scholarly journals Widening Participation in Medicine: The Impact of Medical Student-led Conferences for Year 12 Pupils

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Ryan ◽  
Charlotte Auty ◽  
Matthew Maden ◽  
Amy Leggett ◽  
Alisha Staley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Criteria For Selection ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Background Individuals from deprived backgrounds are under-represented in the medical profession: confidence is a barrier to them successfully applying to medical school. Unfortunately, medical school widening participation (WP) initiatives to address this are limited by funding. Methods This study examined the impact of two student-led conferences that Year 12 pupils attended and presented at. It looked at the ability of the conferences to engage WP pupils, their impact on participant confidence, and the feasibility of them being replicated by other student-led groups. The first, Conference A, had more time and finances invested into it than the second, Conference B. The latter relied solely on university society funding, but utilised WP criteria for selection of participants. Participants identified their confidence in six areas on a ten-point scale, immediately before and after the intervention. Results A paired t-test showed a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in all areas of confidence for both conferences. Cohen’s d showed Conference A had larger effect sizes in five out of six areas than Conference B. Conclusion This intervention has demonstrated a significant impact on participant confidence: a key factor to improve their chance of successful admission to medical school. This impact may be enhanced by supporting participants with their presentations prior to the conference; it is feasible for this work to be replicated by other student-led groups.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK medical school widening access schemes: disruption, support and a virtual student led initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R Bligh ◽  
Ellie Courtney ◽  
Rebecca Stirling ◽  
Asveny Rajananthanan ◽  
Hibatallah Altaher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Socioeconomic Background ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Manipulation Check ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Widening Access ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background COVID-19 has disrupted medical education in the United Kingdom (UK). The pandemic may result in a long-term disproportionate negative impact to students applying to Medical School from a low-socioeconomic background. In addition, the upsurge in Medical School applications increases the likelihood of stricter University entry criteria over the coming years. There is no current research to determine how widening participation of Medicine to students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds can be improved virtually. The aim of this study is to establish the impact of COVID-19 on students enrolled in UK widening access schemes and the role of virtual student led initiatives in widening participation. Methods A voluntary online survey was distributed to UK Sixth Form students (N = 31) enrolled in a widening access scheme who attended Sheffield Neuroscience Society International Virtual Conference in February 2021. The event was free to attend. The five-domain survey consisted of questions determining demographics, career aspirations, impact of COVID-19, academic skillsets and an educational manipulation check. Results There were 30 pre-conference and 26 post-conference responses. 76.7 % had work experience cancelled due to COVID-19. A total of 36.7 % of participants reported participating in virtual work experience. ‘Observe GP’ and ‘Medic Mentor’ were each specified as attended virtual opportunities in 20 % of answers. Post conference, students felt significantly more confident in applying to Medical School (p = 0.008) and more prepared to undertake a presentation (p = 0.002). Educational manipulation check scores increased significantly (p = 0.003). 100 % of students felt inspired to do further CV building activities. Conclusions COVID-19 has negatively impacted pupils enrolled in UK Medical School widening access schemes. Virtual student led initiatives can instill confidence in delegates from low socio-economic backgrounds, increase their career knowledge and inspire them to take part in further CV building exercises. Both Medical Schools and medical students play a key role in widening participation. This study recommends Medical Schools promote access to virtual events, urge private and state schools to declare offered opportunities and act mindfully when determining student’s academic potential in the context of their socioeconomic and/or educational background.

Reflections on the theme issue outcomes: Expo 2020: what will be the impact on Dubai?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay Nadkarni ◽  
Richard Teare
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Collaborative Working ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Detailed Picture ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to profile the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue “Expo 2020: What will be the impact on Dubai?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editor and writing team. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process. Findings This paper provides a framework to facilitate discussion between academics and practitioners engaged with Dubai’s Expo 2020, identifies ways of improving competitiveness as an events destination and contributes to thinking about sustainable development before and after the event. The outcomes of a broad-ranging collaboration yield fresh insights, a deeper understanding of the issues and an array of possible responses to the theme issue question. Practical implications The theme issue outcomes provide lines of enquiry for others to explore and they reinforce the value of WHATT’s approach to collaborative working and writing. Originality/value The collaborative work reported in this theme issue offers a unified but contrarian response to the theme’s strategic question. Taken together, the collection of articles provides a detailed picture of the on-going preparation for Expo 2020 and plans to ensure continued growth in the post-Expo phase.

