scholarly journals 1125. Innovative Virtual Learning in the Midst of a Pandemic - Patients, Populations, and Pandemics: Responding to COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S592-S593
Author(s):  
Lucille K Kohlenberg ◽  
Muriel J Solberg ◽  
Fatima N Ali-Mirza ◽  
Sheela Shenoi ◽  
Saad Omer

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a unique challenge to undergraduate medical education. Medical schools postponed student participation in direct patient care in mid-March 2020, creating the need for rapidly-designed, virtual, and innovative learning experiences. Methods Utilizing Kern’s six-step approach to curriculum development, faculty and medical student liaisons rapidly designed a six-week online and interactive course for clerkship-year students and above, launched on March 30th, 2020. “Patients, Populations, and Pandemics: Responding to COVID-19” emphasized honing higher level skills of Bloom’s taxonomy, namely evaluating, synthesizing, and creating. Following weekly faculty-led lectures, student groups identified research questions, analyzed literature, presented data, critiqued peer presentations, and created infographics for the public. Results We aimed to maintain quality and interactiveness despite challenges posed by our timeframe, the evolving COVID-19 literature, and the virtual setting. We recruited frontline faculty and designed the course to facilitate discussion, thereby promoting real-time exploration of public health and clinical challenges. Encouraging student participation, we incorporated group synthesis sessions and instructed use of video, hand-raising, and chat features. In a survey administered at the end of the first week, 85.7% (18/21) of students strongly agreed or agreed that small group presentations successfully enabled synthesis of new and emerging data. Among the 29 enrolled students, 82.8% (24/29) of students completed final course evaluations, with 87.5% (21/24) agreeing that the learning activities “usually” or “always” helped meet the learning objectives identified at the beginning of the course. The course was rated as “excellent” or “very good” by 83.3% (20/24) of students. Conclusion Lessons learned include providing students with increased direction on critically reviewing peer presentations and imparting guidance on best practices for data synthesis. This course model will be disseminated throughout our institution and beyond to address challenges in remote learning and to serve as a paradigm during future health crises. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

2022 ◽  
pp. 234-254

The Problem-Solving Manager makes the approved best practices available across the organization. This chapter presents the flow charts and pseudo-code for developing the Problem-Solving Manager. This chapter also shows that this additional role for the Problem-Solving Manager enables an innovative learning (iLearning) organization. Innovative learning begins with all team members having access to the same knowledge for the current “best way” of solving a problem. This knowledge is where the lessons learned from the past meet the best thinking of the present to learn how to do things better – innovative learning.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (S4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wakgari Deressa ◽  
Patrick Kayembe ◽  
Abigail H. Neel ◽  
Eric Mafuta ◽  
Assefa Seme ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Since its inception in 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has partnered with 200 countries to vaccinate over 2.5 billion children against poliomyelitis. The polio eradication approach has adapted to emerging challenges and diverse contexts. Knowledge assets gained from these experiences can inform implementation of future health programs, but only if efforts are made to systematically map barriers, identify strategies to overcome them, identify unintended consequences, and compare experiences across country contexts. Methods A sequential explanatory mixed methods design, including an online survey followed by key informant interviews (KIIs), was utilized to map tacit knowledge derived from the polio eradication experience from 1988 to 2019. The survey and KIIs were conducted between September 2018 and March 2019. A cross-case comparison was conducted of two study countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ethiopia, which fit similar epidemiological profiles for polio. The variables of interest (implementation barriers, strategies, unintended consequences) were compared for consistencies and inconsistencies within and across the two country cases. Results Surveys were conducted with 499 and 101 respondents, followed by 23 and 30 KIIs in the DRC and Ethiopia, respectively. Common implementation barriers included accessibility issues caused by political insecurity, population movement, and geography; gaps in human resources, supply chain, finance and governance; and community hesitancy. Strategies for addressing these barriers included adapting service delivery approaches, investing in health systems capacity, establishing mechanisms for planning and accountability, and social mobilization. These investments improved system infrastructure and service delivery; however, resources were often focused on the polio program rather than strengthening routine services, causing community mistrust and limiting sustainability. Conclusions The polio program investments in the DRC and Ethiopia facilitated program implementation despite environmental, system, and community-level barriers. There were, however, missed opportunities for integration. Remaining pockets of low immunization coverage and gaps in surveillance must be addressed in order to prevent importation of wild poliovirus and minimize circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus. Studying these implementation processes is critical for informing future health programs, including identifying implementation tools, strategies, and principles which can be adopted from polio eradication to ensure health service delivery among hard-to-reach populations. Future disease control or eradication programs should also consider strategies which reduce parallel structures and define a clear transition strategy to limit long-term external dependency.


