Teen Actors Teaching Communication Skills.

Introduction To provide high-quality care, physicians must effectively communicate with adolescents while addressing difficult and sensitive subjects. Our program aimed to (1) cost-effectively incorporate teenage actors into a pediatric simulation program and (2) increase residents' self-perceived comfort level with adolescent patients by practicing interview skills with teens. Methods In 2013, the authors established a Teen Acting Program, in which volunteer theater students created and simulated patient characters and provided feedback to learners.

Effect of Population Socioeconomic and Health System Factors on Medical Care of Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

Purpose: To determine the independent contribution of population socioeconomic and health system factors on childhood cancer survivors' medical care and screening.

Methods: 7899 childhood cancer survivors in the United States and Canada enrolled in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS). Population-level factors were derived from U.

Practice parameters in child neurology: do pediatricians use them?

We assessed pediatrician awareness of the parameter ''Evaluating the first non-febrile seizure in children'' and how the concepts of this parameter were incorporated into practice. Although most reported caring for children with seizures, 60% were not aware of the practice parameter. When given the clinical scenario of an otherwise healthy 8-year-old child with a first, unprovoked seizure, management was variable.

Development of performance indicators for the primary care management of pediatric epilepsy: expert consensus recommendations based on the available evidence.

Purpose: To use available evidence and expert consensus to develop performance indicators for the evaluation and management of pediatric epilepsy.

Methods: We used a three-step process to develop the performance indicators. First, research findings were compiled into evidence tables focusing on different clinical issues.

Efficacy of the ketogenic diet as a treatment option for epilepsy: meta-analysis.

The evidence base for the efficacy of the ketogenic diet was assessed among pediatric epileptic patients by application of a rigorous statistical meta-analysis. Nineteen studies from 392 abstracts met the inclusion criteria. The sample size was 1084 patients (mean age at initiation 5.

A self-management program for adult asthma: part IV, Analysis of context and patient behaviors.

Patient behaviors performed in the self-management of asthma have been investigated by use of black box theory as a model for examining behavioral change. Consequently, the context within which patients learn and perform processes of self-management has been ignored. The purpose of the present study was to investigate contextual and behavioral elements that comprise the management of asthma attacks by a large number of adult patients.