Simple Mnemonic Research Articles

Perinatal mental health issues: early recognition and management in primary care

Perinatal mental health is a major public health issue. Around 12% of women experience depression and 13% experience anxiety during pregnancy and up to one in five experience depression and/or anxiety in the first year after childbirth. Fathers, partners or co-parents can also develop perinatal mental health issues, while unrecognised or untreated parental mental health conditions can negatively affect early child development. Most women who experience perinatal mental health issues are managed in primary care, however some require referral to specialist services.This article outlines the role of primary care professionals, such as community nurses, midwives and health visitors, in the early recognition and management of perinatal mental health issues. It describes how symptoms of depression and anxiety may manifest in the perinatal period and the presenting symptoms of postpartum psychosis, and details assessment and referral processes. The author suggests explorative questions that can be incorporated into discussions about mental health with future and new parents and describes a simple mnemonic that may assist primary care professionals in providing emotional support to families.

EDCB ET AA: A Mnemonic for Resuscitating Hypothermic Patients Under Extreme Conditions

EDCB ET AA: A Mnemonic for Resuscitating Hypothermic Patients Under Extreme Conditions

A Simple Mnemonic for Differential Diagnosis of Prolonged Oxygen or Respiratory Support Dependence in COVID-19 Patients

A Simple Mnemonic for Differential Diagnosis of Prolonged Oxygen or Respiratory Support Dependence in COVID-19 Patients

A simple mnemonic, B.U.R.N.S., for burns first aid

IntroductionBurn injuries remain common in the world, with an average of more than thousands of cases requiring medical attention each year. Singapore sees an average of 220 burns admissions annually. Given the high number of burn cases in Singapore, the authors identified that there is a need for more public awareness on first aid burn treatment. Acute management of burns can improve eventual patient outcome. The authors devised a simple mnemonic that can be used in burns education for first aid treatment, intended to be taught to trained personnel, who will have the first contact with these burn patients. The aim of the study was to assess the viability of implementing this mnemonic, B.U.R.N.S, to facilitate first aid education for burns. Material and methodsIn this study, we presented this mnemonic as a poster to 30 full-time burn care medical professionals. Feedback was then obtained from this group of medical professionals and used to revise the mnemonic. The mnemonic was then subsequently taught to 400 medical professionals, who are predominantly involved in the pre-hospital management of burns. They are then asked to reiterate the mnemonic to test the ease of remembering the mnemonic. Objective feedback was obtained with a 5-point scoring system. ResultsThe results indicated a significant improvement in burn first aid knowledge after the implementation of the mnemonic, from a score of 3.67–4.77, The content was deemed as appropriate and easy to understand and recall, and participants were able to reiterate the content, and will recommend this mnemonic to be used for burns teaching for first aid. ConclusionThe study results suggest that this B.U.R.N.S. mnemonic and visual aid is simple and easy to apply, especially for uniformed personnel, as these individuals may have the first contact with the burns victims, and it is important for them to render the appropriate burns first aid treatment. Overall, burns first aid awareness and education can be improved with the implementation of this mnemonic and poster. Moving forward, we aim to integrate the B.U.R.N.S. into educational programmes in professional institutions involved in responding to burns (medical and nursing schools of Singapore), as well as in schools and public institutions, for educational purpose to raise public awareness. We wish to also be able to do so on an international level when courses are conducted.

The ABCD of COPD… For Patients.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic condition that requires the engagement of our patients in lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatment. Although there are guidelines on many aspects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, the challenge of engaging our patients persists. We propose a simple mnemonic that we hope will make it easier for patients and clinicians to achieve this goal together.

A LEMON a Day Keeps Fatigue Away – The ABCDE of Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom in clinical medicine. The complex and multifaceted etiopathogenesis of fatigue is a challenge for the differential diagnosis and management of fatigue. This brief communication shares two simple mnemonics – LEMON and ABCDE – which help in the evaluation of fatigue. These frameworks are as relevant to endocrinology and diabetes as to general practice. The mnemonic LEMON stands for lifestyle, endocrine, medical/metabolic, observer (physician) and nutrition-related factors which may cause fatigue; ABCDE lists the aetiology of fatigue in three columns related to physiological/nutritional, psychosocial and biomedical causes (each column includes one cause and how this relates to the ABCDE rubric).

A Practitioner's Simple Mnemonic for Managing Diabetes: “GLUCOSE BAD”

Diabetes is a chronic disease resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both, which ultimately can lead to elevated blood glucose levels, causing serious health complications and premature death. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the US and contributes to many complications, including eye, kidney, and heart disease, and lower limb amputation. The Diabetes Control and Complications and the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications trials have shown that, with intensive therapy and optimal blood glucose control, there is a reduction in complications, leading to the development of clinical guidelines for the management of diabetic patients. The “GLUCOSE BAD” mnemonic can assist the practitioner in remembering those guidelines.

