National Perspectives on the Training of Neurosurgery Residents in Stereotactic Radiosurgery

AbstractBackground: Despite the critical role played by neurosurgeons in performing radiosurgery, neurosurgery residents in Canada have limited exposure to radiosurgery during their training. A survey of neurosurgery residents and faculty along with radiation oncology faculty was conducted to analyze perspectives regarding incorporating formal radiosurgery training into the neurosurgery residency curriculum Methods: An online survey platform was employed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize center and respondent characteristics. Categorical variables were compared using odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The chi-squared test was utilized to assess statistical significance. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant Results: The response rate was 31% (119/381); 87% (102/119) of respondents were from the neurosurgical specialty and 13% (17/119) from radiation oncology. Some 46% of residents (18/40) were “very uncomfortable” with radiosurgery techniques, and 57% of faculty (42/73) believed that dedicated radiosurgery training would be beneficial though impractical. No respondents felt that “no training” would be beneficial. A total of 46% of residents (19/41) felt that this training would be beneficial and that time should be taken away from other rotations, if needed, while 58% of faculty (42/73) and 75% (28/41) of residents believed that either 1 or 1-3 months of time dedicated to training in radiosurgery would suffice Conclusions: Canadian neurosurgeons are actively involved in radiosurgery. Despite residents anticipating a greater role for radiosurgery in their future, they are uncomfortable with the practice. With the indications for radiosurgery expanding, this training gap can have serious adverse consequences for patients. Considerations regarding the incorporation and optimal duration of dedicated radiosurgery training into the Canadian neurosurgery residency curriculum are necessary.

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COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Changes in Nutrition Behaviors of Older Adults

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab029_039 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 238-238

Author(s):

Lillie Monroe-Lord ◽

Azam Ardekani

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Data Collection ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Research Capacity ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Drinking Alcohol ◽

Sweet Potatoes

Abstract Objectives The objective of this project was to determine the changes in nutrition behaviors of older adults before and since COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online survey administered by Qualtrics was used for data collection. The survey was administered between August 9, 2020 through September 15, 2020. The sample size included 9,969 participants with 5,733 females (57%) and 4,236 males (43%). The age ranged from 40 to100 years (M = 62.09, SD = 11.22). The 24-item Dietary Screening Tool (DST) was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20: IBM, Inc.) Descriptive statistics were provided as mean and standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables and frequency and percentages for categorical variables. Differences between nutritional items before and since COVID-19 were examined using paired-sample t-test (11 pairs) for normal distribution, Wilcoxon's signed-rank tests (8 pairs) for nonparametric distributions and McNemar test for 12 yes/no questions (6 pairs). Results Changes in consumption before and since COVID-19 were measured. For total participants, drinking alcohol decreased significantly (48.1% vs. 46.9%). The decrease in drinking alcohol was statistical significance with gender (male: 57.2 vs.55.2%; female:41.4% vs. 40.7%). The number of servings of milk, cheese and yogurt decreased significantly since COVID-19 (P < 0.001). Total participants showed a significant decrease in the frequency of eating fruit as a snack, whole grains, popcorn, cakes and pies since COVID-19 (P < 0.001). There was no difference in vegetable intake (carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli or spinach) since COVID-19 (P = 0.644). For White participants, the frequency of meat intake of chicken or turkey (P < 0.001), bacon or sausage (P < 0.0010), and cold cuts, hot dogs, lunchmeats, or deli meats (P = 0.044) were significantly different before and since COVID-19; for Blacks, chicken or turkey (P = 0.004), bacon or sausage (P = 0.033), and for Asians, the frequency of all meats had no significant changes before and since COVID-19. Conclusions This study provides nutritional related behaviors of older adults during a period of limited movement and how adjustments are made that could be limiting nutritionally. Funding Sources Hatch Multi-State Research Capacity funding (NE-1939, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA.

