Clinical medicine (London, England)
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Since the introduction of Modernising Medical Careers in 2005, the electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) and workplace based assessments (WPBAs) have become integral, yet anecdotally controversial, components of postgraduate medical training. In this multi-centre, survey-based study, we looked at core medical trainees and trainers in the Northwest London region and their opinions of the ePortfolio and WPBAs. ⋯ Overall, if implemented correctly, the ePortfolio and WPBAs are potentially powerful tools in the education and development of trainee doctors. However, improvements in mentoring and feedback may be needed to experience the full benefits of this system.
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Case Reports
Lesson of the month 1: Pericardial mass and cardiac tamponade associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae primarily causes respiratory tract infections. Extrapulmonary manifestations are seen in 20-25% of cases. Cardiac involvement is rarely reported. ⋯ This required emergency pericardial fenestration. The patient improved dramatically postoperatively on antibiotics and there was no recurrence of the pericardial effusion on follow up. This case highlights the often forgotten invasive properties of a common respiratory tract pathogen and emphasises the need to consider this easily treatable entity in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic pericardial effusions.
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In response to the call from an international panel for 'much needed rethinking' about the goals and purposes of the education of healthcare professionals, we suggest that there must be an explicit account of the virtues and values that will inform healthcare practice in the 21st century. We propose that a renewed emphasis is needed on reviving the well-honed clinical skills and humanistic attributes in medicine as crucial for optimum affordable (and sustainable) care of individual patients. Analogous virtues should be linked to the quest for improving the health of whole populations, nationally and globally.