Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Team Research Articles

Case report: Tongue metastasis as an initial sign of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and its prognosis

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent and lethal subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), characterized by a poor prognosis and a high likelihood of distant metastasis. Nonetheless, metastasis of ccRCC to the tongue remains rare. Diagnosing and planning treatment for patients who initially present with tongue metastasis can be particularly challenging, as few cases have been reported in the literature. We present a case of a 62-year-old man who presented with a painful lump on the right anterior border of his tongue. Histological examination revealed lobulated and nested epithelial cell clusters with moderate dysplasia and frequent mitotic figures within the lamina propria. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for vimentin, CD10, PAX-8, and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), but negativity for PAX-2, calponin, S-100 protein, periodic acid-Schiff with diastase (PAS-D), P63, P40, and CK7, confirming the diagnosis of ccRCC metastasis to the tongue. After comprehensive evaluation and multidisciplinary team consultation, the patient underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN), metastasectomy, and targeted therapy. According to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) Version 1.1, the patient maintained stable disease (SD) during systemic treatment. Unfortunately, treatment was discontinued due to adverse drug reactions, and the patient was transitioned to palliative care. His disease progressed to progressive disease (PD), and he ultimately succumbed to systemic infection, with a progression-free survival (PFS) of approximately 15 months. This case highlights the urgent need for improved therapeutic strategies to manage symptoms and prolong survival in patients with this rare metastatic presentation.

Oncologic control and predictors of urologic reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery for low-risk penile malignancy.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a low-risk penile cancer management option. However, contemporary patients' short-term oncologic control and preoperative characteristics predicting reconstruction needs are undefined. This study assesses MMS's oncologic efficacy for low-risk penile cancer and identifies baseline predictors of post-resection reconstruction referral. We retrospectively reviewed 73 adult males with 78 penile cutaneous malignancies treated with MMS from 2005 to 2019. Patients underwent MMS with or without surgical reconstruction. Demographic information, MMS operative details, lesion pathology, and short-term outcomes were recorded. Descriptive statistics for all variables were calculated, and logistic regression identified predictive factors for urologic referral for complex reconstruction. Seventy-three men with 78 lesions, all staged ≤ cT1a prior to MMS, were identified. Twenty-one men were found to have invasive SCC. Median follow-up was 2.0years (IQR 0.8-5.2years). MMS was able to clear the disease in 90.4% of cases. One patient had disease related death following progression. Dermatology closed primarily in 68% of patients. Twenty percent of patients had a complication, most commonly poor wound healing. On univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis, lesion size > 3cm and involvement of the glans independently predicted the need for referral to a reconstructive surgeon. MMS for penile cancer appears to provide sound oncologic control in the properly selected patient. Involvement of a reconstructive surgeon may be needed for glandular and large lesions, necessitating early referral to a comprehensive multidisciplinary care team.

QAPI 123 - Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Performance Improvement Teams Effectively Reduce Colon Surgical Site Infections

QAPI 123 - Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Performance Improvement Teams Effectively Reduce Colon Surgical Site Infections

A multi-dimensional assessment of internet gaming disorder in children and adolescents: A case-control study.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) leads to social disturbances and isolation, neglect of daily responsibilities, behavioral disorders, and physical impairments. This study aimed to investigate the effect of IGD on spine biomechanics, range of motion in the neck and low back, and lung functions and respiratory muscle strength in children and adolescents. Sixty-four children and adolescents with IGD (Group I) and 41 healthy controls (Group II) were included in the study. The outcomes were assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Internet Addiction Scale, active range of motion (AROM) in the neck and lumbar spine, posture and spinal alignment, lung function tests, and respiratory muscle strength. There is a significant difference in pain intensity at rest, during activity, and daily sitting time between groups (p < 0.05). Craniovertebral angle, shoulder asymmetry, thoracic kyphosis angle, cervical extension and rotation, and right lumbar rotation significantly decreased in Group I than in Group II (p < 0.05). Besides, the PEF, FEF 25-75%, and respiratory muscle strength were lower in Group I than in Group II (p < 0.05). With a multiple linear regression model, MEP, FEV1, and weekly time spent playing online games were significant predictors of internet addiction intensity (R2 = 0.28; p = 0.02, p = 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). Postural misalignment and increased sedentary time cause physical health deterioration and negatively affect lung functions in children and adolescents with IGD. Consequently, considering both psychological and physical health is necessary to assess the problematic nature of internet gaming. A comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary team approach is essential to managing the IGD.

Preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment and multidisciplinary team input in older people undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery: A feasibility trial.

To determine the feasibility of preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and multidisciplinary team (MDT) input for older people undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery in a tertiary New Zealand setting. This single-centre retrospective study included elective orthopaedic patients older than 65 years (and Māori/Pasifika aged greater than 55 years) with hyperpolypharmacy, frailty, neurocognitive disorders and poor functional status. Patients attended a preoperative clinic where they had a geriatrician-led CGA along with MDT input. The feasibility of this preoperative model was assessed using outcomes of acceptability, accessibility and adherence. A qualitative description of patient demographics along with clinic assessment and interventions further describes this pilot experience. Sixty patients met inclusion criteria. This group were vulnerable older people (median age 77 years), with a high incidence of hyperpolypharmacy (85%), frailty (80%) and neurocognitive disorders (30%). Acceptability was high (97%), along with CGA accessibility (100%); however, MDT accessibility varied (53-90%). Adherence to MDT intervention was low; with only 26% of patients completing physiotherapy sessions and only 29% adhering to dietary advice. Accurate recall was a significant factor contributing to poor adherence. Comprehensive geriatric assessment was demonstrated to be a broad and flexible intervention. CGA with MDT input is an acceptable and accessible intervention to be utilised as part of improved preoperative care for the older person undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. Further consideration around methods to increase adherence in this patient group should be explored. Future research should focus on refining the intervention, and quantifying impact on patient outcomes.

Phalangeal microgeodic syndrome: a paediatric case series.

We present the clinical and radiological characteristics of phalangeal microgeodic syndrome in a cluster of five children during the second peak of COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Each child presented with phalangeal swelling and erythema, prompting a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team review to analyse the clinical presentation, blood test results and imaging. The cohort's average age was 14.1years, ranging from 10.4 to 16.6years, with two girls and three boys. Four children experienced phalangeal involvement in the hands, whilst one was affected solely in the feet. A rheumatological work-up was performed for all. Hand X-rays performed on three children revealed distinct radiographic features like microgeodes, subperiosteal bone resorption and rarefaction in two cases. However, further MRI showed extensive changes closely correlated with the clinical signs of cutaneous vasculopathic rashes. The MRI abnormalities were notable, encompassing marrow oedema primarily affecting metaphyses and epiphyses, displaying broad transition zones. Soft tissue swelling and cortical erosions were also observed. These MRI features proved more pathognomonic in the acute clinical context. The study concluded that phalangeal microgeodic syndrome, characterised by digital swelling and erythema, might not be adequately assessed by plain X-rays. The more comprehensive MRI features, including marrow oedema and soft tissue abnormalities, appeared to be more indicative in diagnosing the condition. Considering the rarity of this syndrome and its temporal association with the COVID-19 pandemic, the study hypothesised that COVID-related thrombophilia and immune-mediated vasculopathy might act as crucial triggers for the active bony manifestations seen in this syndrome. KEY POINTS: • PMS is a rare, predominantly paediatric condition, of unknown aetiology which affects the digits. • Laboratory investigations are generally negative; however, in the appropriate clinical context, the X-ray findings of microgeodes and pattern of bone marrow oedema seen on MRI are pathognomonic. • Considering the rarity of PMS and temporal association with the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID vasculopathy may represent a previously unrecognised aetiology for PMS.

Transfer of musculoskeletal care from paediatric to adult services for patients with cerebral palsy and chronic neuromuscular conditions: Identifying the unmet need

IntroductionChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) are treated by well-co-ordinated multi-disciplinary neuromuscular teams. With a comprehensive multidisciplinary team, co-ordinating the transfer to adult care is a challenge. Orthopaedic care becomes fragmented as patients transfer from paediatric orthopaedic surgeons with training in multi-joint neuromuscular conditions (NMCs), to adult orthopaedic surgeons where this expertise rarely exists. Orthopaedic and spinal problems are a major unmet health need in this population. There is a lack of research in the literature regarding availability and access to orthopaedic services post transferring, which this study aimed to address. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted at an NHS referral centre for specialist paediatric services to evaluate the existing transfer program. A 10-item questionnaire was developed by senior clinicians for patients with CP or NMCs and their families to answer. It focused on three domains: Availability of a transfer of care plan, access to healthcare services and satisfaction with the services. ResultsThere were 39 responses from patients, or their families received between December 2021 to April 2022. Patients were aged between 17 and 28 years at the time of answering. Availability of a transfer of care plan was poor, at only 20.5 % (8/39). Sixty-nine percent (27/39) stated there was not an orthopaedic surgeon overseeing their bone and joint health and a further 33.3 % (13/39) reported lack of supervision from a physiotherapist. Fifty-six percent (22/39) of respondents reported a decline in musculoskeletal health. Those that did receive ongoing orthopaedic care reported high rates of satisfaction. ConclusionOur study has shown that the transfer of care for patients with CP and NMCs continues to remain poor, contrary to national guidelines, with lack of access to adequate musculoskeletal healthcare services after transfer to adulthood. The unmet needs of patients with CP or NMCs with orthopaedic and spinal pathologies are higher than previously reported. This area has been critically understudied, but this manuscript has highlighted an urgent need to improve and reform transfer practises, to fulfil the current deficit.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder: An updated literature review

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PASD) refers to a range of pathological placental adhesions to the uterine wall, previously classified into three subtypes: placenta accreta, placenta increta, and placenta percreta, based on the invasiveness of the villous tissue. This article provides an updated review of the literature on PASD with new insights into the etiopathology of PASD. Recent evidence suggests that extravillous trophoblasts are not overly invasive and that accreta placentation is more likely due to decidualisation failure resulting from blastocyst implantation within a caesarean scar defect (CSD). Previous caesarean delivery has been the most well-known risk factor of PASD, with the increased occurrence of PASD along with the increased number of previous caesarean deliveries. Antenatal identification of PASD is strongly recommended to improve outcomes before the onset of labour or bleeding, so that placental abruption can be avoided. Ultrasonography can identify PASD in the first trimester with good sensitivity and specificity. A standardised approach with a comprehensive multidisciplinary care team is required to manage PASD effectively. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), along with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), have published guidelines for the best clinical management of PASD. Future research should concentrate on gathering prospective data on the diagnosis and management of PASD in order to assess the association between prenatal imaging, clinical grading, and histology findings. This will lead to more accurate PASD screening, reliable diagnostic criteria, and alternatives to prenatal treatment.

Update on Management and Outcomes of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) benefit from comprehensive multidisciplinary teams that have experience in caring for the unique and complex issues associated with CDH. Despite prenatal referral to specialized high-volume centers, advanced ventilation strategies and pulmonary hypertension management, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, mortality and morbidity remain high. These infants have unique and complex issues that begin in fetal and infant life, but persist through adulthood. Here we will review the literature and share our clinical care pathway for neonatal care and follow up. While many advances have occurred in the past few decades, our work is just beginning to continue to improve the mortality, but also importantly the morbidity of CDH.

Hospitalization due to adverse drug events in older adults with cancer: A retrospective analysis

IntroductionGeriatric oncology is a rapidly evolving field of practice, where comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGA) and multidisciplinary team (MDT) input have the potential to improve patient outcomes. Polypharmacy and potential drug interactions (PDI) have been associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in older adults with cancer, receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT). Our aim was to assess the incidence of unplanned hospitalization in older adults with cancer attending medical oncology outpatient clinics and to determine whether an unplanned hospitalization was potentially due to an adverse drug event (ADE). Materials and MethodsWe identified patients who attended a medical oncology outpatient appointment from January 1 to March 31, 2018. Medical records were examined to identify any unplanned hospital admissions between the clinic visit date and three and six months after initial clinic visit. Incidences of unplanned hospitalization were assessed to determine if an ADE potentially occurred. ResultsData collected from 174 patients were analyzed. Over half (57%) were female, median age was 75 years and 53% had a favorable performance status. The most common malignancies were gastrointestinal (GI) at 31% (n = 54), breast 29% (n = 51), and genitourinary 22% (n = 37). Seventy-two percent had advanced disease (stage III/IV) and 61% had systemic therapy (SACT and hormonal therapy). Polypharmacy (≥5 medications) was observed in 77% of patients. The total number of admissions at six months was 99, with 55% of these potentially due to an ADE. On multivariate analysis breast cancer (p ≤0.001), lung cancer (p = 0.034), performance status (p ≤0.001), monochemotherapy (p = 0.012), polychemotherapy (p ≤0.001), and radiotherapy (p = 0.048) were independent predictors of unplanned hospitalization. Breast cancer (p = 0.008), GI cancer (p = 0.019), monochemotherapy (p = 0.039), and polychemotherapy (p ≤0.001) were independent predictors of unplanned hospitalization due to ADE on multivariate analysis. DiscussionWe observed that older adults with cancer have a high risk of unplanned hospitalization due to ADE. Medication review as part of a CGA in newly diagnosed older adults with cancer by a clinical pharmacist is recommended. This may identify opportunities to avoid medications that could potentially lead to unplanned hospitalization.

