International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy P

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy P INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLON HYDROTHERAPY P. O. Box 461285, San Antonio, TX 78246-1285 • Office: 210-366-2888 • Fax: 210-366-2999 E-Mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.i-act.org PRESIDENT Dorothy Chandler, R.N. Ref: S.B. No. 873 – An Act Concerning Colon Hydrotherapy Services 11701 South Bell Ave. Chicago, IL 60643 Office: 312-238-9817 Subject: Testimony of International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy Public Health Committee Public Hearing February 20, 2013 PRESIDENT ELECT Gail Naas 4210 NW 13th Ave. Dear Senator Gerratana, Representative Johnson, and Members of the Public Health Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 Office: 954-793-4420 Committee: SECRETARY / TREASURER Millie Menchaca The International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT) is pleased to 1205 N. 23rd St. Beaumont, TX 77706 see that the State of Connecticut is considering creating a public registry of the Colon Office: 409-347-1722 Hydrotherapist that reside in the State of Connecticut who are certified by the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy (NBCHT), and I submit this written testimony in support BOARD MEMBER Beverley Blass of S.B. No. 873. 12 Fairway West Hartford, CT 06117 Office: 860-206-1129 I-ACT is a professional membership association established to provide guide- BOARD MEMBER lines and training for individuals providing colon hydrotherapy services, with over 2300 Suzanne Childré Members, including over 400 international members and 14 members in Connecticut. 910 Broadway, ste. #112 Santa Monica, CA 90401 I-ACT advocates the highest standards of education and professional conduct to assure Office: 310-576-6360 properly administered colon hydrotherapy. These professionals are well schooled and BOARD MEMBER pass rigorous testing in the administering of colon hydrotherapy. Since 1989, I-ACT has Russell Kolbo, DC, ND offered educational programming and training to over 3500 professionals. 8020 Warren Dr., NW Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Office: 253-649-0288 A copy of the I-ACT Colon Hydrotherapy Manual, 2nd Edition (draft), is at- PRESIDENT EMERITUS tached hereto as Exhibit A, and a copy of the I-ACT Policy Statements is attached Pam Craig, B.Sci. 285 Cent. Oly. Pk. Dr. hereto as Exhibit B. NW, #1807 Atlanta, GA 30313 Office: 770-714-6350 Colon hydrotherapy irrigates and cleanses the colon. It is an extended and more complete form of an enema utilizing gently infused warm, filtered water into the rectum which hydrates the colon, softens and loosens waste and results in evacuation through normal peristalsis. The pressure of the water during the session is very low, from 1/4 lb. to 2.0 lbs, resulting in the cleansing of the rectosigmoid area thru a series of fill and empty cycles. The speculum/ rectal tube used in the service is only inserted approximately 2 inches into the rectum and the Colon Hydrotherapist is with the client during the hour it takes to complete a colon hydrotherapy session. Colon hydrotherapy does not include the diagnosis of a specific pathology or acts of physical therapy or therapeutic or corrective measures. Colon Hydrotherapists certified by I-ACT follow strict guidelines and are taught very specific procedures relating to the use of speculum/rectal tube and standard oper- ating procedures to insure the dignity, privacy and safety of a client. Such training is taught by highly qualified Colon Hydrotherapy instructors, some of whom are located in the State of Connecticut. A copy of I-ACT Standard Operating Procedures, Regulations and Guidelines for I-ACT Recognized Schools & I-ACT Recognized Colon Hydrotherapy Establishments is attached hereto as Exhibit C. Attached hereto as Exhibit D is a copy of I-ACT’s Code of Ethics and Exhibit E is a copy of I-ACT’s Zero Tolerance Policy. I-ACT offers four separate levels of certification for Colon Hydrotherapists: Foundation Level (Level 1), Intermediate Level (Level 2), Advanced Level (Level 3) and Instructor Level (Level 4). Foundation Level (Level 1) o Prerequisites: • Must have a high school diploma/GED, or equivalent (prior to entering training) • Must have postsecondary education level/college level A&P (equivalent to 3 semester hours of college) (before certification) • Must have a current CPR card (before certification) o Requirements: • Either provide proof (by transcript) of completing a 100 hour (in the classroom) course of colon hydrotherapy training from an I-ACT approved School and/or an I-ACT Certified Instructor, or proof of a minimum of one year of practice with documentation of at least 100 colon hydrotherapy sessions (in the last year) • Must be a full I-ACT Member in good standing • Must send resume and proof of all related education; Seminars completed, degrees and