How can learning effects be measured in Balint groups? Validation of a Balint group questionnaire in China

Background Balint groups aim to reflect doctor-patient relationships on the basis of personal cases. This study reports the validation of a questionnaire aimed at the identification of learning processes among Balint group participants in China. Methods This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted during Balint group sessions in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. A heterogeneous sample of different professional groups was intended to adequately capture the reality of Balint work in China. After a Balint group session, the participants were asked to complete the Mandarin version of the Balint group session questionnaire (BGQ-C) and the group questionnaire (GQ), an internationally validated instrument to assess central dimensions of therapeutic relationships during group processes. Results Questionnaires from n = 806 participants from 55 Chinese Balint groups, predominantly comprising individuals with a medical background, were analyzed. Most participants were female (74.6%), and the average age was 34.2 years old (SD = 9.4). The results indicated good to very good reliability (Cronbach’s α = .70 to .86; retest rs = .430 to .697). The verification of the construct validity of the BGQ-C showed satisfying convergent (rs = .465 to .574) and discriminant validity (rs = -.117 to -.209). The model was tested with a confirmatory factor analysis of a three-factor model (standardized root mean square residual = .025; comparative fit index = .977; Tucker-Lewis index = .971). The 3 empirically identified scales resulted in good model fit with the theoretical dimensions of Balint work postulated in the literature: “reflection of transference dynamics in the doctor-patient relationship”, “emotional and cognitive learning” and “case mirroring in the dynamic of the group”. Due to the high correlations between the factors, a single-factor model was possible. A group comparison between the German and Chinese samples showed different loadings across cultures. Conclusions The BGQ-C is a quick-to-complete, item-based measuring instrument that allows the relevant dimensions of Balint group work to be recorded. This study suggests good psychometric properties of the Chinese version. Nevertheless, it must be assumed that the composition of constructs in the two countries is different.

Revealing Developers’ Arguments on Validating the Incidence of Code Smells: A Focus Group Experience

Identifying code smells is considered a subjective task. Unfortunately, current automated detection tools cannot deal with such subjectivity, requiring human validation. Developers tend to follow different, albeit complementary, strategies when validating the identified smells. Intending to find out developers' arguments when validating the incidence of code smells, we conducted a focus group session with developers familiar with identifying code smells. We distributed them among two groups, in which they had to argue about the incidence of a code smell: either accepting or rejecting its presence. Based on their arguments, we compiled a set of general heuristics that developers follow when validating smells. We then used these heuristics for composing validation items. We understand that the set of validation items proposed may support developers in reflecting on the incidence of code smells. However, further studies are needed for reaching a more comprehensive and optimized set. The experience of this study reveals that conducting focus group sessions is helpful to emerge the tacit knowledge of developers when validating code smells.

Effectiveness of a multifaceted prevention programme for melioidosis in diabetics (PREMEL): A stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial

Background Melioidosis, an often-fatal infectious disease caused by the environmental Gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in tropical countries. Diabetes mellitus and environmental exposure are important risk factors for melioidosis acquisition. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted prevention programme for melioidosis in diabetics in northeast Thailand. Methodology/Principal findings From April 2014 to December 2018, we conducted a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled behaviour change trial in 116 primary care units (PCUs) in Ubon Ratchathani province, northeast Thailand. The intervention was a behavioural support group session to help diabetic patients adopt recommended behaviours, including wearing rubber boots and drinking boiled water. We randomly allocated the PCUs to receive the intervention starting in March 2016, 2017 and 2018. All diabetic patients were contacted by phone yearly, and the final follow-up was December 2018. Two primary outcomes were hospital admissions involving infectious diseases and culture-confirmed melioidosis. Of 9,056 diabetics enrolled, 6,544 (72%) received a behavioural support group session. During 38,457 person-years of follow-up, we observed 2,195 (24%) patients having 3,335 hospital admissions involved infectious diseases, 80 (0.8%) melioidosis, and 485 (5%) deaths. In the intention-to-treat analysis, implementation of the intervention was not associated with primary outcomes. In the per-protocol analysis, patients who received a behavioural support group session had lower incidence rates of hospital admissions involving infectious diseases (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.89; 95%CI 0.80–0.99, p = 0.03) and of all-cause mortality (IRR 0.54; 95%CI 0.43–0.68, p<0.001). However, the incidence rate of culture-confirmed melioidosis was not significantly lower (IRR 0.96, 95%CI 0.46–1.99, p = 0.66). Conclusions/Significance Clear benefits of this multifaceted prevention programme for melioidosis were not observed. More compelling invitations for the intervention, modification of or addition to the behaviour change techniques used, and more frequent intervention may be needed. Trial registration This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02089152.

