This Virtual Patients lesson is relevant for medical students and professionals working in health care. In this lesson, we will talk onwards about alcoholism, work and accidents. We visit the Austria House, The Clinic of Politraumatisms, Burns and Plastic Surgery, in Romania. Can you characterize “chronic classic alcoholism”, alcohol metabolism, and alcohol effects on health? What are signs of alcoholism in a physical examination? The alcohol addiction syndrome is explained. Can you mention causes for drinking at work? The story of a work accident is presented. Can you indicate professional risks of a car mechanic? First aid and diagnosis. The serious consequences of the accident and the recuperation (rehabilitation) program are presented.
The lesson contains 22 cards, which guide you through the topic of alcoholism and the phases of the work accident, diagnosis, and recuperation (rehabilitation). The cards provide descriptive texts, charts, photos, workplace information, x-ray photos, questions, and feedback. Often, cards present a question. After sending an answer, feedback is given. After passing all cards, you will get a red or green mark (enough correct answers). If you are following a regular course in Munich, a tutor can give comments. The lesson is given in English only.
General information about Virtual Patients & Work
The series of medical cases for medical students and physicians-in-training for Occupational Medicine has been developed by the Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine at the LMU university (Munich, Germany), often with the help of other institutes. The cases, developed in 2006-2013, are still present-day in many countries, and useful for education. Nevertheless, cases might be not up-to-date or valid everywhere, for example regarding diagnostic procedures, risk assessment tools, therapeutic interventions, or figures like incidence rates. Differences may be caused by differences in time periods, contextual conditions, or populations. Discussion about such aspects in a group, with a colleague, or with a teacher, is an essential part of the learning experience.
Practical. Clicking the link below connects to the Casus website. Make an account going to ‘Register’. Use your e-mail address as LOGIN, fill in a personal password. When registration is completed, LOGIN again, select if needed the English language (see, under your name, ‘Options’, ‘Language). Go to ‘Player’, you see ‘Courses available’, select ‘Virtualpatient-Work.Net – English course’. Select this case. You can complete a case once. Changing answers after completing is not possible.