experi- ence in both practice and theory • Must send pictures of facility showing: at a minimum, the waiting area, the colon hydrotherapy room (which has a picture of the equipment), and the bathroom, etc. • Must send a blank copy of Health Questionnaire (Intake Form) • Must carry Liability Insurance (if desired)/provide a copy of the policy front page (or a statement saying you do not wish to carry insurance) • Must take and pass the I-ACT Foundation Level 2 Exam. A copy of the Foundation Level Syllabus for use by I-ACT Recognized Schools and/or I-ACT Recognized In- structors is attached hereto as Exhibit F. The Intermediate Level (Level 2) o Prerequisites (must be completed before training): • Must have a high school diploma/GED, or equivalent • Must have postsecondary education level/college level A&P (equivalent to 3 semester hours of college) • Must have a current CPR card • Individual may not enter training for the Intermediate Level (Level 2) until they have been fully certified by I-ACT at the Foundation Level (Level 1) for a minimum of 6 months (however, an option for licensed healthcare providers is described below) o Requirements: • Must be certified, by I-ACT, at the Foundation Level for a minimum of six (6) months • Licensed Medical Healthcare providers may take the Level 2 exam upon showing proof they have received at least 500 hours of in classroom training, or have two years working on the public under the scope of practice of their license • Share for 30 minutes, choose A, B, or C: • A: Take us on a video journey with your client as you teach them how they may assist themselves during a session • B: Read your essay of 3000 words in personal experience • C: Demonstrate the expertise you have developed through your work in Colon Hydrotherapy • Must take and pass the I-ACT Intermediate Level 2 Exam. A copy of the Intermediate Level Syllabus for use by I-ACT Recognized Schools and/or I-ACT Recognized Instructors is attached hereto as Exhibit G. The Advanced Level (Level 3) o Prerequisites (must be completed before training) • Must have a high school diploma/GED, or equivalent • Must have postsecondary education level/college level A&P (equivalent to 3 semester hours of college) • Must have a current CPR card • Individual may not enter training for the Advanced Level (Level 3) until they have been fully certified by I-ACT at the Intermediate Level (Level 2) for a minimum of 1 year (however an option for licensed healthcare providers is described below) o Requirements: • Must be certified by I-ACT at the Intermediate Level for a minimum of 1 year, and must be a full member of I-ACT • Licensed Medical Healthcare providers may take the Level 3 exam upon showing proof they have received at least 1000 hours of in classroom training, or have three years of experience working on the public under the scope of practice of their license • Must take and pass the I-ACT Advanced Level 3 Exam. A copy of the Advanced Level Syllabus for use by I-ACT Recognized Schools and/or I-ACT Recognized In- structors is attached hereto as Exhibit H. Instructor Level (Level 4) o Prerequisites (must be completed before training): • Must have a high school diploma/GED, or equivalent • Must have postsecondary education level/college level A&P (equivalent to 3 semester hours of college) • Must have a current CPR card • Individual may not enter training for the Instructor Level (Level 4) until they have been fully certified by I-ACT at the Advanced Level • Each Instructor candidate must attend an Instructor training class put on by an I-ACT Instructor or an I-ACT School o Requirements: • Must be certified, by I-ACT, at the Advanced Level and be a Full I-ACT Member • Must attend a mandatory 60 hour (in the classroom) instructor training course provided by an I-ACT School or I-ACT Instructor • Demonstrate 3 hours of teaching on Foundation or Intermediate Level Anatomy & Physiology at an I-ACT recognized school or with an I-ACT instructor during a recognized I-ACT Instructor Course • Must demonstrate one hour of teaching at an I-ACT Convention - eight people in attendance desired • Submit outline of teaching and complete presentation to the I-ACT office prior to the convention (no later than April 30 of each year) • Write a test of 50 questions on Colon Hydrotherapy Anatomy & Physiology -multiple choice (A, B, C, & D)- with answers (provide correct answer on separate pages and also provide source documenta- tion for each question). The source documents must be college level A&P Manuals, Gray's Anatomy, or the CIBA Collection - Digestive System (for example - NOT study guides) - Submit this test to I-ACT • Student will bring to the Convention the textbooks, class handouts, enrollment application, en- rollment agreement, A&P review exam, evaluation forms, lesson plans, schedule, and the certificate of training completion that they will be using in their class • Must be NBCHT certified • Sign the Instructor Oath.
