Continuing Education Programs Research Articles

A Theoretical Review on Non-Formal Education and Women Empowerment in Bhutan

The exponential growth of the formal education system, albeit literacy, has remained a far-fetched ideology for many Bhutanese, especially among adult women and men in the less-sourced parts of the country. Therefore, non-formal education in Bhutan has been a critical and essential strategy for inclusion and empowerment of a sizeable population of citizens who missed the opportunity to acquire literacy due to several factors; including social, economic, and occupational circumstances at the time of their regular schooling. The non-formal education program, conducted through a somewhat structured network of learning centers across the country, has grown in relevance and popularity over the years. It is viewed as a significant enabler of learning, surpassing its original goal of promoting the national language, Dzongkha. The non-formal education programme has emerged as a veritable tool for self-realization and participation in local governance, social economic activities for the women in an increased space created by the advent of democracy. Thus, non-formal education has proven to be beneficial not only in enhancing literacy and numeracy but also as a crucial means of conveying important messages regarding issues that impact people's lives and broader societal concerns. We were able to delve into extensive research carried out by other researchers as our mode of collecting data for analysis. Our findings culminated to the fact that, till date the Non-formal Education (NFE) and Continuous Education (CE)programme have benefitted about 170,000 and 11,000 learners respectively. Numerous success stories illustrate how the program has transformed the lives of individuals, particularly in rural Bhutan. The programme helped to read and write, take better care of family, do simple calculations and helped toestablish small businesses.However, the drop-out numbers from the programme are significant and the reasons cited range from closure of centers following the departure of the instructor, competing claims of housework, distance to learning centers, shortage of helping hands, to perceptions of gender roles.Recommendations have been put forward to ensure that the programme is beneficial to the society, is viable and experiences longevity.

Analysing the continuing education needs of Swiss in-company trainers: An approach based on the latent class analysis

In the Swiss dual vocational education and training (VET) system, access to continuing ‘extra-professional’ education for in-company trainers remains relatively limited, despite their acknowledged pedagogical role. Accordingly, this study examined the continuing education needs of in-company trainers by analysing their postures in relation to different continuing-education offerings. Hence, an online questionnaire was completed by in-company trainers (n = 5 295) across Switzerland. The survey questions focused on a number of varied themes and characteristics of continuing education programmes. Latent class analyses enabled us to identify four classes of in-company trainer, distinguished by their relationship with continuing education (‘thirsty for continuing education’ vs ‘indifferent for continuing education’), on the one hand, and by their relationship with the trainer’s function (‘apprentices’ caretaker’ vs ‘dedicated to the trainer’s function’), on the other. Several differences were highlighted regarding the socio-demographic characteristics and preferences for practical courses between the four classes. Our study provides an insight into this population’s heterogeneity and a finer distinction between attitudes existing among in-company trainers about continuing education. In addition, these findings reflect the challenge of recognising in-company trainers as pedagogical figures for apprentices, and not merely as ‘occupation transmitters’. Based on the results, some practical implications for the field are also raised.

Unveiling the Gaps: Analyzing Family Physicians' Perspectives on Infectious Disease Notification in Türkiye.

This study aimed to assess the opinions, attitudes, and behaviors of family physicians in Türkiye regarding mandatory communicable disease notification. Cross-sectional study. A national online survey in Türkiye. This study was conducted among 397 family physicians from different geographical regions in Türkiye. Family physicians' opinions, attitudes, and behaviors regarding infectious disease notification. The majority of family physicians (69.3%) felt inadequate in terms of knowledge about the notification system and 70.3% desired post-graduation training on communicable disease reporting. About one-third of the participants were dissatisfied with the current notification system. Reasons for under-reporting included lack of time, lack of feedback, and uncertainty about post-notification procedures. Factors significantly associated with higher infectious disease notification attitude scores (IDNAS) were receiving training on communicable disease reporting, feeling competent about reporting, and being satisfied with the reporting system (P <.001). However, physicians who admitted choosing a different ICD code to avoid filling out an infectious disease notification form had lower IDNAS scores (P <.001). This study highlights knowledge gaps and negative attitudes among family physicians in Türkiye regarding infectious disease reporting. Addressing these challenges requires continuous education and training programs. Feedback mechanisms should be improved to enhance physicians' engagement in the notification process. Reducing the workload of family physicians and simplifying the reporting process may also contribute to higher compliance with mandatory communicable disease reporting.

