Standardized Patient Research Articles

Assessing the Ability of a Large Language Model to Score Free-Text Medical Student Clinical Notes: Quantitative Study.

Teaching medical students the skills required to acquire, interpret, apply, and communicate clinical information is an integral part of medical education. A crucial aspect of this process involves providing students with feedback regarding the quality of their free-text clinical notes. The goal of this study was to assess the ability of ChatGPT 3.5, a large language model, to score medical students' free-text history and physical notes. This is a single-institution, retrospective study. Standardized patients learned a prespecified clinical case and, acting as the patient, interacted with medical students. Each student wrote a free-text history and physical note of their interaction. The students' notes were scored independently by the standardized patients and ChatGPT using a prespecified scoring rubric that consisted of 85 case elements. The measure of accuracy was percent correct. The study population consisted of 168 first-year medical students. There was a total of 14,280 scores. The ChatGPT incorrect scoring rate was 1.0%, and the standardized patient incorrect scoring rate was 7.2%. The ChatGPT error rate was 86%, lower than the standardized patient error rate. The ChatGPT mean incorrect scoring rate of 12 (SD 11) was significantly lower than the standardized patient mean incorrect scoring rate of 85 (SD 74; P=.002). ChatGPT demonstrated a significantly lower error rate compared to standardized patients. This is the first study to assess the ability of a generative pretrained transformer (GPT) program to score medical students' standardized patient-based free-text clinical notes. It is expected that, in the near future, large language models will provide real-time feedback to practicing physicians regarding their free-text notes. GPT artificial intelligence programs represent an important advance in medical education and medical practice.

Complications of Chemical Peels, Lasers, and Energy-Based Device Procedures Performed by Core Cosmetic Physicians: A Retrospective Analysis.

There has been a proliferation of physicians of different levels of experience and training offering nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Rising demand, compounded by increasing utilization of new and existing technologies by numerous physician specialties, compels discussion of adequate standardized training and patient safety. A retrospective chart review of patients who presented to our single site dermatology clinic for managment of complications following chemical peel, laser or energy-based device treatments performed by core cosmetic physicians between the years of 2013 and 2024 was conducted. Core cosmetic physicians included plastic surgery, facial surgery/otolaryngology, oculoplastic surgery, and dermatology. Charts were reviewed for documentation of the type of complication, procedure causing the complication, and physician credentials, and referral source. Twenty-five patients were identified as having complications from chemical peeling, laser treatment or energy-based devices. Devices implicated included CO2 laser (fractional or fully ablative), chemical peels, 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser, 1320 nm Nd:YAG laser, intense pulsed light, 595 nm pulsed dye laser, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, radiofrequency with and without microneedling, and 1550 nm erbium-doped fiber laser. Complications included hypertrophic scarring, atrophic scarring, post-inflammatory erythema, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. Even in experienced hands, complications can arise. It is imperative that all physicians offering cosmetic treatments are equipped to recognize clinical endpoints, identify and manage complications, or make a timely referral to decrease the risk of a permanent and potentially devastating esthetic outcome for patients.

How should non-emergency EMS presentations be managed? A thematic analysis of politicians’, policymakers’, clinicians’ and consumers’ viewpoints

ObjectiveIn 2023, Australian government emergency medical services (EMS) responded to over 4 million consumers, of which over 56% were not classified as an ‘emergency’, at the cost of AU$5.5 billion....

Is the Epworth Sleepiness scale a valid outcome measure to evaluate the effectiveness of positive airway pressure treatments on daytime sleepiness? Psychometric insights from measurement invariance and response shifts.

Although the validity of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) as an effectiveness measure for sleep apnea treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been supported by multiple studies, some researchers continue to challenge it. They suggest that in addition to its impact on relieving patients' daytime sleepiness, CPAP also alters the internal standards patients use to evaluate their sleepiness (i.e., response shift; RS), confounding the meaning of the difference in the ESS scores. We believe an issue yet to be addressed in this debate is that all existing evidence of RS has been obtained through the then-test approach, a retrospective method sensitive to various cognitive mechanisms. Thus, in the current study, we re-examined this issue using the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, a method that can be directly applied to randomized clinical trial (RCT) data without retrospective measures. With the ESS data from two independent RCTs, we conducted cross-sectional and longitudinal measure invariance tests in SEM to examine whether CPAP would lead to RS. The ESS demonstrated cross-sectional and longitudinal scalar invariance against CPAP treatments. Its factorial pattern, loadings, and thresholds were invariant between the treatment and control groups and pre- and post-treatment, supporting the comparability of the observed mean ESS scores across time and groups. Our results support the validity of the average difference scores of the ESS for quantifying the effectiveness of CPAP on group-level daytime sleepiness in RCTs with relatively large sample sizes.