scholarly journals Impact of a Medical School Elective in Cultivating Compassion Through Touch Therapies

2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathi J. Kemper ◽  
Deborah Larrimore ◽  
Jean Dozier ◽  
Charles Woods
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Therapeutic Touch ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Healing Touch ◽  
Second Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Future Practice

This study assessed the impact of an elective for second-year students on cultivating compassion through complementary and alternative medicine practices including therapeutic touch and healing touch. Course participants completed demographic questions, precourse and postcourse questions about confidence and practice in compassion, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Those who completed the elective reported significant improvements in confidence, practice, and sense of personal achievement. For example, for the statement, “I am confident in being calm, peaceful and focused (centered) before and during patient encounters,” scores improved from 1.7 to 8.0 on a 10-point scale ( p < .01). Optimism about future practice improved from 5.5 before to 7.9 after the course ( p < .05). Scores significantly improved for confidence and practice of compassion and optimism about future practice. Such electives may improve desired skills and help reduce burnout. Additional research is needed to determine the impact of such electives on quality of care.

scholarly journals Exploring the impact of choral singing on mindfulness

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 848-861 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Lynch ◽  
Charlotte E. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Choral Singing ◽  
State Mindfulness ◽  
Subject Design ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Generative Mechanism ◽  
Condition State ◽  
The Impact

A wealth of academic research demonstrates an empirical link between choral singing and well-being. This study investigated the construct of state mindfulness as a potential generative mechanism by which this link exists. A within-subject design measured levels of state mindfulness in choristers before and after a choir rehearsal. Assessing state mindfulness before and after listening to a piece of music at home acted as the control condition. State mindfulness was assessed by the Mindful State Questionnaire (MSQ) among a sample of 83 adult amateur choristers (65 females, mean age 51.9 years). The development and psychometric properties of the MSQ are described. Paired t-tests revealed significant increases in levels of state mindfulness for both conditions (choir singing; t = 10.82, p < .001, η2 = 0.58; listening to music; t = 4.48, p < .001, η2 = 0.21), however the effect sizes and confidence intervals indicated a far greater effect for the choral singing condition. Limitations and future recommendations are discussed, with examples of opportunities to incorporate these findings into the promotion of mental health in Ireland.

scholarly journals The Balancing Role of Distribution Speed against Varying Efficacy Levels of COVID-19 Vaccines under Variants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Kim ◽  
Pinar Keskinocak ◽  
Pelin Pekgun ◽  
Inci Yildirim
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Vaccine Efficacy ◽  
High Efficacy ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Vaccine Distribution ◽  
The Impact ◽  
D Model

Objective: Recent mutations in SARS-CoV-2 raised concerns about diminishing vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 caused by particular variants. Even with a high initial efficacy, if a vaccine efficacy drops significantly against variants, or if it cannot be distributed quickly, it is uncertain whether the vaccine can provide better health outcomes than other vaccines. Hence, we evaluated the trade-offs between speed of distribution vs. efficacy of multiple vaccines when variants emerge. Methods: We utilized a Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Deceased (SIR-D) model to simulate the impact of immunization using different vaccines with varying efficacies and assessed the level of infection attack rate (IAR) under different speeds of vaccine distribution. Results: We found that a vaccine with low efficacy both before and after variants may outperform a vaccine with high efficacy if the former can be distributed more quickly. Particularly, a vaccine with 65% and 60% efficacy before and after the variants, respectively, can outperform a vaccine with 95% and 90% efficacy, if its distribution is 46% to 48% faster (with the selected study parameters). Conclusions: Our results show that speed is a key factor to a successful immunization strategy to control the COVID-19 pandemic even when the emerging variants may reduce the efficacy of a vaccine.

scholarly journals Survival under anthropogenic impact: the response of dragonflies (Odonata), beetles (Coleoptera) and caddisflies (Trichoptera) to environmental disturbances in a two-way industrial canal system (central Poland)