Impact of an Educational Workshop on Dietitians’ and Dietetics Students’ Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, and Assessment Skills in Fluid and Electrolyte Management

Hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining health and physiological functions, yet dehydration contributes to morbidity in chronic diseases. Despite the importance of hydration management, research indicates that healthcare professionals, including dietitians, lack sufficient training and confidence in this area. This study aimed to assess the impact of an educational workshop on dietitians' and dietetic students' self-efficacy, knowledge, and assessment skills related to hydration and electrolyte management. A non-randomized, pre-post observational study was conducted among 191 dietitians and dietetic students attending a half-day continuing education program in Ghana. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys assessing self-efficacy, knowledge, and assessment skills. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate changes in scores. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 29, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Out of 191 participants, 141 completed both pre- and post-surveys. Significant improvements were observed in self-efficacy (hydration: Z = 8.64, p &lt; 0.001; electrolytes: Z = 8.66, p &lt; 0.001), assessment skills (Z = 7.57, p &lt; 0.001), and knowledge (Z = 7.45, p &lt; 0.001). Both dietitians and students showed similar improvements across all variables. The workshop significantly enhanced participants' confidence, knowledge, and assessment skills in hydration and electrolyte management, addressing critical gaps in their professional training. The findings underscore the need for ongoing, interprofessional education in hydration care. Targeted educational interventions can effectively improve healthcare professionals’ abilities to manage hydration, with implications for better patient care outcomes. Further research is needed to expand these findings across diverse settings.

Impact of a Nutrition and Diabetes Continuing Education Program on Primary Care Provider's Knowledge, Attitude, and Clinical Practice.

Diet/nutrition is the first-line non-pharmacological therapy in the treatment of diabetes. Diet/nutrition counseling is infrequently provided by primary care providers (PCPs), who have limited nutrition education in both medical and advanced practice provider curricula. This quality improvement project aimed to improve knowledge and attitude, and frequency of diet/nutrition counseling by PCPs among patients with uncontrolled diabetes (glycosylated hemoglobin A1c ≥8%), by providing an online continuing medical education (CME) program on diabetes diet/nutrition. At a community health center in New England, PCPs attended a live 50-minute online CME program that was developed internally, which taught PCPs current diet/nutrition guidelines and recommendations related to diabetes. Knowledge was assessed prior to and two weeks following the program, utilizing a 10-question tool, the Nutrition Management of Diabetes Assessment (NMDA). Similarly, attitude was evaluated using two subscales of the Nutrition in Patient Care Survey (NIPS): Nutrition in routine care and Physician efficacy. Chart audits of patients with uncontrolled diabetes were evaluated to assess PCPs documentation of diet/nutrition counseling four weeks prior to and six weeks following the CME program. In September 2023, PCPs (n = 29) completed the CME program. There was an improvement in knowledge in the NMDA amongst PCPs (36% difference, p < 0.001). Attitude scores from two subscales of the NIPS were evaluated and both showed improvement, however only physician efficacy was significant (15% difference, p < 0.01). There was a positive difference in the trend of diet/nutrition counseling after the education program (p < 0.05). An online CME program improved diabetes diet/nutrition knowledge and attitude of PCPs and improved counseling practices for patients living with uncontrolled diabetes. The education program provided PCPs current standards of care guidelines/recommendations, which they can utilize when counseling patients with diabetes. PCPs would benefit from dedicated continuing education programs regarding diet/nutrition therapy for chronic illnesses.

Cancer genetic counseling in Chile: Addressing barriers, confronting challenges, and seizing opportunities in an underserved Latin American Community.