Author(s):  
Luis F. Batalla Toro ◽  
Simon L. Reid ◽  
Alfredo Salcines Tudela ◽  
Duncan Graham

Between 1969 and 1977, eleven semisubmersible drilling platforms were designed and built with an innovative pentagon shaped hull, specifically to work in the harsh environment of the North Sea. One of the drilling rigs, the Alexander L. Kielland, was converted soon after construction into an accommodation platform (flotel) and failed catastrophically in 1980. Another, the Pentagon 83 “Drillmaster” (renamed as Buchan Alpha), was being converted to a Floating Production Unit at the time of the disaster. The structure of Buchan Alpha was significantly modified during the conversion of the platform so that it benefited from the lessons learnt following the Alexander L. Kielland accident to ensure that the same sequence of events could not be repeated. This technical paper objective is to explain the integrated decommissioning process of the Buchan Alpha in the UK after more than 40 years since being built and more than 35 years of successful operation since it was converted to a Floating Production Unit, and how the features of its original design have accompanied the platform through the decommissioning process. The scope covers all phases of Buchan Alpha decommissioning from the detailed planning and preparation, the suspension of production up to the dismantling and recycling process. Significant challenges for the decommissioning team included the requirement to preserve the operational status of the subsea infrastructure for potential future field redevelopment and the diver disconnection of the subsea wells. Buchan Alpha’s deep draught presented limitations on the selection of dismantling and recycling yards due to quayside water depths. Complex ballasting operations and removal of the thruster’s propellers were required to facilitate the platform berthing at the quayside. Key lessons learned applicable for future decommissioning of floating production facilities will be shared.


Author(s):  
Larry M. Gant

Abstract: This chapter describes models and approaches of field instruction used by the UMSSW/TAC. The chapter presents an overview of field instruction models and essential student skills; it discusses the use of traditional field instruction, use of specific student groups (e.g., Community-Based Initiative MSW students, Semester in Detroit undergraduate students), and VISTA volunteers. The chapter outlines the migration of field instruction from UMSSW/TAC staff to community governance organizations. The chapter summarizes the experience of efforts to coordinate multiple courses within the SSW and across institutional partner programs (e.g., Urban Planning and Public Policy). The limits and challenges of field instruction approaches are reviewed; benefits to community residents and the Good Neighborhoods Initiative are discussed. Lessons learned are generated from Foundation, Community Partners, Supervisors, and Students. The chapter ends with thoughts about field instruction as a strategy for community development.


Author(s):  
Dina L. G. Borzekowski

The Cleaner, Happier, Healthier hygiene intervention was developed and tested in 2013, featuring the Sesame Workshop characters. Through broadcast television, four public service announcements (PSAs) addressed washing hands with soap, using a latrine, wearing sandals, and drinking clean water. The main audiences were young preschool children and their parents or guardians. Research occurred in Bangladesh, India, and Nigeria, exploring the reach and impact of these PSAs. Although low percentages, from well-drawn samples of extremely vulnerable populations in these countries, reported awareness and recall of these messages, such percentages can reflect large numbers of viewers. Considering data from the participating children, measures of knowledge and attitudes were associated with engaging in several of the behavioral outcomes. As well, awareness and recall of the PSA messages predicted “all the time” for several of the hygiene behaviors. In contrast, parents’ reports of PSA awareness and recall were not associated with reports of children’s hygiene behaviors. Conducting reach studies is extremely difficult, especially in developing countries and communities. Despite the challenges, this study is encouraging. Participants reported seeing the messages, and in several models, this “reach” predicted reports of hygiene and health behaviors. Lessons learned from this case study and research can offer valuable insight into the production of future health PSAs, especially with harder-to-reach populations.


Author(s):  
Melody L. Baglione

The Cooper Union is developing a new simultaneous lecture and laboratory approach to address the pedagogical challenge of finding the appropriate balance between theory and hands-on experimentation in teaching dynamic systems and control concepts. The new approach dedicates one hour each week to laboratory experiments with the class subdivided into small student groups having greater faculty interaction. Bench top experiments from National Instruments and Quanser include DC motor and inverted pendulum modeling and control workstations. Process control test rigs from Feedback Inc. include level, flow, temperature, and pressure control trainers. Devoting significant time to laboratory experiments gives students the opportunities to fully appreciate feedback control concepts and to acquire valuable practical skills. This paper discusses the new instructional approach, preliminary results, lessons learned, and future plans for improving the systems and control curriculum.


10.2196/14996 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e14996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel David Muir ◽  
Kathleen de Boer ◽  
Neil Thomas ◽  
Elizabeth Seabrook ◽  
Maja Nedeljkovic ◽  
...  