Faculty standardized patients versus traditional teaching method to improve clinical competence among traditional Chinese medicine students: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundStandardized patients (SPs) simulation training models have been widely used in various fields, the study of using SPs in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is still a new filed. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of occupational SP for TCM (OSP-TCM), which has an increasingly problem of high time and financial costs. The faculty SPs for TCM (FSP-TCM) simulation training model may provide a better alternative. This study aims to test and determine whether FSP-TCM simulations are more cost-effective than OSP-TCM and traditional educational models to improve the clinical competence of TCM students.MethodsThis study was a single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted between February 2023 and October 2023. The participants were randomized into FSP-TCM group, OSP-TCM group and traditionally taught group (TT group) in the ratio of 1:1:1. The duration of this training program was 12 weeks (36 credit hours). Formative and summative assessments were integrated to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning. Three distinct questionnaires were utilized to collect feedback from students, SPs, and teachers at the conclusion of the course. Additionally, analysis of cost comparisons between OSP-TCM and FSP-TCM were performed in the study.ResultsThe study comprised a total of 90 students, with no dropouts during the research. In the formative evaluation, students assigned to both the FSP-TCM and OSP-TCM groups demonstrated higher overall scores compared to those in the TT group. Notably, their performance in “physical examination” (Pa = 0.01, Pb = 0.04, Pc = 0.93) and “comprehensive ability” (Pa = 0.01, Pb = 0.006, Pc = 0.96) significantly exceeded that of the TT group. In the summary evaluation, both SP-TCM groups students outperforms TT group in the online systematic knowledge test (Pa = 0.019, Pb = 0.04, Pc = 0.97), the application of TCM technology (Pa = 0.01, Pb = 0.03, Pc = 0.93) and real-time assessment (Pa= 0.003, Pb = 0.01, Pc = 0.93). The feedback questionnaire demonstrated that both SP-TCM groups showed higher levels of agreement for this course in “satisfaction with the course” (Pa = 0.03; Pb = 0.02) and “enhanced TCM clinical skills” (Pa = 0.02; Pb = 0.03) than TT group. The SP questionnaire showed that more FSPs than OSPs in “provided professional feedback” (FSPs: strongly agree 30%, agree 50% vs. OSPs: strongly agree 20%, agree 40%. P = 0.69), and in “gave hints” during the course (FSPs: strongly agree 10%, agree 30% vs. OSPs: strongly agree 0%, agree 10%. P = 0.42). It is noteworthy that FSP-TCM was significantly lower than the OSP-TCM in overall expense (FSP-TCM $7590.00 vs. OSP-TCM $17415.60), and teachers have a positive attitude towards the FSP-TCM.ConclusionFSP-TCM training mode showed greater effectiveness than traditional teaching method in improving clinical competence among TCM students. It was feasible, practical, and cost-effective, and may serve as an alternative method to OSP-TCM simulation.

Digital volumetric assessment of CIS and tumor mass compliments conventional histopathological assessment in muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer.

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder is a known parameter regarding the prognosis and recurrence tendency of urothelial carcinomas. Nevertheless, there is little evidence whether the amount of CIS or other precursor lesions, as well as the quantified tumor mass of muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma, has an influence on the survival or recurrence rate of affected patients. From 80 patients with muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer and radical cystectomy, 23 samples each were obtained as part of a whole organ mapping in a single institution study, in which the precursor lesions and tumor area were digitally measured and further correlated to pathological standard parameters, patient survival, molecular luminal and basal subtypes, and immune infiltration. Significant correlations were found between tumor mass and surface lining CIS amount for pT-stage, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural infiltration. Furthermore, an increased tumor mass as well as an increased amount of CIS combined with an increased tumor mass showed a significantly reduced survival rate in multivariable analysis (HR = 2.75; P = 0.019 vs. HR = 3.54; P = 0.002) as well as a significantly increased recurrence. No correlations could be found with molecular subtypes and immune infiltration. The exact measurement of the tumor mass with and without the CIS surface area, whether manually or, more specifically, digitally, could be incorporated into routine diagnostics and implemented as an independent predictor for patient post-surgical outcomes. It can therefore serve as an additional predictor for risk stratification and, if necessary, intensified follow-up care or therapy.

