scholarly journals Chinese medical students’ disposition for critical thinking: a mixed methods exploration

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Huang ◽  
Angela Pei-Chen Fan ◽  
Na Su ◽  
Jessica Thai ◽  
Russell Olive Kosik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chinese Medical Students ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Critical thinking (CT) is an essential competency for medical students. This study’s aim was to evaluate Chinese medical students’ disposition for CT and to explore the impact of current trends in medical education on students’ CT development. Methods We used multistage stratified cluster sampling to recruit a total of 1241 medical students among five different years of training and from three medical institutions in China. The Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory-Chinese Version (CTDI-CV) and self-reported information were used to collect cross-sectional data. Based on the data from the CTDI-CV, 112 medical students in clinical course training from a single institution continued one-year follow-up. Their one-year CTDI-CV score changes were collected regarding various medical education variables. Results The mean CTDI-CV score of the 1241 medical students was 287.04 with 729 (58.7%) students receiving a score of 280 or higher. There were statistically significant differences in schools attended(F = 3.84, P < 0.05), year of school attended(F = 10.32, P < 0.001), GPA(F = 6.32, P < 0.01), weekly time spent learning after class(F = 14.14, P < 0.001), attitude toward medicine(F = 28.93, P < 0.001), desire to be a doctor after graduation(t = − 3.35, P < 0.001), familiarity with CT(F = 20.40, P < 0.001), and perception of importance of CT(F = 22.25, P < 0.001). The participants scored the highest on the CTDI-CV subscales of “inquisitiveness” and the lowest on “truth seeking.” The 112 students in the longitudinal study had significantly lower total CT scores after one academic year follow-up. Conclusions Chinese medical students generally exhibited positive CT dispositions. The cross-sectional survey and one-year longitudinal study indicated that students’ CT disposition diminished as they progressed through traditional medical training. Our study contributes to understanding the status of Chinese medical education of and influential factors on medical students’ CT disposition.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical training of last year medical students in Mexico: a cross-sectional nationwide study

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximiliano Servin-Rojas ◽  
Antonio Olivas-Martinez ◽  
Michelle Dithurbide-Hernandez ◽  
Julio Chavez-Vela ◽  
Vera L. Petricevich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Private Schools ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Clinical Instruction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to medical education. However, no data are available regarding the impact the pandemic may have on medical training in Mexico. The aim of our study was to evaluate and identify the medical school students’ perceptions of the changes in their clinical training due to the pandemic in Mexico. Methods This was a cross-sectional study where a previous validated online survey was translated and adapted by medical education experts and applied to senior medical students from March to April of 2021. The 16-item questionnaire was distributed online combining dichotomous, multiple-choice, and 5-point Likert response scale questions. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed to compare the student’s perceptions between public and private schools. Results A total of 671 responses were included in the study period. Most participants were from public schools (81%) and female (61%). Almost every respondent (94%) indicated it was necessary to obtain COVID-19 education, yet only half (54%) received such training. Students in private schools were less likely to have their clinical instruction canceled (53% vs. 77%, p = 0.001) and more likely to have access to virtual instruction (46% vs. 22%, p = 0.001) when compared to students from public schools. Four out of every five students considered their training inferior to that of previous generations, and most students (82%) would consider repeating their final year of clinical training. Conclusions The impact of the COVID-19 on medical education in Mexico has been significant. Most final-year medical students have been affected by the cancellation of their in-person clinical instruction, for which the majority would consider repeating their final year of training. Efforts to counterbalance this lack of clinical experience with virtual or simulation instruction are needed.

scholarly journals Exploring the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education: an international cross-sectional study of medical learners

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Brown ◽  
Aliya Kassam ◽  
Mike Paget ◽  
Kenneth Blades ◽  
Megan Mercia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World ◽  
Geographic Regions ◽  
The Impact

