Continuing Education Activities Research Articles

Patient-centered Outcomes for Individuals with a Venous Leg Ulcer: A Scoping Review

To summarize randomized clinical trials addressing patient-centered outcomes of individuals with a venous leg ulcer. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Summarize the results of the review of randomized controlled trials addressing patient-centered outcomes of individuals with a venous leg ulcer.2. Identify the limitations of the research analyzed for the review.

WHAT IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ABOUT SCOLIOSIS?

To evaluate the knowledge about scoliosis in teachers of municipal public schools. In total, 126 professionals were interviewed using a standard questionnaire containing issues related to scoliosis. 31% of interviewees did not know what scoliosis is. Of those who knew 89.65% were partially correct about the definition. Of those who claimed to know how the scoliosis diagnosis is made, only 25.58% were completely correct. When questioned about the Adams test, 84.9% did not know it. Among the interviewees, 57.9% answered that it is impossible to identify scoliosis by a simple examination of their students and, off these, 86.3% stated the lack of knowledge about the subject; and 92.1% considered that training for the diagnosis and early identification of scoliosis in students. This study holds social impact since the interviewed teachers were not knowledgeable about the subject and had difficulty in providing a definition of the condition and in how to proceed with the investigation. Continuous education activities and the inclusion of this subject on the curricula of teacher education programs would improve the early diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis, with high success rates. Level of Evidence IV, Economic and Decision Analyses.

ASSISTÊNCIA AO POTENCIAL DOADOR DE ÓRGÃOS EM MORTE ENCEFÁLICA EM PRONTO-SOCORRO ADULTO: PERSPECTIVA CONVERGENTE-ASSISTENCIAL

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate situations that interfere with health professionals’ performance, in the identification and maintenance of potential brain-dead donors in an Adult Emergency Care Unit, and to indicate actions, from the health team’s perception, that can promote care for these patients. Method: this is a qualitative, convergent care research, carried out with health professionals from an adult emergency unit, a large public teaching hospital located in southern Brazil. Data were collected between February 2020 and January 2021 through structured participant observation, semi-structured interview and convergence group. Data analysis was performed according to the stages of gathering, synthesis, theorization and transfer. Results: based on data analysis, the difficulties in caring for brain-dead persons, lack of information, inadequate structure and difficulties in the work process were identified as situations that interfere with health professionals’ performance in relation to brain-dead potential donors. Actions were signaled to promote care for these people through continuing education activities on the subject, dissemination of information, construction of technologies/protocols, organization of infrastructure and the work process with support for professionals who assist these people. Conclusion: it was evidenced that professional education, the organization of the donation process and systematized actions to improve the work are fundamental factors for the effective care for brain-dead potential organ donors.

A perspectiva de egressos e de outros atores envolvidos sobre uma formação em serviços farmacêuticos na Atenção Primária à Saúde

The objective was to analyze the contributions of the course on Primary Health Care Services offered in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, especially regarding strengths and weaknesses for professional practices and work management, considering the perspective of graduates and other stakeholders. Data were obtained between 12/11/2020 and 01/29/2021 from focus group meetings and electronic questionnaires containing self-reported structured and semi-structured questions, answered by 109 (33,2%) graduates. Strengths were identified, such as ‘expanded knowledge’ and ‘improved professional performance and/or conduct’, as well as weaknesses, such as the workload. Although with a low hourly workload and under the challenge of making continuing education activity compatible with the workload, it can be concluded that the course managed to promote the development of competencies in its aspects of being, knowing and doing.

Fungating Malignancies: Management of a Distinct Wound Entity.

To provide information on the surgical management of fungating malignancies as a distinct wound entity. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Identify characteristics of patients in a study examining the treatment of fungating malignancies.2. Select common symptoms experienced by patients with fungating malignancies.3. Explain issues related to the surgical treatment of fungating malignancies.4. Identify a reason why patients with fungating breast masses may avoid medical care.

Beliefs and Sociodemographic and Occupational Factors Associated with Vaccine Hesitancy among Health Workers.

