scholarly journals P121: Does test-enhanced learning improve success rates of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous insertion? A randomized-controlled trial

CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S118-S118
Author(s):  
A. Slomer ◽  
J. Chenkin

Introduction: Optimising teaching techniques when introducing learners to new skills such as ultrasound guided peripheral IV insertion (UGPIV) is essential due to the time and resource intense nature of skills learning. The testing effect has been demonstrated to be effective in improving learner retention, however there is little research evaluating the testing effect on the acquisition of technical skills in medicine. This study aims to determine whether test-enhanced learning improves learner performance of UGPIV. Methods: A prospective randomized control trial is ongoing with medical students on rotation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Participants are randomized to one of two study groups, the control group (CG) and the test-enhanced learning group (TEG). Each group receives a teaching session lasting 1.5 hours surrounding ultrasound guidance for peripheral IV insertion. The TEG receives a formal evaluation of the skill during the last 15 minutes of that session, whereas the CG has continued practice time. Subjects in both groups are being evaluated two weeks later to compare skill performance using an objective structured assessment of technical skills. Results: Data collection is ongoing and is expected to be completed with an recruitment of 40 by March 31st. Conclusion: Given the importance and resource intensive nature of technical skill training it is important to have an understanding of the most efficient ways to teach new techniques. The results from this study will help provide evidence on the testing effect as a method of improving competency and retention for ultrasound guided procedures.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolaas P. Pronk ◽  
A. Lauren Crain ◽  
Jeffrey J. VanWormer ◽  
Brian C. Martinson ◽  
Jackie L. Boucher ◽  
...  

Objective.To determine the accuracy of self-reported body weight prior to and following a weight loss intervention including daily self-weighing among obese employees.Methods.As part of a 6-month randomized controlled trial including a no-treatment control group, an intervention group received a series of coaching calls, daily self-weighing, and interactive telemonitoring. The primary outcome variable was the absolute discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight at baseline and at 6 months. We used general linear mixed model regression to estimate changes and differences between study groups over time.Results.At baseline, study participants underreported their weight by an average of 2.06 (se=0.33) lbs. The intervention group self-reported a smaller absolute body weight discrepancy at followup than the control group.Conclusions.The discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight appears to be relatively small, may be improved through daily self-monitoring using immediate-feedback telehealth technology, and negligibly impacts change in body weight.



Scientifica ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
John George ◽  
Shyan Ch’ng Li ◽  
Zulkarnain Jaafar ◽  
Mohamad Shariff A. Hamid

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy injection for focal supraspinatus rotator cuff tendinosis via outcomes such as functional score, range of movement, and real-time ultrasound parameters. Materials and Methods. 12 adult patients with focal supraspinatus tendinosis recruited after they had less than 30% improvement in functional (DASH) scores after one month of physiotherapy following initial presentation. Seven patients had 0.5–1.0 ml of prolotherapy injection (12.5% dextrose, 0.5% lignocaine) injected into the area of focal tendinosis under ultrasound guidance. Meanwhile, five patients continued standard physiotherapy with no intervention performed. Regional area of echogenicity in decibels, DASH, range of movements of the shoulder, pain, and sleep scores were measured at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results. The prolotherapy group showed significant improvement in shoulder abduction (p=0.030) and an improvement in sleep score (p=0.027). The echogenicity of area of tendinosis significantly increases at the end of treatment (p=0.009). However, there was a nonsignificant reduction in pain score in the injection group (43.5%) and in the control group (25%) at 12 weeks (p>0.005). Conclusion. Ultrasound-guided intratendinous prolotherapy injection significantly improves patient’s range of abduction and improves sleep within 12 weeks of treatment compared to conventional physiotherapy management. Trial Registration. This study was registered under Current Controlled Trials (UK) and given International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) of 43520960.



Author(s):  
Zhenzhen Tu ◽  
Yanzhe Tan ◽  
Lifei Liu ◽  
Jia Xie ◽  
Ying Xu ◽  
...  

Objective This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to compare the ultrasound-guided (USG) technique with the standard single-wall puncture technique for epicutaneo-caval catheter (ECC) placement in neonates. Study Design A total of 100 neonates were included in this study. All enrolled neonates were randomly divided into two groups (n = 50): the USG group and the control group. The control group underwent standard single-wall puncture for ECC placement procedures, and the USG group underwent USG ECC placement procedures. Results The first attempt success rates (62 vs. 38%; p = 0.016) and the total success rates (92 vs. 74%; p = 0.017) were higher in the USG group than in the control group. The procedure time was shorter in the USG group than in the control group: 351.43 (112.95) versus 739.78 seconds (369.13), p < 0.001. The incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion Compared with the standard single-wall puncture method, USG cannulation is superior for neonatal ECC placement, with a higher success rate, and decreases the total procedural time. Key Points