Recommended publications
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
    MEDICAL POLICY Complementary and Alternative Medicine Effective Date: 01/01/2021 Section: MED Policy No: 437 Medical Policy Committee Approved Date: 10/2020 01/1/2021 Medical Officer Date See Policy CPT/HCPCS CODE section below for any prior authorization requirements SCOPE: Providence Health Plan, Providence Health Assurance, Providence Plan Partners, and Ayin Health Solutions as applicable (referred to individually as “Company” and collectively as “Companies”). APPLIES TO: All lines of business BENEFIT APPLICATION Medicaid Members Oregon: Services requested for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members follow the OHP Prioritized List and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) as the primary resource for coverage determinations. Medical policy criteria below may be applied when there are no criteria available in the OARs and the OHP Prioritized List. POLICY CRITERIA Notes: • Member benefits, which address coverage or non-coverage of specific complementary and alternative medicine treatments, may vary. Member benefit contract language takes precedent over medical policy. • Services in this policy may exist in other Medical Policies. See Cross References for guidance. Complementary and alternative medicine treatments are considered investigational and are not covered as a treatment of any condition. Treatments of this nature include but are not limited to the following: A. Autogenous lymphocytic factor B. Colon hydrotherapy, irrigation, cleansing and lavage Page 1 of 13 MED437 MEDICAL POLICY Complementary and Alternative Medicine C. Intravenous infusion including: 1. Hydrogen peroxide 2. Micronutrient (Myers’ cocktail) for indications that are not Lyme disease 3. Vitamin C for indications that are not Lyme disease D. Manual and soft tissue therapies including: 1. Active release techniques® 2. Craniosacral therapy (CST) 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Evidence-Based Reflexology a Pathway to Health
    Evidence-Based Reflexology A Pathway to Health Sala Horowitz, Ph.D. gy channels, which can be manipulated to rebalance energy flow, begin in and extend down to, the feet and hands. This concept is similar to the theory of zones developed in modern Western eflexology, a “[b]odywork technique that uses reflex medicine as the foundation for reflexology practice. points on the hands and feet” to stimulate the body’s own Rhealing mechanism, is designed to bring the body into Zone Therapy balance by applying pressure at points corresponding to areas of Just as with its use in ancient times, reflexology’s first applica- the body. As in acupuncture, the intent of stimulating particular tion in modern health care was for pain relief. The term reflexolo- points is to eliminate obstructed energy channels that are pre- gy was coined in 1917 by the Russian physician Vladimir sumed to cause pain and disease, according to Joseph J. Jacobs, Behterev, who, like many other Russian physicians of the era, M.D., M.B.A., a former director of the National Institutes of adhered to the hypothesis that health can be affected by external Health Office of Alternative Medicine (now the National Center stimuli and be restored by intercepting erroneous instructions of Complementary and Alternative Medicine), in Bethesda, from the brain for particular functions. Maryland.1 William Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872–1942), an American ear and After tracing the ancient cultural and modern medical roots of throat specialist, was influenced by nineteenth and twentieth reflexology, this article summarizes recent evidence-based century discoveries about the nervous system and observed that research on this technique’s therapeutic applications.