COMPrehensive geriatric AsseSSment and multidisciplinary team intervention for hospitalised older adults (COMPASS): a protocol of pragmatic trials within a cohort

IntroductionThere is an increased demand for services for hospitalised older patients with acute medical conditions due to rapidly ageing population. The COMPrehensive geriatric AsseSSment and multidisciplinary team intervention for hospitalised...

Long-term Oncologic Outcomes in Patients with Inflammatory Breast Cancer with Supraclavicular Nodal Involvement.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by rapid progression and early metastasis, often with advanced nodal locations, including the supraclavicular (SCV) nodal basin. Previously considered M1 disease, ipsilateral clinical supraclavicular node involvement (N3c) disease is now considered locally advanced disease and warrants treatment with intent to cure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with IBC and N3c disease. This study was conducted using a prospectively collected database of all patients with IBC treated at a dedicated cancer center from 2007 to 2019. Surgical patients with SCV nodal involvement and complete follow-up were identified. Our primary outcome was 5-year overall survival (OS). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine predictors for survival. Event-free survival (EFS) and OS were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. There were 70 patients who met inclusion criteria. All patients underwent comprehensive trimodality therapy. The majority of patients had complete (66.2%) radiologic response in the SCV nodal basins following neoadjuvant therapy. Six patients (8.6%) had a locoregional recurrence, with two (2.9%) occurring in the supraclavicular fossa. The 5-year OS was 60.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 47.7-72.7%]. Increasing age (hazard ratio 2.7; p = 0.03) and triple-negative subtype (hazard ratio 4.9; p = 0.03) were associated with poor OS. The 5-year EFS was 56.1% (95% CI 40.9-68.8%). The presence of more than ten positive axillary nodes on final surgical pathology (hazard ratio 5.5; p = 0.01) predicted poor EFS. With comprehensive trimodality therapy and multidisciplinary team approach, patients with IBC with supraclavicular nodal involvement experience excellent locoregional control and favorable survival.

Spinal muscular atrophy: Surviving respiratory failure, intensive care and pursuing creatively fulfilled life.

Spinal muscular atrophy is a congenital condition associated with mutations in the SMN1 gene. Patients have normal intellectual development, but the natural history is progressive respiratory failure resulting in premature death. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 in early primary school, the wheelchair-bound girl developed severe pneumonia on one occasion, when she became critically ill and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit with multiorgan dysfunction, requiring mechanical ventilation and high inotropic support. Parents and the patient expressed strong desire for full respiratory and intensive care support to be given. Survived the episode, she is wheelchair ambulatory and continues to pursue a creative artistic career. Children with SMA and their families need to be supported by a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team to manage this illness. Pediatricians and healthcare givers must provide up-to-date health advice on COVID-19 prophylaxis and management to special groups of patients with respiratory and neurological risks.

Ebstein's Anomaly: From Fetus to Adult-Literature Review and Pathway for Patient Care.

Ebstein's anomaly, first described in 1866 by Dr William Ebstein, accounts for 0.3-0.5% of congenital heart defects and represents 40% of congenital tricuspid valve abnormalities. Ebstein's anomaly affects the development of the tricuspid valve with widely varying morphology and, therefore, clinical presentation. Associated congenital cardiac lesions tend to be found more often in younger patients and may even be the reason for presentation. Presentation can vary from the most extreme form in fetal life, to asymptomatic diagnosis late in adult life. The most symptomatic patients need intensive care support in the neonatal period. This article summarizes and analyzes the literature on Ebstein's anomaly and provides a framework for the investigation, management, and follow-up of these patients, whether they present via fetal detection or late in adult life. For each age group, the clinical presentation, required diagnostic investigations, natural history, and management are described. The surgical options available for patients with Ebstein's anomaly are detailed and analyzed, starting from the initial mono-leaflet repairs to the most recent cone repair and its modifications. The review also assesses the effects of pregnancy on the Ebstein's circulation, and vice versa, the effects of Ebstein's on pregnancy outcomes. Finally, two attached appendices are provided for a structured echocardiogram protocol and key information useful for comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Team discussion.