2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 5-7
Author(s):  
R Khan ◽  
M A Scaffidi ◽  
N Gimpaya ◽  
D Tham ◽  
M Atalla ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Polypectomy is an essential endoscopic skill. Training in polypectomy has been identified as a major deficiency for endoscopists worldwide as polypectomy occurs ad hoc during a colonoscopy when a polyp is detected, and a lack of standardized curricula. Augmented reality (AR), which superimposes computer-generated images on a user’s view of the world, can address these gaps by standardizing encounters with polyps while completing simulated procedures and enabling polypectomy-specific teaching. Aims Evaluate the impact of a simulation-based augmented reality curriculum on polypectomy performance among novice endoscopists. Methods This study includes two cohorts of participants from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, participants were randomized into either: (1) a control curriculum, involving 6 hours of simulation-based training (SBT) supplemented by expert feedback, interlaced with 4 hours of small group teaching on the theory of colonoscopy; or (2) the augmented reality curriculum (ARC), in involving the same curriculum with integrated AR, wherein participants engaged with an AR-enhanced video demonstrating relevant therapeutic and pathologic details during polypectomy. The SBT for all participants involved a progressive curriculum starting on a bench-top model and then moving to the EndoVR® virtual reality simulator. The primary outcome was polypectomy-specific performance using the Direct Observation of Polypectomy Skills (DOPyS) tool during a simulated polypectomy after training, with a maximum score of 100. Results Demographic characteristics are summarized in Table. In 2019, 21 novice endoscopists were enrolled. Immediately after training, the mean DOPyS score among ARC group participants was 76.2 (SD=17.9) compared to 71.8 (SD=13.2) among control group participants (Figure). In this interim analysis, there was no significant difference between groups. Data analysis will be completed after 2020 participants complete the study. Conclusions Interim results show a trend towards improved polypectomy performance with no significant difference. The results of this study have the potential to impact polypectomy education among novices. Simulation-based AR interventions may allow learners to progress towards achieving competency in polypectomy in a risk-free environment prior to first patient contact. Funding Agencies None



2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 447-454
Author(s):  
Steve S. Wong ◽  
Wai-Yan Lau ◽  
Yim-Yuk Tse ◽  
Ping-Kwan Chan ◽  
Ching-Kit Wan ◽  
...  

Background In severe peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis, patients’ response to antibiotic can be poor. We postulated that adjunctive lavage may improve the outcome in severe cases by enhancing the removal of bacteria and inflammatory cells from the peritoneum. Methods Severe PD peritonitis was defined as poor clinical response to empirical cefazolin/ceftazidime and a PD effluent (PDE) leukocyte count > 1,090/mm3 on day 3. Enrolled patients were randomized into either the lavage group ( n = 20) or control group ( n = 20). In the lavage group, continuous lavage by an automated PD machine from day 3 to 5 or 6 was performed, whereas the usual PD schedule was maintained in the control group. The primary outcome was treatment success. Post hoc analysis was also performed to compare the outcome between subgroups with different severity. Results Baseline parameters were similar in the lavage and control groups, including PDE leukocyte count on day 3 (4,871/mm3 vs 4,143/mm3, p = 0.46). Treatment success rates were high in both groups (75% vs 70%, p = 0.72). C-reactive protein (CRP) on day 3 was found to be the only predictor of treatment failure and was used to stratify all patients into tertiles of severity. Whilst a significant decline in treatment success was evident across the tertiles of increasing CRP in the control group (100% vs 85.7% vs 28.6%, p = 0.005), treatment success was relatively maintained in the lavage group (85.7% vs 71.4% vs 66.7%, p = 0.43). Conclusions Adjunctive lavage did not improve the overall outcome, although it may be beneficial for the more severe peritonitis patients who have high CRP.



2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (06) ◽  
pp. 1167-1176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wipoo Kumnerddee ◽  
Nitsara Pattapong

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of electro-acupuncture coupled with conventional treatments and compare it with the efficacy of conventional treatments alone in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Thirty patients with chronic refractory plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to two groups. Subjects in the control group received five weeks of conventional treatments, including stretching exercise, shoe modification and rescue analgesics. Subjects in the acupuncture group received the same treatments plus ten sessions of electro-acupuncture twice weekly. Endpoints included a success rate determined by a minimum of a 50% decrease in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Foot Function Index (FFI). At the end of treatment, VAS decreased significantly from 6.00 ± 1.69 to 1.89 ± 1.59 and from 6.27 ± 2.34 to 5.40 ± 2.26 in the acupuncture and control groups, respectively. FFI decreased significantly only in the acupuncture group (p < 0.05). Subjects in the acupuncture group obtained higher success rates than those in control group (80% and 13.3%, respectively). FFI in the acupuncture group was better than those in the control group (p < 0.001). At the sixth week follow-up, subjects in the acupuncture group showed a better FFI and success rate for pain during the day than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Electro-acupuncture coupled with conventional treatments provided a success rate of 80% in chronic planar fasciitis which was more effective than conventional treatments alone. The effects lasted for at least six weeks.



