scholarly journals Virtual Pathology Elective Provides Uninterrupted Medical Education and Impactful Pathology Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237428952110102
Author(s):  
Lucy Fu ◽  
Michael Swete ◽  
Daniel Selgrade ◽  
Clarence W. Chan ◽  
Raven Rodriguez ◽  
...  

As students do not qualify as essential health care workers, medical education faced severe disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic including initial suspension of all in-person lectures and on-site rotations. Our Pathology Department was among the first at Northwestern to offer a completely virtual rotation with the goals of: (1) providing a comprehensive introduction to the practice of anatomic and clinical pathology, (2) emphasizing uninterrupted and continued excellence in education, and (3) minimizing exposure risk during the pandemic. The innovative 2-week curriculum incorporated diverse teaching modalities including live and recorded lectures; live and recorded video demonstrations; interactive small group discussions; interactive virtual sign-outs; and written and multimedia assignments, quizzes, and projects. The virtual elective ran from March to July 2020 with 52 total participating medical students. On post-rotation evaluations, students rated the pathology virtual elective 4.7/5.0 compared to other virtual rotations and 4.0/5.0 compared to all rotations (including in-person and virtual). Furthermore, continual improvements were made to the established framework based on rotation feedback such that curriculum content was more abundant and more favorably rated by the last cohort when compared to the first. Finally, although students identified interest in over 10 different medical specialties, all participants expressed increased interest in choosing pathology as a specialty and better understanding of pathology’s role in patient care. We hope our detailed description of creating and evaluating a completely virtual elective rotation serves as a model for other departments to improve pathology education and visibility.

1994 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 255-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry Lipsk ◽  
Patricia A. Stephenson ◽  
Thomas D. Koepsell ◽  
Stephen S. Gloyd ◽  
Jose-Luis Lopez ◽  
...  

This report describes the breastfeeding and weaning practices of rural women in two Mexican towns and the cultural beliefs upon which these practices are based. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect information. Women thought breastfeeding preferable to bottle-feeding. Eighty percent initiated breastfeeding and 69% gave colostrum. Breastfeeding was discontinued early (mean age 4 months). The mean age at which children were introduced to other liquids was 2 months (range 0–5 months) and to solids, 4 months (range 1–8 months). Women's decisions regarding infant feeding were influenced most by custom and advice from doctors and family members. In some instances medical advice conflicted with traditional practices. These findings suggest important avenues for intervention in hospital practices, education for health care workers, and in the development of health promotion services.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. e96-e103
Author(s):  
Chris R. Alabiad ◽  
Kevin J. Moore ◽  
David P. Green ◽  
Matthew Kofoed ◽  
Alex J. Mechaber ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The aim of the study is to report the creation of a flipped ophthalmology course and preclinical medical student perceptions and knowledge gains before and after a flipped ophthalmology course. Design  The form of the study discussed is an observational study. Subjects The subjects involved in the study are second-year (U.S.) United States medical students at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine (n = 401). Methods Second-year medical students participated in a 1-week “flipped classroom” ophthalmology course geared toward primary care providers at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. Eleven hours of traditional classroom lectures were condensed into 4.5 hours of short videos with self-assessment quizzes, small group discussions, and a large group case-based discussion. Fifty-seven short videos (<9 minutes) focused on major ophthalmology topics and common conditions were viewed by the students at their leisure. Students completed a pre- and post-course evaluation on their perceptions and opinions of the flipped classroom approach. Final exam scores in the flipped classroom cohort were compared with the final exam scores in the traditional didactic format used in years prior. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measures include: student final exam performance; student satisfaction, opinions, and perceptions. Results Over the course of 2 years, 401 second-year U.S. medical students participated in the flipped classroom ophthalmology course. The majority of students enjoyed the flipped classroom experience (75.3%) and expressed interest in using the approach for future lessons (74.6%). The flipped classroom videos were preferred to live lectures (61.2%). Over 90% of students stated the self-assessment quizzes were useful, 79% reported that the small group discussions were an effective way to apply knowledge, and 76% cited the large group case-based discussion as useful. Pre-course knowledge assessment scores averaged 48%. Final examination scores in the flipped group (average ± standard deviation [SD] = 92.1% ± 6.1) were comparable to that of the traditional group when evaluating identical questions (average ± SD = 91.7% ± 5.54), p = 0.34. Conclusion The flipped classroom approach proved to be a well-received and successful approach to preclinical medical education for ophthalmology. This was achieved using 35% less course time than our traditional course. This innovative approach has potential for expansion to other medical schools, medical education abroad, and for other medical school modules.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215013272096751
Author(s):  
Thamra Al Ghafri ◽  
Fatma Al Ajmi ◽  
Huda Anwar ◽  
Lamya Al Balushi ◽  
Zainab Al Balushi ◽  
...  

