The pediatric clerkship director: support systems, professional development, and academic credentials

Article Abstract:

Most pediatric clerkship directors (PCDs) are experienced professors who belong to national pediatric or educational organizations and perceive strong chairperson support for their work. PCDs design and implement the clinical training component of medical education. Researchers surveyed 100 PCDs to gather data about the physicians' academic credentials, support systems, and professional development. PCDs spent an average of 28% of their time performing clerkship activities. Most PCDs were associate professors who had held this rank for an average of seven years. Eighty-two percent of PCDs authored an average of eight publications within the last five years, although few dealt with clerkship or medical education. PCDs belong to many national organizations that focus on pediatrics or education, although fewer than half read medical education journals regularly. PCDs perceived strong support from their chairperson and weaker support from faculty colleagues.

Research, Medical school faculty, Medical teaching personnel

---

Variations in pediatric pneumonia and bronchitis asthma admission rates: is appropriateness a factor?

Article Abstract:

Geographical variations in pediatric hospital admission rates for pneumonia and bronchitis or asthma may not be related to the rates of inappropriate admission. Researchers studied hospital discharge data and reviewed the medical records of 445 pediatric pneumonia patients and 1,038 pediatric bronchitis or asthma patients in five Boston communities. Approximately 9% of pneumonia admissions and 4.4% of bronchitis or asthma admissions were inappropriate. The rates of admission and inappropriateness were not significantly related. In one community, however, both the admission and inappropriateness rates were unusually high. The most common reason for inappropriate admissions in suburban communities was a lack of medical necessity. Most inappropriate admissions in urban areas were attributable to unconfirmed diagnoses.

Evaluation, Medical care, Pneumonia in children, Childhood pneumonia, Hospital admission and discharge, Bronchitis in children

---

Reduction in resource utilization by an asthma outreach program

Article Abstract:

The economic advantages of asthma outreach programs for children may significantly reduce the frequency of hospital admissions and emergency treatment. Researchers devised a comprehensive asthma management program including private counseling, practical instructions, and continued contact with an outreach nurse. The nurse worked an average of 8 hours per week. Fifty-three asthmatic children under 17 years old participated in the outreach program for at least six months. Twenty children remained in the program more than one year. Reductions of 79% in emergency room use and 86% fewer hospitalizations resulted in net savings of $76,200 per year. In addition, personal pride at achieving self-management and avoiding highly stressful hospital episodes may have increased patient satisfaction.

Ambulatory care facilities, Practice, Nursing, Medical care utilization, Alternative medicine, Hospital emergency services, Clinics

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The pediatrician and cancer prevention: accepting the present, changing the future. Youth violence: if we are not active in prevention efforts, who will be?
• Abstracts: Comparisons of alcohol and other drug problems among Minnesota adolescents in 1989 and 1992. A clinic system to improve preschool vaccinations in a low socioeconomic status population

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.