scholarly journals Urine Microscopy for Internal Medicine Residents: A Needs Assessment & Implementation of Virtual Teaching Sessions

Kidney360 ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 10.34067/KID.0006282020
Author(s):  
Jorge Chancay ◽  
Meghana Eswarappa ◽  
Luis Sanchez Russo ◽  
Matthew A Sparks ◽  
Samira S Farouk

Background: Though urine microscopy is an important step in the initial evaluation of a patient with kidney disease, internal medicine residents have minimal exposure to this technique during their training. The goal of this study was to understand knowledge of and attitudes towards urine microscopy among internal medicine residents, and to implement virtual urine microscopy teaching sessions. Methods: A voluntary, anonymous, online survey was sent to all the categorical internal medicine residents training (n = 131) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS). The survey included thirteen questions to assess attitudes towards, experience with, and clinical interpretation of urine microscopy specimens. In response to the survey results, we implemented virtual urine microscopy teaching sessions using video conferencing software which incorporated real-time urine sediment analysis with nephrology fellows and attending nephrologists. Results: The survey response rate was 45% (59/131). Forty-seven percent (28/59) of respondents reported performing urine microscopy at least once during their training and 75% (44/59) of respondents did not feel comfortable performing urine microscopy. The majority of residents (92%, 54/59) reported they felt urine microscopy was very helpful or somewhat helpful in the evaluation of patients with AKI. Overall, 41% percent of responses to clinical interpretation questions were considered correct. Following survey completion, virtual urine microscopy sessions were held monthly and well received by the participants. Conclusions: Our study found that internal medicine residents perceive urine microscopy as a helpful diagnostic tool, though lack the skills to perform and interpret urine microscopy sediments. Virtual educational sessions using video conferencing software are a technically feasible approach to teaching urine microscopy to internal medicine residents. Future studies include a study of the impact of these sessions on learning of urine microscopy.

POCUS Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-32
Author(s):  
Dipika Gopal ◽  
Cameron Baston ◽  
Srinath Adusumalli ◽  
Dinesh Jagasia ◽  
Stuart Prenner

Background:  Focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) is a safe and efficient diagnostic intervention for internal medicine physicians. FCU is a highly teachable skill, but is used in routine cardiac assessment in only 20% of surveyed training programs. We developed an FCU curriculum for internal medicine residents and an assessment tool to evaluate the impact of the curriculum on trainee knowledge and confidence. Methods: Internal medicine residents rotating through clinical cardiology services underwent 30 minutes of didactic and 60 minutes of hands-on teaching on acquisition and interpretation of FCU. A 20 item pre and post-curriculum online survey was administered (November 2018-December 2019) to assess confidence and knowledge in FCU. Results: 79 of 116 (68%) residents completed the pre-survey and 50 completed the post-survey, of whom 34 received the curriculum. The mean change in confidence score in those who received versus did not receive the curriculum was 0.99 versus 0.39 (p=0.046) on a 5-point Likert scale. Among 33 residents who had paired pre- and post-surveys the mean change in confidence score was 1.2 versus 0.85 (p<0.001) in those who received versus did not receive the curriculum. The mean increase in knowledge score was 13% versus 7% respectively (p<0.0001). Conclusions: We instituted a novel curriculum for internal medicine residents to gain experience in image acquisition and interpretation. Both confidence and knowledge in FCU improved following the curriculum, indicating that this is a highly teachable skill. Additional analysis of the of the FCU study images will be useful for informing future interventions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alakchar ◽  
Abdisamad M. Ibrahim ◽  
Mohsin Salih ◽  
Mukul Bhattarai ◽  
Nitin Tandan ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKG) is an essential tool for every physician. Despite this, the diagnosis of life-threatening pathology on EKG remains suboptimal in trainees. The purpose of this study is to study resident attitudes and behaviours towards EKGs, and describe an innovative way to teach EKGs. OBJECTIVE Study attitudes and behaviours towards EKGs. Describe an innovative way to teach EKGs. METHODS Design: An observational cross-sectional study through an anonymous online survey of resident attitudes and comfort with EKG interpretation. This was followed by creation of a WhatsApp group for discussion and interpretation of EKGs with peers. At the end of the day, the official EKG interpretation was posted. Setting: Internal medicine residency at Southern Illinois University. Participants: Internal medicine residents Interventions: Creation of WhatsApp group to aid with EKG interpretation Measurements: A 17 item questionnaire, followed by detection of degree of participation in a WhatsApp group. RESULTS Forty-one out of 63 residents (65%) completed the survey. 85% of respondents thought that an interactive way to teach EKGs is the best method of teaching, and 73% did not feel confident interpreting EKGs. 30% often rely on automated EKG interpretation. Further analysis indicated that PGY-1 residents reported ordering fewer EKGs (correlation coefficient -0.399, p = 0.012) and were uncomfortable diagnosing QT prolongation on an EKG (correlation coefficient -0.310, p = 0.049). Residents in the third or greater year of training ordered more EKGs (correlation coefficient 0.379, p = 0.015), less frequently relied on the computer for EKG diagnosis (correlation coefficient 0.399, p = 0.010), and were comfortable diagnosing an acute myocardial infarction and atrial arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, most IM trainees do not feel comfortable interpreting EKG, however, this does improve with PGY year. WhatsApp is a possible platform for teaching EKGs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 563-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Ogrinc ◽  
Emily S. Cohen ◽  
Robertus van Aalst ◽  
Beth Harwood ◽  
Ellyn Ercolano ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background  Integrating teaching and hands-on experience in quality improvement (QI) may increase the learning and the impact of resident QI work. Objective  We sought to determine the clinical and educational impact of an integrated QI curriculum. Methods  This clustered, randomized trial with early and late intervention groups used mixed methods evaluation. For almost 2 years, internal medicine residents from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center on the inpatient teams at the White River Junction VA participated in the QI curriculum. QI project effectiveness was assessed using statistical process control. Learning outcomes were assessed with the Quality Improvement Knowledge Application Tool–Revised (QIKAT-R) and through self-efficacy, interprofessional care attitudes, and satisfaction of learners. Free text responses by residents and a focus group of nurses who worked with the residents provided information about the acceptability of the intervention. Results  The QI projects improved many clinical processes and outcomes, but not all led to improvements. Educational outcome response rates were 65% (68 of 105) at baseline, 50% (18 of 36) for the early intervention group at midpoint, 67% (24 of 36) for the control group at midpoint, and 53% (42 of 80) for the late intervention group. Composite QIKAT-R scores (range, 0–27) increased from 13.3 at baseline to 15.3 at end point (P &lt; .01), as did the self-efficacy composite score (P &lt; .05). Satisfaction with the curriculum was rated highly by all participants. Conclusions  Learning and participating in hands-on QI can be integrated into the usual inpatient work of resident physicians.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Evelina Francisco ◽  
Nadira Fardos ◽  
Aakash Bhatt ◽  
Gulhan Bizel

