scholarly journals Virtual OSCE: Experience and challenges with a large cohort of pharmacy students

2022 ◽  
pp. 23-32
Author(s):  
Hanis Hanum Zulkifly ◽  
Izzati Abdul Halim Zaki ◽  
Mahmathi Karuppannan ◽  
Zakiah Mohd Noordin
Keyword(s):  
Large Cohort ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Master Plan ◽  
Technical Aspects ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Internet Connection ◽  
Advanced Planning ◽  
Competency Based

In response to the inability to conduct conventional face-to-face objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) due to the COVID-19 lockdown, this study explored options to design virtual OSCE (vOSCE) that meets the objectives and standards of effective competency-based assessment for a large cohort of pharmacy students. The vOSCE required advanced planning of the actual assessment and technical conduct. The development of a master plan consisting of the types of competencies to test, topics and number of cases, and assessment rubrics, guided the team members to develop an adequate OSCE assessment module. Technical aspects included recruitment of examiners, simulated patients (SP), technical support, and a platform for vOSCE. The main challenges were to ensure well-ordered vOSCE and a stable internet connection for examiners, SP, and students. Google Meet was utilised due to its functionality, familiarity, and low internet consumption to all parties involved. Feedback was obtained from stakeholders to improve future OSCE conduct.

Prescription in Locker Box (PILBOX): Remodeling of the Medication Collection Process (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lim Jit Fan Christina ◽  
Goh Boon Kwang ◽  
Chee Wing Ling Vivian ◽  
Tang Woh Peng ◽  
Goh Qiuling Bandy
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Pharmacy Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Ranking Score ◽  
Study Team ◽  
Willingness To Use

BACKGROUND Traditionally, patients wishing to obtain their prescription medications have had to present themselves physically at pharmacy counters and collect their medications via face-to-face interactions with pharmacy staff. Prescription in Locker Box (PILBOX) is a new innovation which allows patients and their caregivers to collect their medication asynchronously, 24/7 at their convenience, from medication lockers instead of from pharmacy staff and at any time convenient to them instead of being restricted to pharmacy operating hours. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the willingness by patients/caregivers to use this new innovation and factors that affect their willingness. METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over 2 months at 2 public primary healthcare centres in Singapore. Patients or caregivers who were at least 21 yo and turned up at the pharmacies to collect medications were administered a self-developed 3-part questionnaire face-to-face by trained study team members, if they gave their consent to participate in the study. RESULTS A total of 222 participants completed the study. About 40% of them participants were willing to use the PILBOX to collect their medications. Amongst the participants who were keen to use the PILBOX service, slightly more than half (i.e. 52.8%) of them were willing to pay for the PILBOX service. The participants felt that the ease of use (3.46±1.21 i.e. mean of ranking score ± standard deviation) of the PILBOX was the most important factor that would affect their willingness to use the medication pick up service. This was followed by “waiting time” (3.37±1.33), cost of using the medication pick up service (2.96±1.44) and 24/7 accessibility (2.62±1.35). This study also found that age (p=0.006), language literacy (p=0.000), education level (p=0.000), working status (p=0.011) and personal monthly income (p=0.009) were factors that affected the willingness of the patients or caregivers to use the PILBOX. CONCLUSIONS Patients and caregivers are keen to use PILBOX to collect their medications for its convenience and the opportunity to save time, if it is easy to use and not costly.

scholarly journals How May Virtual Communication Shape Cooperation in a Work Team?

2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Flache
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Work Teams ◽  
Work Team ◽  
Online Interaction ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Virtual Communication ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Interaction Task ◽  
Simulation Results

AbstractThis paper addresses theoretically the question how virtual communication may affect cooperation in work teams. The degree of team virtualization, i.e. the extent to which interaction between team members occurs online, is related to parameters of the exchange. First, it is assumed that in online interaction task uncertainties are higher than in face-to-face contacts. Second, the gratifying value of peer rewards is assumed to be lower in online contacts. Thirdly, it is assumed that teams are different in the extent to which members depend on their peers for positive affections, operationalized by the extent to which team members are interested in social relationships for their own sake, independently from their work interactions. Simulation results suggest both positive and negative effects of team virtualization on work-cooperation.

scholarly journals The power of individual cultural values in global virtual teams

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audra I. Mockaitis ◽  
Elizabeth L. Rose ◽  
Peter Zettinig
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Virtual Team ◽  
Global Teams ◽  
Global Virtual Teams ◽  
Team Processes ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Relationship

This paper investigates the perceptions of members of 43 culturally diverse global virtual teams, with respect to team processes and outcomes. Despite widespread acknowledgement of the challenges presented by cultural differences in the context of global teams, little is known about the effect of these differences on team dynamics in the absence of face-to-face interaction. Using a student-based sample, we study the relationship between global virtual team members’ individualistic and collectivistic orientations and their evaluations of trust, interdependence, communication and information sharing, and conflict during the team task. Our results suggest that a collectivist orientation is associated with more favorable impressions regarding global virtual team processes and that cultural differences are not concealed by virtual means of communication.