IntroductionDespite the rapid advancements in genomics and the enactment of a new cancer law in Chile, the implementation of cancer genetic counseling continues to face significant challenges due to limited resources and infrastructure. MethodsWe conducted a survey targeting healthcare providers who offer genetic counseling to cancer patients and possess training in genetics and counseling. Additionally, we distributed a separate survey to high-risk patients associated with an advocacy group to gather insights on their perceptions of and experiences with cancer genetic counseling. ResultsAmong the surveyed providers, 21% were non-medical professionals who developed their skills through postgraduate continuing education programs. Germline testing was not performed in 47% of cases. Among the participants, 37% considered genetic counseling important for understanding the cause of their cancer, 25% valued knowing their risk of developing future tumors, and 33% believed it would benefit their current cancer treatment. Just over half of the patients (54%) had access to genetic counseling. Among those that received genetic counseling, 85% found it beneficial. ConclusionIn Chile, barriers to genetic counseling persist, particularly in rural areas and due to a shortage of trained professionals. Public policies recognizing genetic counseling's importance are crucial, along with expanding training and infrastructure. Understanding patient perceptions and increasing the number of trained genetic counseling into cancer care, educating clinicians, and advocating for increased access are key steps for enhancing cancer treatment effectiveness in Chile.

A call for further study and use of transformational leadership in pharmacy education and practice: Hope and reinvigoration

This paper calls for further study of transformational leadership and its further use in educating PharmD students as well as inclusion of continuing education programming and mentoring the behaviours of current pharmacists. It does not present an argument for reduction in use or diminishment of other leadership theories, many of which have at least some overlap with transformational leadership. Rather, emphasis on transformation leadership might be one of many solutions to challenges plaguing the profession currently, with some sense of negativity and challenging workplace conditions among many pharmacists; support personnel and drug shortages; and a need for more collegial citizenship behaviors and stronger organizational culture. Transformative leadership behaviors and communication, versus others particularly more transactional in nature, envisage a future for the entire profession as well as for the individuals who comprise them, articulate the value of the contributions made by the employee, and help imbue a sense of professional identity. These are things sorely needed in the modern workplace and are either explicitly stated or tacitly implied in educational standards and professional competencies. A recent study on transformational leadership as measured by the Multifactorial Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) found more parsimonious structures toward the definition of transformational leadership and the outcomes resulting from its use, which actually makes it easier to discern and thus even more applicable to incorporate into models of pharmacy education and practice. The time to further study and employ transformational leadership is now.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives from Providers of Continuing Pharmacy Education

Abstract: Although continuing education (CE) plays an important role in educating health care providers on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), little is known about the DEI initiatives promoted and implemented by providers of CE. Surveys were electronically administered to accredited pharmacy continuing education providers (CEPs) from 2021 to 2023. Survey items were assessed providers' current efforts and best practices for incorporating DEI into organizational culture and educational programming. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical responses, and a general interpretivist approach was used to code open-ended response items and describe themes. Overall, 50 and 33 responses were received in 2021/2022 and 2023, respectively. The most common step taken by programs to advance DEI was to engage pharmacists and/or pharmacy technicians in DEI discussions. Qualitative analysis described categories and themes as follows: best practices (CE programming DEI strategies, organizational DEI strategies), DEI goals (mission statement and DEI strategic plan, developing CE, continuing pharmacy education committee and task force, and faculty development and guidance), and accrediting body support (sharing best practices and training and technical support). Although CEPs described current efforts and best practices related to DEI in CE, organizations involved in CE accreditation can continue to explore ways to support DEI initiatives.

