Continuing Education Activities Research Articles

Risk Factors of Intraoperative Pressure Injury in Adult Patients Undergoing Neurologic Surgery.

To present research investigating the incidence of and risk factors associated with intraoperative pressure injury in patients undergoing neurologic surgery at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University in China. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Identify the incidence of intraoperative pressure injuries (PIs) in patients undergoing neurologic surgery at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University in China.2. Describe risk factors for intraoperative PI.3. Outline strategies to help mitigate intraoperative PI risk.

In-Hospital Continuous Medical Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease as it is spread by contact with infected surfaces and inhalation of droplets. Several measures have been put in place to prevent the COVID-19 infection one of which is social distancing and physical distancing. Some in-hospital continuous medical education was suspended during the pandemic. Objective of Study: The objective of the study is to investigate the impact of social distancing on In-hospital continuous professional development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among doctors working in Nigeria irrespective of their cadre or location. A self-administered online questionnaire was used to generate data for this study. There was no risk of participating in the study. Results: The respondents in this study were 62. The majority 51(82.3%) had different in-hospital continuous medical education (CME) activities during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a ban in Nigeria on the gathering of more than 20 persons; the CME activities were via Zoom video conferencing 44 (71%) App. The majority of the respondents however preferred a face-to-face (physical) meeting [40(74.2%)] and also learnt better during a face-to-face meeting [46(74.2%)]. Conclusion: CME is very important in healthcare so COVID-19 did not stop it although it went through a lot of transformation in the mode it was delivered.

The Role of Continuing Education in Lifelong Learning: A Quantitative Study in Two Universities in China

This quantitative study explores the role of continuing education (CE) in fostering lifelong learning among students in two universities in China: Hunan University of Science and Technology and Changsha University of Science and Technology. The research investigates students' attitudes, perceptions, and engagement levels towards continuing education, aiming to provide insights into the effectiveness of existing CE programs and identify areas for improvement. A structured questionnaire was administered to 300 undergraduate and graduate students, utilizing Likert scale responses. Results indicate a balanced representation across gender identities, with varying levels of engagement across academic years and fields of study. The majority of respondents report prior experience with CE, indicating proactive engagement in lifelong learning activities. Findings also reveal a generally positive outlook towards lifelong learning, with high levels of agreement on the importance of self-directed learning, adaptability, and openness to new ideas. Engagement with CE activities is predominantly positive, with strong participation in industry conferences, online courses, and additional certifications. Participants perceive CE as positively influencing academic performance, career prospects, and personal growth. The study underscores the significance of integrating CE initiatives into educational frameworks to support holistic student development and promote lifelong learning. It emphasizes the importance of addressing barriers to access and enhancing skills development within CE programs to empower students for success in today's dynamic job market.

Health sciences librarians' instructional engagement in continuing education: a scoping review.

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) have an ongoing need for continuing education (CE) while Health Science Librarians (HSLs), accustomed to supporting a range of learning needs in a variety of contexts, are well situated to provide CE that addresses information retrieval, literacy, management, and more. To better understand the extent of HSL delivered CE activities, we undertook a scoping review to determine how HSLs instruct practicing HCPs in support of their CE. We searched for published and unpublished literature sources including PubMed (NCBI), Embase (Elsevier); Dissertations and Theses Global (ProQuest); CINAHL (EBSCO); Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (EBSCO); and Library Literature and Information Science Full Text (EBSCO). To identify unpublished sources, we searched the internet using Google and contacted two health sciences library listservs. We also performed backwards and forwards searching of our included sources. Our database searches yielded 4842 sources, and we retrieved an additional 579 sources through supplementary retrieval methods. After duplicate removal and screening, we included 105 sources in this review. The included sources were published between 1970 to 2021 and covered a range of topics such as searching methods and tools, critical appraisal, and many more. Those related to evidence-based practice (EBP) appeared around 2001 and bibliometrics and bioinformatics arose after 2016. Publications depicting HSLs teaching CE most commonly occurred in academic settings. The most common population taught was nurses, followed by physicians. Most sources did not report using an information literacy framework or instructional design model, undertaking needs assessments, or reporting formal objectives or assessment. While HSLs are active supporters of EBP, we need to apply the same principles to our own professional practice. Formal structure of programming and program assessment combined with clear, detailed reporting can help to build a more robust evidence base to support future CE provision.

