A Novel Instrument for Caregivers in Managing Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia: Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool.

Background: Family caregivers can experience significant stress related to behaviour changes in persons with dementia (PWD). Approaches to support caregivers with stress management when responding to changes in behaviours are needed. The Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool (BQRCT) was developed to provide caregivers with an online tool that can be used in real time to recognize and manage their emotions when managing neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia.

Association between citalopram, escitalopram and QTc prolongation in a real-world geriatric setting.

Background: Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended upper limits for citalopram dosing in older adults due to risk of corrected-QT (QTc) prolongation, which was adopted, and extended to escitalopram by Health Canada, the scientific basis is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between citalopram/escitalopram dosages and QTc interval in a real-world geriatric setting.

Methods: We reviewed electronic health records at a university-affiliated geriatric health care center, over a 7-year period, to identify patients prescribed citalopram and escitalopram, who had an ECG within 90 days of initiation or dosage change.

Evaluation of a National Online Educational Program in Geriatric Psychiatry.

Objective: This study provides evaluation results of an online study group (OSG) for geriatric psychiatry continuing professional development.

Methods: The OSG is an interactive, expert-facilitated, asynchronous educational experience for psychiatrists and residents in Canada. A retrospective web survey assessed self-efficacy, knowledge in geriatric psychiatry, comfort with online learning, and perceived effectiveness of the instructional methods.

Program evaluation of a telepsychiatry service for older adults connecting a university-affiliated geriatric center to a rural psychogeriatric outreach service in Northwest Ontario, Canada.

Background: Weekly telepsychiatry consultations have been provided since 2002 to six communities in Northwest Ontario. Staff from a single community psychogeriatric outreach service who work within these communities facilitate the referrals.

Methods: The program evaluation included (a) a chart review of the last 100 referrals, (b) analysis of patient and staff evaluations, (c) a survey mailed to all physicians in referring communities, and (d) three focus groups of staff working in local community agencies.

The enablers and barriers to the use of direct observation of trainee clinical skills by supervising faculty in a psychiatry residency program.

Objective: Studies have reported that medical trainees do not get sufficient direct observation. Our study aimed to determine the frequency of direct observation and the enablers and barriers to direct observation in the department of psychiatry at a large Canadian university.

Method: Focus groups and interviews explored the role and use of direct observation, followed by a survey both of faculty and of residents.

Basic essential education program (BEEP): a brief introductory faculty development course for medical teachers.

Background: Physicians have a unique role in teaching future physicians and allied health professionals. Yet, most medical doctors have limited instruction in this critical component of their daily activity.

Methods: This study was a prospective cohort study of the effectiveness of a local teaching program at two teaching hospitals for junior faculty.

Use of sleep-promoting medications in nursing home residents : risks versus benefits.

This paper reviews the use of sleep-promoting medications in nursing home residents with reference to risks versus benefits. Up to two-thirds of elderly people living in institutions experience sleep disturbance. The aetiology of sleep disturbance includes poor sleep hygiene, medical and psychiatric disorders, sleep apnoea, periodic limb movements and restless leg syndrome.