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Jill Thistlethwaite

Publications and source records attributed to Jill Thistlethwaite.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Shared decision making and decision aids - a literature review.

Shared decision making (SDM) is a process within a patient centred consultation that involves both the patient and doctor discussing management options and agreeing on management decisions in partnership. Decision aids are designed to help patients understand the options relating to management for certain conditions and their possible benefits and potential adverse effects. We discuss the evolution and rationale behind SDM and the evidence relating to outcomes, the types of decision aids available, and research relating to their use.

Decision Making↗

Routine pelvic examination for asymptomatic women--Exploring the evidence.

BACKGROUND: A routine pelvic examination is often performed as part of a 'well woman' check, in combination with a Pap test, sexually transmitted infection screening, or before commencing the contraceptive pill or hormone therapy. This check is also done at the woman's request, on the understanding that it may screen for ovarian cancer and other pathology. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the evidence regarding the use of routine pelvic examination in asymptomatic women as a screening test, and if the examination is performed, what information should be imparted to the patient to obtain informed consent. DISCUSSION: Review of the literature indicates that the use of routine pelvic examination as screening for ovarian malignancy (with or without serum CA-125 and ultrasound) cannot be justified due to the low prevalence of the disease and low sensitivity and specificity of the examination. Pelvic examinations may be performed at the time of routine Pap tests to aid in technical issues with the Pap test itself, but are not recommended for screening purposes. There is no evidence to support pelvic examination of asymptomatic women taking hormone therapy or attending for a sexual health check. The performance of pelvic examination at the woman's request must be preceded by thorough gynaecological, medical and family history and after obtaining informed consent from the patient.

Adult↗

Learning for real life: patient-focused interprofessional workshops offer added value.

OBJECTIVES: This paper reports relevant findings of a pilot interprofessional education (IPE) project in the Schools of Medicine and Healthcare Studies at the University of Leeds. The purpose of the paper is to make a contribution towards answering 2 questions of fundamental importance to the development of IPE. Is there a demonstrable value to learning together? What types of IPE, under what circumstances, produce what type of outcomes? DESIGN: Pre-registration house officers (PRHOs), student nurses and pre-registration pharmacists attended a series of 3 workshops intended to develop participants' understanding about each other's professional roles, to enhance teamworking and to develop communication skills. Evaluation covered the process of development of the workshops, the delivery of the workshops and their effects on both facilitators and participants. RESULTS: The course was well received by the participants. The learning reported by the participants reflected 2 project objectives. Participants emphasised communication skills--both with other professionals and patients--and the development of increased awareness of others' roles. These 2 aspects were interlinked. CONCLUSIONS: The project aims and 2 of the learning outcomes were achieved. There was a demonstrable value to learning together, particularly with regard to interprofessional communications. This project was effective and can make a contribution towards answering the question 'What types of IPE, under what circumstances, produce what type of outcomes?'

Communication↗