Background Videoconferencing psychotherapy (VCP) is a growing practice among mental health professionals. Early adopters have predominantly been in private practice settings, and more recent adoption has occurred in larger organizations, such as the military. The implementation of VCP into larger health service providers in the public sector is an important step in reaching and helping vulnerable and at-risk individuals; however, several additional implementation challenges exist for public sector organizations. Objective The aim of this study was to offer an implementation model for effectively introducing VCP into public sector organizations. This model will also provide practical guidelines for planning and executing an embedded service trial to assess the effectiveness of the VCP modality once implemented. Methods An iterative search strategy was employed, drawing on multiple fields of research across mental health, information technology, and organizational psychology. Previous VCP implementation papers were considered in detail to provide a synthesis of the barriers, facilitators, and lessons learned from the implementation attempts in the military and other public sector settings. Results A model was formulated, which draws on change management for technology integration and considers the specific needs for VCP integration in larger organizations. A total of 6 phases were formulated and were further broken down into practical and measurable steps. The model explicitly considers the barriers often encountered in large organizational settings and suggests steps to increase facilitating factors. Conclusions Although the model proposed is time and resource intensive, it draws on a comprehensive understanding of larger organizational needs and the unique challenge that the introduction of VCP presents to such organizations.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S76-S91 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.-H. Wolf ◽  
R. Haux ◽  
S. Koch ◽  
N.H. Lovell ◽  
M. Marschollek ◽  
...  

Summary Background: During the last decades, health-enabling and ambient assistive technologies became of considerable relevance for new informatics-based forms of diagnosis, prevention, and therapy. Objectives: To describe the state of the art of health-enabling and ambient assistive technologies in 1992 and today, and its evolution over the last 25 years as well as to project where the field is expected to be in the next 25 years. In the context of this review, we define health-enabling and ambient assistive technologies as ambiently used sensor-based information and communication technologies, aiming at contributing to a person’s health and health care as well as to her or his quality of life. Methods: Systematic review of all original articles with research focus in all volumes of the IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics. Surveying authors independently on key projects and visions as well as on their lessons learned in the context of health-enabling and ambient assistive technologies and summarizing their answers. Surveying authors independently on their expectations for the future and summarizing their answers. Results: IMIA Yearbook papers containing statements on health-enabling and ambient assistive technologies appear first in 2002. These papers form a minor part of published research articles in medical informatics. However, during recent years the number of articles published has increased significantly. Key projects were identified. There was a clear progress on the use of technologies. However proof of diagnostic relevance and therapeutic efficacy remains still limited. Reforming health care processes and focussing more on patient needs are required. Conclusions: Health-enabling and ambient assistive technologies remain an important field for future health care and for interdisciplinary research. More and more publications assume that a person‘s home and their interaction therein, are becoming important components in health care provision, assessment, and management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-88
Author(s):  
Nathan E. Reeves ◽  
Marie-Claire O’Shea

ABSTRACT The depreciation in placement opportunities has placed pressures on university academics for some time now. Today, the coalescence of this supply issue and the global health pandemic have forced the consideration of alternative placement options. Simulation-based learning experiences (SBLEs) is one such approach, providing students with a diverse range of clinical experiences in a safe and well-placed manner. The documented effectiveness of these experiences in preparing the future health care workforce has been strong, but exists largely in medicine and nursing spheres. SBLEs have been recognized in Australia as providing a commensurate education experience to that of a traditional practicum hour resulting in a portion of total practicum hours being accrued by this activity. In March of this year, the Exercise & Sports Science Australia, accrediting body for exercise science, exercise physiology, and sports science, has lifted the restriction on mandated hours that can be apportioned to simulation-based placement. This “green light” will enable more academics to explore the opportunities within simulation-based learning, although the question regarding being able to deliver quality educational experience remains. This commentary provides an overview of key peer-reviewed literature and simulation design recommendations. Despite being founded on nursing simulation best practice standards, the lessons learned could help direct simulation designers in exercise science and physiology curricula as they strive to meet a rapidly changing practicum placement landscape while maintaining quality teaching and learning environments.


Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 755
Author(s):  
Stephen W. Miller ◽  
Kevin C. Osterhoudt ◽  
Amanda S. Korenoski ◽  
Ketan Patel ◽  
Sakthivel Vaiyapuri

Exotic snakebites (i.e. from non-native species) are a rare occurrence, but they present a unique challenge to clinicians treating these patients. Poison control centers are often contacted to assist in the management and care of these medical emergencies. In this study, we analyzed case records of the two Pennsylvania poison control centers from 2004 to 2018 to describe clinical features reported as a result of exotic snakebite envenomation. For the 15-year period reviewed, 18 exotic snakebites were reported with effects ranging from mild local tissue injury to patients who were treated with mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure. The mean age of the patients was 35 years and males accounted for 83% of the cases. Antivenom, the only specific treatment, was administered in seven of 18 patients within an average of four h of envenomation. The procurement of antivenom against these exotic species may require substantial logistical efforts due to limited stocking of this rarely used treatment. Newer, targeted, small molecule treatments that are being currently investigated may aid in the treatment of snakebites in general. However, people should be cautious when handling these exotic species, and clinicians should be aware of these bites and relevant clinical effects in order to manage these when reported.


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