Development Of Training Programs Research Articles

Coaching in action: investigating actual coaching behaviour over time

ABSTRACT Research on the factors contributing to effective coaching has gained significant attention in recent years. These factors, however, are rather abstract constructs that cannot readily be observed. To address this issue, we focus on coaching behaviours. Coaching behaviours describe what coaches actually do during the coaching process and represent the visible and observable part of the coaching factors. Using behavioural observation, we analysed 50 coaching sessions with an average duration of 73.02 minutes (SD = 16.26). Our analysis demonstrated that specific coaching behaviours and coaching phases can be observed with high inter-rater reliability. In addition, coaching behaviours vary across different coaching phases, suggesting that coaches implement coaching factors in specific phases. These findings deepen our understanding of how coaching factors manifest themselves on a behavioural level throughout the coaching process, informing both research and evidence-based practice. This knowledge can also serve as a foundation for developing training programmes that target coaching processes at a fine-grained level.

IMPACT OF SLEEP REACTIVITY ON HEALTH OUTCOMES IN ADULTS WITH INSOMNIA SYMPTOMS

https://youtu.be/AD5RoRmRwDU BACKGROUND High levels of sleep reactivity (SR) —the sensitivity of sleep patterns to stress—have been associated with a risk of developing insomnia disorder. Furthermore, insomnia disorder increases vulnerability to negative health outcomes such as decreased stamina and overall fatigue. Recognizing how SR contributes to these adverse health effects allows for the development of more effective training programs and rehabilitation services. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between SR with sleep, cardiovascular, and mental health (MH) in adults with insomnia symptoms. METHODS Data were collected on 33 insufficiently active adults (age=34.9±10.6 y, body mass index [BMI]=28.7±7.2 kg⋅m−2, female=84.8%, White=78.8%) with self-reported insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index=15.9±3.9). SR was assessed using the Ford Insomnia Reactivity to Stress Test (FIRST) questionnaire. The total score ranges from to 9-36; with higher scores associated with greater sleep difficulties when experiencing stress. Sleep was tracked using 7 nights of actigraphy and a sleep diary, variables included sleep efficiency (SE), total sleep time (TST), and wake after sleep onset (WASO). Cardiovascular outcomes included daytime resting heart rate variability (HRV), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body fat %, and 1 night of nocturnal HRV. MH assessments measured anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7] questionnaire) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]) symptoms. Linear regression models were adjusted for race, age, sex, and BMI. RESULTS Participants had a mean FIRST score of 24.2±5.8, indicating that 90.9% of participants had a high risk of developing insomnia disorder (FIRST ≥18). SR was not significantly associated with actigraphy- or diary-assessed SE, TST, or WASO (each p>0.174). SR was not significantly associated with daytime cardiovascular outcomes or nocturnal HRV (each p>0.116). Higher SR was significantly associated with greater anxiety (β=0.40, p=0.045) and depression (β=0.39, p=0.05) symptoms. CONCLUSION These cross-sectional data suggest that SR is associated with psychological symptoms, but not sleep or cardiovascular outcomes. Although SR demonstrated an impact on MH outcomes, future research should investigate its potential indirect relationship with physical health. Additionally, given the impact of physical activity on both mental and physical health, it is essential to explore early physical activity interventions to improve MH outcomes and reduce the risk of insomnia disorder.

Volume 4, Issue 2 Foreward

Nearly 1 million souls were claimed in the 22-year period of the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), mostly from disease and deprivation, rather than from battlefield casualties.(1) Napoleon may have been unable to truly grasp the unheralded magnitude of the human suffering that lay in the wake of his campaigns but he was also responsible for establishing the first ambulance corps, battle-ready surgeons, and medical supply depots.(2) He was also concerned about the medical preparedness and training of civilian doctors who, ultimately, may have been called upon to serve a military role. As early as 1801, Napoleon established what we would recognize today as a resident physician and a kind of hierarchy that differentiated novices from the chiefs. The 2023 film Napoleon made no mention of the Emperor’s role in graduate medical education (GME) (focusing instead on the subjugation of mere nations) but his contemporaries sure did. In this issue of the Journal, Hunt et al. provide the important time line, from Napoleon Bonaparte to Hugh Hampton Young, of the development of the formal residency training program in urology whose goal of producing outstanding urologists has remained unchanged for 100 years.(3) The steerage of great programs falls on one shoulder- the Chair. One can little envy the person who would follow in Young’s pioneering footsteps at Hopkins. Grutman, from Baltimore, uses primary archival materials from the ‘Brady’ itself to relate to us the search for Young’s succesor, which intially fell upon the future Nobel prize winner, Charles Huggins. (4) There are many descendants and lineages from good training programs. Some individuals have such great influence in subsequent generations, that there contributions must be celebrated, perhaps to relive or even inspire us. Herr and Hadley provide us with a biography of RW Barnes, the California urologist who spent decades volunteering in underserved continents around the world.(5) Another Californian, the urologist Elmer Belt, was a founding member of UCLA’s medical school and whose nephew, Willard Goodwin, was the first chair of UCLA’s urology department. Belt was a devouted historian and we hope would have approved of the Journal. He and Frank Bicknell had first conceived of the idea of a Urology History forum at the annual meeting as early as 1965.(6) Belt also owned the most extensive collection of items related to Leondardo Da Vinci which later became the Library of Vinciana, part of UCLA. Hines et al. here report Belt’s pioneering clinical activity as the first urologist in the USA performing gender affirmation surgery (GAS), and the comprehensive steps he undertook, with others, to ensure high quality outcomes.(7)