An Internal Medicine Learning Collaborative Facilitating a Virtual Continuing Medical Education Program in Guyana and the Wider Caribbean During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To collaborate and share medical knowledge between US and Caribbean physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic via a free online continuing medical education (CME) series. Method: This was a multi-institution collaborative effort between the Southern Regional Area Health Education Center and Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, both located in North Carolina, USA, and its Caribbean partners, the Guyana Medical Council and Ministry of Health, and the University of the West Indies Medical Alumni Association, Jamaica. The lecture series ran from July 2021 to October 2022. The Zoom (Zoom Video Communications Inc., San Jose, CA, USA) meeting platform was used for the monthly lectures on the fourth Thursday between 7 and 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Results: Analysis of program data from July 2021 through October 2022 (excluding December 2021) found 1,105 unique individuals engaged in the 15 continuing education sessions. The series had a cumulative total of 2,411 participants, with a mean session participation of 161 and a range of 94 to 299 participants per lecture. An outcome survey assessing the reasons for attendance identified that the most significant factors in their participation in the series were: a) the quality of educational content (83.21%), b) the ease of access and Zoom platform (81.76%), and c) the lectures being offered at no cost (61.31%), and 80.84% gained new medical knowledge leading to practice changes. Conclusion: The Internal Medicine Learning Collaborative (IMLC) model can be easily replicated by following the steps outlined. It overcomes barriers such as travel and quarantine restrictions and is cost-effective to initiate and maintain. It allows physicians with access to resources and specialty training in the United States to share medical knowledge with colleagues in the developing world where such access may be limited, thus promoting health care and continuing education activity in their respective regions using freely available technologies.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare providers on chronic refractory cough: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivePrevious studies from outside China showed that the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of chronic refractory cough (CRC) was moderate among physicians. This study examined the KAP toward CRC in Chinese healthcare providers. MethodsThis single-center cross-sectional study was conducted at The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, from July 2022 to January 2023 and enrolled healthcare providers. The demographic characteristics and KAP scores were collected using a questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.934) developed based on CRC guidelines. ResultsThe study included 539 healthcare providers. The mean knowledge score was 8.27 ± 2.37 (maximum of 14, 59.07%), indicating poor knowledge. The highest rates of inaccuracies pertained to knowledge about the definition of chronic cough, empirical treatment methods, and potential risks of different treatments, suggesting a need for unified training in all aspects of CRC for medical staff. The mean attitude score was 49.74 ± 63.63 (maximum of 60, 82.90%), indicating favorable attitudes. Most healthcare providers believed that CRC affects normal work and life and that it would be necessary to provide more help to patients from the perspectives of drug treatment and psychological counseling. The mean practice score was 23.20 ± 6.28 (maximum of 35, 66.29%), indicating poor practice. ConclusionThis study suggests that healthcare providers in Yancheng have poor knowledge, favorable attitudes, and poor practice of CRC. This study provides points that should be targeted in future training and continuing education activities.

The Impact of Malnutrition on Skin Integrity and Wound Healing.

To recognize valuable resources from the Malnutrition Quality Improvement Initiative for acute care patients and malnutrition quality improvement measures for postacute care residents. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Distinguish the prevalence of malnutrition among acute care patients.2. Explain the assessment guidelines for identifying malnutrition.3. Identify the resources available for measuring malnutrition quality improvement.

