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Communication

Feeling what providers feel during EHR implementation requires us to slow down a little

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC January 04, 2012

Continuing to build empathy toward providers into training and implementation may go a long way towards realizing the promises of the EHR. But it won't be done if providers feel sidelined or left behind.

Managing your digital footprints: How to use social media intelligently

PPC, the Professional Practice Council of the AAPA May 13, 2011

As the use of social media increases and communication boundaries blur, PAs should understand what information can be shared online.

The art of physical assessment: Crossing personal space

Sarah Zarbock, PA-C February 03, 2011

The author argues that when examining our patients, we need to understand the concepts of space and distance, the boundaries in between, and how to cross them.

Breaking bad news: Communication skills for difficult conversations

Lisa Davenport, PA-C, MSHS, Georgeanne Schopp, LMFT, MS February 01, 2011

PAs can develop skills needed to deliver bad news and promote consensus among patients, families, and the health care team.

Eliminating health disparities: What works?—January 2011

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC January 06, 2011

Several studies provide evidence that very brief instruction in perspective-taking—a method by which clinicians can enhance empathy—may play a valuable role in building the clinician-patient relationship.

Practice random acts of PA  kindness—it's easy and it's free!

Sarah Zarbock, PA-C December 03, 2010

What is it about who PAs are and what they do that can be translated into small, simple gestures of kindness? See the author's list, and add your own.

A Day in the Life: Nicole Larson, MPAS, PA-C

Nicole Larson, MPAS, PA-C October 19, 2010

A PA who practices in thoracic surgery describes a busy day in the hospital and the clinic.

I don't want to go fast

Amy M. Klingler, MS, PA-C October 11, 2010

I spend a lot of time these days listening to children's music in the car. Despite the wide variety of music in our queue, my 3-year-old son's favorite musician is Laurie Berkner. He requests her CDs by name and bops along to the beat even while restrained by a five-point harness.

What is MRSA?

September 30, 2010

The causes and treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are discussed. A patient handout with frequently asked questions is included.

Is banning direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) consistent with bioethical principles?

Kevin Michael O'Hara, MMSc, PA-C, AAHIVS August 11, 2010

The impact of DTCA on patients' expectations and PAs' responsibility to provide bioethical treatment are reviewed.

Love's labors lost: Sexual dysfunction in an adolescent male

Brian T. Maurer, PA-C August 06, 2010

When a teen-age boy disguises his true intention to receive a Viagra prescription, the author reflects on relationships and reading between the lines.

Are you using checklists? Check!

From QCC, the Quality Care Committee of the AAPA July 21, 2010

A checklist is a simple tool that can enhance clinical practice and ensure patient safety in many clinical settings.

What is hypertension?

Mary L. Hewett, PA-C, MS July 14, 2010

Hypertension is defined and how it is diagnosed is explained, including the severity levels for BP measurements.

House calls, homebodies: Remembering that you came

Brian T. Maurer, PA-C June 16, 2010

The comfort of a clinician's home visit is immeasurable to patients who wish to live their last days in their own home.

Nine ways to meet and exceed patient expectations

Jennifer Carlquist, PA-C June 04, 2010

The author shares some tips on how to make each patient visit more effective and more productive for both patients and PAs.

Lessons learned: Writing editorials in the age of the Internet

Sarah Zarbock, PA-C May 05, 2010

After reading the online comments on one of her editorials, the author wonders: What has happened to our ability to converse with each other respectfully on topics about which we disagree?

Eyes wide shut: Can casual use of medical evidence cause harm and erode bioethical values?

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC, Diane Bruessow, RPA-C, DFAAPA, F. J. Gianola, PA, DFAAPA April 23, 2010

A complex patient case illustrates a range of societal and clinical biases and the impact these biases can have on patient care.

Charlotte's Web: Lessons learned from a pig and a spider

Sarah Zarbock, PA-C April 07, 2010

Skilled communication is especially critical during conversations with children and their families about life-threatening and terminal conditions. How can E.B. White's classic children tale make you a better communicator?

What do I do about treatment-resistant depression?

Mary L. Hewitt, PA-C, MS March 25, 2010

Patients who don't respond to their antidepressant should be evaluated carefully for compliance, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and social stressors. Switching drugs or combination therapy may be warranted.

Yes, I'm his daughter—and I'm also a physician assistant

Sarah Zarbock, PA-C March 04, 2010

The author explores what happens as the roles of medical professional and daughter coincide when her elderly father is hospitalized with pneumonia.

Exploratory laparotomy for a pancreatic pseudocyst uncovers an adrenal mass instead

Castigliano M. Bhamidipati, DO; Matthew Smeds, MD February 08, 2010

In the patient with an abdominal mass, good communication, collaboration, and an evidence-based approach are essential.

Tobacco dependence: How should a busy clinician intervene?

Jean Covino, DHSc, MPA, PA-C February 01, 2010

A combination of brief counseling and appropriate pharmacotherapy produces the most promising outcomes for patients willing to quit.

What is a heart catheterization?

Nicole L. Hatcher, PA-C, MPAS January 28, 2010

This patient handout explains that left-heart catheterization with coronary angiography is the gold standard test for significant coronary disease.

Safety and adherence: Complex issues that hinder childhood vaccination programs

Jamie Michelle Womack, PA-C January 06, 2010

Scrutiny of recommended childhood vaccines continues to support their effectiveness. Yet, many parents may still need reassurance.

The ethics of using placebos for diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice

F. J. Gianola, PA, DFAAPA December 21, 2009

The case of a man with lifelong allergies suggests that a placebo, used honestly and openly, may be a useful therapeutic tool.

A Day in the Life: Alexandra Godfrey, BSc, PT

Alexandra Godfrey, BSc, PT October 14, 2009

A day in both the anatomy lab and the hospital teaches this student how a constant awareness of illness, suffering, and loss will be part of being a PA.

"This must be true—I read about it on the Internet"

Sarah Zarbock, PA-C October 08, 2009

When patients search for health information on the Web, is what they find reliable? Do they understand what they read? Do they even tell you what they found?