Development of a Digital Neuroscience-Based Cognitive Resilience Training Program for Substance Use Prevention

Development of a Digital Neuroscience-Based Cognitive Resilience Training Program for Substance Use Prevention

Unravelling Education Needs for Clinical Practice Guideline Development: A Survey Performed in the Netherlands.

The development of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) has evolved into a rigorous and complex process. There is a need for training of CPG developers including methodologists, panel members and patient representatives. This study explored the educational needs and experiences of CPG developers, with specific attention to the patient perspective and economic considerations. An anonymised mixed-method survey was distributed among CPG developers and panel members in the Netherlands. The survey, developed in collaboration with Dutch CPG development organisations and patient organisations, aimed to capture insights into the developers' roles, training needs, and the incorporation of economic considerations and patient perspectives in CPG development. Data analysis involved qualitative content analysis and descriptive quantitative analysis. A total of 271 responses were analysed. Respondents described role-specific tasks and tasks overlapping between roles. Experience, guidance, and training influenced the respondents' feeling of preparedness for their tasks. Respondents expressed the need for content-related training, including CPG development methodology. They also raised the importance of process-related topics in training, such as the inclusion of different perspectives and responsibilities during CPG development. About half of the respondents (46%) indicated that economic considerations were included in their CPGs, however, there was no uniformity in approach. The patient perspective was included by 89% of the respondents, also in varying manners. Overall, respondents underscored the importance of both topics in CPG development (training) to ensure a future-proof healthcare system. This study underscores the importance of tailored CPG development training programmes addressing the specific competencies required for the different roles in CPG development. Thereby, recognising a holistic approach encompassing both content- and process-related aspects. Addressing economic considerations and the patient perspective in training will contribute to CPGs that support a patient-centred and sustainable healthcare system.

The Effect of Health Literacy Level of Caregivers of Individuals With Diabetes on Care Activities and Supportive Behaviours.

To determine the effect of the health literacy levels of caregivers of individuals with T2DM on caregiving activities and supportive behaviours. Cross sectional study. The sample for the study comprised of people who provided care for 442 individuals who were diagnosed with diabetes. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, HLS-14 and D-CASS. Descriptive statistics, Independent samples t test, One-Way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. According to the results of the multiple linear regression analysis, the model was found to be statistically significant, and the variables that were incorporated into the model were able to explain 68.1% of the variance. Among the variables included in the model, HLS-14, educational status, employment status, income status and diabetes-related education were found to affect the care activities and supportive behaviours of caregivers of individuals with diabetes. In the research, it was determined that care activities and supportive behaviours were higher in those with higher levels of HL, higher levels of education, those who were not employed, those with higher income levels, and those who received education about diabetes. Nurses should develop training programmes to increase the HL levels of caregivers.

Oregon’s Emerging Psilocybin Services Workforce: A Survey of the First Legal Psilocybin Facilitators and Their Training Programs

ABSTRACT New legal frameworks for supervised psychedelic services are emerging, with Oregon and Colorado implementing programs to train and license psilocybin facilitators. This study describes Oregon’s early psilocybin facilitator workforce and assesses state-approved training programs. The Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus (OPEN) reviewed Oregon Health Authority-approved training programs and surveyed facilitators who had completed or were enrolled in these programs between July and November 2023. Data collection included a review of public listings, contact with training programs, and facilitator survey. Results indicated that in the 16 active training programs, the mean tuition was $9,359 and half offered diversity scholarships. Survey respondents (n = 106) were relatively diverse; many had an existing healthcare license. The majority reported that training expenses were a moderate-to-severe financial strain. Most were satisfied with training. The mean planned price for a session was $1,388 and the most common areas of specialization were trauma, mental disorders, consciousness exploration, and spirituality. Facilitators requested ongoing training opportunities. In conclusion, Oregon’s emerging psilocybin facilitator workforce and training programs are in early development. These findings are crucial for informing future policy and training program development to support a diverse and effective workforce.

