Educational Efforts Research Articles

Real-World Patients' Diagnosis-to-Treatment Journey with Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

The incidence and prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) are increasing globally. Approximately 80% of NTM-PD cases in Japan and five countries within Europe (Eur5; France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK) are caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). This study describes the clinical decision-making process associated with the management of patients with NTM-PD in Japan and the Eur5. We analyzed data from a survey conducted between July 2013 and October 2013 among physicians treating patients with NTM-PD in clinical practice to compare the healthcare settings, clinical presentation, and patient management in Japan and the Eur5. Overall, 619 physicians (Japan, 173; Eur5, 446) participated in the survey. Most patients in Japan (85%) and the Eur5 (79%) were diagnosed with MAC-PD. Patients were managed generally in hospital-based outpatient clinics (117/173, 68%) in Japan and research/teaching hospitals affiliated with medical schools (140/446, 31%) in the Eur5. The most common reason for delaying treatment was the patient's symptoms not being considered serious enough for treatment (55/128, 43%) in Japan and awaiting results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (44/151, 29%) in the Eur5. Culture negativity was less commonly achieved after treatment in patients in Japan versus those in the Eur5 (31% [73/238] vs. 70% [300/426], p < 0.0001). In treatment phases that were either completed or discontinued, the primary goal was symptomatic improvement, followed by achieving culture conversion, in both Japan and the Eur5. Overall, 19% (16/85) of physicians in Japan and 43% (220/511) in the Eur5 were "entirely satisfied" with their patients' treatment outcomes. Similarities and differences exist in the healthcare settings, clinical presentation, and management of patients with NTM-PD in Japan and the Eur5. Insufficient consideration of culture status by physicians, delayed treatment initiation, and symptom-based cessation emphasize the need for educational efforts on the guideline-based strategies.

A Statistical Analysis and Strategic Recommendations on Global Educational Investment and Poverty Reduction

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between educational funding and poverty alleviation worldwide. By analyzing data from 1960 to 2023, encompassing 71 countries, it aims to understand how increasing educational investment impacts poverty rates. Methodology: The analysis utilized data from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators. Data cleaning was performed using Excel, while statistical analyses were conducted using Python’s sci-kit-learn, SciPy, NumPy, Matplotlib, and IBM’s SPSS. The methodologies included a normal model setup, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), linear regression, hypothesis testing, and confidence interval computation to establish correlations and predict outcomes. Findings: The study discovered a negative correlation between education funding and poverty rates. Specifically, a 1% increase in educational spending as a percentage of GDP correlates with a 3.09% reduction in poverty rates. The 95% confidence interval of [-4.979, -1.201] and the hypothesis test with a p value of 0.002 on the slope of the regression line further reinforce the observed negative trend. GPR predictions indicate that the decrease in poverty rate changes from about 5% to 10% of population as educational funding rises from 0% to 1.5% of GDP. The likelihood of annual poverty rate increase stands at 40.46%, with a potential 0.4052% rise in such cases. Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: This study recommends progressive educational funding reforms, targeted tax credits for educational investments, and strategic educational programs aligned with labor market needs. Policy implications suggest a multilateral approach involving governments, corporations, and citizens to foster substantial improvements in education and poverty reduction efforts. These findings advocate for data-driven policy reforms to optimize the socio-economic benefits of educational funding globally.

Sex education against the algorithm: the algorithmically enforced deplatforming of YouTube sex edutainment