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e6215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edyta Buczyńska ◽  
Paweł Buczyński
Keyword(s):  
Cooling Water ◽  
Control Site ◽  
Scaling Analysis ◽  
Canal System ◽  
Central Poland ◽  
Vistula River ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Ecological metrics and assemblages of three orders of aquatic insects (Odonata, Coleoptera and Trichoptera—OCT) in an industrial canal system affected by dredging were studied. Five sites (a river as a control site and canals) along the Vistula River in Central Poland were sampled during six sampling periods (2011 and 2013). Canonical correspondence analyses (CCA) was used to assess the influence of environmental variables on the distribution of 54 insect species in the following system of habitats—a river feeding the canals, river-fed inlet canals and outlet canals with cooling waters. Additionally, before and after control impact (BACI) was used to test for the impact of canal dredging in 2011 on the insect response metrics. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis differentiated insect assemblages of the three habitats and similarity percentage (SIMPER) indicated the species most responsible for the faunistic dissimilarities. Temperature was found to be a key factor governing the presence of insects in the outlet canals with cooling water. CCAs revealed that electrolytic conductivity (EC) and salinity had the greatest influence on the OCT fauna in the river and the inlet canals, whilst it was the dissolved oxygen and the level of development of aquatic plants that proved most important in the outlet canals. Modified ANOVAs showed that dredging significantly affected the mean species richness and the dominance in the canals. The changes in OCT species composition were highly informative. The comparison between tolerance patterns of the OCT orders against the five parameters (temperature, EC, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH and current) revealed that caddisflies are the most sensitive group, followed by Coleoptera while Odonata proved the most resistant. Dragonflies have the greatest potential to serve as bioindicators of industrially heated waters. The OCT fauna responded specifically to different environmental factors and stressors, it is strongly recommended to track the responses on different levels, not only metrics, but above all, species.

The impact of sewing thread's tensile behavior and laundering process on the seam puckering of elastic and normal fabrics

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reyhaneh Kamali ◽  
Yasaman Mesbah ◽  
Fatemeh Mousazadegan
Keyword(s):  
Woven Fabrics ◽  
Tensile Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sewing Thread ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Thread Tension ◽  
Sewing Threads ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Seam Pucker

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to consider the influence of the tensile behavior of fabric and sewing thread on the seam appearance.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the formation of seam puckering on two elastic and normal woven fabrics was explored. In order to prepare samples, various sewing threads were applied. Test specimens were sewn under five different thread tension levels. Then the appearance of samples was evaluated subjectively to determine their seam puckering grade before and after the laundering process.FindingsThe obtained outcomes of this study present that although sewing thread tension increment decreases the seam pucker ranking in the similar sewing condition, elastic fabrics have a greater seam pucker grade compared to the normal fabric due to the fabric extension and contraction during sewing and after sewing process, respectively. In addition, the elastic strain of the sewing thread is the key factor that determined sewing thread's tendency to make seam puckering. Moreover, the laundry process due to the relaxation of the sewing thread decreases the seam pucker grade.Originality/valueThe consistency of the tensile property of fabric and sewing thread is a crucial parameter in improving the seam appearance and obtaining a smooth seam.

The Impact of Zika Virus Education on Selection of Birth Control Methods Among Cuban Refugees Resettling in Louisville, Kentucky in 2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-92
Author(s):  
Dawn Balcom ◽  
Ruth Carrico ◽  
Linda Goss ◽  
Karen Mutsch ◽  
Rahel Bosson
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Birth Control ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Control Method ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of

Background:Cubans represented almost 40% of all refugees resettling in KY during 2015 and 2016. Their route to the United States included extended time in areas recognized as Zika endemic, making them vulnerable to Zika virus (ZV) exposure and infection. Early availability of birth control is one strategy stressed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to delay an unintended pregnancy after ZV exposure and prevent the catastrophic impact on a developing fetus.Objectives:The objectives were to determine: (a) awareness of ZV among Cuban refugees, and (b) the impact of education regarding ZV on their initial birth control decisions.Methods:During May–November 2016, 167 Cuban men and women aged 19–50 were seen by advanced practice nurses (APNs) in the University of Louisville Global Health Center (UL GHC). During the visit, awareness regarding ZV, current planned birth control method(s), and education about ZV was imparted using information developed by the CDC and provided by clinic personnel competent in delivery of culturally, socially, and linguistically appropriate messaging. Anticipated methods of birth control were then reassessed.Results:Condom use was the most prevalent contraceptive method used before and after ZV education (29% and 58% respectively, p < .001). The influence of education regarding ZV and ZV infection on selection of birth control methods (condom use) was significant (p < .001).Conclusions:Findings indicate education provided by APNs regarding ZV influence birth control selection among Cuban refugees.

