Susan E. Farrell

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Interstitial Lung Disease: Benefits and Predictors of Response

BACKGROUND Data examining the role of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in interstitial lung disease (ILD) are limited. We tested the hypothesis that PR can improve functional status and dyspnea in a large group of patients with ILD, and that certain baseline patient variables can predict this improvement. METHODS Data from patients who were referred to PR with a diagnosis of ILD were included. Baseline and post-PR variables were recorded, and changes in 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance and dyspnea were evaluated. The impact of baseline variables on change in 6MWT distance and dyspnea were analyzed. RESULTS A statistically significant difference was seen in both the change in Borg score and 6MWT distance after PR (p < 0.0001). These changes were consistent with previously established clinically significant differences. Baseline 6MWT distance was a significant predictor of change in 6MWT distance (p < 0.0001), with increasing baseline 6MWT distance predicting a smaller improvement after PR. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that PR should be considered as a standard of care for patients with ILD.

Poisoning from “Spanish fly” (cantharidin)

Cantharidin, known popularly as Spanish fly, has been used for millennia as a sexual stimulant. The chemical is derived from blister beetles and is notable for its vesicant properties. While most commonly available preparations of Spanish fly contain cantharidin in negligible amounts, if at all, the chemical is available illicitly in concentrations capable of causing severe toxicity. Symptoms of cantharidin poisoning include burning of the mouth, dysphagia, nausea, hematemesis, gross hematuria, and dysuria. Mucosal erosion and hemorrhage is seen in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Renal dysfunction is common and related to acute tubular necrosis and glomerular destruction. Priapism, seizures, and cardiac abnormalities are less commonly seen. We report four cases of cantharidin poisoning presenting to our emergency department with complaints of dysuria and dark urine. Three patients had abdominal pain, one had flank pain, and the one woman had vaginal bleeding. Three had hematuria and two had occult rectal bleeding. Low-grade disseminated intravascular coagulation, not previously associated with cantharidin poisoning, was noted in two patients. Management of cantharidin poisoning is supportive. Given the widespread availability of Spanish fly, its reputation as an aphrodisiac, and the fact that ingestion is frequently unwitting, cantharidin poisoning may be a more common cause of morbidity than is generally recognized. Cantharidin poisoning should be suspected in any patient presenting with unexplained hematuria or with GI hemorrhage associated with diffuse injury of the upper GI tract.

How do clinical clerkship students experience simulator-based teaching? A qualitative analysis.

Objectives: To critically analyze the experience of clinical clerkship students exposed to simulator-based teaching, in order to better understand student perspectives on its utility. Methods: A convenience sample of clinical students (n = 95) rotating through an emergency medicine, surgery, or longitudinal patient-doctor clerkship voluntarily participated in a 2-hour simulator-based teaching session. Groups of 3-5 students managed acute scenarios including respiratory failure, myocardial infarction, or multisystem trauma. After the session, students completed a brief written evaluation asking for free text commentary on the strengths and weaknesses of the experience; they also provided simple satisfaction ratings. Using a qualitative research approach, the textual commentary was transcribed and parsed into fragments, coded for emergent themes, and tested for inter-rater agreement. Results: Six major thematic categories emerged from the qualitative analysis: The “Knowledge & Curriculum” domain was described by 35% of respondents, who commented on the opportunity for self-assessment, recall and memory, basic and clinical science learning, and motivation. “Applied Cognition and Critical Thought” was highlighted by 53% of respondents, who commented on the value of decision-making, active thought, clinical integration, and the uniqueness of learning-by-doing. “Teamwork and Communication” and “Procedural/Hands-On Skills” were each mentioned by 12% of subjects. Observations on the “Teaching/Learning Environment” were offered by 80% of students, who commented on the realism, interactivity, safety, and emotionality of the experience; here they also offered feedback on format, logistics, and instructors. Finally, “Suggestions for Use/Place in Undergraduate Medical Education” were provided by 22% of subjects, who primarily recommended more exposure. On a simple rating scale, 94% of students rated the quality of the simulator session as “excellent,” whereas 91% felt the exercises should be “mandatory.” Conclusion: Full-body simulation promises to address a wide range of pedagogical objectives using a unified educational platform. Students value experiential “practice without risk” and want more exposure to simulation. In this study, students thought that that an integrated simulation exercise could help solidify knowledge across domains, foster critical thought and action, enhance technical-procedural skills, and promote effective teamwork and communication.

Faculty development: academic opportunities for emergency medicine faculty on education career tracks.

Medical school faculty members who specialize in the scholarship of teaching have unique requirements for academic advancement in universities with clinician-educator series. While excellence in teaching is the cornerstone of achievement, attention to traditional academic pursuits improves the likelihood of a favorable review by the institutions promotion and tenure committee. The teaching portfolio is an effective means to document performance. Ongoing faculty development and sound mentoring relationships facilitate the academic advancement of clinician-educators.

Identifying the Patterns of Emergency Shelter Stays of Single Individuals in Canadian Cities of Different Sizes

The study analyzed the patterns of emergency shelter stays of single persons in three Canadian cities of different sizes (i.e., Toronto, Ottawa, and Guelph). Similar to findings of previous research conducted in large American cities in the early 1990s, cluster analyses defined three clusters with distinct patterns of shelter stays (temporary, episodic, and long stay). A temporary cluster (88–94 per cent) experienced a small number of homeless episodes for relatively short periods of time. An episodic cluster (3–11 per cent) experienced multiple homeless episodes also for short periods of time. A long-stay cluster (2–4 per cent) had a relatively small number of homeless episodes but for long periods of time. Despite their relatively small size, the episodic and long-stay clusters used a disproportionately large number of total shelter beds. The study extends findings from previous American research to a Canadian context and to small- and medium-size cities. Implications of the findings for program and policy development are discussed.