ABSTRACT Deplatforming of sexual content has increased across social media, usually operationalized by commercially charged, and algorithmically enforced, platform policies. This paper extends work on the algorithmic deplatforming of sex through the case study of how sex education content, or ‘sex edutainment’ on YouTube, is impacted by the platform’s algorithmic structures. Enrolling actor-network theory, we demonstrate the delegation work YouTube enacts through algorithms by presenting empirical findings from a multi-method study examining the assemblage of YouTube, sex edutainment influencers, and young people. The findings highlight that despite YouTube’s curated platform imaginary as an amplifier of voices, algorithmic delegation of platform governance creates significant barriers for influencers creating sex edutainment on YouTube. Although not contravening YouTube’s policies, influencers regularly battle demonetization, age-restrictions and algorithmic bias. This undermines the benefits of sex edutainment by limiting access to content, creates precarious financial environments for influencers and risks erosion of audience trust. Meanwhile, algorithms designed to protect users enact this governance without adequately protecting influencers themselves, predominantly women and LGBTQ+ individuals, from harm. Despite YouTube’s veneer of democratization, the social discourses and protectionist narratives that have destabilized traditional sex education efforts permeate our digital environments and can be seen in the algorithmic enactment of YouTube’s policies.

Challenges in Pediatric Home-Based Hospice and Palliative Care: A Case Series

Pediatric home-based hospice and palliative care is a growing and important sub-field within the larger pediatric palliative care landscape. Despite research demonstrating the clinical and systemic efficacy of pediatric home-based hospice and palliative care, there remain barriers to its optimal development, implementation, and dissemination as well as best clinical practice knowledge gaps. This case series presents specific examples of ubiquitous challenges in pediatric home-based hospice and palliative care in hopes of guiding future research, education, advocacy, and program development efforts.

Preventing the Trafficking of Youth: A Retrospective Evaluation of kNow MORE! An Educational Program in San Diego, California

ABSTRACT In 2017, California enacted the Human Trafficking (HT) Prevention Education and Training Act, requiring HT prevention curricula in middle and high schools. Prevention efforts to combat trafficking among vulnerable groups are scarce. Additionally, implemented educational programs tend to lack evaluation. In 2016, in San Diego, California, kNOw MORE! 1 1 The kNOw MORE! Human Trafficking Prevention Program is copyrighted—2021 Point Loma Nazarene University. (kM!), a drama-based and student-centered HT prevention curriculum, was developed. It aims to provide education among youth about awareness of HT, traffickers’ strategies of recruitment, identification of victims, and advocacy strategies. This analysis begins to address the current evaluation gap of implemented preventive educational programs. A mixed-method retrospective single-group design was applied. Pre- and post-assessment tools were utilized to collect data throughout a five-year period (2016–2021). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of association were performed. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to triangulate key findings. The sample comprised predominantly Latinx and Non-Hispanic white students from middle and high schools throughout San Diego, California. The results demonstrated that kM! has proven to increase the knowledge of its participants about HT victimization and how to advocate for themselves and others. The findings of this study provide significant implications for preventive educational efforts locally and nationwide. Future research should include a rigorous evaluation when such preventive educational curriculum is replicated.

Dietary Iodine Intake and Sources among Residents in Zhejiang Province 10 Years after Reducing Iodine Concentration in Iodized Salt.

We aimed to assess dietary iodine intake and sources in Zhejiang Province a decade after a reduction in iodine concentration in iodized salt. Three-day 24 h dietary recall and household weighing were used, complemented by "Chinese Food Composition" data. Household water and salt samples were collected from 5890 residents and analyzed. Differences in iodized salt consumption rates were observed across the following regions: inland (84.20%), subcoastal (67.80%), and coastal (37.00%) areas. The median (P25, P75) iodine concentration in water and diet were 2.2 (0.9, 4.0) μg/L and 142.05 (58.94, 237.11) μg/d, respectively, with significant regional differences in dietary concentration (inland [185.61 μg/d], subcoastal [153.42 μg/d], and coastal [75.66 μg/d]). Males (149.99 μg/d) and iodized salt consumers (191.98 μg/d) had a significantly higher dietary iodine intake than their counterparts. Regions were ranked as follows based on the proportions of individuals meeting the recommended dietary iodine intake: inland (69.40%), subcoastal (56.50%), and coastal (34.10%) areas. Dietary sources included salt (48.54%), other foods (32.06%), drinking water (8.84%), laver (4.82%), kelp (3.02%), and other seafood (2.32%). The qualified iodized salt consumption rate was significantly lower than the national standard. Zhejiang Province should continue implementing measures to control iodine deficiency through salt iodization, education efforts, and increasing the qualified iodized salt consumption rate.