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Patient and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle characteristics associated with variable blastulation rates: a retrospective study from the Duke Fertility Center (2013–2017)

Middle East Fertility Society Journal ◽

10.1186/s43043-019-0004-z ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Carrie A. Jones ◽

Kelly S. Acharya ◽

Chaitanya R. Acharya ◽

Douglas Raburn ◽

Suheil J. Muasher

Keyword(s):

Statistical Significance ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

High Quality ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

Oocyte Yield ◽

Chi Squared ◽

The Mean ◽

Blastulation Rate

Abstract Background To evaluate the association of patient and IVF cycle characteristics with blastulation rate and formation of high-quality blastocysts Results We analyzed autologous blastocyst cycles from 2013 to 2017. Cycles were subdivided into low (< 33%), intermediate (33–66%), and high (> 66%) blastulation rates. Embryo quality was assigned by embryologists using Gardner Criteria. R statistical package was used, and the blastulation groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for continuous variables and chi-squared tests for categorical variables. The Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple comparisons. One hundred seventeen IVF cycles met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 20 (17.1%) had low, 74 (63.2%) had intermediate, and 23 (19.7%) had high blastulation rates. Low blastulation rate was associated with a lower number of blastocysts, including fewer high-quality blastocysts. The mean number of oocytes retrieved was highest (18.1) in the group with the lowest blastulation rate, and lowest (13.4) in those with the highest blastulation rate, although this did not reach statistical significance. There were no significant differences between blastulation rates and age, gravidity, prior live birth, anti-mullerian hormone, estradiol and progesterone levels on the day of ovulation trigger, follicle-stimulating hormone dose, or fertility diagnosis. Conclusions High blastulation rate is associated with a greater number of blastocysts, including a greater number of high-quality blastocysts. Higher oocyte yield, however, is not associated with improved blastulation rates. Blastulation rates, blastocyst number, and quality remain difficult to predict based on cycle characteristics alone, and oocyte yield may not be an accurate predictor of either outcome.

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Ranking Radiology Residency Programs: What Medical Students Think is Important Versus What Residents Say is Important

10.1101/2020.06.29.20143008 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Quan Nguyen ◽

Alwan Shadan ◽

Florentino Saenz Rios

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Work Environment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

General Trend ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Life Change ◽

Great Success ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Radiology Residency

AbstractBackgroundMatching to a residency is a great success, but it is also a significant change in the lives of many graduating medical students. It is expected that during this time, many priorities may change, especially after participation in a residency program where residents are further exposed to the dynamics of the program.PurposeThere are no current studies that attempt to determine what factors residents prefer after the match.MethodsThis study was an anonymous study conducted through an online survey. The survey asked two open-ended questions asking the survey taker to list four factors in order of importance that they considered important in a program, one as an MS4 and one as a resident. Results were compiled, tallied, and categorized to find common themes between the applicant’s preferences through descriptive statistics.ResultsOf the 24 surveys sent out, a total of 15 applicants responded for a response rate of 62.5%. The most common preferences among both MS4s were “Work Environment” and “Location,” however, factors like “Education” and “Faculty: Resident Ratio” was seen as increasing in importance among residents.ConclusionWhile an increase was seen in some factors, the general trend of preferences going from MS4 to a resident was more spread-out in the distribution of what residents considered essential factors. This may be due to the extensive life change residency is or that residents are merely becoming more exposed to what it means to be a Diagnostic Radiologist and are forming their priorities in accordance.

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Surgical Techniques at Cesarean Delivery: A U.S. Survey

The Surgery Journal ◽

10.1055/s-0036-1594247 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 02 (04) ◽

pp. e119-e125 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Deirdre Lyell ◽

Michael Power ◽

Katie Murtough ◽

Amen Ness ◽

Britta Anderson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Cesarean Delivery ◽

Double Layer ◽

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Parietal Peritoneum ◽

Surgical Closure ◽

Visceral Peritoneum

Objective To assess the frequency of surgical techniques at cesarean delivery (CD) among U.S. obstetricians. Methods Members of the American College of Obstetrician Gynecologists were randomly selected and e-mailed an online survey that assessed surgical closure techniques, demographics, and reasons. Data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), descriptive statistics, and analysis of variance. Results Our response rate was 53%, and 247 surveys were analyzed. A similar number of respondents either “always or usually” versus “rarely or never” reapproximate the rectus muscles (38.4% versus 43.3%, p = 0.39), and close parietal peritoneum (42.5% versus 46.9%, p = 0.46). The most frequently used techniques were double-layer hysterotomy closure among women planning future children (73.3%) and suturing versus stapling skin (67.6%); the least frequent technique was closure of visceral peritoneum (12.2%). Surgeons who perform double-layer hysterotomy closure had fewer years in practice (15.0 versus 18.7 years, p = 0.021); surgeons who close visceral peritoneum were older (55.5 versus 46.4 years old, p < 0.001) and had more years in practice (23.8 versus 13.8 years practice; p < 0.001). Conclusion Similar numbers of obstetricians either reapproximate or leave open the rectus muscles and parietal peritoneum at CD, suggesting that wide variation in practice exists. Surgeon demographics and safety concerns play a role in some techniques.