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting stay-at-home orders have disrupted all aspects of life globally, most notably our relationship with the internet and social media platforms. People are online more than ever before, working and attending school from home and socializing with friends and family via video conferencing. Marketers and brands have been forced to adapt to a new normal and, as a result, have shifted their brand communication and marketing mix to digital approaches. Hence, this study aims to examine the shift of influencer marketing on Instagram during this period and the possible future implications. By employing an online survey for exploratory research, individuals answered questions addressing their perceptions about the impact of the pandemic, brands and influencers&rsquo; relationship, and the overall changes made in marketing strategy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 715-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyudmila Ganushchak-Efimenko ◽  
Valeriia Shcherbak ◽  
Оlena Nifatova

Research background: At present, it is critical to raise awareness on how global trends of doing business within the framework of sustainable development affect the success of each business unit, integration associations, and apparently contribute to a nation’s prosperity. Thus, a study aimed at measuring the effects of socially responsible strategic partnerships on building brand equity of integrated business structures (IBS) will provide deeper insights into assessing the effectiveness and relevance of disseminating CSR practices. Purpose of the article: The paper attempts to evaluate the degree of effect of socially responsible strategic partnerships on building strong brand equity of integrated business structures. Methods: The participants in the assessment have been selected from the Forbes TOP 200 largest companies in Ukraine (the ranking was based not only on sales, such metrics as companies’ financial performance, total assets and their current assessed value were also considered). The input data on the CSR indices were obtained from the Center for CSR Development Ukraine. The index of loyalty to a certain brand was calculated as an integral ratio of satisfaction and importance to customers (based on online survey results). To analyze the impact of the endogenous variable of CSR on IBS branding effectiveness (customer loyalty index and brand equity) and its cost effectiveness, correlation regression and factor analysis methods were applied. Findings & Value added: This study demonstrates the feasibility and economic justification of the impact of socially responsible strategic partnerships on brand equity development for integrated business structures. The research has significant implications for brand management of integrated business structures by providing empirical evidence that will improve understanding of the need to implement the concept of socially responsible branding that right today resonates with the moral society.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-199
Author(s):  
Phan Q. Duy ◽  
Serban Negoita ◽  
Uma V. Mahajan ◽  
Nicholas S. Diab ◽  
Ank Agarwal ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To describe and assess the educational value of a functional neurosurgery clinical shadowing and research tutorial for pre-medical trainees. Design Program participants observed functional neurosurgery procedures and conducted basic science and clinical research in neurosurgery fields. Former participants completed a brief online survey to evaluate their perspectives and experiences throughout the tutorial. Setting Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Participants 15 pre-medical and post-baccalaureate trainees participated in the tutorial. All former tutorial participants were emailed. Results 11/15 former participants responded to the survey. Survey results suggest that the tutorial program increased participants’ understanding of and interest in neurosurgery and related fields in neuroscience. Conclusions The functional neurosurgery medical tutorial provides valuable clinical and research exposure in neurosurgery fields for pre-medical trainees. Our work is a preliminary step in addressing the crucial challenge of training the next generation of neurosurgeon-scientists by providing a pedagogical paradigm for development of formal experiences that integrate original scientific research with clinical neurosurgery exposure.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2069-2069
Author(s):  
Nicole Willmarth ◽  
Scott Elder ◽  
Avery Fine ◽  
Manmeet Singh Ahluwalia ◽  
Jill Barnholtz-Sloan ◽  
...  