Background: The evidence surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on medical learners remains anecdotal and highly speculative despite the anticipated impact and potential consequences of the current pandemic on medical training. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent that COVID-19 initially impacted medical learners around the world and examine global trends and patterns across geographic regions and levels of training. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of medical learners was conducted between March 25–June 14, 2020, shortly after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Results: 6492 learners completed the survey from 140 countries. Most medical schools removed learners from the clinical environment and adopted online learning, but students reported concerns about the quality of their learning, training progression, and milestone fulfillment. Residents reported they could be better utilized and expressed concerns about their career timeline. Trainees generally felt under-utilized and wanted to be engaged clinically in meaningful ways; however, some felt that contributing to healthcare during a pandemic was beyond the scope of a learner. Significant differences were detected between levels of training and geographic regions for satisfaction with organizational responses as well as the impact of COVID-19 learner wellness and state-trait anxiety. Conclusions: The disruption to the status quo of medical education is perceived by learners across all levels and geographic regions to have negatively affected their training and well-being, particularly amongst postgraduate trainees. These results provide initial empirical insights into the areas that warrant future research as well as consideration for current and future policy planning.

scholarly journals Cognitive Decline and Retirement: Findings From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 971-971
Author(s):  
Catherine Gosselin ◽  
Benjamin Boller ◽  
Meghan Désilets-Jutras
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Propensity Score Method ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cognitive Capacities ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Since increasing life expectancy leads to a longer period of retirement, several studies have been investigating the possible impact of retirement on cognitive health. Several epidemiological studies with cross-sectional designs have reported a negative association between retirement and cognitive capacities. However, very few studies with longitudinal designs have confirmed the negative effect of retirement on cognitive functioning. The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of retirement on cognitive capacities among older Canadians. We used data from the Comprehensive cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) to compare performance retirees and workers (N = 1442), 45 to 85 years of age at baseline. Memory and executive functioning were assessed using standardized assessment tools at baseline and at three-year follow up. Retirees and workers were matched for age, gender and education using the nearest neighbor propensity score method with a caliper of 0.02. Mixed ANOVA and post hoc analyses were conducted separately for the English- and French-speaking samples. Results for the English-speaking sample showed a significant decline on both the Stroop and the Mental Alternation Task for retirees compared to workers from baseline to follow-up. These results support previous cross-sectional studies that have demonstrated a negative effect of retirement on executive functioning. The absence of significant results in the French-speaking sample will be discussed in terms of sample size and professional occupation.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and medical education in Africa: a cross sectional analysis of the impact on medical students

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alec Bernard ◽  
Gnendy Indig ◽  
Nicole Byl ◽  
Amani Nureddin Abdu ◽  
Dawit Tesfagiorgis Mengesha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
African Continent ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Structure Changes ◽  
Supportive Learning Environment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Education In Africa

Abstract Background The African continent currently experiences 25% of the global burden of disease with only 1.3% of the world’s healthcare workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to medical education systems, increasing the strain on already-vulnerable regions. Our study examines the impact of COVID-19 on medical students across 33 countries in the African continent. Methods A 39-item anonymous electronic survey was developed and distributed to medical students across Africa through social networks to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education. The survey assessed the domains of: class structure changes and timing, patient interactions, exam administration, learning environment satisfaction, mental health impacts, and volunteer opportunities/engagement. Results 694 students across 33 countries participated. 80% of respondents had their classes suspended for varied lengths of time during the pandemic, and from these students 59% of them resumed their classes. 83% of students felt they were in a supportive learning environment before the pandemic, which dropped to 32% since the start. The proportion of students taking exams online increased (6–26%, p<0.001) and there was a decrease in the proportion of students seeing patients as a part of their education (72–19%, p<0.001). Conclusions COVID-19 is harming medical students in Africa and is likely to worsen the shortage of the future’s healthcare workforce in the region. Pandemic-related impacts have led to a degradation of the learning environment of medical students. Medical schools have shifted online to differing degrees and direct patient-care in training of students has decreased. This study highlights the urgent need for flexible and innovative approaches to medical education in Africa.

