scholarly journals O43 Virtual: virtual interactive surgical skills classroom: a randomized controlled trial (protocol)

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Nathan ◽  
M Fricker ◽  
N Hanna ◽  
A Asif ◽  
S Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Training Programs ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Instructional Video ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Virtual Classrooms ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Classroom Training

Abstract Introduction High costs and inaccessibility are significant barriers to face-to-face basic surgical skills (BSS) training. Virtual classrooms enable the combination of computer-based learning with interactive expert instruction. They may optimise resources and increase accessibility, facilitating larger-scale training with a similar educational benefit. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of virtual BSS classroom training compared to both non-interactive video and face-to-face teaching. Method 72 medical students will be randomly assigned to three equal intervention groups based on surgical skills experience and confidence. Interventions will be implemented following an instructional video. Group A will practice independently, Group B will receive face-to-face training, and Group C will attend a virtual classroom. Participants will be recorded placing three interrupted sutures with hand tied knots pre- and post-intervention. Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) will be blind marked by two experts. Result Change in confidence, time to completion and a novel granular performance score will also be measured. Each intervention’s feasibility and accessibility will be assessed. Significant improvement in OSATS within groups will be indicative of intervention quality. Difference in improvement between groups will determine the relative performance of the interventions. Conclusion This will be the largest randomised control trial investigating virtual BSS classroom training. It will serve as a comprehensive appraisal of the suitability of virtual classrooms as an alternative to face-to-face training. The findings will assist the development and implementation of further resource-efficient training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Take-home Message This is the first RCT assessing virtual basic surgical skill classroom training and serves as a comprehensive appraisal of the suitability of virtual classrooms as an alternative to face-to-face training. The findings will assist the development and implementation of further resource-efficient training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future.

81 VIRTUAL: Virtual Interactive Surgical Skills Classroom – An Ongoing Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Fricker ◽  
A Nathan ◽  
N Hanna ◽  
A Asif ◽  
S Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interactive Video ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Instructional Video ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Classroom Training ◽  
Group B

Abstract Introduction High costs and inaccessibility are significant barriers to face-to-face basic surgical skills (BSS) training. Virtual classrooms enable the combination of computer-based learning with interactive expert instruction. They may optimise resources and increase accessibility, facilitating larger-scale training with a similar educational benefit. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of virtual BSS classroom training compared to both non-interactive video and face-to-face teaching. Method 72 medical students will be randomly assigned to three equal intervention groups based on year group and surgical skill confidence. Interventions will be implemented following an instructional video. Group A will practice independently, Group B will receive face-to-face training, and Group C will attend a virtual classroom. Participants will be recorded placing three interrupted sutures with hand tied knots pre- and post-intervention, and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) will be blind marked by two experts. Change in confidence, time to completion and a granular performance score will also be measured. Each intervention’s feasibility and accessibility will be assessed. Results Data collection will be completed in January 2021. Significant improvement in OSATS within groups will be indicative of intervention quality. Difference in improvement between groups will determine the relative performance of the interventions. Conclusions To our knowledge, this will be the largest randomised control trial investigating virtual BSS classroom training. It will serve as a comprehensive appraisal of the virtual classroom’s suitability as an alternative to face-to-face training. The findings will assist the development and implementation of further resource-efficient training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future.

scholarly journals V12 VIRTUAL: Virtual InteRacTive sUrgicAl skiLls classroom – A Randomized Controlled Trial Proposal

BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjun Nathan ◽  
Monty Fricker ◽  
Nancy Hanna ◽  
Aqua Asif ◽  
Sonam Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interactive Video ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Instructional Video ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Classroom Training ◽  
Group B

