Volume 104, Issue 2

The Outpatient Osteopathic Single Organ System Musculoskeletal Exam Form (SOS form) is a standardized examination data form. A standardized form is necessary to ensure that essential quality data are collected during osteopathic studies and that each submitted form is completed adequately and uniformly. Use of the standardized form permits reliable statistical computations from the collected data. The training process for the SOS form incorporated the following elements: (1) training investigators to use the form; (2) having trainees transcribe three clinical case examples onto SOS forms; (3) comparing each transcribed clinical case to a prepared key; (4) evaluating the trainees' work for accuracy; and (5) statistically evaluating the trainees' records for intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability. The success or failure of trainees to receive certification in their training process involved evaluating their ability to accurately and appropriately record data collected from three case examples. These cases were designed to evaluate recording accuracy and intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability. All trainees scored 80% or better for accuracy, and their work had good intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability. As a result, all trainees were awarded a numbered certificate for successful completion of the training process. Having a pool of well-trained, certified investigators available and ready to participate in the gathering of data through the use of the SOS form ensures that necessary data are collected and that the resulting databases are unified. It will also facilitate comparisons and statistical analysis of osteopathic research projects. Standardized forms and certified investigators will improve the quality of osteopathic research throughout the profession.

The purpose of this study was to determine membership status in the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and osteopathic board certification status for osteopathic physicians completing osteopathic, allopathic, and dually accredited residency programs. Rates of AOA membership and osteopathic board certification of osteopathic graduates from a dually accredited residency were compared to rates of osteopathic graduates of an allopathic residency in the same training facility. These same two parameters were compared between the dually accredited residency and an osteopathic residency. Osteopathic graduates from the dually accredited residency had significantly higher rates of AOA membership and osteopathic board certification when compared with the osteopathic graduates of an allopathic residency. Moreover, no significant difference existed between the rates of these two measures for osteopathic resident graduates from the dually accredited residency when compared with graduates of an osteopathic residency. Implications of the results are discussed.

The number of complications between guidewires and inferior vena cava filters is unknown and most likely underreported. Since 1993, at least 17 cases of central venous catheter guidewires entangled in inferior vena cava filters have been reported. The placement of both devices in the intensive care setting has increased the number of incidents in which a guidewire from a central venous catheter becomes entrapped in an inferior vena cava filter. The authors report a case in which entrapment of a guidewire occurred without causing displacement of the filter. In addition, a review of simple but useful recommendations to prevent and manage these complications is presented.