2069 Background: Brain metastases (BM) are the most common central nervous system tumors in the US. Though the exact incidence is unknown, BM are estimated to occur in up to 10-20% of all cancers. Despite the high frequency, there is little systematic knowledge about how BM are typically diagnosed and treated. The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) seeks to understand the BM journey: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and end of life, through a survey of BM patients and caregivers. Methods: Two surveys were developed by the ABTA with vendor, PSB Research, after careful literature review. The surveys were reviewed by a panel of clinicians who treat BM patients. Online survey research was conducted between 8/13-9/16/18, with one survey for adults with BM (N = 237) and another for caregivers (N = 211). Respondents came from PSB’s panels and ABTA collaborators: LUNGevity, Melanoma Research Foundation and the Kidney Cancer Association. Results: Ninety percent of patients, and a similar number of caregivers, were surprised by the diagnosis, with only 20% of patients knowing about BM before diagnosis. Most caregivers were the adult child of a patient. The impact of the diagnosis was primarily emotional. Top concerns after diagnosis, for both patients and caregivers, were likelihood of treatment success and impact on quality of life. Although a majority of patients were happy with the quality of information given, they stated a need to receive a greater quantity of information about treatment success and options. Only 30% of patients were referred to a patient advocacy organization. When referred, information on treatment success rates and options was most sought. Conclusions: Direct patient and caregiver feedback provides valuable insight towards understanding the BM journey and resources needed to support patients and caregivers. A subsequent survey among oncologists and other clinicians, planned for spring of 2019, will add to these findings.


2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1&2) ◽  
pp. 185-213
Author(s):  
Aurora Hidalgo ◽  
Viory Yvonne Janeo ◽  
Winston Conrad Padojinog ◽  
Cid Terosa ◽  
Peter L. U ◽  
...  

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) commissioned the School of Economics of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) to conduct a study aimed at understanding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on various industry sectors and to draw possible policy measures for both government and private institutions to help the affected sectors deal with the pandemic’s negative effects and gradually return to stable business operations. An online survey of pre-selected thirty-three (33) representatives from key priority sectors which recorded sharp contractions in the first two quarters of 2020 and which had a share to GDP of above 1 percent was conducted. To validate the survey results, stakeholder interviews were also conducted with more than 10 firms via the zoom video conferencing platform. The survey results confirmed the negative impact of the pandemic at the firm-level (i.e., decrease in employee compensation, decline in headcount, loss of revenue and other liquidity crunches, prolonged collection periods, problems in logistics, delayed or cancelled projects and disrupted supply chains and access to labor; among others). Some have had to close branches or altogether cease operations. The sudden and likely permanent shift towards digitization of operations has disrupted operations and exerted pressure to digitally transform business operations in order to survive in the so-called “new normal.” Moreover, this requires investments in equipment and training. Additional costs and investments are also needed to meet health and safety standards and protocols. Thus, required assistance commonly cited by firms were loans, subsidies, and tax relief In the short term, the national government must restore consumer confidence and deploy its fiscal powers to stimulate aggregate demand. With assistance, business can invest in platforms and meeting health and safety protocols for workers and customers to return to work and patronize their business, whether on site or online. Resuscitating the economy is not solely the responsibility of government. It also requires solidarity and coordinated response from the private sector. Over the long term, both government and business must build more resilient organizations and strategies. This would include adopting digital transformation by both private and public sectors for a more nimble and agile economy. Business may also revisit the concept of “coopetition”. The interconnectedness of each industry calls for a more collaborative approach among businesses. When firms who have been negatively affected by the pandemic recover, this can also increase the rate at which the economy bounces back.


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