São Paulo medical journal = Revista paulista de medicina
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Although 30 to 50% of hospitalized patients in a critical care unit are under sedation, there is sparse data on the impact of sedation on morbidity and case-fatality rates in Brazil. Sedation is associated with higher risks of infection and death rate among patients. However, it is difficult to assess the clinical impact of sedation. ⋯ We concluded that sedation is associated with higher infection risk and case-fatality rate, and longer hospital stay.
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Assessment of clinical skills has a central role in medical education and the selection of suitable methods is highly relevant. The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is now established as one of the most valid, reliable and effective tests for the assessment of clinical skills. ⋯ In addition to shortage of resources and organizational difficulties, local cultural aspects and the absence of a more favorable educational climate may hinder lasting improvements in assessment methods in traditional medical schools.