STEPS (Study To Examine Parent, Patient/Dental Provider Systems)to Prevent Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Related Cancers: A Piloted Dental Patient and Provider Evaluation of Current and Future HPV Education.

Oropharyngeal human papillomavirus (HPV) cancers are prevalent, but HPV education in dental clinics is uncommon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental provider and patient knowledge from, attitudes towards, and preferences for HPV education, then assess perceptions of existing HPV educational materials for use at dental visits. Appalachian Ohio dental patients (n = 13) and general/pediatric dental providers (n = 10) completed an initial, close-ended survey on current HPV knowledge and HPV educational attitudes, participation, and resource preferences. Select individuals reviewed existing HPV educational videos and toolkits via virtual focus groups (n = 9) or independent review surveys (n = 6). Using a discussion guide, participants responded to overall, visual, auditory, and content satisfaction statements, orally (focus groups) or with Likert scales (independent reviews). Surveys were summarized with frequencies/percentages; transcripts were qualitatively coded to identify potential material modifications. Dental providers and patients were more comfortable with HPV and oral cancer education (87% and 96%, respectively) and screening (96%) than with HPV vaccine education (74%) and referrals (61%) during dental visits. Providers were neither sharing HPV educational materials (80%) nor initiating educational conversations with dental patients (100%). The American Cancer Society videos and the "Team Maureen" toolkit were the most liked resources (i.e., fewer negative/disagree statements) by all participant groups. Findings indicate that future dentalHPV educational efforts should be informed by currently available materials. Additional interventions are needed to promote dental provider discussions and sharing of educational materials with patients to increase education and promotion of the HPV vaccine and reduce oropharyngeal cancers.

Towards healthier, enabling environments for all: positioning the ‘runnability of cities’ as a spatial planning approach

ABSTRACT The interplay between urban design and public health is a critical concern in modern cities, with the COVID-19 pandemic underscoring the necessity of accessible, safe, and health-promoting urban environments. This paper aimed to unpack the concept of ‘runnability’ as a cornerstone of healthy urban environments, advocating for the integration of running-friendly spaces into city planning, in order to enhance border public health and well-being. The paper followed a reflective praxis methodology, combining academic research with introspective analysis of running experiences, and offers novel insights into the subjective dimensions of urban runnability. Our findings advocate for a global initiative to promote runnable cities through transdisciplinary collaboration, infrastructure development, policy reform, educational efforts, and design innovation. By positioning ‘runnable cities’ as a spatial planning approach, there could be global progress towards healthier, enabling environments for all.

Upaya Guru PAI dalam Pembentukan Karakter Sosial Siswa dalam Pendidikan di MTSN 2 Medan

This study aims to explore the efforts of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers in shaping the social character of students at Mtsn 2 Medan. Using a normative juridical approach, the research collected data through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings indicate that social character formation is conducted through various methods, including the habituation of polite behavior, enforcement of discipline, use of distinctive terms between teachers and students to create emotional closeness, and the implementation of educational sanctions and rewards. These efforts collectively demonstrate the strategic role of PAI teachers in effectively and comprehensively shaping the social character of students.

Preference signaling in orthopaedic surgery: applicant perspectives and opinions.