    [Show full text]
  • Reflexology and Cancer by Nicola Ramirez, MFHT, MICHT, MPACT
    Reflexology and cancer by Nicola Ramirez, MFHT, MICHT, MPACT Nicola Ramirez investigates the potential benefits of reflexology for cancer patients, drawing upon information from published research papers to supplement her own preliminary study. Abstract The objective of this study is to investigate the ways in which reflexology may benefit cancer patients. I will identify any factors during a reflexology session that may be involved in providing possible benefits to patients and explore the reasons for their efficacy. Reflexology treatments will be given to six patients, with cancer of various types and degrees of severity, over a six-week period. I will track the progress of each patient over the six weeks, assessing whether there have been any noted benefits through a combination of information gained from conversations with patients and the use of thematic analysis. If the results are not conclusive, it is nevertheless possible to appreciate that this study has contributed to an area of research that is currently under-represented. ‘The urgent need for more research into complementary and alternative medicine has been highlighted by the House of Lords’ Select Committee on Science and Technology. There are thought to be up to 50,000 complementary practitioners in the UK, yet this is not reflected in the number of researchers, research projects undertaken or published reports’ (The Prince of Wales 2002). If the outcome of this study is positive, it has the potential of increasing awareness of the usefulness of reflexology in palliative care, contributing to its increased availability within NHS hospices, and ultimately ensuring that patients are given the option of utilising its benefits or not.
    [Show full text]
  • Aquatic Rehabilitation
    Aquatic Rehabilitation Matt McGraw MS, ATC, PES, CES March 2, 2019 Overview • History of Aquatic Rehabilitation • Principles of Water • Aquatic Therapy Techniques • Contraindications and Precautions • Indications and Advantages • Things to think about History of Aquatic Rehab • Early Civilizations - early 20th Century • Belief that hot springs/spas provided therapeutic and medicinal value • Social activity • Hot air/water and cold plunge • Limited use of submerged exercise History of Aquatic Rehab • 1830: Vincenz Priessnitz • Combined cold water with exercise to strengthen ill patients • Dr. Winternitz • Researched varying water temps on sick patients • U.S. treatment modality during smallpox outbreak for Neurological Rehab • 1913: Dr. Charles Leroy Lowman • 1924: Hubbard Tank History of Aquatic Rehab • 1930’s Underwater PT with Physical Exercise in Warm Water • 1937: Dr. Lowman • Technique of Underwater Gymnastics: A Study in Practical Application • Dr. Rebekah Wright: Mental Diseases • 1960’s and 70’s: Space Age • 1980’s: American Physical Therapy Association • Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute Aquatic Therapy Today • Used to Improve • Balance • Coordination • Weight Bearing • Strength • Endurance • Pain management • ROM • Motor Control • Circulatory Function Principles of Water • Buoyancy • Archimedes' principle: • Buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid that is displaced by the object • 50% Umbilicus • 60% Xiphoid process Principles of Water • Benefits include: • Increase: • Decrease: • Supports weak muscles • Joint compressive forces • Enhance flexibility while weight bearing • ROM • Stress on connective tissue • Easier to handle patient • Fear of falling • Changes the • Blood pooling Biomechanical Stress Principles of Water • Hydrostatic Pressure (HP): Water exerts a pressure of 22.4 mm Hg/ft of water depth equally in all directions.
