New scenario based learning module - Managing a patient complaining of pain

I've just put up on Blackboard a scenario based learning module that will hopefully help students manage a patient complaining of pain.

The idea is to present a scenario and let you work through it. Sometimes you'll make good decisions, other times less good decisions.

This is a first with this software and will need some work to make it visually more appealing. I'd appreciate comments from students particularly about:

1. whether it helped structure the diagnostic process
2. the length
3. the level of difficulty

All other feedback also appreciated.

Cheers

New videos - ultrasonic scaler use and the interspace brush

I've put up some more videos on Blackboard. They demonstrate how I would encourage you to use:

• an ultrasonic scaler

• an interspace brush (that's not the same as an interdental brush by the way)

I mention these things in the video, but just to re-emphasise the points:

• ultrasonics are potentially damaging from two points of view:

• they can remove tooth tissue - so turn the power down and don't stick the tip against the tooth
• they can traumatise the periodontium - so instrument pockets carefully whilst debriding the root surface thoroughly

• there are more efficient ways to use scaler tips - i.e. side on

Using an ultrasonic scaler in a safe but efficient way is a skill that can take time to master.

Please do not assume that by simply sticking it into the pocket the job is done. If you're unsure how to use the scaler ask your perio tutor next time you see them, or me next time you're out here.

13/06/2012 These videos are available on YouTube now:

Introduction 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHteQ9A7BpI&feature=g-user-u

Introduction 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfZnZdzyNrg&feature=relmfu

Using in a patient
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRN0MqjWMKY&feature=relmfu

TRIP Database

Some of the third (coming on fourth...) years out there will know I've been asking people to search the TRIP database to find out about when to recall patients for check-ups.

This database is useful if you want to get to higher level information quickly - that is, clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews and good primary studies.

However, it will not provide you with an exhaustive list of papers. For this you'll need to go back to Medline or Embase.

A nice element of TRIP is being able to save your searches automatically and to record anything you learnt whilst reading the paper. For this you'll need to register - but it's free and very simple.

I encourage you to start asking questions and searching for answers using TRIP