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Pharmacists as a Source of Advice on Medication Use for Athletes

Pharmacy ◽

10.3390/pharmacy8010010 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 10

Author(s):

Kwang Choon Yee ◽

Michael De Marco ◽

Mohammed S. Salahudeen ◽

Gregory M. Peterson ◽

Jackson Thomas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

Medication Use ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Demographic Information ◽

Chi Square ◽

Drug Classes ◽

Unintentional Doping ◽

World Anti Doping Agency

Background: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) specifies substances that competitive sportspersons are not allowed to take. Some of these substances are contained in common medicines used in everyday medical practice and could be used by athletes by accident. Objectives: This study aimed to explore pharmacists’ knowledge and confidence in guiding athletes about the use of medicines in professional sport. Methods: Registered pharmacists in Australia were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey had five domains and aimed to identify pharmacists’ demographic information, interest in sport, familiarity with WADA guidelines, knowledge on prohibited drug classes, and their opinion about the role of pharmacists in educating athletes on medication use. Descriptive statistics were provided and where appropriate, Chi-square, Mann–Whitney and independent t-test were used to identify potential associations and difference between means. Results: One hundred and thirty-five pharmacists (response rate of 10.6%) completed the survey, with the majority indicating that they were not confident in advising athletes on medication use. Although most respondents believed that pharmacists have a role in the education of athletes to help avoid unintentional doping, only about a quarter indicated that they had sufficient knowledge to advise athletes. About one-half of the respondents could provide fully correct answers when asked to identify the WADA status of some commonly used drugs. Conclusions: The results of the survey indicate that upskilling is required to enable pharmacists in Australia to provide accurate medication advice to professional athletes.

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Analysis of Nutrition Education in Osteopathic Medical Schools

Journal of Biomedical Education ◽

10.1155/2015/376041 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kathaleen Briggs Early ◽

Kelly M. Adams ◽

Martin Kohlmeier

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Osteopathic Medicine ◽

Nutrition Instruction ◽

Academic Year ◽

Nutrition Practice ◽

Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Osteopathic Physicians

Purpose. Describe nutrition education at US colleges of osteopathic medicine; determine if it meets recommended levels. Method. We surveyed 30 US colleges of osteopathic medicine (US COM) with a four-year curriculum about the amount and form of required nutrition education during the 2012/13 academic year. The online survey asked about hours of required nutrition across all 4 years and also in what types of courses this instruction occurred. We performed descriptive statistics to analyze the data. Results. Twenty-six institutions (87% response rate) completed the survey. Most responding US COM (22/26, 85%) do not meet the recommended minimum 25 hours of nutrition education; 8 (31%) provide less than half as much. Required nutrition instruction is largely confined to preclinical courses, with an average of 15.7 hours. Only 7 of the 26 responding schools report teaching clinical nutrition practice, providing on average 4.1 hours. Conclusions. Most US COM are inadequately preparing osteopathic physicians for the challenges they will face in practice addressing the nutritional concerns of their patients. Doctors of osteopathy cannot be expected to properly treat patients or guide the prevention of cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome if they are not trained to identify and modify the contributing lifestyle factors.