Sexual Harassment Deterrent Mechanism to Safeguard the Well-Being of Sports Practitioners

Objective - This article attempts to discuss an on-going sexual harassment deterrent initiative in safeguarding the well-being of sports practitioners in Malaysia. Methodology/Technique – The primary data used in this article is taken from a focus group session which consisted of a total of 35 participants. The main objective of this article is to discuss the results, specifically the recommendations made by focus group participants which consisted of government officers, members of NGOs, sports experts, and sports practitioners. The focus group participants firstly pin-pointed the inadequacy of current deterrent mechanisms that have failed to protect Malaysian athletes from sexual harassment such that more often than not many cases have been unreported or have simply been dismissed altogether. Following this, suggestions and recommendations were put forward by the focus group participants to improve on the mechanisms that would ensure a safe and supportive environment for all Malaysians in sport in order to eliminate all forms of sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation. Finding – Taking into consideration the suggestions and recommendations put forth by the focus group this paper suggests a 4Ps framework in order to eliminate all forms of sexual harassment and abuse in sport. Type of Paper: Empirical. JEL Classification: I310, Z32, Z280. Keywords: Safeguard; Well-being; Sports Practitioners; Sexual Harassment; Deterrent Mechanism Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Syahirah, S; Fathynah, S; Hamid, B.A; Ismail, H; Puteh, F. (2021). Sexual Harassment Deterrent Mechanism to Safeguard the Well-Being of Sports Practitioners, GATR Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review, 9(1): 50 – 57. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2021.9.1(6)

Building a precision oncology workforce by multidisciplinary and case-based learning

Background Participants in two recent National Academy of Medicine workshops identified a need for more multi-disciplinary professionals on teams to assist oncology clinicians in precision oncology. Methods We developed a graduate school course to prepare biomedical students and pharmacy students to work within a multidisciplinary team of oncology clinicians, pathologists, radiologists, clinical pharmacists, and genetic counselors. Students learned precision oncology skills via case-based learning, hands-on data analyses, and presentations to peers. After the course, a focus group session was conducted to gain an in-depth student perspective on their interprofessional training experience, achievement of the course learning outcomes, ways to improve the course design in future offerings, and how the course could improve future career outcomes. A convenience sampling strategy was used for recruitment into the focus group session. A thematic content analysis was then conducted using the constant comparative method. Results Major themes arising from student feedback were (1) appreciation of a customized patient case-based teaching approach, (2) more emphasis on using data analysis tools, (3) valuing interdisciplinary inclusion, and (4) request for more student discussion with advanced preparation materials. Conclusions Feedback was generally positive and supports the continuation and expansion of the precision oncology course to include more hands-on instruction on the use of clinical bioinformatic tools.

Comparing Eyesi Virtual Reality Simulator and Traditional Teaching Methods for Direct Ophthalmoscopy: Students' Perspectives at Indiana University School of Medicine

Background The fundus examination is an essential part of any ophthalmologic evaluation. However, medical students and primary care physicians often lack confidence with direct ophthalmoscopy. Virtual reality simulators are being employed in medical education to teach this technically challenging examination. Objective To compare medical student ratings of the Eyesi Direct Ophthalmoscope Simulator and traditional small group teaching methods for learning direct ophthalmoscopy skills. Methods All medical students at Indiana University School of Medicine traditionally learn direct ophthalmoscopy in their first 2 years during a small group session led by a physician instructor. Students who later enrolled in ophthalmology clinical electives during 2019 and 2020 were invited to additionally complete the Eyesi Direct Ophthalmoscope Simulator virtual reality curriculum. A voluntary, anonymous survey was sent between June and August 2020 to students who had completed both the traditional and Eyesi simulator sessions. Students were asked to rate their confidence in performing direct ophthalmoscopy following each session, and to indicate which teaching method was superior and why. Chi-square analysis was used to compare categorical variables. Results Students' confidence ratings for performing direct ophthalmoscopy were significantly higher following completion of the Eyesi simulator session compared with the traditional small group session (p < 0.001). Four-fifths of respondents felt that the Eyesi simulator was superior to the traditional small group for learning the skills of direct ophthalmoscopy, while one-fifth felt that the two sessions were equally effective (p < 0.001). None of the students responded that the small group session was the superior teaching method. Conclusion The Eyesi Direct Ophthalmoscope Simulator was rated highly among medical students and offers distinct learning advantages that could not be replicated in a traditional small group environment, such as providing numerous examples of pathological findings and allowing unlimited examination time without concern for patient's inconvenience or light exposure. The Eyesi simulator is a promising tool for teaching direct ophthalmoscopy to medical students. Ultimately, familiarity with the fundus examination will enable future physicians across specialties to better evaluate and appropriately refer patients with ocular fundus pathology.

