Need For Education Research Articles

The ImmunoSkills Guide: Competencies for undergraduate immunology curricula

Immune literacy garnered significant attention in recent years due to the threat posed by emerging infectious diseases. The pace of immunological discoveries and their relevance to society are substantial yet coordinated educational efforts have been rare. This motivated us to create a task force of educators to reflect on pedagogical approaches to teaching immunology and to draft, develop, and evaluate key competencies for undergraduate immunology education. The research questions addressed include: 1) Which competencies are considered important by educators? 2) Are the illustrative skills clear, accurate and well aligned with the core competencies listed in the Vision and Change report?; 3) What are the concerns of immunology educators about competencies and skills? We collected data on the draft competencies using surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The iterative revision phase followed the community review phase before finalizing the framework. Here, we report a hierarchical learning framework, with six core competencies, twenty illustrative skills, and companion immunology-specific example learning outcomes. Predominant themes from interviews and focus groups, which informed revisions of this framework are shared. With the growing need for immunology education across the sciences, the ImmunoSkills Guide and accompanying discussion can be used as a resource for educators, administrators and policymakers.

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards arthroscopic shoulder surgery in patients with rotator cuff tear: cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of patients with rotator cuff tears towards arthroscopic shoulder surgery (ASS), based on the hypothesis that the knowledge...

Antibiotics Knowledge and Prescription Patterns Among Dental Practitioners in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia: A Comparative E-Survey with a Focus on Medically Healthy and Compromised Patients

Background: The non-specific prescription of antibiotics, especially in dentistry, contributes to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and highlights the need for education on the proper use and serious consequences of overprescribing these drugs. The main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate antibiotic knowledge and prescribing patterns in dental practice in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, focusing on understanding the rationale for prescribing, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and dentists’ awareness of antibiotic resistance. Methods: A total of 795 dentists participated in this electronic cross-sectional survey (Croatia N = 336, Bosnia and Herzegovina N = 176, and Serbia N = 283). The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire to collect data on various aspects of antibiotic use, including knowledge, prescribing practices, awareness of guidelines, and demographic and professional information about dentists. Data analysis included the Mann–Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc analysis, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall score for the participants’ knowledge of antibiotics was 6.40 ± 1.40 out of a maximum of eight points, which indicates a generally good level of knowledge among dentists. Factors such as gender, specialty, and practice location significantly influenced the level of knowledge (p < 0.05). However, actual prescribing practice was a cause for concern. Only 66.1% of Croatian dentists felt they had received adequate training during their studies, and even fewer in Serbia (48.4%) and Bosnia (46.6%). It is noteworthy that 9.7% of dentists in Bosnia and Herzegovina prescribe antibiotics at the request of patients, while 22.3% of Croatian and 25.4% of Serbian dentists do so. Many dentists prescribe no or only one antibiotic per week. In addition, 50.9% of Croatian dentists reported adverse effects related to the use of antibiotics, while only 31.3% of Bosnian and 33.6% of Serbian dentists reported similar experiences. Conclusions: While the study results indicate that dentists in the region generally possess good knowledge of antibiotic use, there are significant discrepancies between this knowledge and actual prescribing practices. This highlights the need for enhanced educational programs and awareness initiatives focused on proper antibiotic guidelines to improve prescribing behaviors.

Enhancing civic engagement through podcasting: a modern approach for higher education

ABSTRACT Civic Education in higher education often struggles with student disengagement, largely due to traditional, less interactive teaching methods. This study explores the integration of podcasts as an innovative tool to enhance civic engagement among students. Grounded in andragogical principles, podcasts offer a dynamic platform for active participation, fostering critical discussions and reflections on pressing social issues. Conducted within the Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this research involved students from the English Education Program and employed a qualitative descriptive approach to assess the impact of podcasts on critical thinking, collaborative learning, and the understanding of civic concepts and social responsibility. The findings indicate that podcasts significantly enrich the learning experience, equipping students to become more critical, socially conscious citizens who actively contribute to societal change. This study contributes to the field by highlighting the effectiveness of innovative teaching strategies in Civic Education, particularly the use of podcasts to strengthen civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education. The implications of this research underscore the need for educators to adopt more engaging and interactive methods, thereby equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge to actively participate in civic life and address social issues effectively.

