Predictive Validity of Family Medicine Resident's Performance at Induction with Their Future Performance During Residency

Objective: To determine the predictive validity of induction assessment scores of family medicine residency program for performance in final year of residency. Study Design: Psychometric [predictive-validity] study

Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from 2008 to 2014

Methodology: All family medicine residents were evaluated

Family Medicine Residency induction assessment scores were used as independent predictor variables, whereas resident assessment scores during the final year residency program were used as dependent or outcome variables. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19. Linear regression was used to determine predictive validity of induction scores as independent variables with outcome variables at 95% confidence level

Results: There were 33 residents. MBBS scores accounted for 30.1% of variance in final year Objective Structured Clinical Exam [OSCE] scores; whereas, induction written test accounted for 37.1% of variance in final year written test. Induction communication skill scores did not correlate with in-training communication skill scores or with the final year OSCE scores. Induction professionalism scores accounted for 13.7% of the variation in final year OSCE scores, but not with in-training continuous professionalism scores

Conclusion: Induction knowledge scores have acceptable predictive value for future knowledge and its application. Other valid and reliable assessment methods, such as multiple mini-interviews, should be explored for assessment of non-cognitive domains at induction

lady with hair loss

Alopecia [hair loss] often significantly affects social and psychological wellbeing. Likely causes of hair loss depend on age, sex, features on examination and on presence of general medical conditions. Alopecia has several causes. Androgenic alopecia, one of the common forms has a specific pattern of temporal-frontal loss in men and central thinning in women. Topical minoxidil and finasteride are the useful treatment regimens. For Alopecia areata, intralesional and topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment

Urinary incontinence in women

The problem of urinary incontinence in women is commonly encountered in the primary care setting. More than usual, it is not the principal complaint but an additional or 'by the way' added symptom. Patients being examined for another problem may mention episodes of urinary incontinence. For instance, patients presenting with cold symptoms may remark that every time they cough, they 'leak' urine. Knowledge about the basic physiology of micturition and the ability to distinguish between the different types of urinary incontinence with the understanding of the related treatment options is, therefore, essential