NURSING KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF PRESSURE ULCER

Pressure ulcers are a significant concern in healthcare settings, particularly patients with limited mobility. Nurses play a critical role in preventing pressure ulcers through early identification and intervention. However, the effectiveness of preventive measures largely depends on nurses' knowledge and practices regarding pressure ulcer prevention. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of nurses working in tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan regarding the prevention of pressure ulcers. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 129 nurses at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included demographic variables, knowledge, and practice sections related to pressure ulcer prevention. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, and inferential statistics were applied to analyse the associations between knowledge, practices, and demographic variables. Results: Most participants were female (86.8%) and between the ages of 26 and 30 (55.0%). Most nurses had 1-3 years of experience (79.8%), and 38% held a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While 62.8% of the nurses correctly identified that pressure ulcers result from unrelieved pressure for more than three hours, only 42.6% consistently used a risk assessment scale for pressure ulcer prevention. Significant gaps in knowledge and practice were observed, particularly regarding implementing prevention strategies. Conclusion: The findings indicate that while nurses in tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan have a basic understanding of pressure ulcer prevention, there is a need for continuous education and training programs to improve their practical application of preventive measures. Targeted interventions, particularly in high-risk departments such as medical and ICU units, could significantly reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in hospitalised patients.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevention Practice Towards Scabies Among Haramaya University Health and Medical Science Students, Harar, Ethiopia 2022

Background: Scabies is a skin disease caused by infestation and sensitization to Sarcoptes scabies mites and is an endemic in tropical and subtropical areas. It is a common skin infestation, endemic in developing countries, usually affecting families and large groups of people living together. Objective: The study was aimed to assess Knowledge, attitude, and prevention practice towards scabies among Haramaya university health and medical science students, Harar, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: Institutional -based Cross-sectional study was conducted from April 25- May 21, 2022 among 417 randomly selected students. Self-administered questioner was used to collect data. The collected data was entered into SPSS version 22 for analysis. Descriptive and analytic data was used to present the finding. Result: Approximately 62.85% of the students demonstrated a high understanding of scabies, encompassing its transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods. Conversely, 6.1% exhibited poor knowledge. A finding of attitudes towards scabies among students only 36.7% demonstrating good attitude towards the condition. The data provided underscores a significant variation in scabies prevention practices among students with 65.8% exhibiting good practices. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of continuous education and awareness programs to enhance knowledge and attitudes, which in turn can lead to better practices. It also underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the gaps identified in both knowledge levels and attitudes to foster a more proactive approach to scabies prevention and management. The findings serve as a valuable benchmark for the university and health authorities to develop tailored strategies that can improve health outcomes related to scabies within the community.

The Looking Glass Framework: Using Virtual Reality and Video Game Simulations to Improve Clinical Decision-Making and Reduce Healthcare Disparities in African Americans

A central mission of a healthcare organization is to provide equal access and excellent health outcomes to all populations, regardless of race and ethnicity. However, in the everyday practice of healthcare, organizations have fallen short of this primary tenant. Healthcare disparities in the Black community are well-documented in the literature. Although the reasons are multi-faceted, racial bias contributes to healthcare disparities, and eliminating those disparities should be a chief focus in improving the health and well-being of every community. This paper discusses healthcare disparities in the Black community and the complex cycle that enables gaps to persist despite best efforts among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public. It concludes with a presentation of the Looking Glass Framework; an innovative onboarding and continuing education program using virtual reality and computer-based educational modules to reduce healthcare disparities within clinics, hospitals, and health systems.

Well-Being Outcomes of Health Care Workers After a 5-Hour Continuing Education Intervention