How emergency departments are responding to the opioid crisis: Results from a statewide survey in Kentucky

ObjectiveThere is a rising effort for hospital emergency departments (EDs) to offer and expand substance use disorder (SUD) services. This state-wide evaluation studies SUD services offered along the continuum of implementation across Kentucky’s EDs to inform future state efforts to build ED bridge programs.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods study using an online survey of all Kentucky Emergency Department Directors between January and May of 2023. We created a hospital-level dataset which we used to summarize quantitative questions and thematically analyze open-ended responses.ResultsOur sample included 85 unique respondents (89% of all eligible Kentucky hospitals). Nine (11%) had active bridge programs to initiate opioid use disorder patients on buprenorphine. Respondents reported that the most challenging SUD-related services for EDs to implement were buprenorphine induction for opioid use disorder treatment (n = 36, 42%), referrals to community-based providers (n = 34, 40%), and providing social work services (n = 25, 29%). Respondents noted that the implementation and improvement of screening protocols were needed to better identify patients with SUD, expressed concerns about care continuity, and explicitly conveyed the need and desire for additional supports to provide SUD care.ConclusionsThe landscape of Kentucky’s ED SUD supports shows several hospitals that offer services along the continuum of SUD care, and highlights the importance of technical assistance and financial resources to ensure the continuum is broadly available. Kentucky’s experience speaks to broader national challenges in supporting SUD in EDs – specifically the need for financial resources, buy-in and education, and creating referral relationships to ensure care continuity.

The Role of Socioeconomic Factors in Shaping Health Outcomes among Vulnerable Populations

Socioeconomic factors, including income, education, employment, and social support, play a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. This paper examines how these determinants interact to influence physical and mental health disparities. Drawing on data from multiple studies, the paper highlights the compounded impact of socioeconomic deprivation on access to healthcare, exposure to stressors, and lifestyle choices. Vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, ethnic minorities, and individuals with limited educational attainment, experience disproportionate health risks. This review underscores the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic inequalities, which are essential for improving public health and reducing disparities. Emphasis is placed on policy implications, including the need for accessible healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, to promote health equity across socioeconomic groups.

Exploring pharmacists’ understanding and use of antifungals at a tertiary hospital in England - an interview study

Abstract Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging crisis worldwide. If continued, it is estimated AMR could cause over 10 million deaths annually by 20501. Antifungals are critical in the treatment and prophylaxis of fungal infections, especially invasive fungal infections which can be life-threatening. The national and international antimicrobial stewardship action plan focus primarily on the use of antibacterials. Antifungals have not yet been a focus for stewardship programmes. The appropriate use and understanding surrounding antifungals remain a challenge among healthcare professionals, including pharmacists but there is scarce empirical evidence to demonstrate this problem. Aim To explore pharmacists’ understanding and use of antifungals at a tertiary hospital in England. Methods A qualitative study utilising a constructivist approach involving one-to-one online semi-structured interview based on the Critical Incident Technique2 was conducted. Pharmacists working in the tertiary hospital were purposively sampled and recruited to participate in the study. Following informed consent, participants took part in a semi-structured interview via Microsoft Teams with a researcher. Interviews explored 1) the general purpose of using antifungals and 2) system factors and decisions taken when managing a routine and unusual or challenging case using antifungals. The interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis3. The study was registered with the tertiary hospital where participants were recruited from. This study was registered with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ref no. 8482) and received ethical approval from the University of Reading School of Chemistry, Food and Nutritional Sciences and Pharmacy internal ethics review committee (study no: 46/2023). Results Nine participants took part in the study. Interviews took an average of 29 minutes (range 15-55 minutes). Participants worked in different specialties including oncology, haematology, paediatrics, and respiratory care. Three themes were generated through the analysis. Theme 1: Diagnosing and managing fungal infections is complex. Limited and/or lack of reliable and timely diagnostic testing makes diagnosing fungal infections difficult. Consequently, patients were sometimes prescribed empiric antifungals to avoid treatment delay. Treatment was then reviewed once test results were available. Patient-related issues such as comorbidities and drug-drug interactions contribute to complex treatment plans. Theme 2: Antifungal stewardship involved a multidisciplinary approach. Pooling together expertise amongst healthcare professionals was imperative in decision-making. Pharmacists were often key antifungal stewards and medication experts despite working with uncertainty. Theme 3: Expressed need to upskill on antifungal stewardship. Participants were aware of gaps in their experience and knowledge when managing complex fungal infections. They want to be more confident in their role. Discussion/conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating hospital pharmacists’ understanding and use of antifungals in England. Our study showed that pharmacists navigate uncertainties when using antifungals. Pharmacists were viewed as antifungal stewards and medication experts in a multidisciplinary team but pharmacists were themselves aware that they need more exposure to a wider range of scenarios to enhance their confidence. Our findings suggest a need for reliable diagnostic-driven approaches and education and training initiatives for pharmacists to steward antifungals. Our participants worked in one tertiary hospital representing the culture and work practice specific to the hospital. It would be interesting to explore experiences of pharmacists working in other hospitals.