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Strategies to Improve Recruitment into Rheumatology: Results of the Workforce in Rheumatology Issues Study (WRIST)

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.091389 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 37 (8) ◽

pp. 1749-1755 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

STEPHEN ZBOROVSKI ◽

GINA ROHEKAR ◽

SHERRY ROHEKAR

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Role Models ◽

Online Survey ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Recruitment Strategies ◽

Training Process ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Made In

Objective.By 2026, there will be a 64% shortfall of rheumatologists in Canada. A doubling of current rheumatology trainees is likely needed to match future needs; however, there are currently no evidence-based recommendations for how this can be achieved. The Workforce in Rheumatology Issues Study (WRIST) was designed to determine factors influencing the choice of rheumatology as a career.Methods.An online survey was created and invitations to participate were sent to University of Western Ontario (UWO) medical students, UWO internal medicine (IM) residents, Canadian rheumatology fellows, and Canadian rheumatologists. Surveys sent to each group of respondents were identical except for questions related to demographics and past training. Participants rated factors that influenced their choice of residency and scored factors related to the attractiveness of rheumatology and to recruitment strategies. Statistical significance was determined using chi-squared and factor analysis.Results.The survey went out to 1014 individuals, and 491 surveys were completed (48.4%). Responses indicated the importance of exposure through rotations and role models in considering rheumatology. Significant (p < 0.002) differences between groups were evident regarding what makes rheumatology attractive and effective recruitment strategies, most interestingly with rheumatologists and trainees expressing opposite views on the latter.Conclusion.Recommendations are made in 2 broad categories: greater exposure and greater information. As medical students and IM residents progress through their training, their interest in rheumatology lessens, thus it is important to begin recruitment initiatives as early as possible in the training process.

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92 Is Virtual Burn Camp as Effective as In-Person Burn Camp?

Journal of Burn Care & Research ◽

10.1093/jbcr/irab032.096 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S63-S64

Author(s):

Jennifer B Radics-Johnson ◽

Li Zhang ◽

Anwen Huang ◽

Daniel W Chacon

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

The Other ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

P Value ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

The Public ◽

Self Evaluation ◽

Burn Survivors ◽

Almost All

Abstract Introduction Burn camps provide a safe haven for child burn survivors to socialize and participate in recreational activities away from the unwanted stares from the public. But when a worldwide pandemic forced one of the world’s largest burn camps to forgo an in-person camp and pivot to a virtual camp, would the virtual burn camp prove as effective as an in-person burn camp? Methods In a 4-year retrospective review of camper evaluations within 2017–2020, we aimed to assess if the campers’ evaluation responses of virtual camp were consistent with their responses from past in-person camp evaluations. Camper self-evaluation forms were reviewed to record camper responses to questions regarding their opinions on camp. Camp rosters were reviewed to determine which campers attended virtual Burn Camp in 2020 as well as in-person Burn Camp among the years 2017–2019, and matched sample comparisons were reviewed (2020 vs. 2017; 2020 vs. 2018 and 2020 vs. 2019). Categorical variables were summarized as frequency and percentage, and continuous variables were described as median and range. To assess if the responses to each question were consistent between 2020 vs. 2017, 2018 and 2019, McNemar’s test was used. Statistical significance was declared based on a p value< 0.05. Results Within 2017–2020, there were 444 camper evaluations submitted. In 2020, there were 137 registered campers. Sample size of this study was small due to a low response rate to evaluation form requests from virtual Burn Camp participants. There were 31 individual completed evaluations forms (23% response rate). Among 31 campers, 20, 22 and 20 campers attended 2017, 2018, and 2019 in-person Burn Camp, respectively. Participants’ demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Comparisons between 2020 vs. 2017, 2018 and 2019, in general, the campers’ responses were consistent. However, for Question #8 (Did you learn anything new from the other burn survivors at this event?) in 2020, more people (n=8) answered Not/A little while they answered Yes/Mostly in 2019 (p=0.046). Participants’ responses to Question#8 are summarized in Tables 2 and 3. Conclusions Virtual Burn Camp was generally as effective as in-person Burn Camp in almost all areas of assessment, except for the ability for burn-injured children to learn from other burn-injured children. The virtual Burn Camp model provided some interaction between counselors and campers, but did not allow for much interaction between campers, resulting in a greater response of “A Little” or “Not at All” to the question “Did you learn anything new from the other burn survivors at this event?”