Patient Recovery Following Uniportal Endoscopic Vs Open Lumbar Spine Surgery: Objective Analysis of Postoperative Mobility and Gait Patterns Using Wearable Sensors.

There has been a gradual shift from open spine surgery to minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic spine surgery to reduce approach-related trauma, collateral damage, and complications. While recovery following surgery has been measured using subjective measures including patient-reported outcome measures, the introduction of smart wearable devices now provides both an objective and continuous method of patient assessment. This prospective study compares patient recovery after uniportal endoscopic and open lumbar spine surgery by analyzing mobility and gait metrics captured by a wearable sensor. Participants included 24 patients who underwent a single-level uniportal endoscopic lumbar decompression or open posterior lumbar fusion. During the first 48 hours after surgery, patients wore a sensor that continuously monitored position, step count, and gait metrics. In the immediate postoperative period, endoscopic spine surgery patients experienced a quicker return to mobility, with less time lying down, higher step count, faster gait velocity, lower double support percentage, and reduced variability, compared with open spine surgery patients. There are key differences in patient mobility and gait following uniportal endoscopic and open spine surgery. Endoscopic spine surgery patients had faster recovery, which can guide resource allocation toward the development of training programs and support the advancement of spine endoscopy to address a broader range of pathologies. This pilot study highlights the potential for wearable devices to be used in further studies to form spine surgery recovery trajectories, allowing targeted rehabilitation and prompt intervention for deviations in patient recovery. This study demonstrates the benefits of endoscopic spine surgery for improved postoperative recovery in terms of mobility and gait metrics. Additionally, it highlights the potential for wearable sensor technology to provide an objective and continuous method for assessing postoperative outcomes and for the development of individualized rehabilitation protocols. These findings support the broader adoption of endoscopic techniques and emphasize the value of incorporating wearable devices into postoperative monitoring to optimize patient care.

Nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice in preventing lower extremity venous thrombosis in patients after major orthopedic surgery: A Training Program Development

Venous thromboembolism is a common complication and a leading cause of death following major orthopedic surgery. An electronic questionnaire will be developed to investigate the current nursing care practices related to preventing lower limb venous thrombosis after such surgeries in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province. The questionnaire aims to assess nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the prevention of lower limb venous thrombosis after major orthopedic surgery. In addition, the questionnaire will analyze factors that may influence these practices, identify any deficiencies in preventing lower limb venous thrombosis, and propose targeted interventions based on the study findings to enhance nurses' understanding, and compliance with VTE prevention guidelines, and ultimately optimize patient outcomes.

Use of Eye-Tracking Technology to Determine Differences Between Perceptual and Actual Navigational Performance

This study uses eye-tracking technology (ETT) to investigate discrepancies between seafarers’ perceived and actual performance during simulated maritime operations. The primary objective is to explore how misperceptions regarding the use of navigational tools—such as visual observation, radar, and ECDIS—may contribute to discrepancies in situational awareness, which is critical for safe navigation. By comparing participants’ self-reported perceptions with objective data recorded by ETT, the study highlights cognitive biases that influence navigational decision-making. Data were collected from a simulation scenario involving 32 seafarers with varying levels of maritime experience. The results reveal that participants tend to overestimate their reliance on visual observation and ECDIS, while underestimating their use of radar. These discrepancies may affect decision-making processes and could contribute to an inaccurate perception of situational awareness, although further research is needed to fully establish their direct impact on actual navigational performance. Additionally, the application of ETT identifies differences in the navigational strategies between more and less experienced seafarers, offering insights that could inform the development of training programs aimed at improving situational awareness. Statistical analyses, including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis tests, were conducted to assess the influence of demographic factors on performance. These findings suggest that ETT can be a valuable tool for identifying perceptual biases, potentially improving decision-making and enhancing training for real-world navigational tasks.

