scholarly journals EP.TU.19Are virtual journal clubs a viable alternative in the Covid-19 era?

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Morris ◽  
Heloise Jenney ◽  
Chang Park ◽  
Alexander Scarborough ◽  
Vaki Antoniou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Journal Club ◽  
Virtual Model ◽  
Online Journal ◽  
North West ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The North ◽  
Journal Clubs ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Set Up

Abstract Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, face to face journal clubs have been curtailed due to Governmental guidance for social distancing. We present an example of a virtual journal club set up for Orthopaedic senior house officers (SHOs) & trainees in the North West Thames (NWT) Deanery from April to August 2020. Methods Our aims were to establish a regular online journal club for orthopaedic trainees in NWT that successfully met the objectives of the more established face to face meetings. Assessment of each session was evaluated using a post attendance survey created using an established online generator. Results 64.4% (16/25 participants) had not attended a virtual journal club before, with 100% (33/33) reporting that they would attend another virtual journal club. 39.4% (13/33) of attendees agreed or strongly agreed that they could participate in sessions over more conventional meetings. 24.2% (8/33) of participants reported experiencing technical issues during the sessions. 90.9% (30/33) of respondents reporting the virtual model to be more convenient than standard journal clubs. Conclusion The potential benefits of significantly increased accessibility, increased visiting expert contribution whilst still adhering to government guidelines; weighed against marginally less effective teaching nonetheless results in an overall benefit

scholarly journals 55 Are Virtual Journal Clubs A Viable Alternative in The Covid-19 Era?

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Morris ◽  
H Jenny ◽  
C Park ◽  
A Scarborough ◽  
V Antoniou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Journal Club ◽  
Virtual Model ◽  
Online Journal ◽  
North West ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The North ◽  
Journal Clubs ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Set Up

Abstract Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, face to face journal clubs have been curtailed due to Governmental guidance for social distancing. We present an example of a virtual journal club set up for Orthopaedic senior house officers (SHOs) & trainees in the North West Thames (NWT) Deanery from April to August 2020. Method Our aims were to establish a regular online journal club for orthopaedic trainees in NWT that successfully met the objectives of the more established face to face meetings. Assessment of each session was evaluated using a post attendance survey created using an established online generator. Results 64.4% (16/25 participants) had not attended a virtual journal club before, with 100% (33/33) reporting that they would attend another virtual journal club. 39.4% (13/33) of attendees agreed or strongly agreed that they could participate in sessions over more conventional meetings. 24.2% (8/33) of participants reported experiencing technical issues during the sessions. 90.9% (30/33) of respondents reporting the virtual model to be more convenient than standard journal clubs. Conclusions The potential benefits of significantly increased accessibility increased visiting expert contribution whilst still adhering to government guidelines; weighed against marginally less effective teaching nonetheless results in an overall benefit.

scholarly journals Family Medicine Journal Club: To Tweet or Not to Tweet?

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-130
Author(s):  
Lina Al-Imari ◽  
Melissa Nutik ◽  
Linda Rozmovits ◽  
Ruby Alvi ◽  
Risa Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Journal Club ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Online Journal ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Traditional Family ◽  
Journal Clubs ◽  
Medicine Journal

Background and Objectives: Online journal clubs have recently become popular, but their effectiveness in promoting meaningful discussion of the evidence is unknown. We aimed to understand the learner experience of a hybrid online-traditional family medicine journal club. Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive study to understand the experience of medical students and residents at the University of Toronto with the hybrid online-traditional family medicine journal club, including perceived useful and challenging aspects related to participant engagement and fostering discussion. The program, informed by the literature and needs assessment, comprised five sessions over a 6-month period. Learners led the discussion between the distributed sites via videoconferencing and Twitter. Six of 12 medical students and 33 of 57 residents participated in one of four focus groups. Thematic data analysis was performed using the constant comparison method. Results: While participants could appreciate the potential of an online component to journal club to connect distributed learners, overall, they preferred the small group, face-to-face format that they felt produced richer and more meaningful discussion, higher levels of engagement, and a better learning opportunity. Videoconferencing and Twitter were seen as diminishing rather than enhancing their learning experience and they challenged the assumption that millennials would favor the use of social media for learning. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that for discussion-based teaching activities such as journal club, learners prefer a small-group, face-to-face format. Our findings have implications for the design of curricular programs for distributed medical learners.

scholarly journals Virtual clinical examinations: are they the new ‘normal'?