Experiences of physiotherapists working with adults living with Long COVID in Canada: a qualitative study

ObjectivesTo explore experiences of physiotherapists working with adults living with Long COVID in Canada.DesignCross-sectional descriptive qualitative study involving online semi-structured interviews.ParticipantsWe recruited physiotherapists in Canada who self-identified as having clinically...

Primary School Teachers’ Attitudes, Perceptions and Self-Efficacy Regarding Students With Special Educational Needs: A Comparative Study of the Education Systems in Slovenia and Kosovo

The purpose of this paper is to explore teachers’ attitudes, perceptions and self-efficacy regarding students with special educational needs in Slovenia and Kosovo, as well as to identify the similarities and differences between the two education systems in terms of inclusive practices. Quantitative data were collected from a sample of teachers working in grades 1–5 of primary schools in Slovenia (n = 258) and Kosovo (n = 255). The data were gathered using the Sentiments, Attitudes and Concerns about Inclusive Education scale and the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice scale and analysed using SPSS version 21.0. The findings indicate higher means of samples in both Slovenia and Kosovo in negative sentiments, attitudes and perceptions regarding inclusive education, while statistically significant differences were identified in attitudes and other factors, such as age, gender or teaching experience with students with special educational needs. Teachers in Slovenia and Kosovo scored higher in self-efficacy, which is negatively correlated at a significant level with sentiments, attitudes and perceptions regarding inclusive education.

Artificial intelligence and pharmacy education: a survey to assess the knowledge, application, and perspective of B. Pharm. students from India

This study aimed to understand the knowledge, application, and perspective of B. Pharm students regarding artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This study used a quantitative cross-sectional observational design, and data were collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed among B. Pharm students in India, and 305 participants were included in the study. The results of the study showed that the majority of participants were female, and the mean age of the participants was 20.51 years. The study also found that the participants had limited knowledge of AI and its applications in pharmacy education. Only 34.6% of participants attempted to integrate AI tools into their academic activities. The most commonly used integrated tools were ChatGPT (42.2%) and Google Bard (Gemini) (30.8%). The survey strongly indicated the inclination of the pharmacy student community towards generative AI tools for academic purposes. However, the participants showed positive attitudes towards the use of AI in pharmacy education and believed that it would improve the quality of their education. A significant majority (82.3%) of respondents express interest in attending workshops or training sessions to enhance their knowledge about AI, The study concluded that there is a need for educators and technology creators to develop strategies to integrate AI into pharmacy education to improve the learning experience of students.

A review of the role of artificial intelligence in Journalism

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have revolutionized journalism in the digital era. This study is constructed on a general literature review revealing the role of AI in journalism and emphasizes the following key facets: (i) automated reporting, (ii) automated content creation, (iii) automated transcription and translation, (iv) data mining and analysis, (v) fact-checking and verification, and (vi) content personalization. The role of AI is observed in creating news reports like financial digests, sports outcomes, and weather updates, gearing up the automated content creation, transcribing the interviews, providing multilingual support for content translation, data mining and analysis, detecting fake news, personalizing the content in line with audience's preferences. The wide application of AI in journalism automates routine journalistic tasks, thereby improving efficacy and productivity and saving time and effort. Though AI is transforming journalism, there are several challenges facing journalism using AI, including biased algorithms, data availability and quality, data privacy and security, the need for training and education, transparency, and cost concerns. Journalists must be trained to identify and address issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the ethical implications of adopting AI in news reporting. News agencies should also implement strong data protection measures and transparent AI algorithms to overcome these challenges. They must attain a balance between considering user privacy and offering personalized content. It is paramount to have robust regulatory frameworks to oversee the utility of AI in journalism. Also, warranting ethical standards in AI implementation is crucial to preserving journalistic integrity.

Awareness and implementation of comprehensive genomic profiling and cancer support for adolescents and young adults among healthcare professionals in Osaka, Japan.

Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and specialized support for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients are crucial yet underexplored areas of healthcare in Japan. This study investigated awareness of CGP testing and support for AYA cancer patients among healthcare professionals in Osaka. An anonymous online survey was conducted from 31 January to 31 March 2024. The survey targeted all staff, including doctors, nurses, technicians, pharmacists and others, from eight Toyono Medical Area Cancer Medical Network Council hospitals. The survey included questions on basic demographics, awareness of CGP testing and support provided to patients with AYA cancer. Among the 720 respondents, 41.9% were aware of CGP testing, while 20.3% were unaware. Regarding AYA cancer, 60.7% were aware and 14.3% were unaware. Only 7.5% had frequent contact with AYA patients and 96.8% recognized the need for education and information. Awareness of CGP was greater among doctors (72.5%) than among other professionals (34.4%); similarly, AYA cancer awareness was higher among doctors (73.9%) than among other professionals (57.7%). CGP awareness among doctors varied by years of experience and institutional type, being highest in core and cooperative hospitals (80 and 78.6%, respectively) and among doctors with more than 21years of experience (90%). This study reveals significant gaps in CGP and AYA cancer awareness among healthcare professionals in Osaka, Japan, with doctors demonstrating higher awareness levels than other professionals. There is a pressing need for targeted educational programs to enhance the understanding and implementation of CGP and support AYA cancer patients.

Digital learning technologies usage during Covid‐19 lockdowns

AbstractThe global impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on school education has been unprecedented, with widespread school closures and the need for education to be delivered remotely. By providing an overview of the continuity of learning and teaching during the 2019–2021 academic years, this study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of the pandemic on the use of digital learning technologies in Wales. This study links usage data from the Government's National Learning Platform (Hwb) to national administrative school records for all pupils in maintained schools. It employs a quantitative methodology to model the inequalities in digital learning technology usage. Multiple linear regression is used to quantify the factors associated with pupils’ use of the national learning platform before and during the pandemic, with a particular emphasis on school closures. The study's findings show notable differences in the level of learning platform usage across school sectors, with primary school pupils using the platform the most. Furthermore, school‐level teacher usage of the platform and household socioeconomic status are key factors influencing pupil usage. The analysis also reveals that levels of learning platform usage prior to the first school closure were associated with learning platform usage in the first school closure period, and usage in the second school closure period was also associated with usage in the first school closure period.

Book Review: Life Course of Special Educational Needs Students

Book Review: Life Course of Special Educational Needs Students

Rates of socio-emotional difficulties among deaf and hard of hearing children in Ireland

ABSTRACT Higher rates of socio-emotional difficulties for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children have been reported compared with their typical hearing (TH) peers. Nonetheless, there has to date been limited examination on this issue internationally and no such examination in the Republic of Ireland. In this study, data was collected from parents using an online survey which included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to examine the socio-emotional development of 113 DHH children aged 5–16 in the Republic of Ireland. The results were compared with data from typically hearing (TH) children obtained from a large longitudinal study of childhood in Ireland – the Growing Up in Ireland study. The findings demonstrate that the prevalence of socio-emotional difficulties among this cohort of children is over three times that of the general population of children in Ireland, with 42% of the sample demonstrating clinically significant problem scores. Furthermore, DHH children had elevated subscale scores for the four problem scales in the SDQ when compared against the TH sample. These differences were statistically significant and had a range of effect sizes from small to large. The subscale of most concern was the peer problems subscale where the DHH sample had mean scores that were roughly double those of the TH sample, with a large effect size found. Finally, bivariate analysis revealed that several background variables were associated with elevated difficulty scores for DHH children, namely male gender, poorer communicative competency, and presence of an additional educational need.

Special Educational Needs Coordinators’ Boundary Work in Swedish Upper-Secondary School

Special Educational Needs Coordinators’ Boundary Work in Swedish Upper-Secondary School

Australian psychologists' attitudes towards psychedelic-assisted therapy and training following a world-first drug down-scheduling.

This study explores the attitudes of psychologists towards psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) following the world-first regulatory changes in 2023 in Australia which permitted psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) to be used in clinical services. A purposive sample of 20 Australian psychologists was recruited using snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted which explored participants' attitudes, knowledge and concerns about PAT. Data were coded and analysed to identify and develop theme categories. Most psychologists exhibited positive attitudes towards psychedelics and their therapeutic potential, viewing them as promising for addressing chronic mental health conditions like depression. However, there was a notable concern regarding the limited evidence on efficacy and potential adverse experiences, as well as the complexity of the individualised treatment protocol. Despite enthusiasm, many psychologists had limited detailed knowledge about the interventions themselves. The need for comprehensive education and training programs, including exposure to psychedelic experiences and credible higher education institutions, was emphasised to ensure competence in administering PAT. Psychologists displayed notably positive attitudes towards PAT, likely reflecting both shifting perceptions of psychedelics and self-selection bias within the sample. Despite this optimism, concerns were raised about psychiatric risks and the necessity for comprehensive and reputable training and supervision. The cohort showed openness to both novel treatments and innovative training methods, underscoring the importance of enhancing educational frameworks to ensure effective implementation of PAT.