Selection and Success in Badminton: The Role of Lobs and Smashes in Junior Athletes' Performance

The purpose of the study. This study examines the effectiveness and tactical implications of lob and smash strategies in competitive badminton among junior athletes. Materials and methods. Through quantitative analysis of 32 junior players (16 males, 16 females, aged 14-18 years), we investigated shot frequency, success rates, and contextual factors influencing strategy selection. Results. Results indicate that lobs constituted 18.3% (±3.2%) of total shots with a 62.1% (±5.7%) success rate, while smashes accounted for 12.7% (±2.8%) of shots with a 71.4% (±6.3%) success rate. Logistic regression analysis revealed that court position, rally length, and score difference significantly influenced shot selection (p < 0.001). Smashes were predominantly used from the forecourt (OR = 3.842, p < 0.001), while lobs were more frequent in longer rallies (OR = 1.180 per additional shot, p < 0.001). Gender differences were observed, with female players using lobs more frequently than males (19.5% ±3.0% vs. 17.1% ±3.4%, p = 0.037). Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between shot type and rally length on success rate (F(3, 124) = 7.936, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.161). Conclusions. These findings provide insights into optimal shot selection and its impact on game outcomes among junior badminton players. The study contributes to the development of effective training programs and tactical approaches, emphasizing the importance of contextual factors in strategic decision-making. Future research directions include longitudinal studies of tactical development and investigation of these strategies in doubles play.

Industry 4.0 and Development of Teaching Competencies for Students in Universities of Education in Vietnam

In the context that Vietnam is actively approaching Industry 4.0, teacher training institutions, including universities of education, are taking various approaches and seeking methods to develop pedagogical competencies for students in order to meet the requirements of this revolution. However, thoroughly understanding the nature and the impacts of Industry 4.0, thereby applying its advantages in development of teaching competencies for pedagogical students, is still a question that needs answers from domestic and foreign educators. The article compiled 18 references related to this issue, then analyzed and synthesized, discussed the opinions and viewpoints of each author, and recommended a number of measures to develop teaching competencies for students in universities of education to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0: identifying goals of competency training for students; developing training programs towards the formation of teaching competencies to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0; innovating the integrated training aimed at the required professional competencies of teachers 4.0.

Launching a child and adolescent psychiatry training program in Mongolia inspired by Japanese models.

This manuscript details the development and implementation of Mongolia's first official training program for child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) specialists. This initiative, inspired by and developed in collaboration with Japanese CAP training models, addresses the substantial gap in specialized mental health services for children and adolescents in Mongolia. Our discussion elaborates on the collaborative efforts between the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Nagoya University, and other partnering institutions, reflecting on the initial outcomes and the strategic importance of this program.

Development, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative clinical trial operations training program for Africa (ClinOps)

BackgroundAfrica’s involvement in clinical trials remains very low. Although the crucial role of training initiatives in building clinical trial capacity in Africa has been documented, current efforts fall short as they lack alignment with local contexts. This study aimed to design, develop, implement, and evaluate an innovative clinical trial operations training program for Africa.MethodsWe developed ClinOps, a novel 10-week clinical trial operations training program for study coordinators in Africa to enhance their expertise in four fundamental areas: designing, conducting, managing, and reporting clinical trials. To streamline the learning process, we used cloud-based applications that minimize the need for software installations while maximizing student engagement. VoiceThread facilitated interactive content that could be accessed offline. Moodle, an open-source learning management system, offered a platform for sharing learning tools, mentorship, and rubric-driven competency assessments, including quizzes, forums, tutorials, and group assignments. We utilized Zoom for live tutorials and mentoring as required. Effectiveness of the program was evaluated through quantitative pre- and post-surveys, qualitative end-course evaluations, and a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework. The pre- and post-surveys measured changes in trainees’ confidence in clinical trial domains and leadership and coordination skills. End-course evaluations gathered feedback on the course content, organization, technology, and instructional methods. We used Wilcoxon rank test to analyze pre- and post-survey scores and thematic analysis to analyze the qualitative data.ResultsIn the initial cohort, 88 study coordinators from 19 countries participated, including 56 (64%) females, with 57 (65%) actively employed as study coordinators during the training, and 85 (97%) possessing prior experience in clinical trial roles. Among these, 71 (81%) successfully completed the course, with 69 (97%) also completing the post-course assessment. Post-training scores demonstrated substantial improvement compared to pre-training scores in each competency area, including in designing (pre-post training median score = 3.6 vs. 4.6, median difference = 1.0, 95% CI 0.8–1.1, p < 0.001), managing (pre-posttest median score = 3.4 vs. 4.2, median difference = 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.8, p < 0.001), conducting (pre-post training median score = 3.9 vs. 4.7, median difference = 0.9, 95% CI 0.6-1.0, p < 0.001), and reporting (pre-posttest median score = 3.0 vs. 4.5, median difference = 1.0, 95% CI 0.9–1.5, p < 0.001) clinical trials. The monitoring and evaluation data confirm the program’s adherence to training best practices, including alignment with local priorities, country ownership, pedagogic innovation, institutional capacity building, sustainability, and ongoing partnerships. The end-course evaluation reflects participants’ positive feedback on the program’s structure, content, relevance to their current roles, and overall delivery methods.ConclusionThe ClinOps program, designed by experts from academia and product development partners, enhanced participants’ clinical trial competencies. To effectively build clinical trials capacity on the continent, training programs should provide thorough competency development in designing, conducting, managing, and reporting trials.