Do Interns Learn On-The-Job How to Obtain Proper Informed Consent for Surgical Procedures?

Obtaining surgical informed consent (SIC) is a critical skill most residents are expected to learn "on-the-job." This study sought to quantify the effect of 1 year of clinical experience on performance obtaining SIC in the absence of formal informed consent education. In this case-control cohort study, PGY1 and PGY2 surgical residents in an academic program were surveyed regarding their experiences and confidence in obtaining SIC; then assessed obtaining informed consent for a right hemicolectomy from a standardized patient. Single academic general surgery residency program in Buffalo, NY. Ten PGY1 and eight PGY2 general surgery residents were included in the study, after excluding residents with additional years of training. PGY2 residents had significantly more experience obtaining SIC compared to PGY1 residents (median response: ">50" vs "between 6 and 15," p = 0.001), however there was no difference in self-reported confidence in ability obtaining SIC (mean 3.2/5 in PGY1 vs 3.4/5 in PGY2, p = 0.61), self-reported knowledge of SIC (mean 3.1/5 in PGY1 vs 3.6/5 in PGY2, p = 0.15), performance on a test regarding SIC (mean score 9.0/20, SD 3.9 for PGY1 vs mean score 9.6/20, SD 3.5, t = 0.387, p = 0.739) or performance during a standardized patient interview (mean 11.2/20, SD 2.78 for PGY1 vs mean 11.4/20, SD 1.51 for PGY2, p = 0.87). In the interviews all residents addressed general risks (bleeding/infection), however both groups performed worse in addressing procedure-specific risks including anastomotic leak as risk for hemicolectomy. A year of clinical training between PGY1 to PGY2 did not improve performance in obtaining surgical informed consent when lacking formal education, despite self-confidence in their ability. A curriculum covering the content, delivery and assessment of informed consent should be initiated for residents upon arrival to surgical training.

Immunosuppression in adult liver transplant recipients: a 2024 update from the Italian Liver Transplant Working Group.

Advances in surgical procedures and immunosuppressive therapies have considerably improved the outcomes of patients who have undergone liver transplantation in the past few decades. In 2020, the Italian Liver Transplant Working Group published practice-oriented algorithms for immunosuppressive therapy (IT) in adult liver transplant (LT) recipients. Due to the rapidly evolving LT field, regular updates to the recommendations are required. This review presents a consensus- and evidence-based update of the 2020 recommendations. The Italian Liver Transplant Working Group set out to address new IT issues, which were discussed based on supporting literature and the specialists' personal experiences. The panel deliberated on and graded each statement before consensus was reached. A series of consensus statements were formulated and finalized on: (i) oncologic indications for LT; (ii) management of chronic LT rejection; (iii) combined liver-kidney transplantation; (iv) immunosuppression for transplantation with an organ donated after circulatory death; (v) transplantation in the presence of frailty and sarcopenia; and (vi) ABO blood group incompatibility between donor and recipient. Algorithms were updated in the following LT groups: standard patients, critical patients, oncology patients, patients with specific etiology, and patients at high immunologic risk. A steroid-free approach was generally recommended, except for patients with autoimmune liver disease and those at high immunologic risk. The updated consensus- and evidence-based 2024 recommendations for immunosuppression regimens in adult patients with ABO-compatible LT address a range of clinical variables that should be considered to optimize the choice of the immunosuppression treatment in clinical practice in Italy.

Exploring differences in patient participation in simulated emergency cases in co-located and distributed rural emergency teams – an observational study with a randomized cross-over design

