Analysis of Clinical Experience Using Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory: Postgraduate Medical Surgical Nursing Track Students in Selected Sub-Specialties at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda

BackgroundClinical experiences provide an opportunity for nursing students to integrate theoretical knowledge into practice, and analyze their learning using a theoretical model. Students do not take this opportunity unless it is intentionally included by the facilitators. These observations from the second cohort of medical surgical nursing students with their facilitators, regarding their clinical training period in selected sub-specialties at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) aimed at developing students’ analytical and observational skills while developing clinical skills.MethodsThe study involved nine medical surgical nursing students who were in different subspecialties at CHUK from 7th January up to the 20th February, 2019. Informed observational approach and concomitant reporting were used to validate their learning and gain clinical experience. The students used Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory to analyze their experience, with the focus on innovative skills.ResultsAll medical surgical nursing students reported that they improved their knowledge and skills during clinical practice, while broadening their outlook.ConclusionKolb’s Experiential Learning Theory is useful in validating and bridging theoretical learning to clinical practice.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(3):430-436

Denture characteristics, oral hygiene practice and periodontal changes of partial denture wearers and non-denture wearers in a Teaching Hospital- A comparative study

Background: There can be localized periodontal inflammation around abutment teeth of dentures as a result of plaque accumulation. This study assessed the periodontal changes of removable partial denture wearers compared to that of non-denture wearers. Methodology: Participants were recruited from the prosthodontic and restorative outpatient clinics of Lagos University Teaching Hospital. The self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographics, denture characteristics, periodontal changes and oral hygiene practice of participants. Periodontal status assessed included gingival inflammation, plaque accumulation and tooth mobility. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 (IBM SPSS Armonk, New York) and presented as frequencies and percentages. Test for significance was done using Chi-square statistics, and the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 96 participants between age 16 and 74years were recruited with mean age of 40±14.5years. There were 56 females and 40 males (F:M; 1.4:1). Fifty-four denture wearers and forty-two non-denture wearers were recruited into the study. Among participants wearing partial denture, 49(90.7%) had gingival inflammation; 45(91.8%) had mild inflammation compared to 4.8% participants who are non-denture wearers. 29(53.7%) denture wearers had fair oral hygiene while most 31(73.8%) non-denture wearers had excellent oral hygiene. Abutment teeth in denture wearers had tooth recession; mostly on the upper arch and also posteriorly. Conclusion: The periodontal inflammation, tooth recession and mobility in denture wearers were worse compared to non-denture wearers. Thus, they need to be motivated for more adequate oral hygiene practices and have regular recall system to monitor their periodontal health.

Monitoring of bone fractured healing using biochemical markers among patients attending federal teaching hospital abakaliki and bone setter home in onueke ebonyi state, Nigeria

The monitoring of bone fractured healing using Alkaline phosphatase, calcium ion and inorganic phosphate was evaluated among patients with fractured bone in two different centers, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki and Bone Setters Home, Onueke, Ezza in Ebonyi State between August 2017 and September 2018. : A total of 90 adults patients from 18 years to 78 years were examined using phenolphthalein monophosphate colorimetric end point method. Out of the 90 patients, 30 were healthy normal subjects, another 30 were patients in AE-FUTHA while the remaining 30 patients were in bone setter home. : Patients without bone fracture had the least mean serum level of alkaline phosphatase, 28.5 ± 9.0µl followed by those admitted in bone setter home with a mean serum level of 38.2±17.9µl while patients admitted in AE-FUTHA had the highest mean serum level of 41.4±6.5µl (P&#60;0.05). The mean serum level of calcium was significantly higher 10.9± 2.6mg/dl in healthy normal patients compared to mean serum level of 9.2 ± 3.3mg/dl and 7.4 ± 1.3mg/dl for patients admitted in AE-FUTHA and bone setter home respectively. The mean serum level of inorganic phosphate indicate that patients admitted in bone setter home had the highest mean of 4.1 ± 1.0mg/dl followed by patients admitted in AE-FUTHA 3.4 ± 0.2mg/dl while that of healthy normal individuals had the least mean serum level of 3.2 ± 0.5mg/dl. : Out of the three parameters examined, alkaline phosphatase test was more precise, reliable and patient doctor friendly; hence it can be used as a veritable tool to monitor the process of bone fracture healing effectively.

Effect of trace elements in the immune system of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in alex ekwueme federal university teaching hospital

Copper, iron, selenium and zinc are important trace elements during pregnancy. They function as antioxidants and play major roles in strengthening the immune system. This study evaluates the importance of these trace elements in the immune system and their concentrations during pregnancy. These trace elements were evaluated using 75 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki as Test participants and 75 non-pregnant women were used as control participants. The analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The socio-demographic, Obstetrics and Gynaecological characteristics of the participants were obtained using questionnaire. A cross-sectional comparative study design was adopted for this. The results showed that the mean and standard deviation (M±SD) in mg / l of the test and control of trace elements (copper, iron, selenium and zinc) are; 0.13±0.03 and 0.38±0.03, 0.48±0.07 and 0.82±0.09, 0.86±0.11 and 0.94±0.07, 0.52±0.07 and 0.52±0.05 respectively. Also mean levels of Cu and Fe were significantly decreased in the pregnant women than in control (p=&#60;0.001; 0.002) respectively. Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant differences between selenium and zinc levels in the pregnant women when compared to their controls (p=0.575; 0.982) respectively. Low concentration of iron is suggestive of iron deficiency and this study revealed 65.3% non-compliance to routine iron supplement given during antenatal. Trimester, age and parity appeared not to have any significant effect on the level of these trace elements. Hence, there is need to ensure the intake well-balanced meal to optimize copper levels during pregnancy.

Challenges for nurses in caring for patients with acute encephalitis: lack of knowledge, time and rehabilitation

Aim: To explore the experiences of registered nurses providing care to adult patients affected by encephalitis, from admission into hospital through to discharge. Study design: A qualitative phenomenological methodology was used. Sample and setting: Eight registered nurses in a city centre teaching hospital. Methods: Data collection took place using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed and themes identified using framework analysis. Findings: Three key findings were identified: nurses felt that they lacked knowledge of encephalitis, lacked time to give these patients the care they needed, and they lacked access to rehabilitation for patients with encephalitis. Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence on nurses' experiences of providing care to patients affected by encephalitis. It has shown that they often lack the knowledge and time to give adequate support to patients. They also lack access to rehabilitation for these patients.

An Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of Telemedicine Among Medical Doctors in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Background: The outbreak of the novel SARS-COV-2 virus, created a paradigm shift in the practice of medicine, a speciality well known for its integration of clinical expertise and manual dexterity in the management of its patients. Telemedicine, a previously less conventional approach in developing countries, has now come to the forefront of patient care. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of telemedicine among doctors in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla in Enugu state.Methodology: A questionnaire-based survey was used to obtain relevant information among 149 doctors in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), including their knowledge and awareness of telemedicine, its relevance and impact on the clinical outcomes of patients as well as factors limiting its use. Data was analyzed and presented in tables, graphs and pie charts.Results: There were 149 doctors, who were mostly aged 15 – 30 years (63%). Most 146 (98%) have heard about telemedicine but only 100 (67.3%) have consulted using telemedicine. Doctors were more likely to employ telemedical consultation for follow-up and emergency scenarios but least likely to use telemedicine for first-time visits and the management of chronic diseases.Conclusion: There is a good knowledge of telemedicine among medical doctors in UNTH but ICT illiteracy, inadequate patient-doctor interaction, patients’ preference, lack of internet access, high cost of set-up and maintenance and ethical issues were some of the factors limiting its practice.