scholarly journals A realist evaluation exploring simulated patient role-play in pharmacist undergraduate communication training

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisling Kerr ◽  
Judith Strawbridge ◽  
Caroline Kelleher ◽  
James Barlow ◽  
Clare Sullivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Role Play ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
Communication Training ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Rank Test

Abstract Background Effective communication between pharmacists and patients is essential and improves health outcomes. Simulated patients (SPs) are trained to reproduce real-life situations and can help pharmacy students to develop and adapt their communication skills in a safe, learner-centred environment. The aim of this research was to explore how SP and pharmacy student role-play supports communication training. Methods A mixed methods realist evaluation approach was adopted to test an initial theory relating to SP role-play for pharmacy students. The intervention tested involved complex communication cases in a men’s and women’s health module in year three of a new MPharm programme. This SP session was the first such session, of the programme which exclusively focused on complex communication skills for the students. Data collected comprised video-recordings of both training and mock OSCE sessions, and from student focus groups. Communication videos were scored using the Explanation and Planning Scale (EPSCALE) tool. Scores from SP and mock OSCE sessions were compared using the Wilcoxon-signed rank test. Focus groups were conducted with students about their experience of the training and analysed thematically, through a realist lens. Data was analysed for Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations to produce modified programme theories. Results Forty-six students (n = 46/59, 78 %) consented to their video-recorded interactions to be used. Students identified contextual factors relating to the timing within the course and the setting of the intervention, the debrief and student individual contexts. Mechanisms included authenticity, feedback, reflection, self-awareness and confidence. Negative responses included embarrassment and nervousness. They distinguished outcomes including increased awareness of communication style, more structured communication and increased comfort. However quantitative data showed a decrease (p < 0.001) in communication scores in the mock OSCE compared with scores from training sessions. Modified programme theories relating to SP training for pharmacy students were generated. Conclusions SP role-play is a valuable communication skills training approach. Emphasis should be placed on multiple stakeholder feedback and promotion of reflection. Time limits need to be considered in this context and adjusted to meet student needs, especially for students with lower levels of communication comfort and those communicating in languages different to their first language.

Challenges and Strategies in Remote Design Collaboration During Pandemic: A Case Study in Engineering Education

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise Belanger ◽  
Caroline Bartels ◽  
Jinjuan She
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
Design Education ◽  
College Education ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Design Collaboration ◽  
Engineering Design Education ◽  
Geographically Distributed ◽  
Remote Design ◽  
Challenges And Strategies

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic forced college education to shift from face-to-face to online instruction. This effort is particularly challenging for freshmen and sophomore students, in engineering design projects where collaborations are needed. The study aims to qualitatively understand challenges and possible strategies revealed by students in remote design collaboration through the lens of an undergraduate-level engineering design introduction class. The authors closely observed team members’ struggles and how they handled them through bi-weekly and final reflections in a semester-long project. The challenges and strategies from 11 teams (42 students) were analyzed and implications for future engineering design education were discussed. The findings provide insights to experimentations that aim to establish a successful remote learning environment that reaches core education objectives of engineering design while also helping students adapt to a geographically distributed engineering workforce in future. The study also illustrated the usefulness of reflections as a tool to capture students’ learning dynamics.

Attitudes of Thai English Learners towards Online Learning of Speaking

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irish Chan Sioson
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Online Learning Environment ◽  
Online Classes ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Positive Feeling ◽  
Internet Connection ◽  
Southern Thailand ◽  
Thai English ◽  
Level Of Agreement

ABSTRACT A recent challenge in the field of education has been met as a shift to online classes from traditional face-to-face classes has been attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, certain issues arise from such a sudden shift to an online learning environment, especially for those who have been mainly (or for others, solely) taught in a face-to-face setting. This paper aimed to determine the attitudes of Thai English learners towards online learning of speaking. The study involved fifty-four fourth year English majors in a university in southern Thailand. A survey questionnaire was developed to collect data. It consisted of a 5- point Likert scale asking for the students' level of agreement with statements and open-ended questions. The results show that the teacher being perceived as supportive and the students having a positive feeling when they had a stable Internet connection were the two areas that had the highest mean scores. On the other hand, being given enough opportunities to interact with classmates and preferring to participate in discussions using video (with microphone and video on) had the lowest mean scores. Moreover, the learners’ comments provided insights into their attitudes toward online learning in terms of preferences and challenges. Implications for teaching are then drawn from the results. KEYWORDS: attitudes, online learning, speaking

scholarly journals What Matters to Us: Impact of Telemedicine During the Pandemic in the Care of Patients With Sarcoma Across Scotland

2021 ◽  
pp. 1067-1073
Author(s):  
Holly M. McCabe ◽  
Alannah Smrke ◽  
Fiona Cowie ◽  
Jeff White ◽  
Peter Chong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Care Delivery ◽  
Mixed System ◽  
Specialist Care ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Delivery Of Care ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Rapid Changes ◽  
Regular Practice ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

