Annals of the American Thoracic Society
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There are no published data regarding use of the STOP-BANG sleep apnea questionnaire in populations referred to Veterans Affairs (VA) sleep facilities. If a particular STOP-BANG score cutpoint had high positive predictive value in this referral population, it could reduce the need for diagnostic sleep studies. ⋯ The STOP-BANG questionnaire alone is insufficient to confirm the presence of significant sleep apnea. A maximal score of 8 did not have a high enough positive predictive value to forego confirmatory sleep testing.
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Predictions of duration of mechanical ventilation are frequently made by intensivists and influence clinical decisions. ⋯ The accuracy of intensivists' early clinical predictions of duration of mechanical ventilation is limited, particularly for identifying patients who will require prolonged mechanical ventilation.
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Health care professionals in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine play key roles as teachers for learners of all levels in both clinical care and scientific investigation. Teaching excellence requires training in principles of adult learning and the acquisition and practice of key professional skills including assessment and feedback techniques, curriculum development, and strategies for effective teaching across venues ranging from the bedside to the lecture hall. Those interested in pursuing teaching as the focus of their academic career and basis for promotion should invest in professional development as a teacher and educator. ⋯ Aspiring clinician-educators should also seek out opportunities to participate in a community of medical educators locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. At each of these levels, there exist opportunities to contribute to course or program design, development, and evaluation. Finally, for those interested in promotion as an academic clinician-educator, there are increasing requirements to produce academic scholarship ranging from curricular materials to journal articles focused on education and education research.
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Health professionals can and should be game-changing influencers of U. S. health policies. ⋯ If we join together, we can amplify our messages and promote better health policies. Doing so will require us to embrace a partnership steeped in trust and hope.
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Historical Article
The Surgeon Generals' reports and respiratory diseases. From 1964 to 2014.