Clients' Preferences for Their Therapists' Relational Styles in Psychotherapy: A Consensual Qualitative Research Study

ABSTRACTBackgroundAccommodating clients' preferences is a cornerstone of evidence‐based practice. However, little is known of clients' preferences for their therapists' relational styles.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis focused on identifying clients' preferences for their therapists' relational styles, using original data from Cooper et al.'s (2023) consensual qualitative research (CQR) study. Initial data collection involved conducting semi‐structured interviews with a cohort of 13 clients who had completed up to 24 sessions of pluralistic psychotherapy. Of these participants, 10 identified as female and three identified as male.FindingsFour themes and six sub‐themes emerged: (1) Clients preferred their therapist to be active/not passively disengaged and to provide input, challenge and guidance (n = 10); (2) Clients preferred their therapist to display relatedness, warmth and validation (n = 8); (3) Clients preferred some flexibility, attunement and for their therapist to adapt the therapy to their unique needs (n = 5); (4) Clients preferred to be listened to, having a space to talk and to explore (n = 4).Implications for PracticeThe themes offer insights that can serve as a foundational framework for future research and contribute to the development of training programmes tailored to enhance counselling psychologists' preference work and relational styles.

Geriatric service in the Republic of Kazakhstan: problems and prospects of development

The issues of geriatric service development in the aspect of relevance, development of regulatory and resource base are considered. Taking into account the world trends, the validity of geriatrics development at the interdisciplinary level has been analyzed. The situation of geriatrics development in the country is considered taking into account the stage-by-stage multilevel resolution of geriatric service improvement taking into account the trinity of “practice-sciences-education”. Analyzed the situation and development of conditions and resources for the development of gerontological service in the country. Actualized on the basis of official data the deficit of specialists to serve the age category of clients for the provision of medical service. At the same time, the cost of providing medical service to patients ≤65+ was noted. The development of training programs in the specialty of «geriatrics» within the framework of continuing professional education makes it possible to fill the shortage of specialists. The development of the resource base requires more improvement to improve the quality of life of the age category of the population and leveling the burden on the health care system with improved performance of the outcomes of resource management processes in the field of geriatrics. Actualization of legal and regulatory and normative base of geriatric service and their complementarity with normative and legal acts in the field of palliative care creates conditions for improvement in the implementation of practical processes of geriatric service. Taking into account the global trend and progress in the promotion of geriatric service within the country, the prerequisites for effective implementation of practice within the specialty “geriatrics” have been created.

Methodological support of the educational and training process of members of the national academy of the Security Service of Ukraine in hand-to-hand combat

The article considers the problem of theoretical and methodological support of the educational and training process of members of the hand-to-hand combat team of the National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine. Mastering martial arts by cadets of higher military educational institutions of Ukraine is of particular relevance in modern conditions, which are characterized by an increased level of threats to the security of the state and citizens. Martial arts help develop strength, endurance, reaction speed, and coordination of movements, which are necessary for performing official duties in difficult conditions. Learning self-defense techniques, neutralizing an opponent without the use of weapons, is critically important for working in situations where the use of firearms is impossible or impractical. Research methods: analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, generalization and concretization, classification and systematization, modeling, historical method, logical method, comparative (comparative) method, formalization, forecasting, abstraction, hypothetical-deductive method. The article focuses on the importance of systematic and comprehensive training of athletes to ensure their high level of physical and psychological readiness for competitions and the performance of assigned tasks. A modern approach to planning the educational and training process has been developed and substantiated, which takes into account the specifics of the activities of employees of the Security Service of Ukraine. The proposed methodological recommendations are aimed at improving the technical- tactical, physical and moral-volitional training of athletes. The results of the study confirmed the effectiveness of the developed methodological support, which contributes to improving the sports results of team members and their readiness to perform professional duties in stressful and extreme conditions. Mastering martial arts by cadets of the National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine is not only a means of professional training, but also an important factor in their psychological, physical and moral readiness to perform tasks in the face of modern challenges. This not only contributes to their personal development, but also ensures a high level of security for the state and citizens. Prospects for further research in the chosen direction of scientific exploration involve the development of an experimental training program for representatives of the studied category (annual training cycle).