BackgroundIn northern rural Sweden, telemedicine is used to improve access to healthcare and to provide patient-centered care. In emergency care during on-call hours, video-conference systems are used to connect the physicians to the rest of the team – creating ‘distributed teams’. Patient participation is a core competency for healthcare professionals. Knowledge about how distributed teamwork affects patient participation is missing.The aim was to investigate if and how teamwork affecting patient participation, as well as clinicians’ perceptions regarding shared decision-making differ between co-located and distributed emergency teams.MethodsIn an observational study with a randomized cross-over design, healthcare professionals (n = 51) participated in authentic teams (n = 17) in two scripted simulated emergency scenarios with a standardized patient: one as a co-located team and the other as a distributed team. Team performances were filmed and observed by independent raters using the PIC-ET tool to rate patient participation behavior. The participants individually filled out the Dyadic OPTION questionnaire after the respective scenarios to measure perceptions of shared decision-making. Scores in both instruments were translated to percentage of a maximum score. The observational data between the two settings were compared using linear mixed-effects regression models and the self-reported questionnaire data were compared using one-way ANOVA. Neither the participants nor the observers were blinded to the allocations.ResultsA significant difference in observer rated overall patient participation behavior was found, mean 51.1 (± 11.5) % for the co-located teams vs 44.7 (± 8.6) % for the distributed teams (p = 0.02). In the PIC-ET tool category ‘Sharing power’, the scores decreased from 14.4 (± 12.4) % in the co-located teams to 2 (± 4.4) % in the distributed teams (p = 0.001). Co-located teams scored in mean 60.5% (± 14.4) when self-assessing shared decision-making, vs 55.8% (± 15.1) in the distributed teams (p = 0.03).ConclusionsTeam behavior enabling patient participation was found decreased in distributed teams, especially regarding sharing power with the patient. This finding was also mirrored in the self-assessments of the healthcare professionals. This study highlights the risk of an increased power asymmetry between patients and distributed emergency teams and can serve as a basis for further research, education, and quality improvement.

Diagnosis and Management of Pelvic Venous Disorders in Women.

Pelvic venous reflux and obstruction can lead to chronic pelvic pain and extra-pelvic varicosities. This paper will discuss the contemporary understanding of this pathophysiology and its clinical manifestations. It will review evidence-based clinical and imaging criteria of pelvic venous disorders, data supporting benefit from venous interventions, criticisms of the available data and highlight evidence research gaps that exist. Finally, it will argue that comparative outcomes research utilizing standardized patient selection for embolization and stenting, embolization treatment strategies that eliminate the pelvic varices (at least to start), and clinically relevant outcome measures are necessary to establish the benefit of vascular treatments.

Training students to serve as standardized patients in an objective structured clinical examination is feasible: A mixed-methods study

AimThis study aimed to evaluate examinees’ perceptions of the performance of student standardized patients (SPs) and to explore student SPs’ experiences. BackgroundObjective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a standard approach to the task of evaluating students’ clinical competency that relies on SPs. However, professional SPs are characterized by high costs and insufficient availability. Training students to serve as SPs can help address this lack of OSCE resources. However, only preliminary evidence regarding this process and its feasibility has been reported. DesignWe used a concurrent mixed-method study design that included quantitative surveys and qualitative group interviews. MethodsOur sample consisted of two-year Bachelor of Nursing program students and trained student SPs who were recruited in May 2021. We used a 5-item performance evaluation tool to assess the SPs’ performance. The reliability of this evaluation tool was indicated by a Cronbach’s α coefficient of.95. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the examinees’ satisfaction with the student SPs’ performance using SPSS 28.0 software. We used a semi-structured interview guide during a group interview; the interview was transcribed verbatim and analyzed via thematic analysis with the assistance of Microsoft Word software. ResultsEighty-two nursing school students responded to the survey and 10 student SPs were included in a group interview. Nursing school students rated SPs’ performance favorably. The mean score assigned to the SPs on the performance scale was 4.41 out of 5. The student SPs described the challenges and benefits that they experienced regarding their role. The challenges they described included 1) staying true to my role, 2) overcoming a physically overwhelming role and 3) facing the threat of insecurity. However, the corresponding benefits included 1) gaining rewards, 2) advancing nursing competency and 3) experiencing a sense of accomplishment. ConclusionAfter undergoing training, the SPs performed well. They experienced a variety of challenges and obtained certain benefits. In health care education, recruiting students to serve as SPs is feasible.

Advancements in ectopic reservoir placement for inflatable penile prostheses.