Update analysis: Clinical outcomes following regionalization of gastric cancer care in a U.S. integrated health care system.

265 Background: The role of laparoscopic gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy is not yet fully defined in patients treated with modern perioperative chemotherapy. In 2016, Kaiser Permanente Northern California regionalized gastric cancer care, introducing a regional comprehensive multidisciplinary care team, standardizing staging and chemotherapy, and implementing laparoscopic gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy for eligible patients with curative-intent surgery. We previously reported a retrospective cohort study comparing treatments and outcomes before and after regionalization, including 2-year overall survival. Here we present updated 3-year overall survival. Methods: As we described previously ( https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.21.00480 ), the study included all 1429 patients with gastric cancer diagnosed during January 2010 to May 2018, of whom 942 were pre-regionalization, and 487 were post. Of the 1429, 650 had Stage I-III disease, and 394 patients underwent curative intent gastrectomy. 34.9% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 18.4 % of patients received laparoscopic gastrectomy in the pre-regionalization period. In contrast, 66.2% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 91.8% received laparoscopic gastrectomy with D 2 lymphadenectomy in the post regionalization period (p &lt; 0.0001). Lymph node metastasis was noted in 50.7% and 45.1% pre- and post-regionalization periods, respectively (p = 0.29). Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis with entry on the diagnosis date, the outcome on the death date, and censoring on disenrollment or the end of the study. In this updated analysis, the end of the study was increased by one year to December 31, 2019. Results: The statistical analysis showed no difference in patients’ selection for surgery between the pre-and post-regionalization period and no change in the rate of surgical complications. At three years, overall survival among Stage I-III patients who received surgery was 66.0% in the pre-regionalization cohort and 83.0% in the post-regionalization cohort (p &lt; 0.002), a more significant difference than was observed at two years. Conclusions: The utilization of laparoscopic surgery and radical D2 lymphadenectomy in the era of perioperative chemotherapy continues to demonstrate improved postoperative overall disease survival.[Table: see text]

Glycaemic Control in Youth and Young Adults: Challenges and Solutions.

Diabetes is the third most prevalent severe chronic disease of youth. Management of any chronic condition like type-1 diabetes (T1D) during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and physiological changes accompanied by important individuation and socialization processes, constitutes a major challenge for the youth, their family and the health-care team. The increasing prevalence of T1D in the adolescent age group and deteriorating glycaemic control from childhood to adolescence and youth, as well as the secular trend of worsening glycaemic control in youth and young adults with T1D, are a matter of real concern. Lack of monitoring, insufficient self-control, psychosocial factors, lack of family support and parental supervision, inadequate adherence to treatment, pubertal increase in insulin resistance and incompetent transition from paediatric to adult care are likely causes of deteriorating glycaemic control in youth. Efforts to improve insulin sensitivity by using pharmacological agents such as metformin are insufficient in resolving this problem. Interventions such as structured intervention, motivational interviews, development of youth friendly services and organization of diabetes camps for peer support can improve adherence in these individuals. Innovative technologies such as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and continuous glucose monitoring, comprehensive multidisciplinary teams with effective communication, parental support and supervision with planned transition from paediatric to adult care will not only reduce the risk of micro- and macrovascular complications in young adults with T1D but will also cause significant improvement in their quality of life.

Tendencies congenital heart diseases surgical correction. Ten years experience of Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery.