PURPOSE In Scotland, approximately 350 sarcoma cases are diagnosed per year and treated in one of the five specialist centers. Many patients are required to travel long distances to access specialist care. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a number of rapid changes into the care for patients with cancer, with increasing utilization of telemedicine. We aimed to evaluate how the utilization of telemedicine affects professionals and patients across Scotland and care delivery, at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre Sarcoma Unit. METHODS Between June 8 and August 25, 2020, we invited patients and professional sarcoma multidisciplinary team members to participate in separate online anonymous survey questionnaires, to assess their attitudes toward telemedicine. Data were extracted, and descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS Patient satisfaction (n = 64) with telemedicine was high (mean = 9.4/10) and comparable with traditional face-to-face appointments (mean = 9.5/10). Patients were receptive to the use of telemedicine in certain situations, with patients strongly opposed to being told bad news via telemedicine (88%). Providers recommended the use of telemedicine in certain patient populations and reported largely equivalent workloads when compared with traditional consultations. Providers reported that telemedicine should be integrated into regular practice (66%), with patients echoing this indicating a preference for a majority of telemedicine appointments (57%). CONCLUSION Telemedicine in sarcoma care is favorable from both clinician and patient perspectives. Utilization of telemedicine for patients with rare cancers such as sarcomas is an innovative approach to the delivery of care, especially considering the time and financial pressures on patients who often live a distance away from specialist centers. Patients and providers are keen to move toward a more flexible, mixed system of care.

Effects of Collocation on the Integrated Product Team and the Impact on Cost, Schedule, and Risk

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Rumpf ◽  
Mark E. Gindele
Keyword(s):  
Concurrent Engineering ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Program Schedule ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Integrated Product Team ◽  
The Veil ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Product Team

Abstract Program Managers need to look beyond the veil of potential benefits to assess the risks of contractor proposed concurrent engineering efforts. The mere mention of concurrent engineering or its synonym, integrated product team, does not in itself reduce program schedule and cost. Evaluations should center upon the offeror’s past success with these initiatives and the fundamental steps leading to their implementation. In a recent study of several programs involving the manufacture of Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) and support equipment, the effects of integrated product teams were assessed. Several of the programs studied had been competitively awarded to contractors that subsequently defaulted on their contract. The equipment programs were then successfully manufactured by the Prototyping and Manufacturing department at Naval Air Warfare Center, Lakehurst, NJ. Data from the study indicated the success of the manufacture was directly attributable to the use of integrated product teams. Extensive communication between engineering, manufacturing, and testing teams led to the resolution of problems quickly. Face to face meetings were frequent and issues were resolved in minutes without resorting to technical memorandums or other protracted written documents. Collocation of the team members was considered the most critical factor to gaining any benefits from concurrent engineering. Further evidence indicated the more complex a system, the more collocation was critical to its successful completion. Complexity, when measured by the number of parts, critical interfaces, and final testing requirements, was assessed for each program. The more complex programs had employed more frequent and local communication.

The Challenges Faced by Pharm.D Students in Online Learning due to Covid-19 Pandemic and its Impact on their Mental Health in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2819-2822
Author(s):  
Anwar A Alshammari ◽  
Abdulrahman M Alshammari ◽  
Nawaf M. Alotaibi ◽  
MD Ali Mujtaba ◽  
MD Tauquir Alam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Pharmacy Education ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Northern Border ◽  
Teaching Learning

Objective: The purpose of the survey was to gather information from students on their learning preferences prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, barriers to online education during the pandemic, and the mental and psychological effects of COVID-19 on students. Method: Applying Google Forms, a cross-sectional pharmacy student-targeted online questionnaire designed to develop. In order to ensure that only pharmacy students responded, an introductory opening inquiry of the program name used to select out non-pharmacy students. Following that, these few demographic questions are asked to the participant's present institution and program year in which the participants currently in. Results: A total 260 pharmacy students received the survey, out of total 186 replies were received from professional pharmacy students, resulting in a response rate of around 71.5%. Almost half of the students (94%) chose traditional face-to-face training, while 32.8% preferred a combination of online and face-to-face instruction, and only 16.7% liked online instruction alone. The difficulties to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak show that, Issues with in-person communication (23.7%), pandemic-related anxiety and stress (22%), time management (19.9%), experience in online education (16.7%). The majority of respondents (87%) intended to incorporate online knowledge gained during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak into their teaching/learning techniques. During the COVID-19 epidemic, we discovered that practically all students were plagued by symptoms of sadness, anxiety, tension, and poor sleep quality, with the majority suffering from significant depression (31.2 %). Conclusion: This study concludes that most of the students are in favor of incorporation and applications of online learning experiences in teaching/learning practices garnered during pandemic. Furthermore, the majority of students had changed their behavior as a result of coronavirus, while nearly half of those polled experiencing an increase in anxiety and tension. Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, online learning, mental health, Pharm.D students, Pharmacy education, face to face learning.

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