The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Empathy of Mountain Climbing Students

Mountaineering is a physically and emotionally challenging activity that requires skill, strength and endurance. One of the positive values that can be obtained from this activity is the emergence of empathy. This research aims to analyze the relationship between emotional intelligence and empathy in mountaineering students. The research method used is a quantitative approach with data analysis using product moment correlation techniques. The research subjects were students who are members of a nature lover organization, selected through incidental sampling technique. The results showed a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and empathy, with a correlation value of 0.763. Emotional intelligence contributes 58.1% to empathy, while 41.9% is influenced by other factors such as parenting, social environment, and personality. This research implies that emotional intelligence plays an important role in enhancing empathy, which is necessary to support teamwork and safety in climbing activities. The findings provide insights for the development of emotional intelligence training programs to improve climbers' social and emotional abilities.

P0224 Learning Curve in Intestinal Ultrasound: Advancing from Basic Skills to Advanced Competencies – Insights from the IUS IG-IBD (Italian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease) Master Program

Abstract Background Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is increasingly used in assessing Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) due to its accessibility, low cost and absence of radiation. However, its operator dependency necessitates targeted training programs. This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve of gastroenterology trainees in IUS, determining the number of exams required to achieve diagnostic agreement with expert tutors. Methods This study was conducted at eight Italian referral centers for intestinal ultrasound as part of the IUS Master promoted by IG-IBD. Eight gastroenterology trainees with significant experience in abdominal ultrasound but limited exposure to IUS each performed 99 consecutive examinations. The trainees received an eight-hour course on IUS and one week of hands-on training with the expert sonographer. The exams were divided into three periods of 33. After each examination, an expert sonographer reassessed the findings and Cohen's Kappa coefficient was used to measure the agreement between the trainee and the expert operator for all the parameters considered. The parameters considered were bowel wall thickening, vascularity, Limberg score and complications (fistulas, stenosis, abscesses). Results A progressive improvement in concordance was observed across all parameters from period 1 to period 3 for all learners (Table 1). Overall agreement in identifying pathological findings increased from K=0.778 to K=0.911. Specifically, concordance for bowel wall thickening improved from K=0.558 in the first 33 exams to K=0.780 in later periods. Vascularity reached K=0.909 and the Limberg score achieved K=0.879. For complications, agreement on fistulas increased from K=0.765 to K=0.893, while stenosis improved from K=0.583 to K=0.872. Abscesses consistently demonstrated high concordance (K=0.855). The number of examinations required to achieve good agreement with the expert operator for detecting bowel wall thickening was at least 66, while 69 were needed for the accurate assessment of increased vascularity. However, detecting intra-abdominal complications required at least 99 examinations. Conclusion The time required to achieve proficiency in assessing intestinal ultrasound parameters related to the bowel wall is shorter than the time needed to detect the presence of complications. These findings highlight the importance of structured and supervised practice to achieve proficiency in both basic and advanced IUS competencies, providing a foundation for the development of standardized training programs in gastroenterology.

Experiences of a Humanoid Robot-Led Physical Training Program for Home-Living Older Persons - A Qualitative Pilot Study

Abstract Maintaining good physical condition throughout life might reduce the risk of disease and improve older persons’ physical and mental health. Several positive outcomes in the care of home-living older persons have been linked to technological solutions such as humanoid robots. The aim of this study was to develop a humanoid robot-led physical exercise training program for home-living older persons and to explore eleven home-living older persons’ experiences of the program. Semi-structured interviews was held with the home-living older persons after their testing the program and transcribed interviews were analyzed by thematic analysis. The home-living older persons experienced the program as easy to follow and that the program might improve their mental well-being and social interactions. To positively influence older persons’ physical condition, more person-centered exercises and a more suitable robot should be included. Further development of humanoid robot-led physical exercise training programs is needed to ensure the usability of a similar programs in the context of older persons.