Introduction Predominantly, studies on COVID-19 report quantitative data that often miss the social implications and other determinants of health. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of health care workers (HCWs) in primary health care in the management of COVID-19 with respect to medical response experiences, socio-cultural and religious reforms, psychological impressions, and lessons learned. Methods This was a qualitative study using an empirical phenomenological approach. Six focus group discussions were conducted across various stakeholders working frontline in the management of COVID-19 (managerial, public health/field/community and primary care health centers). They participated in semi-structured, in-depth group discussions from 11th to 20th May 2020. All discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Forty participants were involved in this study. Three themes emerged related to the medical response experiences, including the rapid re-structuring of the PHC services, use of technology and challenges of working on COVID-19. Perceptions on the socio-cultural and religious reforms included changes in social and religious norms, and anticipated gaps in accessing health care among the vulnerable groups (elderly, expatriates, and individuals with low economic status). Perceptions on psychological disturbances were themed as consequences of social distancing, management of dead bodies, exhaustion among the health care workers, and risk of exposure. Finally, lessons learned were centered around building on the existing epidemiological and public health capacities, improving access to health care and overcoming resistance to change. Most participants labelled their experience in COVID-19 as an “experience of wisdom” in which learning was a continuous process. Conclusion This qualitative study amongst primary HCWs revealed certain aspects of response to COVID-19 in Muscat, Oman. Results has unfolded various aspects of COVID-19. The situation was perceived by primary HCWs as a new experience that challenged the primary health care; enforced the utilization of public health/epidemiological skills, and linked to unfavorable socio-religious and psychological events.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Brondani ◽  
Leeann Donnelly

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to appraise a recently developed preparedness model for the provision of oral health care during a threat such as the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of oral health care providers, administrators/staff, and patients. Methods An exploratory qualitative inquiry via at-a-distance semi-structured interviews and group discussions engaged a purposefully selected sample of oral health care workers and patients in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Participants were asked to appraise a preparedness model by considering how to prepare for oral care during a pandemic, while answering open-ended questions about the model content and visual presentation. Interviews and group discussions occurred between April 2020 and January 2021, were audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. An inductive coding process was used to identify themes, subthemes, and categories of information until saturation was achieved. Results Seventy-four participants, including 19 dentists, 15 dental hygienists, 10 certified dental assistants, 9 administrators, and 21 patients, suggested modifications to the recently developed preparedness model. Individual interviews (41 participants) and group discussions (33 participants in groups ranging from 2 to 9 attendees each) lasted for an average of 53 min. Eighty-four hours of audio recordings led to more than 1110 single-spaced pages of transcripts. The thematic analysis identified 82 codes, 12 categories, and four main themes: life-long learning, critical thinking, personal and professional risk, and patient-centred care. These themes were understood within provider characteristics and social and environmental contexts. Participants highlighted the need for the model to focus on information and communication, developing awareness and understanding, inferring risks, and performing oral health care during a threat such as a pandemic or disease outbreak. A modified portrayal of the model was suggested to better represent participants’ perspectives. Conclusion A recently developed preparedness model for the provision of dental care during an unfolding threat like the COVID-19 pandemic was appraised and modified by oral health care workers. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the modified model for use in the event of another unfolding threat collaboratively with providers, patients and stakeholders.


Author(s):  
Damini S. Mahanubhav ◽  
Nandkumar M. Salunke ◽  
Sangita C. Shelke ◽  
Malangori A. Parande ◽  
Muralidhar P. Tambe