Orthopaedic surgery has become increasingly competitive over the years, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating additional challenges for applicants and programs. To promote an equitable match experience, the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) introduced a formal preference signaling (PS) system into the 2022-2023 application cycle. PS allows applicants to indicate their heightened interest in specific programs, which improves the likelihood of receiving an interview and ultimately matching at their desired residency program. The objective of this anonymous survey is to assess applicants' opinions and perspectives toward PS in orthopaedic surgery prior to the 2022-2023 match results. Additionally, we sought to evaluate the signaling strategies being utilized by applicants. An anonymous 22-question survey was distributed to applicants of an orthopaedic surgery residency program (34.2 % response rate). Responses were collected after the application submission deadline but before the match lists and results were available. This survey included questions germane to demographics, signal utilization, signaling reasons and strategies, and opinions toward PS.Descriptive statistics were calculated utilizing R (version 4.2.1) and RStudio. Most respondents (96.1 %) participated in PS, and 96.7 % utilized all 30 signals. Signaling encouraged 24.2 % ofapplicants to apply to fewer programs. In accordance withguidelines, 83.2 % of respondents signaled each away rotation program; however, only 53 % signaled their home program. Applicants commonly signaled 1-10 "reach" and "safety" programs each. Proximity to Family and Perceived Operative Experience were the most important reasons forsignaling, whereas Program Prestige was the least. A program's social presence and virtual interview option did not influence many applicants' decisions for signaling. Most applicants believe that the COVID-19 pandemic and pass/fail licensure examinations influenced PS adoption. Sixty-seven of 149 respondents (45 %) claimed that applicants and programs benefit equally from PS, while 41 % believe programs benefit more. Nearly half (40.94 %) knew very littleor nothing about PS. During the inaugural introduction of PS in orthopaedic surgery, nearly every applicant utilized all 30 signals, prioritizing factors like family proximity and perceived operative experience over program prestige. Thisshift reflects the importance of geographic location andpresumed training quality. Despite unfamiliarity toward PS, personalized signaling strategies were implemented, accompanied by a slight decrease in application volumes. The30 allotted signals in orthopaedic surgery may serve as aninformal application cap due to the necessity of signaling aprogram for an interview invite. However, improved educational efforts are needed to enhance the understanding and maximize the benefits of PS for both applicants and programs.

Assessing Pediatric Resident Needs in Grief and Bereavement Education

ContextPediatric residents care for dying children during training. Few educational efforts focus on helping trainees better understand their own grief process and the supports available to them and their patients’ families. ObjectivesThis work aims to assess pediatric residents’ needs and preferences for content included in a curriculum on grief and bereavement. MethodsPediatric residents, at a single institution, completed an electronic survey in Spring 2023 on how they cope with patient deaths and their preferences on content in a proposed grief and bereavement curriculum. ResultsThe survey was emailed to 165 current or recent trainees; 71 surveys were fully completed (43% response rate). Most respondents (63/71, 89%) indicated that a formalized bereavement curriculum for pediatric residents is important. The resources most frequently utilized by residents following a pediatric death included peer support (59/71, 83%), attending a debrief coordinated by residency leadership or the supportive care division (38/71, 54%), and reading a patient's obituary (23/71, 32%).The most desired content areas were institutional services provided to bereaved families (66/71, 93%), unique aspects of healthcare professional grief (58/71, 82%), and experiences of bereaved families hearing from providers after their child's death (56/71, 79%). ConclusionPediatric residents indicate a strong desire for structured curricula on grief and bereavement focusing on resources that exist for families, approaches to grieving as a healthcare professional, and better understanding the experiences of bereaved families. These data may inform educators on priorities in training and support of pediatric residents on grief and bereavement.

Falls prevention in older people and the role of nursing.

Falls among older individuals pose a significant public health challenge globally, impacting both individual wellbeing and healthcare systems. This article examines the importance of falls prevention in older people and the pivotal role of nursing in this domain. It presents statistics indicating the high prevalence of falls among older adults, highlighting their substantial impact on morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Furthermore, it discusses the multifactorial nature of fall risk factors, including age-related changes, chronic health conditions, medication use, impaired mobility, sensory deficits and environmental hazards. Nursing interventions encompass comprehensive assessments, personalised care plans, patient education and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing fall risks and enhancing safety. By addressing intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to falls, nurses contribute significantly to improving the quality of life for older adults and reducing the economic burden associated with fall-related injuries.