Common skin problems in the community and primary care.

Skin problems can be hard to diagnose, leaving clinicians frustrated and patients incorrectly treated, but rashes and lesions can be markers of systemic disease and infections. However, by using simple history-taking and mnemonics, safety and correct diagnoses can be achieved. This article will consider some common problems encountered in primary and community care, issues that need to be excluded, resources that will help with diagnosis and some management guidelines. This is not an exhaustive guide, and advice should be sought from learned colleagues in specific cases. Pressure area care and the use of compression bandaging will not be discussed unless it is of relevance to the subject of rashes and lesions.

Simple mnemonic for focused cardiac ultrasound examination in an emergency

Simple mnemonic for focused cardiac ultrasound examination in an emergency

Nanomole-Scale Assignment of Configuration for Primary Amines Using a Kinetic Resolution Strategy

The absolute configurations of primary amines were assigned using a kinetic resolution strategy with Mioskowski's enantioselective 1-(R,R) and 2-(S,S) acylating agents. A simple mnemonic was developed to determine the configuration. A pseudoenantiomeric pair of reagents, 1-(R,R) and 2-(S,S)-d(3), was prepared and used to assay primary amines on a micromolar scale. The ESI-MS readout of the resulting acetamide products reproduced the selectivity factors from kinetic experiments. The method can be used on mixtures of amines and was validated with amine samples as small as 50 nmol.

Are parents in the UK equipped to provide adequate burns first aid?

AimSimple first aid following a burn injury has been shown to improve outcome. With this in mind, a prospective study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of burns first aid amongst parents in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom. This information was used to identify which aspects of burn first aid need to be highlighted in an education campaign and who the target audience should be. A simple mnemonic is suggested to assist parental education on the topic. MethodsParents attending outpatient clinics at Sheffield Children's Hospital were interviewed and asked about the first aid they would provide for a child with a large scald. Removal of hot clothes and jewellery; application of cold water for 10–20min; obtaining medical advice; and covering the burn with a plastic film or clean cloth were all considered to be ideal responses. Variations in responses in relation to the age and ethnicity of the parent were noted. ResultsOne hundred and eighty eight parents were included in the questionnaire. Of these, 81% (n=152) were white British and 20% (n=36) were from other ethnic groups. Only 10% (n=18) of all respondent would give all the ideal first aid steps. Less than 40% (n=73) of parents questioned would remove hot clothes and jewellery. There was no significant difference in responses between ethnic groups when assessing knowledge of the need to remove hot soaked clothing. Although 73% (n=137) of parents would run the burn under cool water, only 35% (n=66) would cool the burn for an adequate length of time. White British parents were significantly more likely to run cool water over the burn, and to continue this for the recommended 10–20min. Whilst 88% (n=165) of parents would seek medical attention, this was significantly less in parents under 20 years old. Finally, 92% (n=173) of parents would protect the wound with appropriate dressings, but of note, 26% (n=9) of parents from minority ethnic groups would potentially impair burn healing by using inappropriate dressings and topical agents including butter, milk, cooking oil and toothpaste. ConclusionsThe questionnaire findings highlighted the need for improved parental awareness of burns first aid. This was across all ethnic groups and ages questioned. In particular, knowledge of appropriate cooling times and the use of inappropriate dressings were highlighted as areas for concern. Ideal burns first aid measures were summarised with the mnemonic STOP–Strip clothes, turn on the tap for 10min, organise help, put on plastic film. This mnemonic is to be used in a pilot educational campaign in the Sheffield area, with possible expansion nationwide.

A Simple Mnemonic for Tautomerization Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry

The familiar word OREO (as in the cookie) is presented as a simple mnemonic for remembering the basic steps of the classical tautomerization mechanisms in organic chemistry. For acid-catalyzed tautomerizations, OREO stands for proton on, resonance, proton off. For base-catalyzed tautomerizations, OREO stands for proton off, resonance, proton on.

The ABCs of Asthma Control

The new asthma guidelines have introduced impairment and risk assessments into the management of asthma. Impairment assessment is based on symptom frequency and pulmonary function, whereas risk assessment is based on exacerbation frequency and severity. These 2 measures determine the initial severity of asthma in the untreated patient as well as the degree of control in asthma once treatment has been initiated. The focus on asthma control is important because the attainment of control correlates with a better quality of life and reduction in health care use. We describe 4 easy steps to achieving asthma control in the ambulatory practice setting: (1) a standardized assessment of asthma symptoms using a 5-question assessment tool called the Asthma Control Test, (2) a simple mnemonic that provides a systematic review of the comorbidities and clinical variables that contribute to uncontrolled asthma, (3) directed patient education, and (4) a schedule for ongoing care. Most if not all patients can achieve good control of their asthma with optimal care through an active partnership with their health care professionals.