Abstract Introduction High costs and inaccessibility are significant barriers to face-to-face basic surgical skills (BSS) training. Virtual classrooms enable the combination of computer-based learning with interactive expert instruction and feedback. They may optimise resources and increase accessibility, facilitating larger-scale training whilst producing a similar educational benefit. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of virtual BSS classroom training compared to both non-interactive video and face-to-face teaching. Method 72 medical students will be randomly assigned to three equal intervention groups based on year group and surgical skill confidence. Interventions will be implemented following an instructional video. Group A will practice independently, Group B will receive face-to-face training, and Group C will receive virtual classroom training. The assessed task will be to place three interrupted sutures with hand tied knots. Pre- and post-intervention Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) will be blind marked by two experts. Change in confidence, time to completion and a granular performance score will be measured. Feasibility and accessibility will also be assessed. Results Significant improvement in OSATS within groups will be indicative of intervention quality. Difference in improvement between groups will determine relative performance. Conclusion To our knowledge, this will be the largest randomised control trial investigating virtual BSS classroom training. It will serve as a comprehensive appraisal of the suitability of virtual BSS classroom training as an alternative to face-to-face training. The findings will assist the development and implementation of further resource-efficient virtual BSS training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future.

scholarly journals EP.TU.566Virtual Interactive surgical skills classroom – An Ongoing Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjun Nathan ◽  
Monty Fricker ◽  
Aqua Asif ◽  
Sonam Patel ◽  
Maria Georgi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interactive Video ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Instructional Video ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Classroom Training ◽  
Group B

Abstract Introduction High costs and inaccessibility are significant barriers to face-to-face basic surgical skills (BSS) training. Virtual classrooms enable the combination of computer-based learning with interactive expert instruction. They may optimise resources and increase accessibility, facilitating larger-scale training with a similar educational benefit. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of virtual BSS classroom training compared to both non-interactive video and face-to-face teaching. Method 72 medical students will be randomly assigned to three equal intervention groups based on year group and surgical skill confidence. Interventions will be implemented following an instructional video. Group A will practice independently, Group B will receive face-to-face training, and Group C will attend a virtual classroom. Participants will be recorded placing three interrupted sutures with hand tied knots pre- and post-intervention, and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) will be blind marked by two experts. Change in confidence, time to completion and a granular performance score will also be measured. Each intervention’s feasibility and accessibility will be assessed. Results Data collection will be completed in February 2021. Significant improvement in OSATS within groups will be indicative of intervention quality. Difference in improvement between groups will determine the relative performance of the interventions. Conclusion To our knowledge, this will be the largest randomised control trial investigating virtual BSS classroom training. It will serve as a comprehensive appraisal of the virtual classroom’s suitability as an alternative to face-to-face training. The findings will assist the development of further resource-efficient training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and afterwards.

scholarly journals Virtual interactive surgical skills classroom: a parallel-group, non-inferiority, adjudicator-blinded, randomised controlled trial (VIRTUAL) - protocol (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjun Nathan ◽  
Monty Fricker ◽  
Maria Georgi ◽  
Sonam Patel ◽  
Man Kien Hang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Computer Based Learning ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Classroom Training ◽  
Randomised Controlled

UNSTRUCTURED Traditional face-to-face training (FFT) for basic surgical skills is inaccessible and resource-intensive. Non-interactive computer-based learning (CBL) is more economical but less educationally beneficial. Virtual classroom training (VCT) is a novel method that permits distanced interactive expert instruction. VCT may optimise resources and increase accessibility. We aim to investigate whether VCT is superior to CBL and non-inferior to FFT in improving basic surgical skills proficiency. This is a parallel-group, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial protocol. A sample of 72 undergraduates will be recruited from five London medical schools. Participants will be stratified by subjective and objective suturing experience level and allocated to three intervention groups with a 1:1:1 ratio. VCT will be delivered via the BARCO weConnect software and FFT will be provided by expert instructors. Optimal student-to-teacher ratios of 12:1 for VCT and 4:1 for FFT will be used. The assessed task will be interrupted suturing with hand-tied knots. The primary outcome will be post-intervention Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSAT) score, adjudicated by two blinded experts and adjusted for baseline proficiency. Delta will be defined using historical data. This study will serve as a comprehensive appraisal of the suitability of virtual BSS classroom training as an alternative to face-to-face training. The findings will assist the development and implementation of further resource-efficient, accessible virtual BSS training programs during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and in the future. University College London Research Ethics Committee: 19071/001

