scholarly journals P1855ONLINE PATIENT/CAREGIVER EDUCATION ON HYPERKALEMIA CAN IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCE AS WELL AS PROMPT REAL LIFE CHANGES

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Larkin ◽  
Don Blatherwick

Abstract Background and Aims Managing hyperkalemia with a strict diet is limiting and difficult for patients. We sought to measure the impact of online education for patients/caregivers on knowledge and confidence as well as prompting change in daily life. Method The patient/caregiver education was designed as 2 online, interactive activities. Both were comprised of text and integrated visuals; the second also included a patient commentary video. Demographic questions were asked prior to starting the education. A knowledge question was asked both before and after the activity to assess learning gains, as well as intent to change and confidence questions at the end. Absolute improvements were calculated for pre/post questions. The activities launched in April and May of 2019, and data collected through October 2019. Results To date, 98,462 learners have participated in the patient/caregiver activity. Activity 1: High Potassium: Causes and reasons to Treat Participants: 60,060 Completers of all questions (included in outcomes analysis): 7,262 Demographics: 59% female; 49% white, non-Hispanic; 66% over the age of 54; 16% have hyperkalemia, 75% were interested in learning more about the condition Knowledge changes: 13% improvement in understanding what causes hyperkalemia (46% pre to 59% post) Intent-to-act: 66% plan to talk to an HCP about next steps for treating hyperkalemia Confidence changes: 82% reported increased confidence understanding why it’s important to treat hyperkalemia Activity 2: It’s Complicated: How to Manage High Potassium and Heart Failure Participants: 38,402 Completers of all questions (included in outcomes analysis): 3,816 Demographics: 60% female; 63% white, non-Hispanic; 69% over the age of 54; 58% were interested in learning more about the condition and 25% have this condition Knowledge changes: 13% improvement in recognizing how potassium levels effect the heart (76% pre to 89% post) Intent-to-act: 64% plan to talk to their healthcare provider about a plan to manage my hyperkalemia Confidence changes: 82% reported increased confidence understanding how important is it to manage my heart failure and hyperkalemia Conclusion The metrics and outcomes gathered in this assessment are a strong indicator that these patient/caregiver-focused online educational activities improved knowledge and confidence, and prompted intent to act by patients/caregivers related to hyperkalemia.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S388-S389
Author(s):  
Amy Larkin ◽  
Allison Armagan

Abstract Background Due to patient hesitancy surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination initiative, the public needs accurate and timely education that encourages partnership with medical professionals. Methods This study assessed the impact of online patient/caregiver education on knowledge, confidence and intent to act. The educational intervention consisted of 4 activities published on a dedicated COVID-19 learning center on WebMD Education portal from April-May, 2021. The activities were comprised of text and integrated visuals, with 3 of the activities being further customized with a patient or healthcare professional (HCP) video commentary. Demographic questions were asked prior to each activity. Knowledge questions were asked both before and after to assess learning gains. Intent to change and confidence questions were asked at the end of each activity. Absolute improvements were calculated for pre/post questions. An initial data pull was conducted on 6/7/2021 for the purpose of this abstract, and data for the complete analysis will be collected until approximately 8/7/21. Results To date, 14,911 learners (3,579) of which responded to the pre/post questions) have participated in the activities, and have demonstrated improvements in knowledge and high levels of confidence and intent to act (Figure). Activity 1: COVID-19 Vaccines: Covering the Basics. Demographics (n=155): 50% male; 41% White, non-Hispanic, 30% Asian; 52% over the age of 54. Activity 2: Understanding the Why, Who, and When of COVID-19 Vaccines. Demographics (n=2,325): 66% female; 51% White, non-Hispanic, 18% Asian; 54% over the age of 54. Activity 3: What to Expect When You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine. Demographics (n=500): 66% female; 49% White, non-Hispanic, 22% Asian; 56% over the age of 54. Activity 4: What Have You Heard about Herd Immunity and COVID-19. Demographics (n=599): 63% female; 53% White, non-Hispanic, 25% Asian; 53% over the age of 54. Conclusion The metrics and outcomes gathered in this assessment are a strong indicator that online patient/caregiver activities on WebMD Education improved knowledge and confidence and prompted intent to act related to COVID-19 vaccines. These findings highlight the potential for well-designed online education to overcome vaccine related challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5284
Author(s):  
Timothy Van Renterghem ◽  
Francesco Aletta ◽  
Dick Botteldooren

The deployment of measures to mitigate sound during propagation outdoors is most often a compromise between the acoustic design, practical limitations, and visual preferences regarding the landscape. The current study of a raised berm next to a highway shows a number of common issues like the impact of the limited length of the noise shielding device, initially non-dominant sounds becoming noticeable, local drops in efficiency when the barrier is not fully continuous, and overall limited abatement efficiencies. Detailed assessments of both the objective and subjective effect of the intervention, both before and after the intervention was deployed, using the same methodology, showed that especially the more noise sensitive persons benefit from the noise abatement. Reducing the highest exposure levels did not result anymore in a different perception compared to more noise insensitive persons. People do react to spatial variation in exposure and abatement efficiency. Although level reductions might not be excessive in many real-life complex multi-source situations, they do improve the perception of the acoustic environment in the public space.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (14) ◽  
pp. 1075-1080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Ching ◽  
Winko An ◽  
Ivan Au ◽  
Janet Zhang ◽  
Zoe Chan ◽  
...  

