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Jason Ward

Publications and source records attributed to Jason Ward.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in palliative medicine: a survey.

All doctors are required to undertake Continuing Professional development (CPD)--for good practice and for the purposes of annual appraisal and re-validation. The medical workforce in palliative medicine is diverse. Many doctors work on a part time basis, with the same CPD requirements as those working fulltime. This survey was undertaken: to establish whether doctors had fulfilled their CPD requirements in the year 2001-2002 and to identify problems or difficulties experienced by doctors in undertaking CPD. A questionnaire was sent to all doctors known to be working in non-training posts within palliative medicine in October 2002, requesting information on CPD undertaken between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002. Questions were also asked regarding knowledge and understanding of appraisal and revalidation. The response rate was 53% (381/721). Palliative medicine was the main post for 276 (72%) respondents and 169 were on the specialist register (44%). The subgroup most likely to have fulfilled CPD requirements were those on the Specialist Register (64%), and those least likely were those holding a contract with a charitable organisation (33%). Less than half of those not on the specialist register understood CPD and revalidation requirements. Overall, only 43% of respondents were meeting CPD requirements (median 25 credits; range 5-375 hours). This study has highlighted widespread barriers to the successful planning, participation in, and recording of, CPD for palliative medicine doctors, with those who are not on the specialist register appearing to be particularly disadvantaged. Individual doctors' information needs need to be addressed, but organisational support for CPD is also required. We believe many of these issues also apply in other specialities.

Charities↗
PubMed2004

A randomized, double-blind, crossover study of the use of transcutaneous spinal electroanalgesia in patients with pain from chronic critical limb ischemia.

Transcutaneous spinal electroanalgesia (TSE) uses two electrodes placed over the skin of the dorsal spine to deliver pulses of short wavelength, high frequency, and relatively high voltage to the spinal cord without causing paresthesia. TSE has been used to treat pain and may improve limb blood flow. This randomized, double-blind, crossover study assessed the effect of TSE on microcirculation, pain, and activity in 8 patients (3 men, 5 women, median age 66.5 years, range 62-76 years) with chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI). After a one-week baseline period, patients used an active or inactive TSE machine for one hour daily for one week. Following a week of no stimulation, patients repeated the week of treatment with an identical matched machine. Daily use of TSE for one week did not improve microcirculatory perfusion (transcutaneous oxygenation), pain (verbal rating scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire), physical function (Functional Limitations Profile), mood (Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory), or sleep. There was no patient preference for the active TSE machines. This study showed that TSE administered daily for one week did not improve microcirculation, pain, or activity in patients with chronic CLI.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Which depression screening tools should be used in palliative care?

Depression is a significant symptom for many palliative care patients, but is difficult to diagnose and therefore treat. In an effort to improve detection, there has been increasing interest in the use of screening tools. Many tools, however, have been developed for physically well patients and it is important that tools are validated for the populations in which they are used. The present study was carried out on behalf of the Association of Palliative Medicine, Science Committee, to assess the available evidence for using screening tools in palliative care. The single question 'Are you depressed?' was the tool with the highest sensitivity and specificity and positive predictive value. Where the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Edinburgh Depression Scale are used, the validated cut-off thresholds for palliative care patients should be employed. Patients who report thoughts of self-harm or suicide need prompt assessment and evaluation.

Adult↗