Patient education and counseling
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Review
Can simulations measure empathy? Considerations on how to assess behavioral empathy via simulations.
Standardized patient simulations have been used as an assessment tool, providing teachers an opportunity to observe learner clinical and communication skills while eliminating the fear of harm to patients. Yet the vices and virtues of these simulations in measuring clinical and communication skills have been deliberated. ⋯ We advocate that, in properly designed and conducted simulations, the scores and feedback comments from standardized patients to learners regarding their empathic behaviors can identify learners with important deficiencies. We conclude our discussion by recommending that reflective practice, challenging cases, decision moments, and raters training to provide feedback can supplement and enrich the use of standardized patient simulations in evaluating empathy.
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To illustrate a multidisciplinary group treatment for patients with fibromyalgia (FM) tailored to the patient's cognitive-behavioral pattern. ⋯ FM offers a great challenge for clinicians due to the lack of effective treatment options. These case studies suggests that tailored CBT and exercise training directed at specific patient patterns can contribute to the improvement of the care of FM patients.
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To describe the form and content of ethics policies on euthanasia in Flemish hospitals and the possible influence of religious affiliation on policy content. ⋯ Euthanasia policies provide tangible guidance for physicians and nurses on handling euthanasia requests.
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This paper describes the development of a physical training programme for cancer patients. Four related but conceptually and empirically distinct physical problems are described: decreased aerobic capacity, decreased muscle strength, fatigue and impaired role physical functioning. The study aimed to identify the optimal content for an exercise programme that addresses these four physical problems, based on the highest level of evidence available. The study further aimed to review the evidence available on the delivery of the programmes. The final goal was to develop a programme in which content and delivery are based on the best available evidence. ⋯ The resulting programme was developed on the basis of the highest quality of evidence available regarding content and delivery. The content is based on information obtained from the present review, and on the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine. Potential advantages of the programme include: (a) tailored physical training towards focusing on the patient's established problems and (b) delivery of the training as a self-management programme that might have beneficial effects on health outcome, exercise adherence and a long-term physically active lifestyle.