scholarly journals Evaluating the impact of a medical school cohort sexual health course on knowledge, counseling skills and sexual attitude change

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael W. Ross ◽  
Carey Roth Bayer ◽  
Alan Shindel ◽  
Eli Coleman
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Attitude Change ◽  
Sexual Attitudes ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Health Course ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Sexual health is generally considered an integral part of medical and allied healthcare professional training. However, many medical schools do not offer this as a mandatory curriculum, or minimize it. Sexual health as an academic area was introduced in the 1970s, but there have been few cohort evaluations of its impact. This was limited by the availability of few psychometric scales for evaluation. We evaluated the full, mandatory, sexual health course in year 1 medicine at a large state university in the Midwest US, including the course with lectures; panels and tutorials; a video app to give students feedback on their sexual history taking skills; and a 3-station sexual history OSCE at the end of the course. Results Seventy-four medical students (43% of the course cohort) volunteered, for an incentive, to complete evaluation materials pre- and post-course. We used the Sexual Health Education for Professionals Scale (SHEPS), designed and with appropriate psychometric standardization for such evaluation. The SHEPS data covers 7-point Likert scale ratings of 37 patient situations, asking first how well the student could communicate with such a patient, and on the second part how much knowledge they have to care for such a patient. The third subscale examines personal sexual attitudes and beliefs. Data indicated that the matched pretest-posttest ratings for skills and knowledge were all statistically significant and with very large effect sizes. Few of the attitude subscale items were significant and if so, had small effect sizes. Sexual attitudes and beliefs may be well-formed before entry into medical school, and sexual health teaching and learning has minimal effect on sexual attitudes in this US sample. However, using the 3 sexuality OSCE cases scores as outcomes, two of the 26 attitude-belief items predicted > 24% of the variance. Conclusions The sexual health course produced major changes in Communications with patients sexual health skills and Knowledge of sexual health, but little change in personal Attitudes about sexuality. These data suggest that personal attitude change is not essential for teaching US medical students to learn about sexual health and sexual function and dysfunction, and comfortably take a comprehensive sexual history.

ADRENAL FUNCTION IN ALLERGY

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1959 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-447
Author(s):  
Sheldon C. Siegel ◽  
Bailey J. Lovin ◽  
Robert S. Ely ◽  
Vincent C. Kelley
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Hormone Therapy ◽  
Steroid Therapy ◽  
Standardized Test ◽  
Adrenal Function ◽  
Discernible Effect ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Allergic Disorders ◽  
Criteria For Selection ◽  
Selection Of

An evaluation of a schedule of intermittent prednisolone therapy in the treatment of 42 children with severe allergic disorders, who had failed to respond to ordinary allergic management, is presented. In 11 subjects the response was excellent; in 28, good; and in 3, poor. No serious complications were observed as a consequence of the method of treatment. Appraisal of adrenal function, as measured by a standardized test of response to adrenocorticotropin, was undertaken before and after the institution of therapy in the majority of the subjects. The mean urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in the test observed after the introduction of therapy was significantly less than that prior to treatment. This suggests that the regimen of therapy employed impairs the adrenals' response to exogenous ACTH. The unresponsiveness of the adrenals was at least partly dependent upon the dosage of hormone administered. The effect of intermittent steroid therapy on the urinary excretion of adrenocortical steroids in 16 subjects is also reported. Some hypofunction of the adrenals, which is overcome only partially during the days hormones are withheld, is suggested by the data on 17-OHCS. There was no discernible effect on the urinary excretion of 17-KS. The indications for use of steroid therapy in allergic children and the implications of the findings in this study are discussed. Although a schedule of intermittent steroid therapy was found to be useful as an adjunct in the treatment of intractable asthma and atopic dermatitis, it should not be used as a substitute for conventional methods of treating allergic patients. The criteria for selection of patients and the precautions required in the administration of continuous hormone therapy, should also be applied in the use of intermittent hormone therapy.

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