Structured patient handoff on an internal medicine ward: A cluster randomized control trial.

Background: The effect of a multi-faceted handoff strategy in a high volume internal medicine inpatient setting on process and patient outcomes has not been clearly established. We set out to determine if a multi-faceted handoff intervention consisting of education, standardized handoff procedures, including fixed time and location for face-to-face handoff would result in improved rates of handoff compared with usual practice. We also evaluated resident satisfaction, health resource utilization and clinical outcomes.

Prevalence of delusions in drug-naïve Alzheimer disease patients: A meta-analysis.

Introduction: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common at all stages of Alzheimer disease (AD). Delusions in AD are associated with negative clinical consequences and may signal rapid disease progression. Hence, we sought to determine the prevalence of delusions in drug-naïve (no cholinesterase inhibitor or neuroleptic medications) AD patients.

Do antipsychotics prevent postoperative delirium? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To summarize the effect of antipsychotics for preventing postoperative delirium.

Design: We conducted a literature search using Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and clinicaltrials.gov.

Impact of a competency based curriculum on quality improvement among internal medicine residents.

Background: Teaching quality improvement (QI) principles during residency is an important component of promoting patient safety and improving quality of care. The literature on QI curricula for internal medicine residents is limited. We sought to evaluate the impact of a competency based curriculum on QI among internal medicine residents.

Twelve tips for teaching in a provincially distributed medical education program.

Background: As distributed undergraduate and postgraduate medical education becomes more common, the challenges with the teaching and learning process also increase.

Aim: To collaboratively engage front line teachers in improving teaching in a distributed medical program.

Method: We recently conducted a contest on teaching tips in a provincially distributed medical education program and received entries from faculty and resident teachers.

Medication reconciliation: identifying medication discrepancies in acutely ill hospitalized older adults.

Background: Medication discrepancies may occur during transitions from community to acute care hospitals. The elderly are at risk for such discrepancies due to multiple comorbidities and complex medication regimens. Medication reconciliation involves verifying medication use and identifying and rectifying discrepancies.

Evaluation of resident attitudes and self-reported competencies in health advocacy.

Background: The CanMEDS Health Advocate role, one of seven roles mandated by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Canada, pertains to a physician's responsibility to use their expertise and influence to advance the wellbeing of patients, communities, and populations. We conducted our study to examine resident attitudes and self-reported competencies related to health advocacy, due to limited information in the literature on this topic.

Methods: We conducted a pilot experience with seven internal medicine residents participating in a community health promotion event.

Characterizing and developing strategies for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia at a community hospital.

Background: Patients admitted to Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver, British Columbia, with a primary diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) have a mean length of stay (LOS) of 9.1 days compared with 7.9 days for peer group hospitals.