AbstractVisual feedback gait retraining has been reported to successfully reduce impact loading in runners, even when the runners were distracted. However, auditory feedback is more feasible in real life application. Hence, this study compared the peak positive acceleration (PPA), vertical average (VALR) and instantaneous (VILR) loading rate during distracted running before and after a course of auditory feedback gait retraining in 16 runners. The runners were asked to land with softer footfalls with and without auditory feedback. Low or high sound pitch was generated according to the impact of particular footfall, when compared with the preset target. Runners then received a course of auditory gait retraining, and after the gait retraining, runners completed a reassessment. Runners before gait retraining exhibited lower PPA, VALR and VILR with augmented auditory feedback (p<0.049). We found a reduction in PPA, VALR and VILR after gait retraining, regardless of the presence of feedback (p<0.018). However, runners after gait retraining did not demonstrate further reduction in PPA and VALR with auditory feedback (p>0.104). A small effect of auditory feedback on VILR in runners after gait retraining was observed (p=0.032). Real time auditory feedback gait retraining is effective in impact loading reduction, even when the runners were distracted.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen X. Muñoz ◽  
Evan C. Johnson ◽  
Laura J. Kunces ◽  
Amy L. McKenzie ◽  
Michael Wininger ◽  
...  

We investigated the impact of nutrient intake on hydration biomarkers in cyclists before and after a 161 km ride, including one hour after a 650 mL water bolus consumed post-ride. To control for multicollinearity, we chose a clustering-based, machine learning statistical approach. Five hydration biomarkers (urine color, urine specific gravity, plasma osmolality, plasma copeptin, and body mass change) were configured as raw- and percent change. Linear regressions were used to test for associations between hydration markers and eight predictor terms derived from 19 nutrients merged into a reduced-dimensionality dataset through serial k-means clustering. Most predictor groups showed significant association with at least one hydration biomarker: (1) Glycemic Load + Carbohydrates + Sodium, (2) Protein + Fat + Zinc, (3) Magnesium + Calcium, (4) Pinitol, (5) Caffeine, (6) Fiber + Betaine, and (7) Water; potassium + three polyols, and mannitol + sorbitol showed no significant associations with any hydration biomarker. All five hydration biomarkers were associated with at least one nutrient predictor in at least one configuration. We conclude that in a real-life scenario, some nutrients may serve as mediators of body water, and urine-specific hydration biomarkers may be more responsive to nutrient intake than measures derived from plasma or body mass.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 342-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Désirée Schliemann ◽  
Michelle McKinley ◽  
Jayne V. Woodside

Purpose: Evaluate the effect of a policy-based, multicomponent workplace diet intervention on young adult employees’ diet and health. Design: A 6-month, single-armed pilot study with before and after assessments. Setting: Insurance company in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Participants: Employees who worked at the company throughout the intervention period were included. Employees were excluded if pregnant, breast-feeding, or following a strict diet. Intervention: Multicomponent diet intervention: ban of unhealthy foods brought into the premises, free fruit, education, individual advice, and further support. Measures: Mixed-methods approach: Diet-, health-, and work-related measures were assessed quantitatively. The campaign was evaluated quantitatively (via questionnaire) and qualitatively (via semistructured interviews). Analysis: Changes in measures were analyzed using paired samples t tests. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Sixty (75.9%) staff completed all assessments. Males reduced their sugar intake on working days (−8.7% of total energy standard deviation [SD]: 20.1; P value <.01). Systolic blood pressure reduced in males and females (−3.3 SD: 9.9; P value <.05 and −8.0 SD: 7.7; P value <.001, respectively); 85.2% of staff strongly agreed/agreed that they appreciated the healthy eating ethos. This was supported by the qualitative analysis which furthermore suggested that the education, team support, individual advice, and free fruit were beneficial. Conclusion: Influencing workplace policies and offering additional dietary support could lead to meaningful changes in employees’ diet and health and may change workplace culture.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Lea

Systematic depression screening is feasible, efficient, and well accepted; however the lack of consistent assessment in heart failure inpatients suggests barriers preventing its effective diagnosis and treatment. This pilot study assessed the impact of an educational intervention on nurses’ beliefs about depression and their likelihood of routinely screening heart failure patients. Registered nurses(n=35)from adult medical-surgical units were surveyed before and after an educational intervention to assess their beliefs about depression prevalence and screening in heart failure patients. There was no significant influence on nurses’ beliefs about depression, but the results suggested an increased likelihood that nurses would routinely screen for depression. The moderately significant correlation between beliefs and intent to screen for depression indicates that educational intervention could ultimately have a positive influence on patient outcomes through early detection and treatment of depression in patients with cardiovascular disease; however the observed increase in the intent to screen without a corresponding change in beliefs indicates other influences affecting nurses’ intent to screen heart failure patients for depression.