Effectiveness of Implementing Single Identity Number (SIN) Through NIK Becomes NPWP for Tax Compliance

The inadequate and ineffective tax administration system in Indonesia has a negative impact on taxpayer compliance in carrying out their tax obligations, such as the tax reporting process is often complicated and time-consuming, thus burdening taxpayers, especially those who run small or medium businesses. The implementation of the Single Identity Number (SIN) through the Population Identification Number (NIK) to the Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP) in Indonesia starting on January 1, 2024, is a major step in efforts to improve tax compliance. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the implementation of SIN through NIK to NPWP on tax compliance as tax administration in Indonesia. This study uses a literature study approach which is a combination of previous research by collecting data from various sources such as scientific journals, news articles, and government regulations which will then find enormous potential in expanding the tax base in increasing taxpayer compliance to carry out tax obligations through the SIN system. The results obtained from this study indicate that the implementation of SIN through NIK to NPWP has a positive impact on increasing tax compliance in Indonesia, such as more effective and easier tax administration with the simplification of tax administration and increased tax revenue. However, despite having various positive impacts, there are several challenges that need to be considered to maximize the effectiveness of the integration, such as the need for socialization and education to the community throughout Indonesia, the need for readiness in terms of information technology infrastructure to support the integration in a sustainable manner, and the need for certainty of good protection of taxpayers' personal data. So, it can be concluded that implementing the integration of NIK and NPWP through the SIN system can have impressive results in improving tax compliance in Indonesia.

School Inclusion at the Federal Institute of Amapá: a Case Study at the Macapá Campus

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the perceptions of teachers and students about the school inclusion of students with special educational needs (SEN) at the Federal Institute of Amapá (IFAP), Macapá campus, focusing on the adequacy of pedagogical practices and institutional infrastructure. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on the concepts of school inclusion, accessibility, and teacher training for specialized services. References such as the Salamanca Declaration and Brazilian legislation on inclusive education provide theoretical support. Method: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach was conducted, using semi-structured interviews. Participants included 7 students with SEN, 18 teachers, and the coordinator of the Nucleus for the Support of People with Special Educational Needs (NAPNE). Data analysis followed Bardin’s content analysis method (2016). Results and Discussion: The included students expressed satisfaction with the physical and pedagogical structure but identified areas for improvement. Teachers, on the other hand, pointed to a lack of training and capacity as barriers to full inclusion. The discussion highlights the need for ongoing adjustments to ensure a more inclusive educational environment. Research Implications: The study emphasizes the importance of educational policies that promote continuous teacher training and the adjustment of educational institutions, contributing to the construction of a more inclusive school environment. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a comparative analysis of the perceptions of teachers and students regarding school inclusion in the context of technical and technological education, expanding the debate on challenges and progress in this field.

Identifying and Prioritizing the Educational Needs Professors of Medical Sciences in the Field of E-Learning with the Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach

Background: Professors in universities and educational institutions hold a crucial role in crafting educational approaches utilizing cutting-edge technologies. They need to possess significant expertise in e-learning and tackle the obstacles associated with delivering education and utilizing Information and communication technologies within higher education. To effectively navigate these challenges and adaptations, professors need to equip themselves with new educational techniques through training and readiness to adeptly incorporate emerging technologies into their teaching practices, thus enhancing the educational journey for students. By identifying, understanding, and ranking professors' requirements and preferences, effective and diverse educational initiatives can be tailored to meet their needs. Objectives: This research aimed to recognize the educational needs of medical science professors in the field of e-learning from the experts' point of view and prioritize these needs utilizing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Methods: This practical study was conducted in 2022 using a process-oriented approach and AHP. The main stages included the creation of a hierarchical structure, comparative judgment, and determining priorities. In the first step, 13 criteria were identified, which were derived from scientific articles and previous research. In the second step, the pairwise comparison matrix was used for comparative judgment, and the weight of each criterion was calculated. The third step involved determining priorities based on the weight of each criterion and the inconsistency ratio. The participants of this study included professors of basic and clinical sciences from different faculties. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that from the point of view of experts and participants, among the 13 criteria, the skills of virtual teaching (with weights of 0.146 and 0.148), electronic content production (with weights of 0.093 and 0.092), and holding online training courses (with the weights of 0.092 and 0.100) formed the three main needs of medical science professors in the field of e-learning and had the highest degree of importance and necessity compared to other criteria. Conclusions: Identifying the educational needs of medical science professors for organizing and designing necessary programs to enhance knowledge, skills, and empowerment will lead to improving the quality of e-learning, and eventually, reducing professors’ concerns in this area.