Traditional reservoir placement (RP) into the space of Retzius during three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis implantation has been associated with serious bladder, iliac vessel, and bowel complications, encouraging the development of "ectopic" RP methods. In this study we sought to document an up-to-date, comprehensive analysis of ectopic RP techniques regarding both patient satisfaction and clinical complications. A PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library literature search of English language articles from 1966 to 2023 with keywords "inflatable," "penile prosthesis," "reservoir," and "placement" gave 179 publications, 70 of which were included in a comprehensive chronology and investigation after review. Overall, 12 retrospective studies detailing 9 ectopic RP techniques were compared for discussion. Sufficient data for comparison were found for 9 ectopic RP methods: posterior/anterior to transversalis fascia (PTF/ATF); high submuscular (HSM); HSM "Five-Step" technique (HSM-FST); lateral retroperitoneal (LR); sub-external oblique (SEO); direct vision, transfascial (DVT); low submuscular with transfascial fixation (LSM w/ TFF); and midline submuscular reservoir (MSMR). Although rare, serious complications have occurred with the use of ectopic RP techniques: 2 bladder perforations on implantation with PTF RP, a delayed bowel obstruction with HSM RP, and a colonic injury in a patient with a history of colon surgery with LR RP. Generally, herniation is the most relevant clinical complication in ectopic RP. At the time of this review there was no reported herniation with LR, SEO, LSM w/ TFF, or MSMR, likely due to fixation steps and/or reinforced spaces. Regarding patient satisfaction, HSM, HSM-FST, and LSM w/ TFF had similarly high rates of patient satisfaction while other techniques had no patient satisfaction data available. Importantly, reservoir palpability/visibility relates directly to patient satisfaction. Levels of palpability and/or visibility were reported in patients who underwent PTF/ATF, HSM, HSM-FST, SEO, and LSM w/ TFF, whereas no palpability was reported in patients who underwent LR, DVT, and MSMR. Proper comparison of ectopic methods is not possible without standardized patient surveys, consistent complication reporting, and larger sample sizes, indicating the need for a large, prospective, multisurgeon trial.

Exploring The Impact of Acceptance and Commitment Based Cultural Humility Training on Standardized Patient Interactions: Revisiting the Measurement Process.

Recent findings in health sciences and medical education highlight the importance of training healthcare professionals to interact with their patients in a culturally humble manner (Nadal et al., in Journal of Counseling and Development 92: 57-66, 2014; Pascoe & Smart Richman, in Psychological Bulletin 135: 531, 2009; Sirois & Burg, in Behavior Modification 27: 83-102, 2003; Williams & Mohammed, in Journal of Behavioral Medicine 32: 20-47, 2009). An important piece in the progression of our ability to address training challenges is the assessment of cultural humility. As an extension of previous research (Lombardero et al., in Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 30: 261-273, 2023), this study implemented an evidence-based cultural humility intervention (based onAcceptance and Commitment Training) to improve medical students' interactions with standardized patients (SPs) which was assessed via direct behavioral observation. Specifically, the observational measurement system was focused on culturally humble responses to patients reporting microaggressions to the medical professional. A pre-post comparison of the results demonstrated statistically significant improvements pertaining to participants' culturally humble responses to SPs' reports of microaggressions for one of the measurement scales used (i.e., ARISE), but not the other (i.e., Responsiveness to Racial Challenges Scale). Further analyses, on the bottom quartile of performers, were conducted to assess a possible ceiling effect of the scale that did not demonstrate significant change. These results and implications for future research will be discussed.

Clinician-patient communication about cancer treatment misinformation: The Misinformation Response Model

ObjectiveCancer treatment misinformation (CTM) is pervasive and impacts patient health outcomes. Cancer clinicians play an essential role in addressing CTM. We previously identified four self-reported responses that characterize the communication process clinicians engage in to address CTM. Clinicians 1) work to understand the misinformation; 2) correct the misinformation through education; 3) advise about future online searches; and 4) preserve the clinician-patient relationship. We sought to confirm and expand on the model we developed by observing cancer clinicians' communication while addressing CTM with a standardized patient (SP). Methods17 cancer clinicians were audio recorded in a SP encounter, in which a breast cancer SP asked three questions based on CTM. We thematically analyzed transcriptions of the recordings. ResultsClinicians used four responses with associated strategies and skills to address CTM in a standardized clinical encounter, confirming the previously developed model. The four responses were: (1) work to understand the misinformation; (2) correct the misinformation through education; (3) advise about future online searches; and (4) preserve the clinician-patient relationship. This observational approach allowed us to refine strategies within each response and identify communication skills clinicians enact to address CTM. ConclusionThese findings provide a strong foundation for the Misinformation Response Model for cancer clinicians. Future research should examine which components of the model are most effective in improving patient outcomes. InnovationThis is the first study observing clinicians' communication through simulated practice with SPs about CTM.