2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-162
Author(s):  
Eric R. Sparks ◽  
Janna C. Beavers

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-driven initiative to optimize aldosterone antagonist use in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) at a large community hospital. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study compared patients with heart failure before and after the implementation of the initiative. Data for pre- and postinitiative patients were retrospectively collected to assess patient characteristics and aldosterone antagonist use. The primary outcome was a composite of eligible patients with heart failure discharged on aldosterone antagonist therapy or with a documented reason for ineligibility before and after commencement of pharmacist-driven aldosterone antagonist initiative. Results: The preinitiative cohort included 96 patients and the postinitiative cohort contained 92 patients. When the 3 month pre- and postinitiative groups were assessed, the primary outcome was noted in 60 (63%) of 96 patients in the preinitiative group and 87 (95%) of 92 patients in the postinitiative group ( P < .0001). Conclusion: In patients with HFrEF, a pharmacist-driven aldosterone antagonist optimization initiative significantly increased appropriate prescribing and documentation for aldosterone antagonist therapy.


2021 ◽  
pp. 14-18
Author(s):  
Jyoti Agrawal

A survey was conducted to assess the impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 on online education of undergraduate learners of government colleges Umarban, district Dhar (454449) Madhya Pradesh, India. An online as well as offline survey was conducted from 10 October 2020 to 15 March 2021 to collect the information. To analyze the possibility and attention of students for online education, various online quizzes were conducted in which a structural questionnaire link using ‘Google form’ was sent to students through WhatsApp. A total of 265 students were taken for the survey. The simple percentage distribution was used to assess the learning status of the study participants. During the lockdown period, around 15.47% of learners were involved in e-learning. Most of the learners were used android mobile for attending e-learning. The present study revealed that around 60% of students were seen to involve in farming during lockdown instead of online classes. In addition to this, 45% of students never joined an online class during the entire session. Further analysis demonstrated that 13% of students do not have their own mobile phone, nearly 18% could not join due to poor internet connectivity, 21% of students faced unfavorable study environment at home and 3% of students have other reasons. This study also showed a comparative analysis of the presence of students before and after the COVID 19 pandemic. As the ratio of presence of students in physical and virtual classrooms was 2.32. The overall results from this study revealed that especially in rural areas COVID – 19 pandemic had affected more adversely on classroom attendance, where people already do not want to give importance to education. Higher education institutions may benefit from these findings while formulating strategies to support students during this pandemic. Moreover, to promote education in COVID 19 era strong strategies are urgently needed.


Author(s):  
Anna C. Sick-Samuels ◽  
Sara Cosgrove ◽  
Clare Rock ◽  
Alejandra Salinas ◽  
Opeyemi Oladapo-Shittu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) not adhering to physical distancing recommendations is a risk factor for acquisition of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The study objective was to assess the impact of interventions to improve HCW physical distancing on actual distance between HCWs in a real-life setting. Methods: HCWs voluntarily wore proximity beacons to measure the number and intensity of physical distancing interactions between each other in a pediatric intensive care unit. We compared interactions before and after implementing a bundle of interventions including changes to the layout of workstations, cognitive aids, and individual feedback from wearable proximity beacons. Results: Overall, we recorded 10,788 interactions within 6 feet (∼2 m) and lasting >5 seconds. The number of HCWs wearing beacons fluctuated daily and increased over the study period. On average, 13 beacons were worn daily (32% of possible staff; range, 2–32 per day). We recorded 3,218 interactions before the interventions and 7,570 interactions after the interventions began. Using regression analysis accounting for the maximum number of potential interactions if all staff had worn beacons on a given day, there was a 1% decline in the number of interactions per possible interactions in the postintervention period (incident rate ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.00; P = .02) with fewer interactions occurring at nursing stations, in workrooms and during morning rounds. Conclusions: Using quantitative data from wearable proximity beacons, we found an overall small decline in interactions within 6 feet between HCWs in a busy intensive care unit after a multifaceted bundle of interventions was implemented to improve physical distancing.


2021 ◽  
pp. 252-258
Author(s):  
Zeb Fatima

This research work explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on classrooms teaching in school and colleges and on finding e-learning solution to ensure the continuity of the teaching process. The physical presence of the student in the classroom has been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The only way in which the classes can continue is through online teaching programmes. This research tries to examine how effective is online teaching in a higher educational institution in Oman and worldwide. Here we will see the three dimensions of online education, namely (a) preparation, (b) execution, and (c) verification. Verification leads to negative and positive results. These results reflect real-life experiences and ideas shared by the stakeholders, the instructors, and the students who participate in online classes. We will also explain and examine various challenges and solutions involved in making this system more effective. This study gives us an insight into the mechanism, dimensions, and strategies of E-learning.


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