Measuring the longitudinal impact of a transgender and gender diverse curriculum on nurse practitioner students' and nurse practitioners' cultural competence, knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are well positioned to provide inclusive, person-centered care to patients who are transgender and gender diverse (TGD); however, few NPs have been trained on how to do so. This study demonstrates the longitudinal effect of an educational intervention that used readings, lecture, a patient panel, and a standardized patient encounter on NPs' and nurse practitioner students' cultural competency, knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward patients who are TGD. The study followed participants for 3 months and used the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale version 3 tool to measure changes across three data points. Significant improvements were demonstrated in cultural competency and clinical skills, with knowledge and attitude increases that did not reach significances. The findings from this study have implications for the inclusion of TGD content in graduate nursing curriculum and continuing education activities and provide educators with best practices to integrate this content into learning activities.

Acne Vulgaris: Clinical Aspects and Treatments.

To review the clinical presentation and treatment of acne vulgaris. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Identify a differential diagnosis of acne vulgaris.2. Recognize clinical feature of various acne vulgaris subtypes.3. Specify epidemiologic characteristics of acne vulgaris.4. Select topical, systemic, and nonpharmaceutical treatment options for a patient with acne vulgaris.

An Introduction to Burn Care: The Sequel.

To review burn care, with an emphasis on burn-specific issues and treatment. 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. Select the appropriate treatment guidelines for patients who have burn injuries.2. Identify common complications of major burns.3. Choose the recommended pharmacologic approaches to burn care.

Vaccine hesitancy among physicians: a qualitative study with general practitioners and paediatricians in Austria and Germany

ObjectiveThis study aims to understand reasons for vaccine hesitancy (VH) among general practioners (GPs) and paediatricians. We aim to analyse how and when the healthcare workers (HCWs) developed vaccine-hesitant views...

Relationship between nurses' perceptions of distance in-service training activities and job motivations

Background: The use of innovative technologies in continuing education activities in nursing is important in terms of increasing the quality of care. Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between nurses’ perceptions of distance in-service training and job motivations. Study Design: This study was designed as descriptive and correlational. Methods:. This study population consisted of nurses working in rooted education-research and state hospitals that continue distance in-service training activities. The study were conducted an 703 nurses between October 2020 and January 2021. Data were collected with the “Information Form”, the “Distance In-Service Training Perception Scale” and the “Nurse Job Motivation Scale”. Findings: The nurses’ total mean scale scores were 3.21±.97 for the “Distance In-Service Training Perception Scale” and 59.98±10.01 for the “Nurse Job Motivation Scale”. This showed that the nurses’ perception towards distance in-service training and job motivations were positively above the average. Nurses’ perception towards distance in-service training and job motivations were affected by gender, marital status, education level, type of institution, work years, type of employment, way of working, unit and choosing the profession and unit willingly. The nurses’ perception towards distance in-service training weren’t affected by distance or face-to-face education methods. It was determined that there was a weak positive relationship and a statistically highly significant relationship between the nurses’ perception towards distance in-service training activities and job motivations. Conclusion: It is thought that the use of innovative teaching methods and materials in continuing training activities will contribute to the continuity of professional development and to increase job motivations.

Experiences, perceptions, and decision-making capacity towards oral biopsy among dental students and dentists

The dentist plays a crucial role in identifying oral lesions as it is their responsibility to conduct the clinical examination for diagnosing diseases in this anatomical region. Dentists should be able to perform simple oral biopsies when this procedure is necessary. However, several studies point out that dentists lack experience and perceive themselves incapable of performing biopsies. This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to assess participants' experiences and perceptions regarding a continuing education activity focused on the biopsy procedure. The secondary aim was to evaluate their ability to determine when a biopsy is indicated. The sample consisted of 228 individuals: 143 dentists and 85 undergraduate dental students who completed questionnaires related to a lecture held in May/2021, as part of the continuing educational activities of the “Red May” Project. Participants completed two questionnaires: the first assessed their experience and self-confidence in performing oral biopsies, whereas the second evaluated their capacity to define when the biopsy is indicated by means the evaluation of 10 clinical cases. The results reveal no significant difference in the percentage of correct answers between dental students and dentists. Regarding the frequency of performing the biopsy procedure, most respondents (69.7%) reported doing so rarely or never. Furthermore, while 31.6% of the participants stated that they perform biopsies depending on the case, 68.4% prefer to refer patients to specialists, such as professionals in Stomatology/Oral Medicine. These findings highlight limitations in the educational preparation of the study population concerning biopsy procedures, oral lesions, and their management. They also indicate a concerning tendency to overestimate knowledge in this area. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of continuing education and underscores the need to revise academic curricula and provide complementary education for all dental professionals.