scholarly journals Virtual interactive surgical skills classroom (VIRTUAL): a parallel-designed, non-inferiority, adjudicator-blinded, randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjun Nathan ◽  
Monty Fricker ◽  
Aqua Asif ◽  
Maria Georgi ◽  
Sonam Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Educational Method ◽  
Computer Based Learning ◽  
Surgical Skills Training ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Introduction Virtual classroom training (VCT) is a novel educational method that permits accessible, distanced interactive expert instruction. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of VCT in comparison to face-to-face training (FFT) and non-interactive computer-based learning (CBL) for basic surgical skills training. Methods 72 participants recruited from five London medical schools underwent stratified block randomisation into three equal intervention groups based on subjective and objective suturing experience. VCT was delivered via the BARCO weConnect platform and FFT was provided by expert instructors. Optimal student-to-teacher ratio was used, 12:1 for VCT and 4:1 for FFT. The assessed task was interrupted suturing with hand-tied knots. The primary outcome was post-intervention Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) score, adjudicated by two blinded experts and adjusted for baseline proficiency. Results VCT was non-inferior to FFT (adjusted difference 0.44, 95% CI: -0.54 to 1.75, delta 0.675), VCT was superior to CBL (adjusted difference 1.69, 95% CI 0.41 to 2.96) and FFT was superior to CBL (adjusted difference 1.25, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.29). FFT alone was associated with student travel expenses (mean £4.88, SD 3.70). Instructor hours used per student for VCT and FFT were 0.25 and 0.75, respectively. Conclusion VCT has a similar educational benefit to FFT and is a suitable modality of high-quality surgical skills education. VCT provides greater accessibility and resource efficiency compared to FFT. VCT satisfies the requirement for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic and is better than non- interactive CBL. VCT has the potential to improve global availability and accessibility of surgical skills training.

scholarly journals Group-based psychosocial intervention for bipolar disorder: randomised controlled trial

2010 ◽  
Vol 196 (5) ◽  
pp. 383-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Castle ◽  
Carolynne White ◽  
James Chamberlain ◽  
Michael Berk ◽  
Lesley Berk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Naturalistic Setting ◽  
Reduced Rate ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundPsychosocial interventions have the potential to enhance relapse prevention in bipolar disorder.AimsTo evaluate a manualised group-based intervention for people with bipolar disorder in a naturalistic setting.MethodEighty-four participants were randomised to receive the group-based intervention (a 12-week programme plus three booster sessions) or treatment as usual, and followed up with monthly telephone interviews (for 9 months post-intervention) and face-to-face interviews (at baseline, 3 months and 12 months).ResultsParticipants who received the group-based intervention were significantly less likely to have a relapse of any type and spent less time unwell. There was a reduced rate of relapse in the treatment group for pooled relapses of any type (hazard ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.95; t343 = −2.09, P = 0.04).ConclusionsThis study suggests that the group-based intervention reduces relapse risk in bipolar disorder.

scholarly journals Reimagining higher education during and post-COVID-19: Challenges and opportunities

2020 ◽  
pp. 147797142094773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenz S Neuwirth ◽  
Svetlana Jović ◽  
B Runi Mukherji
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
State University ◽  
Virtual Classrooms ◽  
System Perspective ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Diverse Student ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Face To Face Instruction ◽  
Learning Behaviours

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has required faculty and students to adapt to an unprecedented challenge and rapidly transition from traditional face-to-face instruction to distance learning formats through virtual classrooms. While most campuses trained faculty to ensure quality and maintenance of the curriculum through virtual classrooms, less consideration has been given to training students, who face equal challenges in adapting to this abrupt change in the delivery of the curriculum. Few approaches have been developed for students to facilitate their involuntary transition to virtual classrooms and maintenance of appropriate online learning behaviours and etiquette. Presented here are a series of propositions to help to maintain and enhance the quality of college student engagement and activity in the virtual classroom. These guidelines are from one example of the State University of New York public educational system perspective, at the pandemic’s epicentre, while serving a diverse student population. Initiating a meaningful dialogue between faculty, who are engaged in efforts to cope and adapt to the pandemic, may prove useful in re-envisioning and re-designing future curriculum. This may facilitate future discussions on creating best practices guidelines for asynchronous/synchronous virtual classrooms post the pandemic. The present rapid communication suggests a framework for faculty to develop such guidelines to address the current gap in the literature.

