MS Alcohol Standardized Patient Health Professional Instructions

From Clinicaltools.com

Contents 1 Instructions to Health Professional 2 Initial Instructions 3 Possible Questions (from doctor) 4 Warning Signs of Dependence 5 Time Allotted 6 Take Home Message

Instructions to Health Professional

Before conducting the SP interview, CTI will send the health professional an email which includes the patient chart. Over the course of the interview, any test or examination can be performed, but results may not be immediately available and a diagnosis must take that into account.

Initial Instructions

After a 5 minute review of the patient chart, the SP interview will begin. The health professional will be given 30-45 minutes (to be determined before analysis begins) in which to evaluate and diagnose the patient who is presenting with symptoms.

Possible Questions (from doctor)

1. So, why have you come to see me today?

2. What methods have you tried to help you get to sleep?

3. How often do you think you have a drink? And how much do you drink at that time?

4. Have you ever given thought to your drinking patterns?

5. Have you ever noticed any physical changes when you don't have the usual amount of alcohol during a particular week?

6. Do you understand the long-term effects that your drinking could have on your body?

7. Do you ever take sleep medications and alcohol at the same time?

Warning Signs of Dependence

• Drinking to feel socially comfortable
• High tolerance
• Drinking to the point of intoxication on multiple occasions
• Drinking to deal with stress
• Going in late because of hangovers
• Drinking despite evidence of hangovers
• Possible guilt over drinking

Time Allotted

This is a brief visit to the physician's office. We will schedule for a 30 minute consultation with medical students (may be increased after preliminary testing). The consultation will occur via Google Chat.

Take Home Message

Cynthia exhibits signs of tolerance and withdrawal, an indicative cause for her sleep problems. Cynthia meets DSM IV criteria for alcohol dependence and must be treated accordingly.