Using a Behavioral Health Integration Model in a Family Nurse Practitioner Residency.

Primary care serves as an entry point for many patients to access health care services, especially those who reside in medically underserved areas. Because an initiative exists for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) to fill primary care gaps in medically underserved areas, they must be included in educational strategies to provide quality behavioral health care within their scope of practice. An academic-practice partnership was used to provide FNP residents the opportunity to learn to work within their scope of practice in a behavioral health integration model. The residents noted satisfaction with the learning environment, supervisory relationship, and role of the faculty. Innovative continuing education activities are needed to prepare novice FNPs to safely practice and enter into a health care workforce pipeline focused on reducing disparities in medically underserved areas. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(4):203-208.].

Rosacea: Clinical Aspects and Treatments.

To review the clinical presentation and treatment of rosacea. 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. Distinguish the clinical manifestations of rosacea subtypes.2. Identify pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options for patients who have rosacea.

Pendekatan Program Mother Smart Grounding (MSG) dalam Pencegahan Stunting pada Anak dan Modifikasi Makanan Sehat

The stunting rate in Indonesia is 21.6%. This figure is based on the results of the 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI), the stunting rate decreased by 2.8% from 2021, while the government's target for 2024 is that the stunting rate in Indonesia is 14%, for this reason the government has made various efforts to meet the target. 2024. Based on data from the Jambi Provincial Health Service in 2018, for Jambi Province, the stunting prevalence rate was 30.1% with the highest percentage of stunting found in West Tanjung Jabung Regency (44%) and the lowest in Sarolangun Regency 18.8%, for Jambi City the figure Stunting incidence 26.2%. Catfish has important nutritional benefits in preventing stunting in toddlers. Apart from catfish containing high nutritional value, catfish is a type of fish that is easy to find and cheap. So the consumption of catfish is an effort to overcome stunting in toddlers that can be reached by both upper and lower classes of society. Apart from that, in efforts to overcome stunting, the community needs to be given an understanding of the importance of nutrition for toddlers and early childhood, namely by providing education to mothers of toddlers and early childhood with the Mother Smart Grounding (MSG) program at Mukti Tama Kindergarten, Jambi City, targeting mothers. Teachers of Mukti Tama Kindergarten students. Activities are carried out by: Lectures, Visual Presentations, group discussions. Results: an increase in the average knowledge of mothers and parents of Mukti Tama KB Kindergarten children with an average of 2.0. Conclusion: Most of the participants, 85%, responded very well to the material provided. There needs to be continuous health education activities in coordination between kindergartens and health workers holding the KIA program in the PKM Simpang Kawat work area.

Application of artificial neural networks in assigned leadership and academic success in medical graduates.

