Adult Rheumatology — Foundation of Discipline

F5 Counselling patients and/or families regarding diagnosis and treatment plans for uncomplicated rheumatologic diseases

Key Features:
- The focus of this EPA is the application of communication skills to convey diagnosis and counsel patients.
- This includes being sensitive to patient specific factors (age, gender, religion, culture, preferences, etc.), applying a patient/family centred approach, explaining clearly (lack of jargon) and compassionately, discussing alternatives, engaging in shared decision making, respecting patient autonomy, and assessing the patient's understanding.
- This EPA includes applying knowledge of the indications and contraindications for prednisone and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy, as well as non-pharmacologic therapies, and utilization of other health professionals.

Assessment Plan:
Direct observation by supervisor
Use Form 1. Form collects information on:
- Issue (select all that apply): diagnosis; non-pharmacologic intervention; prednisone; NSAIDs
Collect 3 observations of achievement
- At least 1 discussion of diagnosis
- At least 1 discussion of pharmacologic intervention: prednisone or NSAID
- At least 2 assessors

Form

F1: Observation

Milestones

• COM 1.1. Communicate using a patient-centred approach that encourages patient trust and autonomy

• COM 1.6. Assess a patient’s decision-making capacity

• ME 1.3. Apply knowledge of clinical pharmacology as it relates to therapeutic agents in rheumatologic disease

• COM 3.1. Convey the diagnosis and treatment in a clear and compassionate manner

• ME 3.1. Describe the indications, contraindications, and potential side-effects for NSAID, prednisone, and non-pharmacologic therapies

• ME 3.1. Describe the alternatives for a given procedure or therapy

• COM 3.1. Share information and explanations that are clear and accurate while checking for understanding

• COM 1.3. Recognize the values, biases, or perspectives of patients and modify the approach to the patient accordingly

• COM 4.2. Assist patients and their families to identify, access, and make use of information and communication technologies to support their care and manage their health

Context Variables

• Issue (multiple-choice)
  • diagnosis
  • non-pharmacologic intervention
  • prednisone
  • NSAIDs

Requirements

• Collect 3 observations of achievement (minimum 3)
• At least 1 discussion of diagnosis (minimum 1)
  • Only counts when Issue is diagnosis
• At least 1 discussion of pharmacologic intervention: prednisone or NSAID (minimum 1)
• At least 2 assessors (minimum 2)
  • Counted once per distinct Assessor