2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1965
Author(s):  
Mahsa Baradaran Sattarzadeh ◽  
Asie Shojaii ◽  
Mohssen Nassiri Toosi ◽  
Mehri Abdollahi-Fard ◽  
Foroogh Alborzi Avanaki ◽  
...  

Background: The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of topical mastic oil, compared to placebo on treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD). Materials and Methods: Sixty-three patients with FD were included. Thirty-two subjects received the topical mastic oil (10 drops/TDS after meal) with massage and 31 patients received topical sesame oil with massage. Both groups received pantoprazole (40 mg daily) along with oil and massage. The severity of early satiation, postprandial fullness, epigastric pain and epigastric burning was assessed after 4 weeks using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) as well as frequency of symptoms. Satisfaction with the treatment was also assessed using a researcher-made questionnaire. Changes in the severity of symptoms were evaluated by Friedman’s test. Results: Mean and standard deviation of age of the subjects were equal to 36.95±13.64 and 50 (79.4%) patients were female. Both groups experienced a significant decrease in the severity of all the four symptoms (P<0.001). The percentage of decrease in the severity of early satiation was significantly higher in the mastic group than the control group (76.03±34.91% vs. 37.24±38.86%, P=0.003). No significant differences were found in the percentage of decrease in the severity of postprandial fullness, epigastric pain and burning between the study groups (P=0.05, 0.06, and 0.13, respectively). The frequency of symptoms was decreased similarly in both groups. Satisfaction with the treatment was reported to be significantly higher in the mastic group than the sesame group (P=0.01). There were no intolerable side effects in both groups. Conclusion: Mastic oil reduced early satiation better than the placebo. In addition, satisfaction with the treatment was higher in the mastic group than the sesame group. [GMJ.2021;10:e1965]



Author(s):  
Mohan W. Gupta ◽  
Steven C. Pan ◽  
Timothy C. Rickard

AbstractIn three experiments we investigated how the level of study-based, episodic knowledge influences the efficacy of subsequent retrieval practice (testing) as a learning event. Possibilities are that the efficacy of a test, relative to a restudy control, decreases, increases, or is independent of the degree of prior study-based learning. The degree of study-based learning was manipulated by varying the number of item repetitions in the initial study phase between one and eight. Predictions of the dual-memory model of test-enhanced learning for the case of one study-phase repetition were used as a reference. Results support the hypothesis that the advantage of testing over restudy is independent of the degree of prior episodic learning, and they suggest that educators can apply cued-recall testing with the expectation that its efficacy is similar across varying levels of prior content learning. Implications for testing effect theory are discussed.



2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manhua Zhu ◽  
Yong Qi ◽  
Huijuan He ◽  
Jinfeng Lou ◽  
Qingqing Pei ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is an effective analgesia that lowers opioid consumption after lower abdominal and hip surgeries. The subcostal approach to transmuscular QLB is a novel technique that can provide postoperative analgesia by blocking more dermatomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and viability of subcostal approach to QLB after laparoscopic nephrectomy. Methods: Sixty patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy were randomly divided into the subcostal approach to QLB group (QLB group, n=30) and the control group (C group, n=30). All patients underwent ultrasound-guided subcostal approach to QLB in an ipsilateral parasagittal oblique plane at the L1–L2 level. The QLB group received 0.4 cc/kg of 0.3% ropivacaine, and the C group received 0.4 cc/kg of 0.9% saline. Postoperatively, a patient-controlled intravenous analgesic pump with sufentanil was attached to all the patients. The primary outcome was sufentanil consumption within the first 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes included the Ramsey sedation scale (RSS) scores and Bruggemann comfort scale (BCS) scores 6 h (T1), 12 h (T2), and 24 h (T3) after surgery, intraoperative remifentanil consumption, number of patients requiring rescue analgesia, time to recovery of intestinal function, mobilization time after surgery, and presence of side effects. Results: Sufentanil consumption within the first 24 h after surgery was significantly lower in the QLB group than in the C group (mean [standard deviation]: 34.1 [9.9] μg vs 42.1 [11.6] μg, P=.006). The RSS scores did not differ between the two groups, and the BCS scores of the QLB group at T1 and T2 time points was significantly higher than those of the C group(P<0.05). The consumption of remifentanil intraoperatively and the number of patients requiring rescue analgesia were significantly lower in the QLB group (P<0.05). Time to recovery of intestinal function and mobilization time after surgery were significantly earlier in the QLB group (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the QLB group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The ultrasound-guided subcostal approach to QLB is an effective analgesic technique in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy as it reduces the consumption of sufentanil postoperatively.



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