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S125-S125
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Barakat ◽  
Hannah Slevin ◽  
Reshmi Nijjar ◽  
Kavitha Ramamurthy ◽  
Latha Hackett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Test Quality ◽  
Online Delivery ◽  
North West ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Virtual Test ◽  
The North ◽  
Financial Costs ◽  
The Face ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Online Format

AimsThe North West School of Psychiatry run a yearly structured clinical examination to help Core Psychiatry Trainees develop their training competencies and prepare for the MRCPsych Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC). Historically, this has been face-to-face with logistical difficulties, high cost, low trainee uptake and challenging in recruiting examiners. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shift to virtual consultations and examinations, the team implemented an innovative virtual Skills test. The main aims were to improve the test's quality and the trainee uptake, adapt the test delivery to a Health Education England (HEE) online platform, and establish cost-effectiveness in the post-COVID world.MethodA working group was formed to develop the Skills test, and in May 2019, the test was delivered face-to-face, implementing 5 cycles of 8 stations over 3 days. The same group adapted the test for online delivery, and in August 2020, 3 cycles of 8 stations were delivered. Feedback was collected, with adaptations made for a second Skills Test in December 2020.Result96.4% of trainees rated their overall experience and the test organisation in the 2019 test as excellent or good (82.1% and 85.7 excellent, respectively). 93.5% of examiners rated their overall experience and the test organisation as excellent or good (45.1% excellent for both). In the August test, 95.8% of trainees rated their overall experience as excellent or good (58.3% excellent). 100% of trainees rated the test organisation and the online format as excellent or good (70.8% and 50% excellent, respectively). Although 100% of examiners rated the overall experience, the test organisation and online format as excellent or good, some felt the stations were not long enough to allow for technical issues. In the December test, higher proportions of trainees rated the overall experience (80%), organisation of the test (80%) and online format (70%) as excellent.ConclusionThe virtual test is shown to be a viable and successful alternative to the face-to-face test in preparing trainees for their CASC, and trainees felt it was excellent preparation for the new online CASC format. It had some clear advantages, such as saving on consumables, reducing the financial costs of running the test, improving the test quality, and increasing the trainee uptake. It is more eco-friendly and reduces fuel emission, raising the question of how the test should be delivered after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Excavations at Fishbourne, 1963. Third Interim Report

1964 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Keyword(s):  
Interim Report ◽  
The West ◽  
Civic Society ◽  
North West ◽  
The Third ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
The Future ◽  
Set Up

Early in 1963 much of the land occupied by the Roman building at Fishbourne was purchased by Mr. I. D. Margary, M.A., F.S.A., and was given to the Sussex Archaeological Trust. The Fishbourne Committee of the trust was set up to administer the future of the site. The third season's excavation, carried out at the desire of this committee, was again organized by the Chichester Civic Society.1 About fifty volunteers a day were employed from 24th July to 3rd September. Excavation concentrated upon three main areas; the orchard south of the east wing excavated in 1962, the west end of the north wing, and the west wing. In addition, trial trenches were dug at the north-east and north-west extremities of the building and in the area to the north of the north wing. The work of supervision was carried out by Miss F. Pierce, M.A., Mr. B. Morley, Mr. A. B. Norton, B.A., and Mr. J. P. Wild, B.A. Photography was organized by Mr. D. B. Baker and Mrs. F. A. Cunliffe took charge of the pottery and finds.

scholarly journals The potential impacts of a digital preoperative assessment service on appointments, travel-related CO2 emissions, and user experience: a case study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madison Milne-Ives ◽  
John Leyden ◽  
Inocencio Maramba ◽  
Ray Jones ◽  
Arunangsu Chatterjee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Preoperative Assessment ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Feedback ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Evaluation Of Data