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy has been implicated in the low-vaccination coverage in several countries. Knowledge about vaccine hesitancy predictors in health workers is essential because they play a central role in communication about the importance and safety of vaccines. This study aimed to assess beliefs and sociodemographic and occupational factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in health workers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 453 health workers in primary and medium complexity services in a municipality in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The variable vaccine hesitancy was operationalized based on the answers related to incomplete vaccination against hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella, and diphtheria and tetanus. Associations between variables were expressed as prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Endemic disease combat agents, administrative service workers, and support staff had the highest levels of vaccine hesitancy. Among the analyzed variables, the following were associated with vaccine hesitancy: working in secondary health care services (PR: 1.21; CI: 1.07-1.36), working as an endemic disease combat agent (PR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.165-1.75), not sharing information about vaccines on social media (PR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.05-1.28), distrusting information about vaccinations (PR: 0.86; CI: 0.75-0.99), and not feeling safe receiving new vaccines (PR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06-1.28). Conclusions: Strategies to enhance confidence in vaccination among health workers should consider differences in occupations and their working settings. Improving vaccination-related content in training and continuing education activities and facilitating access to onsite vaccinations at the workplace are crucial elements to reduce vaccine hesitancy among health workers.

Motivational factors influencing nurses’ participation in continuing education sessions: A hospital-based study

In order to stay up-to-date in the nursing field, nurses must pursue continuous education. This study examined nurses’ motivations to take part in continuing education activities by conducting a survey amongst a sample of nurses employed in two hospitals in south-east Morocco. The survey was carried out using a two-part self-administered questionnaire. Out of 144 nurses who received the questionnaire, 118 (84%) replied. The results showed that the majority of nurses have never participated in a continuing education session in the last 3 years. Respondents’ motivation for continuing education was mainly intrinsic, with the emphasis on factors related to professional competence and knowledge seeking. The use of such results can therefore be of great use to both managers and practitioners in planning continuing education programmes. However, it is desirable that more studies take place to investigate further the issue of continuing education with the aim of promoting and developing professional nursing skills.

Permanent education in nursing care in the maintenance of the central venous catheter of peripheral insertion

Objective: To report a continuing education activity on the maintenance of PICC developed by nurses and nursing students in an oncology hospital. Methods: This is a study of the type of experience report based on Problematization following the five stages of the Maguerez Arch. In the observation, the use of PICC was verified in the hospital therapy protocol, and the complexity of its use was considered, focusing on the need for updating on care. For the theorization, a literature review was performed. In the fourth stage, a permanent education was defined as an approach with professionals. The activity occurred with the realization of a Quiz and explanation of the content with the didactic material produced. Results: Quiz questions and material targeted activity. The team demonstrated to know the answers, and it was up to the mediator to complement the subject. The activity has given way to the standardization of catheter procedures and care, in addition to the sharing of experience among professionals. Conclusion: In the use of PICC, improving care promotes the prevention of complications and effective care. The continuity of developing the theme is necessary, because the improvement of the professional needs to be continuous.

Continuing Education Activities: November/December 2022.

Continuing Education Activities: November/December 2022.

Does Sacrococcygeal Skeletal Morphology and Morphometry Influence Pressure Injury Formation in Adults?

To present a study that investigated sacrococcygeal skeletal structure as a possible nonmodifiable intrinsic risk factor for pressure injury and identify possible issues caused by its morphology. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Recognize the background information the authors considered when planning and conducting their study of sacrococcygeal skeletal structure as a possible pressure injury risk factor.2. Identify the characteristics of the two groups of study participants.3. Choose the results of the study clinicians may consider when implementing evidence-based practice.

The Impact of Educational Intervention on Junior Dentists' Capacity to Detect Oral Mucosal Lesions and Suspect Malignant Potential.

