Blended learning on family planning policy requirements: key findings and implications for health professionals

BackgroundTo address unmet needs for family planning and advance women’s rights, US federal foreign aid recipients must ensure compliance with the family planning legislative and policy requirements. Because many health providers work in rural and remote settings, blended learning, which combines in-person and online experiences, is a promising approach for strengthening their compliance knowledge.MethodsThis cross-sectional study examined the effect of blended learning that included three components (online course, in-person training and conference call) on retention of family planning compliance knowledge. A total of 660 learners from 44 countries completed the online survey (8% response rate). Study participants were asked about their knowledge of family planning compliance and suggestions to improve their learning experiences.FindingsKnowledge retention was higher in the group that utilised all three learning approaches compared with the online course plus conference call group (P<0.05). Participants who took the online course multiple times tended to retain knowledge better than respondents who took it only once, although this result was not statistically significant.LimitationsThe study relied on a convenience sample, which may contribute to bias. The response rate, while low at 8%, was representative of the user base, and included 660 respondents.ConclusionParticipation in a blended learning training resulted in the highest gains in knowledge retention compared with online-only learning. These findings suggest that blended learning and repeat online trainings are critical to ensuring health professionals are aware of family planning compliance regulations.

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Intentions of Canadian health professionals towards recommending exercise to people living with ALS

10.1101/648790 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Kelvin E Jones ◽

Tanya R Berry ◽

Vanina Dal Bello-Haas

Keyword(s):

Health Professionals ◽

Online Survey ◽

Exercise Prescription ◽

Response Rate ◽

Social Pressure ◽

Scope Of Practice ◽

Research Personnel ◽

Patient Tolerance ◽

Barriers To Exercise ◽

Canadian Health

AbstractBackgroundTo provide a nationwide overview of the attitudes, social pressure, perceived ability and intentions of health professionals toward exercise prescription for people living with ALS (pALS).MethodsAn online survey of physician and other health professionals (HPs) working in academic ALS clinics across Canada.ResultsThe response rate was 48% (84/176) with 30% of respondents identifying as physicians, 63% as other HPs and the remainder as administrative or research personnel. Respondents were sharply divided in their intentions to provide exercise counsel: 24% unlikely and 45% likely. Respondents with low intentions were HPs that considered this activity outside their scope of practice. Measures of intention and attitude were more positive for flexibility compared to strength and aerobic exercise. Perceptions of social pressure and ability to provide exercise counsel were significantly correlated with intention across the three exercise modes in all respondents. Qualitative themes identified as barriers to exercise prescription were lack of confidence or competence (31% physicians, 32% HP), patient tolerance (30% HP), lack of evidence (22% physicians) and lack of infrastructure (22% physicians).ConclusionsWhile “lack of evidence” for the benefit of exercise was a deterrent for physicians, the larger issue for all respondents was building competence and confidence in exercise prescription for pALS.

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Survey participation among general practitioners: comparison between teaching physicians and a random sample

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-021-05895-z ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Michael Pentzek ◽

Verena Baumgart ◽

Flora-Marie Hegerath

Keyword(s):

Random Sample ◽

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

Postal Survey ◽

Sexology in the Education of the Health Professionals

Klinička psihologija ◽

10.21465/2016-kp-op-0071 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 96-96

Author(s):

P. Mivsek ◽

Keyword(s):

Health Professionals ◽

Undergraduate Education ◽

Research Method ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Qualitative Method ◽

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

Research Tool ◽

Depth Information ◽

Objective Health

Objective: Health professionals deal with different professional situations. Among them are many which encroach on intimate sphere of the patient. The aim of the research was to evaluate the sexology course, integrated in the basic undergraduate education of midwives, who are, when practicing, dealing with different situations that are closely connected to the patients’ sexuality. Design and Method: The quantitative research method was adopted. The research tool was questionnaire. The link of the online survey was sent to all members of midwifery alumni club of the only midwifery faculty in Slovenia. The questionnaire was composed of mainly closed questions that used Likert scale in order to gather graduates opinions regarding the sexology course. The online survey was chosen since it provided confidentiality to the respondents. Results: 112 graduates participated in the survey, which gave the response rate of 65%. 97% of participants found sexology subject useful for practice of midwifery. They would like to work in smaller groups and to extend the topics over 3 ECTS. Also contents and methods were evaluated and changes were proposed. Conclusions: On the basis of the response of the participants, we can claim that midwives did find the sexology course applicable for their professional work. Qualitative method could be used in the future in order to gain in-depth information regarding the reflections; especially the topics that should be added in the sexology education. Other profiles could also find the course useful, therefore it should be considered to provide it also for nurses and other health students.