BACKGROUND The NHS cannot keep up with the demand for operations and procedures. Preoperative assessments, which can last 30 minutes to 2 hours, could be conducted online to save patient and clinician time, reducing wait times for operations. MyPreOp is a cloud-based platform where patients can set up an account and complete their preoperative questionnaires. This data is reviewed by a nurse, who determines if they need a subsequent face-to-face appointment. OBJECTIVE The primary objective was to describe the potential impact of MyPreOp® (Ultramed Ltd, Penryn, UK) the number of face-to-face appointments. Secondary objectives were to examine the time spent on preoperative assessments completed using MyPreOp in everyday use in NHS Trusts and user ratings of usability and acceptability. METHODS A case study service evaluation of data collected by the MyPreOp system from two NHS Trusts (Guy’s and St Thomas’ and Royal United Hospitals Bath) and the private BMI Bath Clinic during the four-month period of September to December 2020. MyPreOp is delivered by the hospital conducting the preoperative assessment but is typically completed at home at the patients’ convenience. Participants were adults of any age and health status at the participating hospitals who used MyPreOp to complete a preoperative assessment before a scheduled surgery. The primary outcome was the number of face-to-face appointments avoided by patients who used MyPreOp. Secondary outcomes were the length of time spent by nurses completing preoperative assessments, associated travel-related CO2 emissions, and quantitative user feedback. RESULTS Data from 2,500 participants was included. Half of the patients assessed did not need a further face-to-face appointment and required a median of only 5.3 minutes of nurses’ time. The reduction in appointments was associated with a small saving of CO2e emissions (9.05 tonnes). Patient feedback was generally positive: 80% of respondents rated MyPreOp as easy or very easy to use and 85% thought the overall experience was good or very good. CONCLUSIONS This evaluation demonstrated potential benefits of MyPreOp. However, further research using rigorous scientific methodology and a larger sample of NHS Trusts and users is needed to provide strong evidence of MyPreOp’s efficacy, usability, and cost-effectiveness.

scholarly journals Development of the Web Users Self-Efficacy Scale (WUSE)

10.28945/3027 ◽  
2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Eachus ◽  
Simon Cassidy
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Iterative Approach ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Web Based ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Web

The aim of this research was to develop a scale that could evaluate an individuals confidence in using the Internet. Web-based resources are becoming increasingly important within higher education and it is therefore vital that students and staff feel confident and competent in the access, provision, and utilisation of these resources. The scale developed here represents an extension of previous research (Cassidy & Eachus, 2002) that developed a measure of self-efficacy in the context of computer use. An iterative approach was used in the development of the Web User SelfEfficacy scale (WUSE) and the participants were recruited from the student body of a large University in the North West of the United Kingdom, and globally via a web site set up for this purpose. Initial findings suggest that the scale has acceptable standards of reliability and validity though work is continuing to refine the scale and improve the psychometric properties of the tool.

scholarly journals Determinants of Success and Sustainability of Farmer Organizations in the North West Region of Cameroon

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Patience Mugah Nji ◽  
Fon Dorothy Engwali
Keyword(s):  
Capital Accumulation ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Community Members ◽  
North West ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The North ◽  
Farmer Organizations ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Skilled Personnel ◽  
Farmer Organisations

Aims: This article seeks to evaluate the determinants or factors that contribute to the success of Farmer Organizations and their sustainability. Study Design: The research method was based on field surveys. Duration of Study:  The study was carried out between August 2018 and October 2019. Methodology: Sample: Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and 299 respondents (255 Farmer organisations members, and 44 community members) were selected using the multi-stage cluster and purposive sampling techniques. Data from the study was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Results revealed that the main problems witnessed by Farmer Organisations which slow down their growth include capital accumulation (86.4%), unavailability of loan (79.5%), and lack of skilled personnel (65.9%) and high illiteracy level of members (43.2%). While mismanagement of group funds by leaders (13.6%), government interference (29.5%), was of low impact. Factors that contribute to the success and sustainability of farmer organisation among others are good group leadership skills (90.2%) members, meeting the needs of the members (84.3%), assist in community development (58.8%) other factors include origin of group, assistance, communication and members involvement in decision making, membership participation, guiding principles and regulations, type of activity and profitability. Conclusion: For farmer organizations to be successful and sustainable  government agencies and NGOs in the sector should help  the farmer organizations by  providing financial assistance, farm inputs and seeds, provide post harvest infrastructures, regular extension services and the Farmer organizations should be market and advocacy oriented.