Effectiveness of a multifaceted prevention programme for melioidosis in diabetics (PREMEL): a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial

ABSTRACTBackgroundMelioidosis, an often-fatal infectious disease caused by the environmental Gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in tropical countries. Diabetes mellitus and environmental exposure are important risk factors for melioidosis acquisition. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted prevention programme for melioidosis in diabetics in northeast Thailand.Methodology/Principal FindingsFrom April 2014 to December 2018, we conducted a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled behaviour change trial in 116 primary care units (PCUs) in Ubon Ratchathani province, northeast Thailand. The intervention was a behavioural support group session to help diabetic patients adopt recommended behaviours, including wearing rubber boots and drinking boiled water. We randomly allocated the PCUs to receive the intervention starting in March 2016, 2017 and 2018. All diabetic patients were contacted by phone yearly, and the final follow-up was December 2018. Two primary outcomes were hospital admissions involving infectious diseases and culture-confirmed melioidosis. Of 9,056 diabetics enrolled, 6,544 (72%) received a behavioural support group session. During 38,457 person-years of follow-up, we observed 2,195 (24%) patients having 3,335 hospital admissions involved infectious diseases, 80 (0.8%) melioidosis, and 485 (5%) deaths. In the intention-to-treat analysis, implementation of the intervention was not associated with primary outcomes. In the per-protocol analysis, patients who received a behavioural support group session had lower incidence rates of hospital admissions involving infectious diseases (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.89; 95%CI 0.80-0.99, p=0.03) and of all-cause mortality (IRR 0.54; 95%CI 0.43-0.68, p<0.001). There was a borderline evidence of a lower incidence rate of overall melioidosis in those who received a behavioural support group session (IRR 0.57; 95%CI 0.31-1.08, p=0.09).Conclusions/SignificanceReceiving the multifaceted prevention programme of melioidosis could reduce the rate of hospital admissions involving infectious diseases and mortality. Policy makers in melioidosis-endemic areas should consider implementing a melioidosis prevention programme in diabetes and continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme.Author summaryMelioidosis, an infectious disease caused by environmental bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in tropical countries. Diabetes mellitus is the most important risk factor, and routes of infection include skin inoculation, ingestion and inhalation. Prevention guidelines recommend that residents, rice farmers and visitors should wear protective gear such as rubber boots when in direct contact with soil and environmental water, and consume only boiled or bottled water. Here, we conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness of a multifaceted prevention programme of melioidosis in diabetic patients in northeast Thailand. We enrolled 9,056 diabetic patients in 2014. We randomly allocated primary care units as the unit of randomization to receive the intervention starting in March 2016, 2017 and 2018. All diabetic patients were contacted by phone yearly. We found that diabetic patients who received a behavioural support group session had lower incidence rates of hospital admissions involving infectious diseases and of all-cause mortality. We found a borderline evidence of a lower incidence rate of melioidosis in those who received the intervention. We propose that policy makers in melioidosis-endemic countries should consider implementing a melioidosis prevention programme.

Students' Perceptions towards Learning English on Earthquake Mitigation Education through Animation Video

This study purposed to improve students' soft skills, knowledge and interest in learning English through animation videos of earthquake mitigation learning. Then the significances of this study were to improve learning interest-based on students' skill in organizing material and method into the game gradually by manipulating causes of earthquake, picture, and object into the text. The methods used in this research is a combination of conventional lecturing and games; also, several selected animation videos about earthquake mitigation. The sample of this research is 45 students who come from several tribes in Papua, but they study and live together at the boarding school in SMTK GGRIP Merauke. The result of this research was most of the students have good ability in catching the material of learning fast and proactive also, good intention to participate in learning English actively by simulating causes of the earthquake, picture, and object into a text. They were confident to answer quiz both individual or in a group session. It can be concluded that the students can improve their skills, especially for English and teacher can use this alternative model to encourage students in learning English through many things around them in Papua.

“How Do You Do That?”

The conversation group session was grounded in research conducted in December 2019 and January 2020 which investigated collection development trends of theological and religious studies librarians responsible for purchasing materials for their libraries located in the United States and Canada. After briefly introducing the details of how the research was conducted and key findings, the presenters facilitated guided discussion among attendees. Prior to the conference session, the presenters pre-populated a Padlet (an online, editable platform) with questions to which small groups of conference attendees could respond. These questions centered on collection development practices and the platform created a space for attendee responses to “live” in perpetuity, functioning also as a snapshot of the collection development trends that conference attendees embody.