MedEdPORTAL (Jan 2007)
Virtual Patient Case #3: Mr. Clarence Malone - Chief Diagnosis: Dementia/Depression
Abstract
Abstract This resource contains the virtual patient case of Mr. Clarence Malone, a geriatric patient diagnosed with dementia and depression. This case is part of a series of virtual patient cases designed to allow facilitators to demonstrate how to care for an aging population. This case contains screening/diagnostic test results, radiographic images, still pictures, genograms, and narrative case presentations. One- to three-minute long video clips depicting the patients as he ages over a 15-25 year span are also included, and these clips have been explicitly designed to limit references to specific treatments (e.g., medications) or other aspects of care that may be time-limited. A technical manual with instructions on how to administer the module is also provided. In this particular case, Mr. Malone initially presents at age 70 with symptoms of depression and perhaps early symptoms of cognitive impairment. Over time he encounters dementia with behavioral challenges, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and carotid artery disease. Unique digital resources available in this publication include a Doppler study for carotid bruit, occupational therapy assessment of living and driving abilities, discussions with family member regarding care, and interdisciplinary team care meetings. The flexibility and quality of virtual patient resources such as these has been attested to by both basic science and clinical faculty to enhance core curriculum lectures. This resource may also serve as problem-based core case (since facilitators access resources in response to learner questions/issues during the tutorial), an e-learning application, and, in aggregated form, a longitudinal presentation of a geriatric patient. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these resources is dependent on the creativity of faculty who determine what, how, and when the resources are incorporated into new and/or established curriculum.
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