Transforming departmental culture: Empowering a department through Appreciative Inquiry

This article outlines an appreciative inquiry (AI) into a departmental professional development process and describes the resulting implementation of an appreciative peer evaluation meeting as one part of the new professional development process. Using AI, a departmental faculty development committee sought to re-envision the professional development process. Also, the authors discuss how using AI can result in positive impacts for culture change and the model for peer evaluation can promote both individual and collective development of faculty.

Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline update

This is a collaboration between the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), and is a scheduled update of their 2016 guideline on endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The guideline development committee included representatives from the British Society of Haematology, the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society, and two patient representatives from the charities Anticoagulation UK and Thrombosis UK, as well as gastroenterologists. The process conformed to AGREE II principles, and the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were derived using GRADE methodology. Prior to submission for publication, consultation was made with all member societies of ESGE, including BSG. Evidence-based revisions have been made to the risk categories for endoscopic procedures, and to the categories for risks of thrombosis. In particular a more detailed risk analysis for atrial fibrillation has been employed, and the recommendations for direct oral anticoagulants have been strengthened in light of trial data published since the previous version. A section has been added on the management of patients presenting with acute GI haemorrhage. Important patient considerations are highlighted. Recommendations are based on the risk balance between thrombosis and haemorrhage in given situations.

Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline update

This is a collaboration between the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), and is a scheduled update of their 2016 guideline on endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The guideline development committee included representatives from the British Society of Haematology, the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society, and two patient representatives from the charities Anticoagulation UK and Thrombosis UK, as well as gastroenterologists. The process conformed to AGREE II principles and the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were derived using GRADE methodology. Prior to submission for publication, consultation was made with all member societies of ESGE, including BSG. Evidence-based revisions have been made to the risk categories for endoscopic procedures, and to the categories for risks of thrombosis. In particular a more detailed risk analysis for atrial fibrillation has been employed, and the recommendations for direct oral anticoagulants have been strengthened in light of trial data published since the previous version. A section has been added on the management of patients presenting with acute GI haemorrhage. Important patient considerations are highlighted. Recommendations are based on the risk balance between thrombosis and haemorrhage in given situations.

ISET Expert Panel Discussion Series 2020–2021

The Innovations and Special Education Technology Professional Development Committee would like to extend its appreciation to the following leaders in the field of Special Education. Each of the following individuals volunteered to speak during the 2020–2021 ISET Expert Panel Discussion series and shared expertise on a variety of pressing topics during remote instruction due to the COVID pandemic. The information sharing is a testament to their unwavering support for the members of ISET and all of the stakeholders involved in supporting individuals with disabilities.

Geological, Biological, Cultural And Local Wisdom Heritage A Key Element Of Mersing Geopark Development

The district of Mersing is bestowed with many national and international geological heritage sites dated since 350 million years ago. The high biodiversity and uniqueness of the local culture complements the geoheritage of the area. Thus, the National Geopark Committee has chosen Mersing as a territory to be developed as a geopark. Mersing Geopark development efforts were initiated in 2017 through the Mersing Geopark Scientific and Development Committee. The entire Mersing district of 6,371 square kilometers, including the marine areas right up to the Aur Archipelago is identified as the geopark area. The geoheritage here has been identified as 22 geosites, which cover land and island areas. Important flora and fauna have also been identified as being within the protected areas. The unique and preserved traditions of life, art and culture add to the value of this geopark. Several key elements were introduced to prepare Mersing Geopark before being evaluated as a national geopark candidate in December 2018, namely governance of the geopark - management based on ‘co-management’ mechanism, nature conservation – community, community economy through geotourism activities, and public education. Many programmes and activities have been carried out to face future plans for Mersing to become a UNESCO Global Geopark. Geopark enhances natural and cultural heritage resources through integrated development, geotourism development to increase income, preservation of heritage sites and empowerment of local communities to foster a strong sense of pride and belonging to a place.

Pozycja polityki rozwojowej w pracach Parlamentu Europejskiego

The aim of the research, the results of which are presented in the article, was to determine the importance of development policy for the European Parliament. The analysis is focused on the last two terms of the EP (VII and VIII). The research uses the method of source analysis and statistical method, as well as elements of participatory observation. The research on the importance of development policy in the work of the Parliament took into account the quantitative dimension – the number of members of the Development Committee; the number of adopted reports as well as the qualitative dimension – the internal prestige of the Parliament’s bodies, the attractiveness of chairing these bodies, the degree of autonomy of development policy. The hypothesis of great importance of development policy in the work of the Parliament was not confirmed. Development policy does not occupy an important place – neither quantitatively or informally. It is less important to the majority of MPs than foreign and security policy, even though Parliament has less power in these areas than in development policy