The impact of simulation-based training in medical education: A review.

Simulation-based training (SBT) has emerged as a transformative approach in medical education, significantly enhancing healthcare professionals' learning experience and clinical competency. This article explores the impact of SBT, tracing its historical development and examining the various types of simulations utilized today, including high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality environments, standardized patients, and hybrid simulations. These methods offer a safe and controlled environment for students to practice and hone technical and non-technical skills, ultimately improving patient safety and clinical outcomes. The benefits of SBT are manifold, including enhanced skill acquisition, error reduction, and the opportunity for repeated practice without risk to actual patients. Immediate feedback and structured debriefing further solidify learning, making Simulation an invaluable tool in medical education. However, the implementation of SBT is challenging. It requires substantial financial investment, specialized equipment, and trained faculty. Additionally, there are concerns about the realism of simulations and the transferability of skills to real-world clinical settings. Despite these challenges, numerous case studies and empirical research underscore the effectiveness of SBT compared to traditional methods. Looking ahead, advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and improved virtual reality applications, promise to enhance the efficacy and accessibility of simulation training. The integration of Simulation with other training modalities and its adoption in diverse global contexts highlight its potential to revolutionize medical education worldwide. This article affirms the crucial role of SBT in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and its ongoing evolution driven by technological innovations.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Comparison with Standard Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for the Management of Large Renal Stones, a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract Background Management of renal calculi targets complete clearance without any residual fragments, along with pain relief and eradication of the causative micro- organisms. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is currently the standard treatment option for patients with complex and large renal stones. However, innovations in instruments and techniques have resulted in “miniperc”, which was found to be safe and effective. Aim and Objectives to compare between mini PNL and the standard PNL in management of renal stones (20-40 mm) regarding operative time, fluoroscopy time, blood loss, stone free rate, and postoperative complications according to modified Clavein system. Subjects and Methods This prospective randomized comparative study was carried out at Urology department Ain Shams University hospitals, from 2019 to 2022 on 93 patients coming for renal stone management. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A included 44 patients who underwent standard PNL, whereas Group B included 49 patients who underwent mini PNL. Result The standard PNL yielded shorter operating time 70.1 ± 13.9 min vs 96.4 ±14.3 min,p <0.001) Patients in the standard PNL group also had longer hospitalization time, nephrostomy time and catheterization time(4 vs 3 days, 36 vs 24 hours and 5 vs 4 days respectively, p < 0.001). The mean drop in hemoglobin level that necessitated blood transfusion was significantly lower in the mini PNL group (0.7 vs 1.6 gm/dl, p < 0.0001). Although the stone-free rate was higher in the standard PNL group, but this was statistically insignificant (79.5 vs 61.2%, p = 0.054) According to modified Clavien–Dindo classification, no statistical difference was detected between the 2 groups in terms of complication rates The postoperative pain and the need for postoperative analgesia were significantly more in standard PNL patients. Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was 7.4 and 5.2 in standard PNL and mini PNL respectively. Conclusion We compared the standard PNL and mini PNL regarding the safety and efficacy in management of large renal stones. Standard PNL achieved higher stone free rate and shorter operative time while mini PNL has the advantage of shorter hospitalization time and low incidence of postoperative complications and pain.

Avoiding the needle: A quality improvement program introducing apixaban for extended thromboprophylaxis after major gynecologic cancer surgery

ObjectivePatients undergoing gynecologic cancer surgery at our centre are recommended up to 28 days of enoxaparin for extended post-operative thromboprophylaxis (EP). Baseline survey revealed 92% patient adherence, but highlighted negative effects on patient experience due to the injectable route of administration. We aimed to improve patient experience by reducing pain and bruising by 50%, increasing adherence by 5%, and reducing out-of-pocket cost after introducing apixaban as an oral alternative for EP. MethodsIn this interrupted time series quality improvement study, gynecologic cancer patients were offered a choice between apixaban (2.5 mg orally twice daily) or enoxaparin (40 mg subcutaneously once daily) at time of discharge. A multidisciplinary team informed project design, implementation, and evaluation. Process interventions included standardized orders, patient and care team education programs. Telephone survey at 1 and 6 weeks and chart audit informed outcome, process, and balancing measures. ResultsFrom August to October 2022, 127 consecutive patients were included. Apixaban was chosen by 84%. Survey response rate was 74%. Patients who chose apixaban reported significantly reduced pain, bruising, increased confidence with administration, and less negative impact of the medication (p < 0.0001 for all). Adherence was unchanged (92%). The proportion of patients paying less than $125 (apixaban cost threshold) increased from 45% to 91%. There was no difference in bleeding and no VTE events. ConclusionsIntroduction of apixaban for EP was associated with significant improvement in patient-reported quality measures and reduced financial toxicity with no effect on adherence or balancing measures. Apixaban is the preferred anticoagulant for EP at our centre.

