Biomedical subjects

Amitai Ziv

Publications and source records attributed to Amitai Ziv.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

Using a sonographic simulator to assess residents before overnight call.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a sonographic simulator in evaluating residents before their taking overnight call. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sonographic simulator was used to teach and evaluate two consecutive classes of first-year radiology residents. A test consisting of 10 cases was given to each resident. Tests were scored with respect to image quality, measurement accuracy, and interpretation of results. Constructive feedback for improvement and additional training before taking call were provided, as needed. Surveys were given before and after the study to evaluate perceived knowledge and skills. RESULTS: In the first year of the study, five of eight residents scanned appropriately, giving reasonable differential diagnoses, whereas three residents performed suboptimally and were given feedback, additional training, or both. The sonography curriculum was restructured based on initial resident performance. In the subsequent year, all eight residents performed satisfactorily on the test. Comparing the 2 years of the study, mean test scores increased from 3.5 to 4.0 (p > 0.05) for abdominal test questions and from 3.4 to 4.2 (p < 0.05) for early obstetric and gynecologic test questions. The residents' self-assessment of knowledge and scanning ability also significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Sonographic simulation allows objective assessment and identification of weaknesses. These weaknesses can then be addressed before taking call, with resultant improved resident education and the presumed benefit of improved patient care.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2002

Simulation-based training of medical teams to manage chemical warfare casualties.

With chemical warfare becoming an imminent threat, medical systems need to be prepared to treat the resultant mass casualties. Medical preparedness should not be limited to the triage and logistics of mass casualties and first-line treatment, but should include knowledge and training covering the whole medical spectrum. In view of the unique characteristics of chemical warfare casualties the use of simulation-assisted medical training is highly appropriate. Our objective was to explore the potential of simulator-based teaching to train medical teams in the treatment of chemical warfare casualties. The training concept integrates several types of skill-training simulators, including high tech and low tech simulators as well as standardized simulated patients in a specialized simulated setting. The combined use of multistimulation modalities makes this maverick program an excellent solution for the challenge of multidisciplinary training in the face of the looming chemical warfare threat.

Chemical Warfare↗

PubMed1998

An Investigation of the Sources of Measurement Error in the Post-Encounter Written Scores from Standardized Patient Examinations.

Purpose. Post-encounter written exercises (e.g., patient notes) have been included in clinical skills assessments that use standardized patients. The purpose of this study was to estimate the generalizability of the scores from these written exercises when they are rated by various trained health professionals, including physicians.Method. The patient notes from a 10 station clinical skills examination involving 10 first year emergency medicine residents were analytically scored by four rater groups: three physicians, three nurses, three fourth year medical students, three billing clerks. Generalizability analyses were used to partition the various sources of error variance and derive reliability-like coefficients for each group of raters.Results. The generalizability analyses indicated that case-to-case variability was a major source of error variance in the patient note scores. The variance attributable to the rater or to the rater by examinee interaction was negligible. This finding was consistent across the four rater groups. Generalizability coefficients in excess of 0.80 were achieved for each of the four sets of raters. Physicians did, however, produce the most dependable scores.Conclusion. There is little advantage, from a reliability perspective, in using more than one trained physician, or other health professional who is adequately trained to score the patient note. Measurement error is introduced primarily by case sampling variability. This suggests that, if required, increases in the generalizability of the patient note scores can be made through the addition of cases, and not the addition of raters.

Journal Article↗