    [Show full text]
  • Guide to Policy & Practice Questions
    OREGON BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS GUIDE TO POLICY & PRACTICE QUESTIONS 530 Center St NE, suite 620 Salem, OR 97301 (503) 378-5816 [email protected] Updated/Adopted: 9/17/2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION I ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 DEVICES, PROCEDURES, AND SUBSTANCES ............................................................................................................................... 6 DEVICES ................................................................................................................................................................ 6 BAX 3000 AND SIMILAR DEVICES................................................................................................................................................ 6 BIOPTRON LIGHT THERAPY ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 CPAP MACHINE, ORDERING ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 CTD MARK I MULTI-TORSION TRACTION DEVICE................................................................................................................... 6 DYNATRON 2000 ...........................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Complementary Therapy Program
    HOW OUR PROGRAM WORKS The CancerConnects Complementary Therapy program is available to all cancer patients who reside in Central New York, and who are currently undergoing treatment or not more than 3 months post -treatment. Patient completes an application form to request funding for one of the offered therapies. Award vouchers are issued for a specific number of visits based on the patient’s COMPLEMENTARY desired therapy. THERAPY Vouchers may be redeemed with a participating provider of the patient’s PROGRAM choosing. A list of therapists as well as their locations and telephone numbers, will be provided for each of the offered therapies. Participants are asked to complete a program evaluation form after using their vouchers. CancerConnects is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which provides programs and services to help facilitate the cancer journey for patients throughout Central New York. We empower cancer patients and survivors via connections to community resources, support and guidance. CancerConnects, Inc. The CancerConnects Complementary Therapy 5008 Brittonfield Parkway CancerConnects, Inc. program is supported in part through a grant PO Box 2010 5008 Brittonfield Parkway, Suite 800 from the Central New York Affiliate of Susan East Syracuse, New York 13057 P.O. Box 2010 G. Komen for the Cure. Phone: 315-634-5004 East Syracuse, NY 13057 Fax: 315-634-5005 P: 315-634-5004 www.cancerconnects.org F: 315-634-5005 www.cancerconnects.org Complementary Therapy Massage Therapy Foot Reflexology Program Massage therapy is manual soft tissue Foot reflexology affects various parts of the manipulation that causes movement and body through the use of thumb, finger and The CancerConnects Complementary Therapy applies pressure to the body with the hand pressure on specific areas of the foot.
    [Show full text]
  • Spa Menu of Services
    Menu of Services HeadingHIMALAYAN SALT THERAPY Salt therapy, also called Halotherapy, is a natural therapy that hasBody been copy practiced to go here for over 100 years. It involves relaxing in a specialized room filled with dry salt particles to help cleanse the airways and skin, as well as aid recovery and general well-being. HIMALAYAN SALT THERAPIES Relax and take in the salt air inside our Himalayan Salt Therapy room. Inhaling the fine salt particles, which act like an expectorant, speeds mucus clearance and helps to improve respiratory function, while simultaneously eliminating bacteria and soothing the lungs. With 30 or 60 minute sessions to choose from, you can relax in a cozy recliner and breathe in the salt particles. Or choose to pair your Salt Therapy session with a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage for the ultimate salt spa experience. HIMALAYAN SALT THERAPY ROOM 30 mins/60 mins HIMALAYAN SALT STONE MASSAGE 50 mins/80 mins Warm Himalayan Salt Stones ground and balance the body’s electromagnetic field, nervous system and meridians to melt away stress. HIMALAYAN SALT PACKAGES HIMALAYAN SALT ESCAPE 80 mins Enjoy a 50 minute Himalayan Salt Stone Massage and a 30 minute Himalayan Salt Room Therapy Session HIMALAYAN HEALING INDULGENCE 140 mins Rejuvenate with a soothing 80 minute Himalayan Salt Stone Massage and a 60 minute Himalayan Salt Therapy Session MASSAGE THERAPIES CBD MASSAGE 50 mins/80 mins This massage uses full spectrum CBD hemp oil infused with a blend of ancient Korean herbs to nurture, ease muscle and joint aches, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritated skin.