scholarly journals 424. The Impact of COVID-19 Response on Infection Prevention Programs and Practices in Southeastern United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S312-S312
Author(s):  
Sonali D Advani ◽  
Sonali D Advani ◽  
Andrea Cromer ◽  
Brittain A Wood ◽  
Esther Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resource Availability ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elective Surgical Procedures ◽  
Symptom Screening ◽  
Initial Survey ◽  
One Year ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Early assessments of COVID19 preparedness reported resource shortages, use of crisis capacity strategies, variations in testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and policies in US hospitals. One year later, we performed a follow-up survey to assess changes in infection prevention practice and policies in our diverse network of community and academic hospitals. Methods This was a cross-sectional electronic survey of infection preventionists in 58 hospitals within the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network (community) and Duke/UNC Health systems (academic) in April-May 2021 to follow-up our initial survey from April 2020. The follow-up survey included 26 questions related to resource availability, crisis capacity strategies, procedures, changes to PPE and testing, and staffing challenges. Results We received 54 responses (response rate, 93%). Facilities reported significantly fewer PPE and resource shortages in the follow-up survey compared to our initial survey (Figure 1, P&lt; 0.05). Only 32% of respondents were still reprocessing N95 respirators (compared to 73% in initial survey, P&lt; 0.05). All hospitals performed universal masking, universal symptom screening on entry, and 30% required eye protection. In 2020, most hospitals suspended elective surgical procedures in March-April, and restarted in May-June. Approximately 92% reported in-house testing for SARS-COV-2 by April 2020, at least a third of which had a weekly capacity of &gt;100 tests. Almost 80% performed universal pre-operative testing, while 61% performed universal preadmission testing for SARS-COV-2. Almost all hospitals switched from test-based to time-based strategy for discontinuing isolation precautions, majority in August-September 2020. Twenty-five percent hospitals reported infection prevention furloughs, staffing cuts, and or reassignments, while 81% reported increased use of agency nursing during the pandemic. Conclusion Our follow-up survey reveals improvement in resource availability, evolution of PPE guidance, increase in testing capacity, and burdensome staffing changes. Our serial surveys suggest increasing uniformity in infection prevention policies, but also highlight the increase in staff turnover and infection prevention staffing shortages. Disclosures Sonali D. Advani, MBBS, MPH, Nothing to disclose David J. Weber, MD, MPH, PDI (Consultant)

An Exploratory Study on the Adequacy of Internship Program Duration in Medical Colleges of Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-39
Author(s):  
Farhana Noman ◽  
ASM Shamsul Arefin ◽  
Shamima Rahman ◽  
Sabbir Ahmed Chowdhury ◽  
AKM Asaduzzaman
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Postgraduate Medical Training ◽  
One Year ◽  
Current Duration ◽  
Medical Colleges

The internship period provides the first level of postgraduate medical training and serves as one of the fundamental strides in every doctor’s career. An inadequate internship program in terms of duration, skills and quality may pose serious concerns on the overall healthcare sector. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the adequacy of the duration of internship program in medical colleges of Bangladesh. Till date, any significant study has not been reported to address the issue. A cross-sectional descriptive study with pre-tested self-administered questionnaires was performed. The study was carried out in 8 medical colleges (4 public and 4 non-government; 4 inside Dhaka and 4 outside). 300 completed questionnaires (250 interns, 50 supervisors) were statistically analyzed with SPSSv20 software. Majority of the interns and teachers voiced that the current duration of One-year Internship Program was inadequate and they further suggested that the duration can be revised to at least a year and half. Further opinions were put forward to modify the community placement duration period from two weeks to at least three weeks as the current duration was also deficient. These findings thus can help the policy makers, medical practitioners and academicians to review the current structure and duration of the internship program in medical colleges of Bangladesh for the betterment of the undergraduate medical education as well as the overall healthcare system. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.12(1) 2021: 32-39

High levels of Schistosoma mansoni infections among schoolchildren in central Sudan one year after treatment with praziquantel

2011 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.M. Ahmed ◽  
L.A. El Tash ◽  
E.Y. Mohamed ◽  
I. Adam
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Elementary Schools ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Intensity Of Infection ◽  
Central Sudan ◽  
Before And After ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact

AbstractA longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the impact of praziquantel (PZQ) for the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infection among schoolchildren in Al Gunaid in Central Sudan. A cohort of schoolchildren (6–15 years of age) was investigated before and 1 year after treatment with a single dose of PZQ 40 mg/kg. Parasitological examinations for S. mansoni were performed before and after treatment, and prevalence and intensity of infection were analysed. Of 2741 schoolchildren recruited from six elementary schools at baseline, 2521 were successfully traced and re-examined at follow-up, with two complete sets of longitudinal parasitological data on S. mansoni. Boys showed significantly higher prevalence of S. mansoni infection than girls. A single dose of PZQ reduced the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection by 36.7% (from 59.1 to 37.4%) and the intensity of infection by 41.1% (from 116.7 to 68.7 eggs per gram of stool) 1 year after treatment. The reduction in prevalence was significantly higher among the group of children with heavy infections (by 76.1%, from 6.7 to 1.6%) and among girls (by 54.1%, 42.3 to 19.4%) at 1 year after treatment. Thus, in spite of a significant reduction in the prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infection 1 year after PZQ treatment, the prevalence of the disease was still high and further research is needed on this topic.

scholarly journals Telomere length measurement for longitudinal analysis: implications of assay precision

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Nettle ◽  
Shahinaz M Gadalla ◽  
Tsung-Po Lai ◽  
Ezra Susser ◽  
Melissa Bateson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Measurement Error ◽  
Telomere Length ◽  
Longitudinal Analysis ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gold Standard Method ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Researchers increasingly wish to test hypotheses concerning the impact of environmental or disease exposures on telomere length (TL), and use longitudinal study designs to do so. In population studies, TL is usually measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based method. This method has been validated by presenting a correlation with a gold standard method such as Southern blotting (SB) in cross-sectional datasets. However, in a cross-section, the range of true variation in TL is large, and measurement error is introduced only once. In a longitudinal study, the target variation of interest is small, and measurement error is introduced both at baseline and follow-up. We present a small dataset (n = 20) where leukocyte TL was measured 6.6 years apart by both qPCR and SB. The cross-sectional correlations between qPCR and SB were high both at baseline (r = 0.90) and follow-up (r = 0.85), yet their correlation for TL change was poor (r = 0.48). Moreover, the qPCR but not SB data showed strong signatures of measurement error. Through simulation, we show that the statistical power gain from performing a longitudinal analysis is much greater for SB than qPCR. We discuss implications for optimal study design and analysis.

scholarly journals Medical Students’ Empathy Level Differences by Medical Year, Gender, and Specialty Interest in Akdeniz University

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 238212052094065
Author(s):  
Özge Akgün ◽  
Melahat Akdeniz ◽  
Ethem Kavukcu ◽  
Hasan Hüseyin Avcı
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Empathy ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Collection Form ◽  
Physician Empathy

Background: As an important feature in patient-physician communication for both primary and clinical care, empathy is one of the basic competencies that physicians should possess. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the level of empathy among medical students in all years of medical training using two different instruments: the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (for clinical empathy level) and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (for general empathy level). Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in 2017-2018 academic year with students studying at Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine. Data collection form, Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) and Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE) was applied to the students by the researchers. The statistical analysis was carried out by using IBM-SPSS version 23 for Mac OS. T-test, ANOVA test, Spearman and Pearson correlation analysis were used for comparisons. Results: The mean TEQ score of the students was 52.8/65 and the JSPE-S score was 80.3/100. TEQ scores of students increased up to 4th year and then decreased, but the difference between the years was not statistically significant. The third year students’ JSPE-S scores were significantly higher than that of the sixth year students. Conclusion: While the clinical empathy levels of medical students decreased significantly after 3rd year, the general empathy levels decreased less. This result shows us that we should review our medical education curriculum and educational environment, and should initiate initiatives, and devote more time to empathy education in order to prevent the decrease in empathy level and increase empathy during medical education.

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