This study aimed to assess the impact of Continuing Education (CE) activity on junior dentists' competency to identify oral mucosal abnormalities those suggestive of oral cancer or potentially malignant disorders. This multiphase study administered a pre-validated quiz to dental interns and junior dentists. The quiz was designed to assess the respondent's competency to recognize different oral lesions and stratify their potential for malignancy. Invited candidates attempted the quiz and then attended an informative half-day workshop focused on identifying oral mucosal changes, diagnosing various oral lesions, and recognizing the risk factors and features that suggest the malignant potential of oral lesions. The post-intervention survey was sent to the workshop attendees by 7 months. 67 out of 110 invitees attended the workshop, with an overall response rate of 60.1%. In the initial quiz, the overall accuracy of diagnosis was 55.1±9.04%. The participants correctly identified most normal variations (80.60±5.05), but less than half of the benign lesions (40.96±8.30) and potentially malignant lesions (43.62±6.02). The malignant lesions were correctly diagnosed by 55.22±3.98% of the participants. The CE intervention has improved the overall diagnostic accuracy (74.81±5.84% (p,0.015); benign to 70.18±6.68% (p,0.02), the potentially malignant lesions to 62.99±4.63% (p,0.01). This study highlights the importance of CE activity in improving the role of dentists in the detection of oral cancer. CE activity has remarkably enhanced the junior dentists' ability to accurately diagnose various oral lesions and effectively stratify their malignant potential.

Influence of personal, professional and motivational factors in participation of nurses in continuing education

Background: continuing education allows for updating in post-graduation training. A direct relationship has been observed between attendance to such training and improvement of nursing practice. Aim: to find out how personal, professional and motivational factors of nursing professionals influence participation in continuing education in a health care institution. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out in nurses from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. For the measurement of motivational factors, the Reasons for Participation Scale and the Instrument of Motivational Factors for Attendance to Continuing Education Courses were used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: there was a predominance of participants over 30 years of age (82,9 %), female sex (85,2 %) and with a partner (66,1 %). The Ji-square test showed that personal and professional factors do not affect the participation of nurses in continuing education. A relationship was found between economic level and the number of hours of continuing education in the last year (p<0,001). The motivational factors associated with participation in continuing education were: professional development and improvement (p=0,026) and professional service (p=0,001). Conclusions: nurses' personal and professional factors do not influence their participation in continuing education. Professional development and improvement and professional service are the motivational factors associated with participation in continuing education activities

Understanding decision-making and educational need in the management of pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe asthma: analysis of a US-based clinician survey

Background: Asthma creates a substantial burden on the pediatric healthcare system, particularly by those with moderate-to-severe disease. As few studies have been published specific to clinician evaluation and management of this population, this analysis serves to begin to identify educational needs and potential clinical impact.Methods: We conducted a case-based survey of US general pediatric (n = 227), allergy (n = 158), and pediatric pulmonology (n = 70) clinicians to understand the current approach to management of pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe asthma.Results: Results show inconsistencies in guideline adherence, identification of disease severity and control, referral practices, and knowledge of phenotypes, which may impact clinical decision making. While most clinicians refer to guidelines when managing pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe asthma, there is no preferred set, and they find the guidelines to be moderately useful. General pediatricians are more likely than specialists to have difficulty distinguishing control and severity and may not be familiar with the concept of asthma phenotype. Most surveyed pediatricians indicated they refer patients to a specialist, but did not always do so in the cases. Clinicians have little consensus on the best approach to manage patients with uncontrolled symptoms after optimized therapy. Many clinicians may have uncertainty about how elevated eosinophils or FeNO could affect patient management. Further, there may be gaps in incorporating parents and pediatric patients into shared decision-making in their care.Conclusions: Understanding the needs of those managing patients with moderate-to-severe asthma is critical to developing effective continuing education activities to improve patient outcomes.

Infectious Diseases Management in Wound Care Settings: Common Causative Organisms and Frequently Prescribed Antibiotics.

To provide information about the management of infected wounds in wound care settings. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Identify a host factor that may predispose a patient to a wound infection as well as characteristics of each stage of wound infection.2. Distinguish a common organism that causes early, acute wound infections and explain the preferred method for obtaining a wound specimen for culture.3. Apply knowledge of commonly prescribed antibiotics in wound care settings.