    [Show full text]
  • The Influence of Warm Hydrotherapy on the Cardiovascular System and Muscle Relaxation
    THE INFLUENCE OF WARM HYDROTHERAPY ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM AND MUSCLE RELAXATION By: Jerrold Petrofsky, Ph. D., J.D. Jaime Baxter, BS Jaime Bomgaars, BS Carrie Burgert, BS Sara Jacobs, BS Danielle Lyden, BS Everett B. Lohman III, DPTSc, OSC Send reprint requests to: Dr. Jerrold Scott Petrofsky Professor and Director of Research Department of Physical Therapy Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA 92350 Telephone: (909) 558-7274 Fax: (909) 558-0481 Email: [email protected] 1 Abstract Five female and five male subjects with no known cardiovascular abnormalities nor any neuromuscular disorders were examined during exercise on a cycle ergometer or a 30 min immersion in warm water with and without exercise to determine the effects of immersion on cardiac output, heart rate, blood pressure, forearm blood flow, muscle blood flow, skin blood flow and muscle relaxation. Muscle relaxation was measured by the resistance to passively moving the leg through a 60° arc and by measurement of the Hoffman (H) reflex. The results of these experiments showed that 1) passive heating caused the greatest relaxation in muscle 2) most of the increase in blood flow to the limb during passive heating or exercise was to skeletal muscle 3) cardiac output increased modestly as did heart rate during passive exposure or light exercise in a therapeutic pool and 4) blood pressure was generally decreased during warm water immersion. Key words: hydrotherapy, muscle, H-reflex, cardiac output, circulation, exercise 2 Introduction Hydrotherapy has been used for thousands of years. Proto-Indian culture made use of hydrotherapy as far back as 2400 B.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Sauna Steam and Hydrotherapy Contents
    NVQ level 3 spa therapy lecturer copy 2010 PAGES WWW.BEAUTYPACKAGES.CO.UK SAMPLE Sauna, Steam & Hydrotherapy 2010 Sauna Steam 21 Sauna and Sauna, steam and hydrotherapy package Sauna Hydrotherapy A dry heat treatment Originating from then rises, Scandinavian coun- w h i c h Did you know? tries a Finnish causes the The temperature of the sauna cabin is sauna to be Finnish sauna can vary hotter on between 60-120ºC. traditionally made from pine panels the upper When water is poured with slatted benches. A on to the c oa ls i t increases the humidity wooden benches thermome- son ranging up to 14 (moisture content) of the around the walls of ter should be people. sauna. the sauna for the placed near to the Contents High tempera tures are client to sit/lie on. roof of the sauna A Laconium i s a only recommended in A thermostatically to measure the larger saunas where tiled sauna that there is a greater controlled stove temp erature inside creates an evenly amount of air. warms the coals to the sauna. A hy- distributed mild The amoun t of swea t lost produce a dry heat. grometer should be dry heat at 55ºC. through hea t can vary Water can be used to check the It creates the heat from 0.15-1.5 li tres. ladled onto the humidity of the air from under floor This is why the body loses weight af ter heat coal, w hich creates within the sauna. and seat heating treatments. However steam and ther e- Sauna cabins are rather than a i t i s only a te mpora ry loss and will be re-gained fore increases the available in various stove.