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Analyzing Behavioral Implications of Face Mask Wearing to Slow COVID-19 in Organizational Workplaces

International Journal of Applied Research on Public Health Management ◽

10.4018/ijarphm.2022010107 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 0-0

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Face Mask ◽

Qualitative Approach ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Opt Out ◽

Social Media Network

As the nation battles COVID-19, we analyze the policy and tactics required to follow the recommendations of scientists and health professionals to achieve physical and psychological well-being by wearing masks to slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2. An online survey from a business-focused social media network is employed to understand the issues for and against mask wearing. The survey findings showed that 60% of organizations have created some kind of health pact, pledge, or commitment and that most plans identified impact everyone who interacts with a business, not just employees. The findings do not shed much light on what drives people to opt out of mask wearing. The practical findings are that there is a need for achieving, understanding, and subsequent buy in of mask wearing that would be helped with a solid plan. The limitations of the research are primarily the small size of the convenience sample and the fact that the population may be restricted. Replication of this type of study with a formal, qualitative approach aimed at populations of interest is highly recommended.

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Attitudes of health professionals toward family planning and abortion

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e611312012-276 ◽

1972 ◽

Author(s):

Joel W. Ager ◽

Harriet H. Werley ◽

Eleanor Lewis ◽

Sushila Jain ◽

Donald Widmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Health Professionals

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A Study on Learners’ Readiness and Perceptions of the Implementation of Blended Learning in UiTM Kedah

International Journal of Modern Languages And Applied Linguistics ◽

10.24191/ijmal.v3i2.7640 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 41

Author(s):

Robekhah Harun ◽

Zetty Harisha Harun ◽

Laura Christ Dass

Keyword(s):

Blended Learning ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Learning Approaches ◽

Learner Readiness ◽

Learning And Teaching ◽

Face To Face ◽

Online Assessments ◽

Research Findings ◽

On Line ◽

Learning Institutions

The increase in student enrolment and the need to cater to students of diverse backgrounds have led to the adoption of blended learning in many higher learning institutions. Blended learning, which allows both face to face interaction and on-line delivery, has been adopted into many curricula. One such institution is University Technology MARA which is slowly introducing features of blended learning in its course syllabus beginning with practice to online assessments. However, to ensure successful implementation of blended learning as part of the curricula, there are several aspects for consideration such as learner and teacher readiness for blended learning. This paper examines issues regarding the use of blended learning as a delivery method at UiTM Kedah . The discussion in this paper focuses on learner’ readiness and perceptions of the blended learning environment. The data collected for this study are responses from learners to a questionnaire survey. The research findings form the basis for recommendations for the development of learning and teaching practices using blended learning approaches to enhance learners' learning experiences.

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Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices on Modified Release Tablets among Prescribers: A Preliminary Study

Journal of Health Sciences and Innovative Research ◽

10.31357/jhsir.v1i01.4769 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 01 (01) ◽

pp. 05-14

Author(s):

M.G.K.M. Fernando ◽

K.I.J. Priyadarshi ◽

L.G.T. Shanika ◽

N.R. Samaranayake

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Product Information ◽

Response Rate ◽

Immediate Release ◽

State Universities ◽

Modified Release ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Therapeutic Outcomes ◽