Deep caries removal strategies: Findings from The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network

BackgroundThe International Caries Consensus Collaboration (ICCC) has published recommendations on carious tissue removal to treat cavitated carious lesions in a manner that preserves hard tissue and retains teeth long term. This study quantifies The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network dentists’ use of selective caries removal. MethodsThis cross-sectional questionnaire study assessed reported use of selective caries removal when treating deep caries in asymptomatic and symptomatic teeth in response to clinical case scenarios. Statistical methods included the proportion of respondents concordant with ICCC guidelines at various thresholds and logistic regression to model factors associated with concordance. ResultsA total of 500 dentists responded. The study sample was 57% male, mean (SD) age was 50.9 (12.6) years, and 60% worked in private practice settings. Higher levels of concordance for choosing selective caries removal 50% or greater of the time were found for asymptomatic (62.4%; 95% CI, 57.6 to 67.2) than for symptomatic caries (49.3%; 95% CI, 44.4 to 54.2). These differences were significantly associated with type of practice setting. ConclusionsThe National Dental Practice-Based Research Network dentists reported using selective caries removal strategies when managing deep carious lesions more often than in previous US and Japanese practice-based research network studies and from results of a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nonetheless, substantive discordance with the ICCC guidelines was seen by the authors of this study. Practical ImplicationsMore dissemination and continuing education activities, as well as implementation studies, may further encourage use of selective caries removal to soft or firm dentin when indicated.

Evaluation of clinical versus non-clinical continuing education in terms of preferences and value for oral healthcare workers

ABSTRACT Background Continuing professional development (clinical) and continuing education (non-clinical) is fundamental to education and self-improvement of all categories of staff within a large healthcare facility. Aim This study sought to examine the attendance preferences and perceived value of clinical and non-clinical oral healthcare workers towards clinical continuing professional development (CPD) and non-clinical, continuing education (CE) activities. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional survey design was used capturing 8640 self-reported evaluations collected across 8 successive years and 160 CPD and CE activities in a large dental hospital. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics including mean scores, independent t-test and cross tabulations using chi-square. Results A strongly significant association (p < 0.001) was found between attendee position type (clinical or non-clinical) and attendance preference to either clinical or non-clinical education. Dental assistants, compared to Dentist/Specialist (p < 0.001) found the programs more accurate, relevant, improved their knowledge, would use what was learned and rated the sessions higher overall. Clinical CPD was deemed more relevant (p = 0.025) and improved knowledge (p = 0.01) while non-clinical CE had higher presenter quality (p < 0.001) and overall mean scores (p = 0.015). Conclusion There was a preference towards attending clinical CPD over non-clinical CE, by not only clinical, but also non-clinical oral healthcare workers. Non-clinical CE was scored higher by both clinical and non-clinical participants and should therefore be considered for inclusion in CPD education programs with similar settings.

Genital Examination of the Prepubertal Female: Essentials for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

Genital Examination of the Prepubertal Female: Essentials for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

Capturing Essentials in Wound Photography Past, Present, and Future: A Proposed Algorithm for Standardization.

To discuss a standardized methodology for wound photography with a focus on aiding clinicians in capturing high-fidelity images. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will be able to:1. Discriminate the components of high-quality wound photography.2. Identify the technological innovations that can augment clinical decision-making capacity.3. Choose strategies that can help clinicians avoid adverse medicolegal outcomes.

USE OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL PAIN RELIEF METHODS IN LABOR

Objective: to analyze the practice of using non-pharmacological pain relief methods during labor. Method: a quantitative and descriptive cross-sectional study developed from December 2019 to September 2020 in a Maternal and Child Nursing Service from southern Brazil. A total of 560 medical charts were analyzed and data collection took place in the institutional database. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for normality of the variables and, for associations, the t test for independent samples, chi-square or Fischer’s exact test. Results: It was found that 164 (29.3%) of the parturients resorted to at least one type of method, the most used being hydrotherapy with 137 (24.5%), change of position with 124 (22.1%) and breathing exercises with 121 (21.6%). There was a significant association (p&lt;0.05) between methods, type of delivery, pregnancy and parity. Conclusion: This study highlights the profile of parturients who benefit from these practices and exposes the low frequency of their use, showing a promising area for studies and continuing education activities.

Continuing Education Activities: September/October 2022.

Continuing Education Activities: September/October 2022.