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Investigation of Radiation Oncologists’ Awareness of Online Reputation Management (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.10530 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Jonathan Fredric Waxer ◽

Sudesh Srivastav ◽

Christian Steven DiBiase ◽

Steven Joseph DiBiase

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Radiation Oncology ◽

Online Survey ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Online Reviews ◽

Reputation Management ◽

Fisher Exact Test ◽

Radiation Oncologists ◽

Online Reputation

BACKGROUND Online reputation management (ORM) is an emerging practice strategy that emphasizes the systematic and proactive monitoring of online reviews relating to one’s professional reputation. OBJECTIVE We developed this survey project to assess whether radiation oncologists are aware of ORM and how it is utilized in their practices. We hypothesized that ORM is largely unknown by most practicing radiation oncologists and that little time is spent actively managing their reputations. METHODS An online survey was submitted to 1222 radiation oncologists using the Qualtrics research platform. Physician emails were gathered from the American Society for Radiation Oncology member directory. A total of 85 physicians initiated the survey, whereas 76 physicians completed more than or equal to 94% (15/16) of the survey questions and were subsequently used in our analyses. The survey consisted of 15 questions querying practice demographics, patient satisfaction determination, ORM understanding, and activities to address ORM and 1 question for physicians to opt-in to a US $50 Amazon gift card raffle. The survey data were summarized using a frequency table, and data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Spearman correlation coefficients. RESULTS We calculated a 7% (85/1222) response rate for our survey, with a completion rate of 89% (76/85). A majority of respondents (97%, 74/76) endorsed being somewhat or strongly concerned about patient satisfaction (P<.001). However, 58% (44/76) of respondents reported spending 0 hours per week reviewing or managing their online reputation and 39% (30/76) reported spending less than 1 hour per week (P<.001). A majority of physicians (58%, 44/76) endorsed no familiarity with ORM (P<.001) and 70% (53/76) did not actively manage their online reputation (P<.001). Although 83% (63/76) of respondents strongly or somewhat believed that patients read online reviews (P<.001), 57% (43/76) of respondents did not check their online reviews (P=.25) and 80% (61/76) endorsed never responding to online reviews (P<.001). Moreover, 58% (44/76) of the respondents strongly or somewhat supported the idea of managing their online reputation going forward (P=.001). In addition, 11 out of the 28 pairs of questions asked in our correlation studies reached statistical significance. Degree of concern for patient satisfaction and the notion of managing one’s ORM going forward were the 2 most frequently correlated topics of statistical significance in our analyses. CONCLUSIONS ORM is presently under-recognized in radiation oncology. Although most practitioners are concerned about patient satisfaction, little effort is directed toward the internet on this matter. ORM offers an area of practice improvement for many practicing radiation oncologists.

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Dermatology Residency Applicants’ Concerns Due to COVID-19

SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine ◽

10.25251/skin.5.4.8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 393-398

Author(s):

Kayla Clark ◽

Virginia Miori ◽

Virgina Alvarado Jones ◽

Maria Tsoukas

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Medical Education ◽

Test Scores ◽

Response Rate ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Clinical Experiences ◽

Test Cost ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Residency Application ◽

Post Hoc

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused substantial disruptions to medical education. We hypothesized that these disruptions may affect students applying to competitive residencies such as dermatology. Methods: A 24-question IRB-exempt, online, anonymous survey was distributed to 240 eligible medical students via social media to assess dermatology residency applicants’ concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to collect student-proposed solutions to assist with the virtual application cycle. Eligibility consisted of US MD students applying to dermatology residency in the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 application cycles. Statistical significance was calculated using the Chi-squared procedure, T-test/ANOVA, Mann Whitney test, and Kruskil Wallis tests with post-hoc Tukey and Mann Whitney tests. Results: Of 240 eligible students, 77 students attempted the survey whereas 69 students completed it (response rate 32%, completion rate 89%). Salient findings include students without home dermatology departments (WHD; n=24) who demonstrated concerns about research project changes (p=0.00). Students under-represented in medicine (UIM; n=34) concerned about lack of in-person interviews (p=0.00; p=0.04). MS3 (n=14), concerned about test cost (p=0.00), and effect on test scores because of COVID-19 (p=0.03). WHD and UIM applicants showed concerns about changes in clinical experiences (p=0.03, p= 0.03, respectively). Lastly, WHD, UIM and MS3 expressed concerns about obtaining quality recommendation letters (p=0.00, p=0.04, and p=0.03, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the various concerns shared by dermatology residency applicants because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The suggested solutions offered by participants in our study can be used to improve processes for candidates in the 2021-2022 residency application cycle.

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