To apply an artificial neural networks analysis (ANN) model to identify variables that predict assigned leadership and academic success in graduates of six generations of medical school. Analytical, retrospective, comparative study. A total of 1434 graduates participated. A questionnaire was sent to them by e-mail including a voluntary participation consent. A multivariate statistical analysis using multi-layer perceptron ANN, decision trees and driver analysis was performed. The ANN identified seven independent variables that predicted professional success and eight for leadership in medical graduates. The decision trees identified significant differences in the variables professional performance (p = 0.000), age (p = 0.005) and continuing education activities (p = 0.034) related to professional success, and for leadership the variables gender (p = 0.000), high school grades (p = 0.042), performing clinical practice during the social service year (p = 0.002) and continuing education activities (p = 0.011). The ANN identified the main independent predictor variables of professional success and leadership of the graduates. This study opens up two new lines of research little studied with the techniques of in the area of medicine.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Scabies Among Pharmacy Students

Scabies is a skin condition caused by infestation with the Sarcoptes scabies mite. This condition is highly contagious and easily spreads through close physical contact. Scabies affects individuals of all ages, races, and socioeconomic statuses. Typically, symptoms of scabies appear two to six weeks after infestation. The most common symptom is itching, which tends to worsen at night. This itching is usually accompanied by a rash that presents as raised, red, scaly spots, and in some cases, blisters.From the collected responses, it was observed that the students displayed a degree of uncertainty regarding the treatment of the disease. In light of this, the study suggests that additional continuous medical education activities could be beneficial. Organizing camps in hostels, conferences, and field visits are proposed as effective methods to enhance the understanding and knowledgeofpharmacystudents in managing scabies cases. This is an online cross-sectional study. The study was conducted over a six-month period. A comprehensive questionnaire-based review was conducted and the data were coded and recorded in an MS Excel spreadsheet to facilitate data analysis. The results of the study indicate that the knowledge, attitude, and practices of pharmacy students regarding scabies were generally good.

The Emerging Role of Reinforcement in the Clinician's Path from Continuing Education to Practice

Introduction: Continuing education (CE) activities may affect clinicians' knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, and/or performance. Studies have suggested that self-efficacy may moderate or mediate the relationship between knowledge/competence and performance. Some results have shown that increases in knowledge/competence contributed to increases in self-efficacy. However, clinicians do not always learn something “new” when they participate in CE activities; rather, their knowledge or skills may be reinforced. This study examined whether self-efficacy was greater when clinicians reinforced what they already knew compared with when they learned something new. Methods: Hierarchical linear modeling was conducted to examine the moderating role of status of knowledge/competence post-CE (reinforced/improved) in the relationship between post-CE knowledge/competence score and self-efficacy across 153 online continuing medical education- and/or CE-certified activities. Results: The hierarchical linear modeling showed that learners with higher post-CE scores have higher post–self-efficacy ratings. Reinforced learners had higher post-CE–self-efficacy ratings than improved learners, controlling for post-CE score. Discussion: This study contributes to an expanded understanding of the path from CE to practice. There was benefit to self-efficacy for learners who reinforced but did not improve their knowledge/competence. This study also suggests that pre-post questions can be considered part of the learning process.

Do the attitudes and practices of Australian pharmacists reflect a need for education and training to provide care for people who are transgender?

Many transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people access care through community pharmacy in Australia. However, there is limited information available about the role of Australian pharmacists in providing care for TGD people. To explore the attitudes, practices, and training needs of pharmacists in the provision of care for TGD people in Australia. Pharmacists Australia-wide were invited to participate in an online survey through Facebook, e-newsletters of pharmacy organizations and a professional pharmacy journal. Quantitative data were analysed for descriptive and inferential statistics. A Fisher exact test was used to investigate associations between two variables. Results with P value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Content analysis was used to analyse data from free-text responses. Of the 169 respondents, the majority were female (75.1%), aged below 40 years (74%) and with less than 10 years of working experience as a pharmacist (58%). Although 95% of the sample agreed that they had an important role in the provision of care for TGD people, only 29.6% were confident about their knowledge of pharmacotherapeutic treatments for gender affirmation. Only 2.4% had received education about TGD care at university, and only 5.3% received any TGD healthcare training over the past 5 years. Although pharmacists had a positive attitude and recognized their role in TGD care, they expressed a lack of confidence in their knowledge to be a barrier to providing quality care. Most recommended the need for more education about TGD healthcare in pharmacy curricula and continuous professional education activities.