Background: Millions of deaths due to various diseases have been reduced globally as well as in India since inception of vaccination programme. In order to avoid the instances of cold chain failure and ensure constant monitoring of temperature of cold chain equipment’s Electronic vaccine intelligence network (eVIN) technology was adopted by Government of India.Methods: A mixed methodology design with both qualitative as well as quantitative components were studied. This study was conducted in 16 immunization centres spread across the metropolitan Pune city in western Maharashtra.Results: Vaccine beneficiaries increased for polio 814 (3.25%), DPT1643 (21.79%), MR 9615 (23.02%) and IPV 2297 (23.58) vaccine after execution of eVIN app. Vaccine availability of BCG (6.04%), Polio (20.02%), MR (64.24%), IPV (11.38%) and hep B had increased as compared to the other vaccines. The vaccine wastage decreased for penta (8.64%), IPV (123.98%), TT (32.63%) and hep B (47%) vaccines post eVIN application compared to the pre eVIN. The qualitative study included in depth interviews, key informants’ interview and focus group discussions. Various themes and subthemes emerged like the user-friendliness of app, difficulties faced by health care workers, their suggestions for improvements in the app.Conclusions: The eVIN system is playing a pivotal role in effective and efficient management of vaccine supply, maintaining stock availability and monitoring. To reduce vaccine wastage usage of small dose vials in immunization sessions would be helpful. 


2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 268-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. James Eliades ◽  
Julian Lis ◽  
Joilo Barbosa ◽  
Michael J. VanRooyen

AbstractSince the return of the refugee population to Kosovo, attempts at development of an emergency medical system in Kosovo have met with varied success, and have been hampered by unforeseen barriers. These barriers have been exacerbated by the lack of detailed health system assessments. A multimodal approach of data collection and analysis was used to identify potential barriers, and determine the appropriate level of intervention for emergency medicine (EM) development in Kosovo. The four step, multi-modal, data collection tool utilized: 1) demographic and health systems data; 2) focus group discussions with health-care workers; 3) individual interviews with key individuals in EM development; and 4) Q-Analysis of the attitudes and opinions of EM leaders.Results indicated that Emergency Medicine in Kosovo is under-developed. This method of combined quantitative and qualitative analysis identified a number of developmental needs in the Kosovar health system. There has been litde formal training, the EMS system lacks organization, equipment, and a reliable communication system, and centralized emergency centers, other than the center at Prishtina Hospital, are inadequate. Group discussions and interviews support the desire by Kosovar health-care workers to establish EM, and highlight a number of concerns. A Q-methodology analysis of the attitudes of potential leaders in the field, supported these concerns and identified two attitudinal groups with deeper insights into their opinions on the development of such a system.This study suggests that a multi-modal assessment of health systems can provide important information about the need for emergency health system improvements in Kosovo. This methodology may serve as a model for future, system-wide assessments in post-conflict health system reconstruction.


Author(s):  
Sumalatha M. N. ◽  
M. Veerakumari ◽  
V. Shivakumar ◽  
G. Sreedhar ◽  
Avinash V. ◽  
...  

Background: Health care workers are constantly associated with generation, segregation and disposal of biomedical wastes. Knowledge, attitude and awareness of BMW management among HCWs are the three determinants used to evaluate the effective functioning of BMW management system of the Institution. This study aims to detect the degree of Knowledge, attitude and awareness of BMW management among HCWs in a dental hospital.Methods: This study included 90 HCWs from three groups (dentists, interns, and paramedical staffs), each group comprising of 30 individuals. They were instructed to tick their response in the questionnaire containing 22 questions and were graded as good, average and poor based on individual score.Results: Order of decreasing knowledge and attitude seen among the three groups was dentists followed by interns and paramedical staff. Decreasing order of awareness was postgraduates, interns and laboratory technicians with same score, followed by nurses and sanitary staffs. In our study, 88%, 86.7% and 69.33% of participants had above average KAA values respectively.Conclusions: Doctors and interns had better understanding of BMW management than other Paramedical staff members. Sanitary workers were highly ignorant regarding BMW management. So a continuing medical education program on BMW management should be conducted on yearly basis to train and update newly appointed as well as existing HCWs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
Paulina Pisaniak ◽  
Dawid Kurzyna ◽  
Patryk Stokłosa ◽  
Patrycja Pisaniak ◽  
Dorota Ozga

In recent times, air transport has become more common, and so the number of passengers using it has increased. As travellers increased, so did the risk of any adverse event related to the health or life of those on board. The staff of the aircraft should be properly trained to be able to help the victim and at the same time be able to stay calm on board the plane. It is also not uncommon for a person with medical education to be present on board the plane – it is importantthat healthcare professionals know their rights and obligations arising from the situation. The paper presents the procedures applicable to the cabin crew, health care workers present on board and passengers who are at increasedrisk of a life-threatening episode during the flight.


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