Critical appraisal of emergency medicine educational research: the best publications of 2009.

OBJECTIVES The objective was to critically appraise and highlight medical education research published in 2012 that was methodologically superior and whose outcomes were pertinent to teaching and education in emergency medicine (EM). METHODS A search of the English language literature in 2012 querying Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), PsychInfo, PubMed, and Scopus identified EM studies using hypothesis-testing or observational investigations of educational interventions. Two reviewers independently screened all of the publications and removed articles using established exclusion criteria. This year, publications limited to a single-site survey design that measured satisfaction or self-assessment on unvalidated instruments were not formally reviewed. Six reviewers then independently ranked all remaining publications using one of two scoring systems depending on whether the study methodology was primarily qualitative or quantitative. Each scoring system had nine criteria, including four related to methodology, that were chosen a priori, to standardize evaluation by reviewers. The quantitative study scoring system was used previously to appraise medical education published annually in 2008 through 2011, while a separate, new qualitative study scoring system was derived and implemented consisting of parallel metrics. RESULTS Forty-eight medical education research papers met the a priori criteria for inclusion, and 33 (30 quantitative and three qualitative studies) were reviewed. Seven quantitative and two qualitative studies met the criteria for inclusion as exemplary and are summarized in this article. CONCLUSIONS This critical appraisal series aims to promote superior education research by reviewing and highlighting nine of the 48 major education research studies with relevance to EM published in 2012. Current trends and common methodologic pitfalls in the 2012 papers are noted.

Highlights in Emergency Medicine Medical Education Research: 2008

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article is to highlight medical education research studies published in 2008 that were methodologically superior and whose outcomes were pertinent to teaching and education in emergency medicine. METHODS Through a PubMed search of the English language literature in 2008, 30 medical education research studies were independently identified as hypothesis-testing investigations and measurements of educational interventions. Six reviewers independently rated and scored all articles based on eight anchors, four of which related to methodologic criteria. Articles were ranked according to their total rating score. A ranking agreement among the reviewers of 83% was established a priori as a minimum for highlighting articles in this review. RESULTS Five medical education research studies met the a priori criteria for inclusion and are reviewed and summarized here. Four of these employed experimental or quasi-experimental methodology. Although technology was not a component of the structured literature search employed to identify the candidate articles for this review, 14 of the articles identified, including four of the five highlighted articles, employed or studied technology as a focus of the educational research. Overall, 36% of the reviewed studies were supported by funding; three of the highlighted articles were funded studies. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights quality medical education research studies published in 2008, with outcomes of relevance to teaching and education in emergency medicine. It focuses on research methodology, notes current trends in the use of technology for learning in emergency medicine, and suggests future avenues for continued rigorous study in education.

Can You Multitask? Evidence and Limitations of Task Switching and Multitasking in Emergency Medicine.

Emergency physicians work in a fast-paced environment that is characterized by frequent interruptions and the expectation that they will perform multiple tasks efficiently and without error while maintaining oversight of the entire emergency department. However, there is a lack of definition and understanding of the behaviors that constitute effective task switching and multitasking, as well as how to improve these skills. This article reviews the literature on task switching and multitasking in a variety of disciplines-including cognitive science, human factors engineering, business, and medicine-to define and describe the successful performance of task switching and multitasking in emergency medicine. Multitasking, defined as the performance of two tasks simultaneously, is not possible except when behaviors become completely automatic; instead, physicians rapidly switch between small tasks. This task switching causes disruption in the primary task and may contribute to error. A framework is described to enhance the understanding and practice of these behaviors.

The Relationship Between Victimization and Mental Health Functioning in Homeless Youth and Adults

This study examined the relationship between victimization and mental health functioning in homeless individuals. Homeless populations experience higher levels of victimization than the general population, which in turn have a detrimental effect on their mental health. A sample of 304 homeless adults and youth completed one-on-one interviews, answering questions on mental health, past victimization, and recent victimization experiences. A hierarchical linear regression showed that experiences of childhood sexual abuse predicted lower mental health functioning after controlling for the sex and age of individuals. The study findings are applicable to current support programs for victims in the homeless population and are relevant to future research on homelessness and victimization.

Overdose of Rogaine ® Extra Strength for Men Topical Minoxidil Preparation

CASE REPORT Minoxidil is a potent arterial vasodilator used in the treatment of hypertension. A side effect, hypertrichosis, has prompted the marketing of a topical preparation, Rogaine, for the treatment of male-pattern baldness. Recently, a 5% solution of minoxidil became available over-the-counter as Rogaine Extra Strength For Men Hair Regrowth Treatment. We describe an oral overdose of minoxidil 3 g as the Rogaine Extra Strength preparation. Toxicity manifested as profound hypotension, requiring vasopressor support, intubation, prolonged tachycardia, and fluid overload with pleural effusions, requiring several days of therapy with furosemide. This is the largest reported ingestion of minoxidil and the first reported overdose of the extra strength 5% solution.