaz de Uriarte AC, Olson LE. Treatment of asthma exacerbations with the human-powered nebuliser: a randomised parallel-group clinical trial. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2014; 24:14016. [PMID: 24965834 PMCID: PMC4373316 DOI: 10.1038/npjpcrm.2014.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Nebulisers aid the treatment of respiratory diseases, including asthma, but they require electricity and are often cost-prohibitive for low- and middle-income countries. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare a low-cost, human-powered nebuliser compressor with an electric nebuliser compressor for the treatment of mild to moderate asthma exacerbations in adults and children. Methods: This was a non-blinded, parallel-group, equivalence study, with 110 subjects between 6 and 65 years of age, conducted in the emergency department of a district hospital in Ilopango, El Salvador. Participants were assigned by random allocation to receive a 2.5-mg dose of salbutamol from the experimental human-powered nebuliser or the electric nebuliser control. All assigned participants completed treatment and were included in analysis. The study was not blinded as this was clinically unfeasible; however, data analysis was blinded. Results: The mean improvement in peak flow of the experimental and control groups was 37.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 26.7–48.2) l/min and 38.7 (95% CI, 26.1–51.3) l/min, respectively, with a mean difference of 1.3 (95% CI, −15.1 to 17.7) l/min. The mean improvement in percent-expected peak flow for the experimental and control groups was 12.3% (95% CI, 9.1–15.5%) and 13.8% (95% CI, 9.8–17.9%), respectively, with a mean difference of 1.5% (95% CI, −3.6 to 6.6%). Conclusions: The human-powered nebuliser compressor is equivalent to a standard nebuliser compressor for the treatment of mild-to-moderate asthma. (Funded by the Opus Dean’s Fund, Marquette University College of Engineering; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01795742.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Hallberg
- 1] Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA [2] School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - M Therese Lysaught
- Institute of Pastoral Studies and Neiswanger Institute of Bioethics, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - René Antonio Najarro
- 1] Department of Medicine, Universidad Salvadoreña Alberto Masferrer, San Salvador, El Salvador [2] Department of Medicine, Universidad José Matías Delgado, Antiguo Cuscatlán, El Salvador
| | - Fausto Cea Gil
- 1] Department of Medicine, Universidad Salvadoreña Alberto Masferrer, San Salvador, El Salvador [2] Department of Medicine, Universidad José Matías Delgado, Antiguo Cuscatlán, El Salvador
| | - Clara Villatoro
- Casa de la Soladaridad Program, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | | | - Lars E Olson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Tartaglia KM, Press VG, Freed BH, Baker T, Tang JW, Cohen JC, Laiteerapong N, Alvarez K, Schwartz M, Arora VM. The neighborhood health exchange: developing a community partnership in residency. J Grad Med Educ 2010; 2:456-61. [PMID: 21976098 PMCID: PMC2951789 DOI: 10.4300/jgme-d-10-00067.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 06/13/2010] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current system of residency training focuses on the hospital setting, and resident exposure to the surrounding community is often limited. However, community interaction can play an important role in ambulatory training and in learning systems-based practice, a residency core competency. The goal of the Neighborhood Health Exchange was to develop a community partnership to provide internal medicine residents with an opportunity to interface with community members through a mutually beneficial educational experience. METHODS Internal medicine residents received training during their ambulatory block and participated in a voluntary field practicum designed to engage community members in discussions about their health. Community members participated in education sessions led by resident volunteers. RESULTS Resident volunteers completed a survey on their experiences. All residents stated that the opportunity to lead an exchange was very useful to their overall residency training. Eight exchanges were held with a total of 61 community participants, who completed a 3-question survey following the session. This survey asked about the level of material, the helpfulness of the exchanges, and opportunities for improvement. We received 46 completed surveys from community members: 91% stated that the material was presented "at the right level" and 93% stated that the presentations were somewhat or very helpful. Eighty percent gave positive and encouraging comments about the exchange. CONCLUSION Effective community partnerships involve assessing needs of the stakeholders, anticipating leadership turnover, and adapting the Neighborhood Health Exchange model to different groups. Community outreach can also enhance internal medicine ambulatory training experience, provide residents with patient counseling opportunities, and offer a novel method to enhance resident understanding of systems-based practice, especially within the larger community in which their patients live.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vineet M. Arora
- Corresponding author: Vineet Arora, MD, MA, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 2007, AMB W216, Chicago, IL 60637, 773.702.8157,
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