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Deana Midmer

Publications and source records attributed to Deana Midmer.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Randomized controlled trial on the effects of a skills-based workshop on medical students' management of problem drinking and alcohol dependence.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a skills-based workshop will improve medical students' management of problem drinking and alcohol dependence in simulated patients. Seventy-six 3rd and 4th year Ontario medical students were randomized to receive a 3-h workshop on either problem drinking and alcohol dependence or depression (control condition). Students then completed eight simulated office visits (OSCE stations) with simulated patients presenting with depression, problem drinking or alcohol dependence. Examiners completed a checklist of the questions asked and advice given by the student, and simulated patients and examiners completed a global rating scale. Four months later, students were sent a survey on their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior towards patients with alcohol problems. The alcohol group received significantly higher assessment and management checklist scores and global rating scores than did the depression group (p < 0.01) and performed better on almost all aspects of clinical management of both problem drinking and alcohol dependence. On the follow-up survey (n = 55) the alcohol group showed a significant increase in beliefs about self-efficacy in managing alcohol problems (p < 0.05) and had greater knowledge of reduced drinking strategies, but the two groups did not differ on other measures. A skills-based workshop causes marked short-term improvements in medical students' management of problem drinking and alcohol dependence, an increase from baseline to postworkshop in self-efficacy beliefs that was sustained through to follow-up, and greater knowledge of reduced drinking strategies. Repeated reinforcement of clinical skills may be required for a long-term impact on clinical behavior.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2001

Faculty Rating of Learning Objectives for an Undergraduate Medical Curriculum in Substance Abuse.

The purpose of this study is to describe medical faculty's ratings of learning objectives related to substance abuse. A comprehensive set of learning objectives was drafted. The Associate Dean at each of Ontario's five medical schools was asked to select two faculty members from each clinical discipline who were involved in undergraduate medical education. The selected faculty were sent a survey asking them to rate 282 objectives according to their importance for undergraduate education in their discipline, using a 5-point scale. Sixty-eight out of 90 surveys were returned. For statistical analysis, disciplines were placed into two groups, Group 1 (internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, and anesthesia) and Group 2 (family medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics). The mean ratings of Group 1 were significantly higher than Group 2 (p < 0.001) for five sets of objectives: attitudes, epidemiology, screening and assessment, nonmedical interventions, and specific populations (women, the elderly, and adolescents). Group 1 gave mean ratings above 4 to all themes except epidemiology, inpatient care, and medical complications. In contrast, Group 2 gave mean ratings above 4 to only three themes: physician substance abuse problems, withdrawal, and medical complications. The marked differences in learning objectives between disciplines suggest that a discipline-specific approach is needed for curricular development in substance abuse.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

From research to application: the development of an antenatal psychosocial health assessment tool.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development of an assessment tool for antenatal psychosocial risk factors associated with poor postpartum outcomes. METHODS: A survey of Ontario family physicians established a need for an antenatal psychosocial health assessment (ALPHA) form. A critical literature review identified important antenatal factors for inclusion on the form. Focus groups of obstetrical care providers indicated acceptance of the provider-completed ALPHA; their feedback led to the development of a self-report ALPHA. Satisfaction, yield and reliability of the self-report and provider-completed ALPHA forms were studied and found to be comparable. RESULTS: Physicians and patients reported good satisfaction and usefulness of the ALPHA form in identifying antenatal psychosocial risk factors. The provider ALPHA was further tested in clinical practice. ALPHA endorsement was obtained from physicians, nurses and midwives. CONCLUSION: A program planning process, which included multidisciplinary involvement, evaluation and endorsement by professional organizations, aided the development, refinement and application of the ALPHA forms as primary care tools. ALPHA topic headings are incorporated into the official 2000 Ontario Antenatal Record and the ALPHA adopted for use on Prince Edward Island.

Child Abuse↗