Aim: To analyze the experience of treatment of congenital heart disease. Identify the proportions and ratios of surgical and endovascular treatments. Development of diagnostic service. To determine the impact of industry funding mechanisms on the development of endovascular surgery for congenital heart disease. Materials and methods: The tendencies of cardiac surgery development of congenital heart defects on the basis of the analysis of endovascular and surgical methods of treatment are considered. Own results of 10 years of experience in the treatment of congenital heart disease are presented. Results: An increase in the proportion of endovascular methods and a decrease in surgical treatments. The obtained data show a rapid increase in the share of medical procedures (from 48.9% to 89.4%) and a sharp decline in the share of diagnostic procedures (from 51.1% to 10.6%) in endovascular surgery. Early mortality after cardiac surgery in children is &lt;5%, mortality after edovascular interventions - &lt;1%. Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the heart - allows to detect 95% of all congenital heart defects and is shown to every citizen as a screening method. The influence of industry financing mechanisms on the development of endovascular surgery of congenital heart defects is shown. Expensive equipment began to be purchased at public expense, the number of equipment representatives on the market increased and, as a result, the number of endovascular procedures increased. Over the past 5 years, public funding for the needs of the industry has increased from 16 to 75%. Conclusions: Today, pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery are reaping the fruits of the golden age in medical science. With the development of cardiac surgery, the number of operated patients increases every year. The successful outcome of treatment of patients with CHD depends on a comprehensive multidisciplinary team (Heart Team). New evidence-based approaches in resuscitation management allow to recover as soon as possible after the intervention. We see further development of the industry in the development of multidisciplinary teams to help patients with the CHD. Finally, we expect an increase in the regulatory burden and the cost of developing new treatments and diagnostics. Key words: congenital heart defects, endovascular methods, open heart operations, minimally invasive interventions, critical heart defects.

Guidelines for cochlear implantation in Saudi Arabia.

This study aim to establish unified clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for adults and pediatric cochlear implantation (CI) for the Ministry of Health specialist hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive literature review was carried out by a task force group. Guidelines were based on evidence-based medicine including institutions and individuals’ experiences. Bilateral CI is recommended for adults and pediatrics with bilateral severe/profound hearing loss. The minimum age of implantation for children is recommended at 9 months. This study provides a safe framework for the multidisciplinary team to select appropriate CI candidates. It is important to establish a comprehensive multidisciplinary team covering different aspects of health care providers.

Implementation of a Healthcare of Elderly Course With Multi-Professional Teachers for Undergraduate Medical Students in a Public University in Malaysia-A Quasi-Experimental Pre and Post Study.

Clinical practise in the ageing population is changing from organ-specific specialty care to holistic care. This is done through comprehensive geriatric assessment and multi-disciplinary team management. Hence, we adopted an approach consisting of multi-professional teachers teaching a Healthcare of Elderly Course (HEC), in a public university in Malaysia. We aimed to analyze the students' attitude, self-perceived competency and interest in geriatric medicine as a career before and after the course. We also investigated variables that might influence this interest among these students. All 96 students in the course were invited to participate in the survey. Sixty-eight (70.8%) completed both pre and post-course questionnaires. Although most students (93%) have a positive attitude (University of California at Los Angeles Geriatric Attitude Scale >3) toward older adults at baseline, it did not significantly increase post-course. We found that the mean scores for self-perceived competency increased from 3.62 (±0.76) to 3.81 (±0.56) post-course (p < 0.01). However, the students remained neutral with no significant change in the mean interest in pursuing a geriatric medicine career after the course. Students with higher self-perceived competency post-course were found to be more interested in geriatric medicine (β = 0.56, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the HEC in our centre could sustain a positive attitude and increase self-perceived competency in students. It is important to increase the preparedness of our graduates in managing older adults with frailty and multimorbidity. Future studies may involve inter-professional education of students from multiple disciplines undergoing the same course to nurture real-life collaborations in managing the ageing population.

The Challenges of Managing Multiple Food Allergies and Consequent Food Aversions

The allergic march can often result in children with one food allergy phenotype developing other allergic manifestations as they grow older. In this grand round, we describe the case of a child with a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis at an early age, who subsequently developed IgE-mediated allergy to milk and egg. Because of the onset of allergic rhinitis, an additional complication of the teenage years was the development of pollen food syndrome, which further affected the already complex dietary management. These multiple allergies had a consequent effect on nutritional status and provoked considerable psychosocial issues, which greatly affected the patient's relationship with food. This case illustrates that for complex patients, a cohesive approach and shared decision-making are essential for diagnosis and management. Working with the patient and also the whole family, and considering how best to support them, necessitates a flexible approach. Regular follow-up is important to address changing psychosocial and dietary needs and monitor the resolution of allergies and response to pharmacotherapy. Complex patients need the input of a comprehensive multidisciplinary team, with good access to dietetic and psychological support, to optimize quality of life for these individuals and their families.