    [Show full text]
  • SO YOU WANT to START an AROMATHERAPY PROGRAM? December 7, 2017
    12/7/2017 SO YOU WANT TO START AN AROMATHERAPY PROGRAM? December 7, 2017 Jodi Baglien Certified Clinical Aromatherapist Jodi Baglien, LLC, Osseo, MN Cindy Gall, LPN QA Coordinator Wishek Living Center, Wishek, ND WELCOME . Welcome! . Q & As at end of the presentations . Slides and recording will be available on the GPQIN website: Calendar > Past Events http://greatplainsqin.org . Utilize chat for questions and sharing throughout 2 1 12/7/2017 3 Jodi Baglien, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist Jodi combines 16 years of experience as a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Holistic Therapist and Educator of Aromatherapy. She delivers an evidence-based, compliant, and sustainable aromatherapy program to health care settings, both long and short-term. She has been training medical professionals on how to effectively use essential oils in order to provide non-pharmaceutical options to reduce stress, agitation, improve rest and reduce pain scores. Her programs and consulting continue to bring excellent results, with psychotropic medications in nursing homes, reducing by 35% on average. With a powerful mix of experience, compassion, and science-based research, Jodi offers a clear, practical protocols within the best practices of professional aromatherapy. As a recognized wellness authority, she is dedicated to personalized consulting and wholehearted staff education. Career Management Credentials Certified Clinical Aromatherapist (2000) Holistic Therapist/ Wellness Practitioner Adjunct Faculty - Normandale Community College, Integrative Health
    [Show full text]
  • Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: a Map of the Evidence
    Evidence Synthesis Program Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: A Map of the Evidence September 2019 Prepared for: Authors: Department of Veterans Affairs Michele Freeman, MPH Veterans Health Administration Chelsea Ayers, MPH Health Services Research & Development Service Carolyn Peterson, PhD Washington, DC 20420 Devan Kansagara, MD, MCR Prepared by: Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP) Center Portland VA Medical Center Portland, OR Devan Kansagara, MD, MCR, Director PREFACE The VA Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP) was established in 2007 to provide timely and accurate syntheses of targeted healthcare topics of importance to clinicians, managers, and policymakers as they work to improve the health and healthcare of Veterans. These reports help: • Develop clinical policies informed by evidence; • Implement effective services to improve patient outcomes and to support VA clinical practice guidelines and performance measures; and • Set the direction for future research to address gaps in clinical knowledge. The program is comprised of four ESP Centers across the US and a Coordinating Center located in Portland, Oregon. Center Directors are VA clinicians and recognized leaders in the field of evidence synthesis with close ties to the AHRQ Evidence-based Practice Center Program and Cochrane Collaboration. The Coordinating Center was created to manage program operations, ensure methodological consistency and quality of products, and interface with stakeholders. To ensure responsiveness to the needs of decision-makers, the program is governed by a Steering Committee comprised of health system leadership and researchers. The program solicits nominations for review topics several times a year via the program website. Comments on this evidence report are welcome and can be sent to Nicole Floyd, Deputy Director, ESP Coordinating Center at [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • Vulvodynia: a Common and Underrecognized Pain Disorder in Women and Female Adolescents Integrating Current
    21/4/2017 www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print www.medscape.org This article is a CME / CE certified activity. To earn credit for this activity visit: http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370 Vulvodynia: A Common and Under­Recognized Pain Disorder in Women and Female Adolescents ­­ Integrating Current Knowledge Into Clinical Practice CME / CE Jacob Bornstein, MD; Andrew Goldstein, MD; Ruby Nguyen, PhD; Colleen Stockdale, MD; Pamela Morrison Wiles, DPT Posted: 4/18/2017 This activity was developed through a comprehensive review of the literature and best practices by vulvodynia experts to provide continuing education for healthcare providers. Introduction Slide 1. http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print 1/69 21/4/2017 www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print Slide 2. Historical Perspective Slide 3. http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print 2/69 21/4/2017 www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print Slide 4. What we now refer to as "vulvodynia" was first documented in medical texts in 1880, although some believe that the condition may have been described as far back as the 1st century (McElhiney 2006). Vulvodynia was described as "supersensitiveness of the vulva" and "a fruitful source of dyspareunia" before mention of the condition disappeared from medical texts for 5 decades. Slide 5. http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print 3/69 21/4/2017 www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print Slide 6. Slide 7. http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print 4/69 21/4/2017 www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print Slide 8. Slide 9. Magnitude of the Problem http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print 5/69 21/4/2017 www.medscape.org/viewarticle/877370_print Slide 10.
    [Show full text]