Medical Faculties ◽

Enteric Coated

Introduction: Modified release tablets (MRTs) are developed to achieve different therapeutic outcomes and are frequently prescribed. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions and practices on using MRTs among a selected cohort of prescribers. Methods: A self administered online survey was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire, prepared in-house to assess knowledge, perceptions and practices on using MRTs, among academics with an MBBS degree in medical faculties of State universities in Sri Lanka. Results: The response rate was 15.5% among 375 prescribers. Most were females (53.4%) and were 46-55 years (29.3%). Over 50% correctly expanded abbreviations related to MRTs. Most defined enteric coated (87.9%) and targeted release (77.6%) forms accurately. However, 87.0% mixed-up definitions of sustained release with controlled release. Most believed that inability to split tablets (70.7%) and high cost (70.7%), as disadvantages of MRTs. Nearly half did not identify the risk of dose dumping (53.5%) and inflexible dosing schedule (44.8%) as disadvantages. For frequency of administering MRTs, 86.2% referred the product information leaflet (PIL) while 29.0% depended on the frequency of the corresponding immediate release tablet. Most (79.3%) prescribed MRTs to increase patient compliance while 12.1% prescribed them to reduce cost. When problems regarding MRTs were encountered, most referred PILs (81.0%) and clarified with experts (75.9%). Conclusions: Although the response rate was low, a clear gap in knowledge, perceptions and practices on using MRTs were identified among prescribers who responded. Interventions are needed to improve the knowledge, perceptions, and practices on using MRTs among prescribers.

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Assessing the utility and attitudes toward molecular testing in neuro-oncology: a survey of the Society for Neuro-Oncology members

Neuro-Oncology Practice ◽

10.1093/nop/npab003 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shannon Fortin Ensign ◽

Maya Hrachova ◽

Susan Chang ◽

Maciej M Mrugala

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Unmet Needs ◽

Practice Patterns ◽

Response Rate ◽

Clinical Decision ◽

Molecular Testing ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Tumor Boards ◽

Oncology Practice

Abstract Background Molecular testing (MT) is utilized in neuro-oncology with increasing frequency. The aim of this study was to determine clinical practice patterns to acquire this information, interpret and utilize MT for patient care, and identify unmet needs in the practical clinical application of MT. Methods We conducted a voluntary online survey of providers within the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) membership database between March and April 2019. Results We received 152 responses out of 2022 SNO members (7.5% of membership). 88.8% of respondents routinely order MT for newly diagnosed gliomas. Of those who do not, testing is preferentially performed in younger patients or those with midline tumors. 82.8% use MT in recurrent gliomas. Other common indications included: metastatic tumors, meningioma, and medulloblastoma. Many providers utilize more than one resource (36.0%), most frequently using in-house (41.8%) over commercially available panels. 78.1% used the results for clinical decision-making, with BRAF, EGFR, ALK, and H3K27 mutations most commonly directing treatment decisions. Approximately, half (48.5%) of respondents have molecular tumor boards at their institutions. Respondents would like to see SNO-endorsed guidelines on MT, organized lists of targeted agents available for specific mutations, a database of targetable mutations and clinical trials, and more educational programs on MT. Conclusion This survey was marked by several limitations including response rate and interpretation of MT. Among respondents, there is routine use of MT in Neuro-Oncology, however, there remains a need for increased guidance for providers to effectively incorporate the expanding genomic data resulting from MT into daily Neuro-Oncology practice.

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AB1335-HPR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS’ PERSPECTIVE ON THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF LOW-DOSE GLUCOCORTICOIDS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS – AN INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF 444 HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.3277 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1955.1-1956

Author(s):