Compromised well-being in health care workers (HCWs) is detrimental to the workforce, organizations, and patients. To test the effectiveness of Well-Being Essentials for Learning Life-Balance (WELL-B), a web-based continuing education program to deliver brief, evidence-based, reflective, psychological interventions to improve 4 dimensions of HCW well-being (ie, emotional exhaustion, emotional thriving, emotional recovery, and work-life integration). A randomized clinical trial (RCT) of US inpatient and outpatient HCWs randomized 1:1 was conducted from January 3 through May 31, 2023, using a web-based intervention. Cohort 1 received 5 hours of WELL-B over 8 days; cohort 2 acted as the control group and received WELL-B after the end of the RCT. Eligibility criteria were US HCWs aged 18 years or older, including clinical (physician, nurse, and respiratory therapist) and nonclinical (administrative, information technology, and finance) roles. Continuing education sessions exposed participants to positive psychology interventions (gratitude letter, work-life integration, self-compassion and cultivating awe). The primary outcome was emotional exhaustion on day 8; secondary outcomes included emotional thriving, emotional recovery, and work-life integration. All outcomes were measured using psychometrically valid scales previously reported in well-being RCTs and were assessed on days 1 and 8 (primary end point). Differences in outcome measures between the WELL-B intervention group and controls were assessed using t tests. Baseline-adjusted multiple linear regression models were evaluated to examine the association between the WELL-B intervention and the outcome measures after adjusting for additional covariates (sex, race and ethnicity, age, HCW role, and discipline). Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. The cohorts were similar at baseline, mostly female (528 [89%]) and nurses (177 [30%]). A total of 643 respondents participated in the study. In cohort 1, 331 participants initiated WELL-B, and 262 (71%) completed the day 8 follow-up; in cohort 2, 312 participants initiated WELL-B and 291 (77%) completed the day 8 follow-up. Compared with the control cohort, WELL-B significantly improved emotional exhaustion (estimate: -9.0; 95% CI, -13.1 to -4.9; P < .001), emotional thriving (estimate: 6.6; 95% CI, 3.2-10.0; P < .001), emotional recovery (estimate: 5.5; 95% CI, 2.0-9.0; P = .002), and work-life integration (estimate: -5.0; 95% CI, -8.2 to -1.9; P = .002). After adjusting for baseline outcome measures, sex, race and ethnicity, age, HCW role, and discipline, the linear regression model showed WELL-B improved day 8 emotional exhaustion (estimate: -9.6; 95% CI, -12.5 to -6.6; P < .001) compared with the control group. Favorable impressions of WELL-B were reported by more than 90% of the participants. In this RCT, brief well-being activities delivered during continuing education sessions improved short-term HCW emotional exhaustion, emotional thriving, emotional recovery, and work-life integration, with and without adjusting for covariates. Health care worker impressions of WELL-B were positive. These findings suggest that WELL-B is a beneficial intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05636072.

Addressing the Epidemics of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Hepatitis Through an Integrated and Coordinated Undergraduate and Continuing Education Program in Idaho.

Addressing the Epidemics of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Hepatitis Through an Integrated and Coordinated Undergraduate and Continuing Education Program in Idaho.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevention Practice towards Scabies among Haramaya University Health and Medical Science Students, Harar, Ethiopia 2022

Background: Scabies is a skin disease caused by infestation and sensitization to Sarcoptes scabies mites and is an endemic in tropical and subtropical areas. It is a common skin infestation, endemic in developing countries, usually affecting families and large groups of people living together. Objective: The study was aimed to assess Knowledge, attitude, and prevention practice towards scabies among Haramaya university health and medical science students, Harar, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: Institutional -based Cross-sectional study was conducted from April 25- May 21, 2022 among 417 randomly selected students. Self-administered questioner was used to collect data. The collected data was entered into SPSS version 22 for analysis. Descriptive and analytic data was used to present the finding. Result: Approximately 62.85% of the students demonstrated a high understanding of scabies, encompassing its transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods. Conversely, 6.1% exhibited poor knowledge. A finding of attitudes towards scabies among students only 36.7% demonstrating good attitude towards the condition. The data provided underscores a significant variation in scabies prevention practices among students with 65.8% exhibiting good practices. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of continuous education and awareness programs to enhance knowledge and attitudes, which in turn can lead to better practices. It also underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the gaps identified in both knowledge levels and attitudes to foster a more proactive approach to scabies prevention and management. The findings serve as a valuable benchmark for the university and health authorities to develop tailored strategies that can improve health outcomes related to scabies within the community.

A Qualitative Study on the Impact and Feasibility of a Simulation-Based Program for Shared Decision-Making in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Care.