Variance due to the examination conditions and factors associated with success in objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs): first experiences at Paris-Saclay medical school

BackgroundWe aimed to measure the variance due to examination conditions during the first sessions of objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) performed at a French medical school and identify factors associated with student success.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, observational study using data from the first three OSCEs sessions performed at Paris-Saclay medical school in 2021 and 2022. For all sessions (each organized in 5 parallel circuits), we tested a circuit effect using a linear mixed-effects model adjusted for sex and the average academic level of students (according to written tests). Then, we studied the factors associated with student success at one station using a multivariate linear mixed-effects model, including the characteristics of students, assessors, and standardized patients.ResultsThe study included three OSCEs sessions, with 122, 175, and 197 students and a mean (± SD) session score of 13.7(± 1.5)/20, 12.7(± 1.7)/20 and 12.7(± 1.9)/20, respectively. The percentage of variance due to the circuit was 6.5%, 18.2% (statistically significant), and 3.8%, respectively. For all sessions, the student’s average level and station scenario were significantly associated with the score obtained in a station. Still, specific characteristics of assessors or standardized patients were only associated with the student’s score in April 2021 (first session).ConclusionThe percentage of the variance of students’ performance due to the examination conditions was significant in one out of three of the first OSCE sessions performed at Paris-Saclay medical school. This result seems more related to individual behaviors rather than specific characteristics of assessors or standardized patients, highlighting the need to continue training teaching teams.National clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Standardized Patient Encounter to Enhance Care to LGBTQIA+ Patients

Context Athletic trainers provide care for a variety of patients with diverse backgrounds, including members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, other diverse sexualities, other gender identities, or other gender expressions (LGBTQIA+) community. Learners who gain experience with patients who identify as LBGTQIA+ should be better prepared clinicians. Objective The purpose of this paper is to describe a standardized patient (SP) experience for a patient who is gay and concerned about a sexually transmitted infection after a conversation with a previous partner. Background Patients who identify as LGBTQIA+ report substandard care and have poor health care experiences. Standardized patients are used in athletic training education as a method to teach and assess skills and can be used to improve the care that learners provide to patients who identify as gay. Educational Advantage Education drives clinical practice, and incorporating SP cases in which learners must provide care for a patient who is gay will help the learners provide better inclusive patient-centered care as a clinician. Conclusions Faculty may consider using a SP encounter to better prepare learners to provide care for a patient who is gay.

Feasibility of a contraceptive-specific electronic health record system to promote the adoption of pharmacist-prescribed contraceptive services in community pharmacies in the United States.

Pharmacists in over half of the United States can prescribe contraceptives; however, low pharmacist adoption has impeded the full realization of potential public health benefits. Many barriers to adoption may be addressed by leveraging an electronic health records (EHR) system with clinical decision support tools and workflow automation. We conducted a feasibility study to determine if utilizing a contraceptive-specific EHR could improve potential barriers to the implementation of pharmacist-prescribed contraceptive services. 20 pharmacists each performed two standardized patient encounter simulations: one on the EHR and one on the current standard of care paper-based workflow. A crossover study design was utilized, with each pharmacist performing encounters on both standardized patients with the modality order randomized. Encounters were timed, contraceptive outputs were recorded, and the pharmacists completed externally validated workload and usability surveys after each encounter, and a Perception, Attitude, and Satisfaction survey created by the research team after the final encounter. Pharmacists were more likely to identify contraceptive ineligibility using the EHR-based workflow compared to the paper workflow (P = .003). Contraceptive encounter time was not significantly different between the 2 modalities (P = .280). Pharmacists reported lower mental demand (P = .003) and greater perceived usefulness (P = .029) with the EHR-based workflow compared to the paper modality. Pharmacist performance and acceptance of contraceptive services delivery were improved with the EHR workflow. Pharmacist-specific contraceptive EHR workflows show potential to improve pharmacist adoption and provision of appropriate contraceptive care.