scholarly journals The Pilot Maths Centre at the North West Regional College

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Terry Mcivor ◽  
Jonathan Cole ◽  
Ciarán Mac an Bhaird
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
North West ◽  
Future Developments ◽  
The North ◽  
Regional College ◽  
Education College ◽  
Set Up

This paper discusses the establishment in 2015 of the first Maths Centre in any Further and Higher Education College in Northern Ireland. In particular, it considers the rationale for its development, how it was set up and how it runs. It also presents initial figures and feedback, and plans for future developments. 

scholarly journals Factors Affecting e-Government Adoption by Dairy Farmers: A Case Study in the North-West of Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 206
Author(s):  
Alba Vázquez-López ◽  
Manuel Marey-Perez
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Electronic Government ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
North West ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The North ◽  
The Government

With the objective of assessing the farmers’ situation regarding the use of the ICT and their relations with the electronic government, a case study consisting in the realization of 34 face-to-face surveys was conducted between February and March 2020 in dairy farms in the region of Galicia (Spain). The sample was selected according to one of the most important online journals in the farming sector at a national level. From the census, we chose those farms considered most representative taking into account the main criteria: the level of PAC (Common Agrarian Politics) subsidies and milk production (litres/cow and year). The results show that the majority of the farmers used the internet, but on many an occasion, they were discontented in relation to the poor connection quality in their farms. In regard to the use of the electronic government for procedures related to their farms, many of them were able to perform them through the government website; however, there were procedures which the users defined as “complex” and which had to be outsourced to authorised entities. The results also show that the farmers do want to employ the e-government, mainly because of the time and cost saving; however, the current web pages do not meet the users’ expectations. Finally, this situation, applied to a region placed among the 10 most productive regions of milk, is comparable to what happens in other regions.

scholarly journals 758 Online Surgical Journal Clubs: Are They Effective?

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Michael ◽  
B Clayton ◽  
S Chiuta
Keyword(s):  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Journal Club ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Online Journal ◽  
Journal Clubs ◽  
Foundation Programme ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Online Format ◽  
Surgical Journal ◽  
Paired T Test

Abstract Aim Much of medical education has been abruptly forced online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional journal clubs thrive on group interaction and debate. The aim of this project is to assess whether an online surgical journal club could replicate this experience and learning. Method A fortnightly, chat-based online surgical journal club with national reach was re-launched under SCALPEL (Manchester Medical School’s surgical society) with defined learning objectives, inclusion of studies from different surgical sub-specialities and a proforma to aid critical appraisal. Anonymous feedback forms were sent to participants to assess confidence in critically appraising the literature before and after attendance, and differences in means were analysed using paired t-test. Results 32 feedback forms from participants, the majority of whom were final year medical students (34.4%) were analysed. 28.1% had previously attended a journal club. 65.6% of attendees had prior involvement in a research project which led to a publication for 18.8%, while 59.4% were interested in applying for the Academic Foundation Programme (AFP). The self-reported confidence of participants to identify the study design, interpret the results and statistical analyses; and scrutinise the strengths and weaknesses of a study increased by 12.2%, 14.7% and 15.9% respectively (p = <0.001). Furthermore, 96.9% of attendees stated they would attend another online journal club in the future, with 59.4% favouring an online format. Conclusions Online surgical journal clubs are effective and are here to stay following the conclusion of social distancing. They have the advantage of further outreach and may encourage greater participation than traditional journal clubs.

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