In the pursuit of improved clinical outcomes and patient experience in health care, shared decision-making (SDM) stands as a pivotal concept garnering increasing attention, but SDM utilization varies widely, often leading to confusion regarding team members' roles. This study explores knowledge, skills, and attitudes of oncology clinicians engaged in a pioneering educational initiative at a comprehensive cancer care center, aimed at enhancing frontline SDM capabilities. Utilizing a prospective cohort qualitative approach, the team conducted interviews with 6 clinicians in a multidisciplinary oncology program who were engaged in an SDM continuing education program. In the program, participants were immersed in experiential learning activities including standardized didactic sessions and simulation-based SDM case role-play activities. Thematic analysis of interview data revealed 5 major categories: 1) perceptions of SDM; 2) training; 3) patient-centered care; 4) challenges and constraints; and 5) leadership buy-in. Participants perceived benefits, including adopting a better approach to integrate SDM into their practice, heightened engagement, emphasizing team collaboration, and embracing a patient-centric care model. This study underscores the transformative impact of education and training on enhancing SDM capabilities among oncology clinicians and is not intended for generalizability. By promoting a basic understanding and application of SDM principles, practicing clinicians can be better empowered to improve health care outcomes and experience. Our findings contribute to the broader endeavor of embedding practical SDM principles within clinical practice, thereby fostering a more patient-centered and effective health care environment.

A Practical Approach for Developing Shared Decision-Making Knowledge, Skills, and Capability for Busy Health Care Practitioners.

There has been substantial development of shared decision-making (SDM) methods and approaches in the past few decades, but despite this, building capability and scaling application of SDM in clinical practice remains a challenge. Here the authors describe the development and initial experience with a new virtual Practical Approach continuing education program for busy practicing clinicians who care for people with complex, chronic, and costly conditions who are frequently faced with preference-sensitive decisions. This program was designed to provide plain language training in SDM for real-world clinical practice using an easy 4-step approach that does not require prior training or formal education in SDM theory or methods. The authors describe the development of the Practical Approach program using established evidence-based principles. The program was piloted in 4 different settings across 2 chronic conditions. Qualitative interviews of program participants were conducted to observe SDM attitudes and observed performance in repeated case-based simulation role-play exercises to assess knowledge and skills performance. The authors observed improved and more realistic SDM attitudes in qualitative interviews with program participants after exposure to the program compared to baseline, and they similarly observed improved knowledge and skills demonstrated in sequential simulations conducted as participants were exposed to the program. Post-program focus groups revealed that participants perceived the program to be feasible, acceptable, and useful. Initial experience with the Practical Approach program suggests that it may beneficially affect basic SDM knowledge, skills, and attitudes in busy practicing clinicians who are novices in SDM. It also has demonstrated initial feasibility, utility, and acceptability.

Evaluating Medical Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Pharmacovigilance: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: It is an indispensable tool for ensuring patient safety, while its practice raises numerous questions in developing countries, including Bangladesh. This paper aims at determining medical students’ Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pharmacovigilance to inform ADR reporting. Objective: To evaluate the KAP of pharmacovigilance with second-year students, final-year students, and interns enrolled in a community-oriented medical college in Bangladesh. Methods: A quantitative study design using the cross-sectional survey approach was used together with a self-administered, well-validated structured questionnaire. Second-year, final-year, and intern groups were selected with one hundred participants from each group. Descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square analysis were used in data analysis. Results: A total of 49 percent of the participants were able to correctly define pharmacovigilance; final-year students had the highest knowledge score of 72 percent. A total of 80–85% of the participants endorsed the need to report ADRs, and 75–84% believed that reporting ADRs is a professional responsibility. However, ADR reporting practice varied significantly: In the final-year students, 90% reported having filled out an ADR form, while the corresponding numbers for second-year students and interns were 12% and 34%, respectively. While 70-90% of the participants claimed to have ever been trained on how to report an ADR, only 20-28% of the participants reported to have ever experienced an ADR. Conclusion: Thus, though attitudes toward pharmacovigilance were mostly positive, major knowledge and practical implementation deficits were found, mainly concerning interns. The study underscores the need for enhanced systematic, comprehensive, and clinically focused instruction in pharmacovigilance learning in medical schools. This paper recommends that foresulfide should strengthen the existing knowledge prerequisite, integrate compulsory continuous education programs, advance practical practice, and smoothen the procedure of reporting ADRs to amplify the practices in pharmacovigilance among future healthcare human resources of Bangladesh.