T. Santiago ◽

M. Voshaar ◽

M. De Wit ◽

P. Carvalho ◽

M. Boers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Patient Perspective ◽

Online Survey ◽

Low Dose ◽

Low Doses ◽

Research Support ◽

Serious Adverse Events ◽

Patient Organizations

Background:The Glucocorticoid Low-dose Outcome in Rheumatoid Arthritis Study (GLORIA) is an international investigator-initiated pragmatic randomized trial designed to study the effects of low-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) in elderly patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).The research team is also committed to promote a better understanding of the risks and benefits of these drugs among health professionals and patients. In order to achieve these goals, it is important to assess the current ideas and concerns of patients regarding GCs.Objectives:To evaluate the current patient perspective on the efficacy and risks of GCs in RA patients who are or have been treated with GCs.Methods:Patients with RA completed an online survey (with 5 closed questions regarding efficacy and safety) presented in their native language. RA patients were recruited through a variety of patient organizations representing three continents. Patients were invited to participate through national patient organizations. In the USA, patients were also invited to participate through MediGuard.org. Participants were asked for their level of agreement on a 5-point Likert scale.Results:1344 RA patients with exposure to GCs, from Brazil, USA, UK, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany and 24 other countries** participated: 89% female, mean age (SD) 52 (14) years and mean disease duration 13 (11) years. The majority of participants (84%) had ≥10 years of education. The duration of GCs exposure was 1.6 (4.2) years. The majority of participants had read articles or pamphlets on the benefits or harms of GC therapy.Regarding GCs efficacy (table 1), high levels of endorsement were found: about 2/3 of patients considered that GCs as very useful in their case, more than half considered that GCs were effective even at low doses, and agreed that GC improved RA symptoms within days.Regarding safety (table 1), 1/3 of the participants reported having suffered some form of serious adverse events (AEs) due to GCs, and 9% perceived this as “life-threatening. Adverse events had a serious impact on quality of life, according to about 1/3 of the respondents.Conclusion:Patients with RA exposed to GC report a strong conviction that GCs are very useful and effective for the treatment of their RA, even at low doses. This is accompanied by an important prevalence of serious AEs. Understanding the patient perspective can improve shared decision-making between patient and rheumatologist.Funding statement:This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 634886.Disclosure of Interests:Tânia Santiago: None declared, Marieke Voshaar Grant/research support from: part of phd research, Speakers bureau: conducting a workshop (Pfizer), Maarten de Wit Grant/research support from: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Consultant of: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Speakers bureau: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Pedro Carvalho: None declared, Maarten Boers: None declared, Maurizio Cutolo Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Actelion, Celgene, Consultant of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Speakers bureau: Sigma-Alpha, Frank Buttgereit Grant/research support from: Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Generic Assays, GSK, Hexal, Horizon, Lilly, medac, Mundipharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi., José Antonio P. da Silva Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Abbvie, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Roche, Lilly, Novartis

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Beyond the high: Mapping patterns of use and motives for use of cannabis as medicine

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs ◽

10.1177/1455072520985967 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 145507252098596

Author(s):

Sinikka L. Kvamme ◽

Michael M. Pedersen ◽

Sagi Alagem-Iversen ◽

Birgitte Thylstrup

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Side Effects ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Mental Health Conditions ◽

Patient Organisations ◽

Patterns Of Use

Background: In Denmark the boundaries between cannabis as an illicit drug and licit medicine have shifted rapidly in recent years, affecting also policy. However, the vast majority of Danes, who use cannabis as medicine (CaM) continue to rely on the unregulated market for supply. This study explores patterns of use and motives for use of CaM in Denmark. Methods: An anonymous online survey was made available to a convenience sample of users of CaM from July 14, 2018 to November 1, 2018. Participants were recruited through patient organisations, social and public media, and the illegal open cannabis market. Results: Of the final sample ( n = 3,021), a majority were women (62.6%) and the mean age was 49 years. Most had no prescription for CaM (90.9%), a majority had no or limited previous experience with recreational cannabis use (63.9%), and had used CaM for two years or less (65.0%). The most common form of intake was oil (56.8%) followed by smoke (24.0%). CBD oil (65.0%) was used more than hash, pot or skunk (36.2%). Most frequent conditions treated were chronic pain (32.0%), sleep disturbances (27.5%), stress (23.7%), osteoarthritis (22.7%), anxiety (19.6%), and depression (19.6%). Overall, users experienced CaM to be effective in managing somatic and mental health conditions and reported relatively few side-effects. CBD oil only users were more likely to be women, older, have limited recreational experience and have initiated use recently. Conclusions: A new user group has emerged in Denmark that, for the most part, use illegally sourced CaM to treat a broad range of somatic and mental health conditions, often with experienced effect and relatively low level of side-effects. The prevalent use of low-potency CBD oil indicates an interest in effects beyond the high normally associated with cannabis use. More clinical research into the effects and side-effects of CaM is needed to draw the boundaries of the medical utility of cannabis.

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