Transitioning the Elementary Mathematics Classroom to Virtual Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 343-365
Author(s):  
Christie Lynn Martin ◽  
Kristin E. Harbour ◽  
Drew Polly
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Mathematics Classroom ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Classroom Technology ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Virtual Classrooms ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Virtual Tools ◽  
K 12

In this chapter, the authors explore the experiences of K-12 teachers as they navigated an abrupt transition from a traditional face-to-face mathematics classroom to virtual learning. The authors used a survey to ask teachers to explain what effective mathematics instruction meant for their classroom. Their responses most closely aligned with four of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) effective practices. The survey continued to prompt teachers to share their concerns for the transition, the most effective virtual tools they implemented, support they received, how their virtual classrooms would influence their return to face, and where they needed more support. The authors offer recommendations for supporting teachers as the virtual classroom currently remains in place for many and for transitioning back to the traditional face-to-face classroom. Technology use and digital competence continues to expand in K-12 education.

scholarly journals Digital Training for Non-Specialist Health Workers to Deliver a Brief Psychological Treatment for Depression in Primary Care in India: Findings from a Randomized Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shital S. Muke ◽  
Deepak Tugnawat ◽  
Udita Joshi ◽  
Aditya Anand ◽  
Azaz Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Digital Training

Introduction: Task sharing holds promise for scaling up depression care in countries such as India, yet requires training large numbers of non-specialist health workers. This pilot trial evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a digital program for training non-specialist health workers to deliver a brief psychological treatment for depression. Methods: Participants were non-specialist health workers recruited from primary care facilities in Sehore, a rural district in Madhya Pradesh, India. A three-arm randomized controlled trial design was used, comparing digital training alone (DGT) to digital training with remote support (DGT+), and conventional face-to-face training. The primary outcome was the feasibility and acceptability of digital training programs. Preliminary effectiveness was explored as changes in competency outcomes, assessed using a self-reported measure covering the specific knowledge and skills required to deliver the brief psychological treatment for depression. Outcomes were collected at pre-training and post-training. Results: Of 42 non-specialist health workers randomized to the training programs, 36 including 10 (72%) in face-to-face, 12 (86%) in DGT, and 14 (100%) in DGT+ arms started the training. Among these participants, 27 (64%) completed the training, with 8 (57%) in face-to-face, 8 (57%) in DGT, and 11 (79%) in DGT+. The addition of remote telephone support appeared to improve completion rates for DGT+ participants. The competency outcome improved across all groups, with no significant between-group differences. However, face-to-face and DGT+ participants showed greater improvement compared to DGT alone. There were numerous technical challenges with the digital training program such as poor connectivity, smartphone app not loading, and difficulty navigating the course content—issues that were further emphasized in follow-up focus group discussions with participants. Feedback and recommendations collected from participants informed further modifications and refinements to the training programs in preparation for a forthcoming large-scale effectiveness trial. Conclusions: This study adds to mounting efforts aimed at leveraging digital technology to increase the availability of evidence-based mental health services in primary care settings in low-resource settings.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 Diaries: Identity, Teaching, and Learning at a Crossroads

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavina Sequeira ◽  
Charity M. Dacey
Keyword(s):  
Students Of Color ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Virtual Classroom ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Student Interactions ◽  
Virtual Classrooms ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Self Study

Despite the fact that American education has at its core strived to provide pathways of opportunity to remedy socio-economic inequalities, as educational institutions transitioned into online virtual classrooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic these inequalities have come into sharper focus for us. During the process of engaging in a larger self-study, we became more aware of the stark socio-economic disparities of our students in a virtual space, specifically amongst students of color, and how these disparities affected learning outcomes and their identity. Juxta positioning the situated in-between spaces of in-class and virtual environments our identities as educators were fluid and intersectional, negotiated in response to student interactions thereby enabling changes in our Dialogical Selves. The sample for this study consisted of 2 faculty members and 40 students. Data sources included reflexive journals, recorded class sessions, students' questionnaires, and artifacts such as student feedback collected through “exit tickets” as well as recorded meetings. Some findings include (1) students' identities were negotiated differently in face to face classrooms vs. virtual classrooms, (2) fluidity in intersectional identity due to intersections of I-positions in the dialogical self, and (3) acknowledging and accepting the presence of COVID-19 created a sense of community in the virtual classroom (4) incorporating self-care and caring pedagogical practices provided an empowering space for students and educators.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document