Knowledge and practices of vegetable consumption in Accra and greater Lomé: nutritional, health and environmental sustainability

In Accra and Greater Lomé, research into the harmful effects of food transitions focuses scarcely on the levels of knowledge and good practices (LKGP) of vegetable consumers. However, these foods play a key role in the nutritional, health, socio-economic and ecological sustainability of cities. This research aims to assess the health, nutritional, ecological and socio-economic sustainability of LKGP linked to vegetable consumption in these conurbations. A quantified multi-criteria evaluation approach was adopted. The respondents (394), selected via judgmental sampling, were equally distributed between the two cities. Data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire administered by Kobocollect. The overall average rate of good vegetable consumption knowledge and practices in Accra and Greater Lomé is low (37.43%). This result stems from the low LKGP for daily vegetable consumption (24.62%), their inclusion in the main daily meals (33.50%) and consideration of their nutritional composition (30.86%). The target population is unaware of the health, nutritional and ecological drawbacks of poorly preserved vegetables (66.93%) and adopts inappropriate waste management practices when handling them (65.91%). The average proportions of access to vegetable procurement technology (47.08%) and sustainable food education (11.29%) were also low. The research results, unfavorable to the achievement of the SDGs in Accra and Greater Lomé, call for an inclusive, integrated and continuous sustainable food education program.

Proposal of Educational Models and a Simulation Program for Learning Piezosurgery in Stomatology, Implantology and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background and Objective: The acquisition of technical skills, using piezosurgery devices, would be facilitated by simulation on educational models. This study aims to disseminate a simulation program and propose educational models of animal origin enabling progressive achievement of psychomotor skills in learning piezosurgical procedures. Material: As part of the national continuing education program in stomatology, implantology, and maxillofacial surgery that we founded and have been leading since 2015, seven procedural simulation sessions for piezosurgery training were realized. The simulation program included two steps: first, specific tasks carried out on a sheep's head to learn psychomotor skills using piezoelectric device. Then, similar tasks were reproduced on a hen egg to reach a higher level of mastery and proficiency. The program and simulation models were evaluated according to a questionnaire by 200 practitioners at the end of each session. Results: Almost all participants reported that working on a sheep head authentically reproduced the tasks, that were completed after at least two attempts, with a feeling of projection into the clinical environment. All participants considered that undermining the membrane from the eggshell reproduced the same gesture on the Schneiderian membrane. However, only 30% of practitioners achieved this task on the hen egg requiring more than five attempts. Conclusion: The simulation program using the educational models that we have proposed allows us to carry out in the first stage of the simulation the basic learning of technical gestures in a high-fidelity environment and the second stage considered as an advanced simulation, to acquire a higher level of competence and technical capacity. Our simulation method is simple, inexpensive, and reliable to become standardized and followed on a larger scale in learning piezosurgical skills.

Gamma irradiation pilot project: Enhancing food safety and export quality in Indonesia

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a gamma irradiator pilot project in Indonesia to reduce food loss and food waste, as well as to enhance the value of export commodities. Gamma irradiators have the potential to extend shelf life, improve food safety, and reduce losses during distribution and storage. The research methodology involves weighting to assess the feasibility of location selection, incorporating secondary data analysis and economic value-added analysis. The results indicate that the PUSPIPTEK Serpong location meets all mandatory criteria and nearly all non-mandatory criteria, making it a suitable site for this pilot project. The operation of the gamma irradiator in Serpong has successfully increased the volume of irradiation services, though its utilization is predominantly for export purposes. The main challenges include a negative public perception of irradiated food and a lack of education on its benefits. This study concludes that gamma irradiators are effective in reducing food loss and food waste, as well as increasing the value-added of export commodities. Strong government support and continuous education programs are necessary to improve public acceptance. Future research could focus on long-term evaluations of the impact of gamma irradiators and the development of more effective educational programs.