Implementing Mental Health Promotion: TheAct–Belong–CommitMentally Healthy WA Campaign in Western Australia

Mental health promotion is attracting attention as health authorities become increasingly concerned with the rise in mental illnesses. However, there is little to guide health professionals in communicating to individuals and community groups what mental health promotion – in the sense of strengthening people's mental health and mental illness prevention – is about, or to guide population-wide interventions. The Act–Belong–Commit Mentally Healthy WA campaign provides a simple framework to assist mental health promotion professionals communicate with and gain the co-operation of potential partners and stakeholders for mental health promotion programs. The campaign is based on the results of focus group research on community members' perceptions of what mental health is, and concepts of positive mental health as described by psychologists and others in the literature. Two frameworks were developed: one for targeting individuals to be proactive about their own mental health, and one targeting people in authority to be mindful about the way they deal with those in their care. The frameworks are presented as ABCs to provide a simple mnemonic of relevant concepts. The Act–Belong–Commit component described here was developed to target individuals to be proactive about their own mental health and well-being.

The Mind: Its Nature and Origin

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Book Forum: Models of the MindFull AccessThe Mind: Its Nature and OriginMARK H. FLEISHER, M.D., MARK H. FLEISHERSearch for more papers by this author, M.D., Omaha, Neb.Published Online:1 Jul 2005https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.162.7.1397AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Given the expansive title of this book, I expected to find a cryptic and complex tome of many hundreds of pages filled with diagrams, positron emission tomography scans, and the most modern three-dimensional images. As it turned out, I was partially correct. The Mind does seem cryptic and complex to me, but it runs under 250 smallish pages and fulfills the promise implied about the nature or origin of one’s mind.I am willing to accept some responsibility for not fully grasping the merits of the book. Perhaps I am too narrowly focused in biologically oriented psychiatric medicine to appreciate this effort. However, some fault must lie with the author and editors for producing a book whose book jacket summary, a reflection of the contents, is so convoluted that it left me and a few colleagues puzzled.The quest, we are told, is to demonstrate how cerebral activities become mental events. On this journey of 21 chapters organized within five parts we revisit Freud, Piaget, and many other revered psychologists and behavioral scientists; engrams; and Gestalt. We are treated to the history of dialectical concepts, beginning with Zeno of Elea in 464 BCE. We are offered dialectical interconnectedness and dialectical triads. We are awash with matrices and fusions as well as complex and simple mnemonics. Part 3, Structures of the Mind, has a chapter titled “Ego, Superego, Id,” and the only other chapter is titled “The Neurophysiology of Dreaming.”The section on Brain, Mind and Body includes six chapters totaling 28 pages. The chapter on the “Mind-Body Problem” is less than four pages long and has three references, from 1950, 1980, and 1985 (by the author), and includes a figure (number 10) of the ubiquitous smiley face and sad face.The section on Psychological and Clinical Implications covers personality formation, psychopathology, and psychotherapy in a brief 40 pages. Although it might fortify the previous chapters, as a clinician I found that it did not offer much to strengthen my practice or pearls to share with residents.Pointing out what I see as flaws in this book does not necessarily mean I found no merit. I look at The Mind as primarily a relatively brief philosophical, psychological, and scientific exploration of concepts. For those wanting to ponder “the mind,” memory, and cognition relative to a historical framework it may well be a very rewarding experience. For those looking for a more useful clinical or teaching tool for psychiatric medicine I do not think this would be a first-line choice.By Christiaan D. van der Velde, M.D. Amherst, N.Y., Prometheus Books, 2004, 242 pp., $28.00. FiguresReferencesCited byDetailsCited ByNone Volume 162Issue 7 July 2005Pages 1397-1397 Metrics PDF download History Published online 1 July 2005 Published in print 1 July 2005

A simple mnemonic for the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common anxiety disorder with a lifetime prevalence of about 8%.1 In the United States, it is thought to affect 5% of men and 10% of women.2 Because PTSD shares symptoms with other psychiatric conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, and substance abuse disorder, it is sometimes difficult to identify in a primary care setting. I describe a simple mnemonic that could help primary care physicians to recall the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

Anatomy of the Platysma and Lip Depressor Muscles

The popularity of submental suctioning, platysmaplasty neck lifts, and now Botulinum A exotoxin injections into the neck has increased dramatically. A detailed working knowledge of clinical platysma and lip depressor muscle anatomy is of paramount importance to successfully anesthetize and block the treated areas, to avoid injury to important vessels, nerves, and deeper cervical structures, and to optimally treat the problem areas. A simple, user-friendly knowledge can be obtained by remembering simple mnemonics relating to (1) specific target areas, (2) anatomic relationships, and (3) topographic clinical landmarks.

Simple Mnemonics for Members of the Enterobacteriaceae Using Octal Numbers

Simple Mnemonics for Members of the Enterobacteriaceae Using Octal Numbers