MS Alcohol Standardized Patient Educational Objectives

From Clinicaltools.com

Contents 1 Case Overview 2 Case Focus 3 Major Purposes of Case 4 Case-Specific Demonstration 5 Patient Behavior 6 Expected Diagnosis

Case Overview

This case focuses on the detection and treatment of alcohol dependence. Learners will encounter a patient whose primary complaint is trouble sleeping, with secondary symptoms of fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite, and anxiety. Learners will need to decide if the patient is a good candidate for screening for alcohol abuse. The student is encouraged to screen for potential alcohol misuse and to make treatment recommendations.

Case Focus

Interpreting signs of alcohol dependence, investigative assessment technique, applying an appropriate alcohol screening instrument, making a correct diagnosis, formulating a treatment plan.

Major Purposes of Case

After meeting with the Standardized Patient (SP), the student will:

• Identify major factors for risk of alcohol dependence
• Use the appropriate screening instrument (CAGE or AUDIT)
• Order appropriate tests or referral
• Present a detailed assessment to the patient, including patient's own opinion of state of health
• Deal with the patient in a sensitive, non-judgemental way about possible alcohol dependence
• Ask different types of questions to establish a rapport with the patient to determine level of alcohol use/dependence

Case-Specific Demonstration

Essential knowledge, skills, and behaviors to be demonstrated:

• Knowledge of alcohol abuse/dependent behaviors
• Usage of screening tools to determine level of patient's alcohol dependence
• Sensitivity towards patient care
• Pointed questioning that enables the learner to distinguish at risk behavior vs. abuse vs. dependence

Patient Behavior

Primary challenges presented by the patient's behavior:

• Patient is reluctant to admit a problem with alcohol use
• Patient is reluctant to stop drinking

Expected Diagnosis

Patient has alcohol dependence