Dimensi Pembentuk Ketertarikan Investor Memilih Produk Cilem BSI Kencong

Islamic investment has become an attractive choice for Indonesian society looking to grow their funds while adhering to Islamic law. BSI Kencong, part of Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), offers the Cilem investment product designed to meet these needs. This research aims to identify the factors influencing public interest in investing in Cilem at BSI Kencong. The research method employed is qualitative, utilizing literature review and customer testimonial analysis. Data was gathered from various sources, including official BSI publications, Islamic investment literature, and customer reviews. The findings reveal several key factors driving public interest in Cilem investments. Firstly, the competitive profit potential is a major attraction, supported by expertise in investment management and diversification across safe Sharia-compliant instruments. Secondly, the security and trust provided by BSI Kencong, overseen by the Financial Services Authority and the National Sharia Board of MUI, instill confidence in customers. Thirdly, adherence to Islamic principles is crucial, evidenced by Sharia certification from the National Sharia Board of MUI. Additionally, ease of access and transactions play a significant role. BSI Kencong offers various channels including branches, the BSI Mobile app, website, and agents, enhancing customer convenience. Friendly and professional service from BSI Kencong staff adds to customer comfort and satisfaction. Active promotion and education efforts by BSI Kencong increase public awareness and understanding of Cilem products. Positive testimonials from investors demonstrate real benefits, encouraging prospective customers to participate. Lastly, the desire to support the growth of Islamic economy in Indonesia further strengthens public interest in Cilem investments. In conclusion, the combination of factors such as profit potential, security and trust, Sharia compliance, ease of access, professional service, promotion and education, positive testimonials, and support for Islamic economy collectively create a compelling attraction for the public to invest in Cilem products through BSI Kencong.

Unveiling awareness and knowledge of orphan plants: catalysts for sustainable transformation in Al-Zarqa Basin, Jordan

The awareness of orphan plants and underutilized species that have agricultural, nutritional, and medicinal importance is critical to the sustainable civilization of people. The lack of knowledge of the orphan plant’s importance stems from insufficient outreach and educational efforts and this may increase the underappreciation of these plants’ ecological relevance which will affect the sustainable environment in the determined region. In this study, Al Zarqa basin region located in the northern part of Jordan was selected as a study case. This is due to it having rich plant biodiversity with many endangered plant species. This study aimed to assess the awareness levels of the civil people in the Al Zarqa basin regarding orphan plants and identify key factors influencing the community’s understanding of these underutilized species. In this study, local youth volunteers distributed an e-questionnaire, and 1000 participants from seven villages were engaged. Different parameters that measure people’s awareness regarding orphan plants were evaluated. Data were collected and statistically analyzed to show the range of the people’s awareness. Data showed the predominant of the samples used were male representation (66%), aged 18–45, engaged in agricultural and handicraft activities, with diverse educational backgrounds, and monthly incomes of 300–500 JD. Limited awareness (23.3%) of ‘orphan plants’ was linked to lower academic levels in the studied areas. Perceived benefits varied, with 36.1% acknowledging moderate advantages and 25.6% perceiving high benefits. Despite recognizing utility, participants lacked specificity in benefits or classification. The study concludes that the region exhibits a dearth of knowledge about orphan plants, necessitating educational initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for the agricultural and medicinal potential of underutilized plant species, contributing to the socioeconomic advancement of residents in the agriculturally endowed Zarqa Basin. This investigation is essential for highlighting the current state of awareness and informing potential outreach and education strategies. Addressing the root cause of underappreciation through targeted initiatives can play a pivotal role in fostering a better understanding of the ecological significance of rare and endangered plants, ultimately contributing to their conservation and sustainable use.

The Difference We Make at Home: Impact of Infection Prevention and Control in Pediatric Homecare Tracheitis Reduction

Background: Quality improvement (QI) efforts within Infection prevention and control (IP&amp;C) programs to reduce risk of device-related infections in the acute care setting are well described. However, less focus has been placed on continued prevention in the homecare setting. This QI project illustrates the benefits of IP&amp;C involvement in reducing tracheitis in pediatric homecare patients. Methods: The homecare multidisciplinary IP&amp;C team implemented a series of QI initiatives aimed at reducing incidence of tracheitis beginning in 2016. Initial interventions included increasing oral care frequency to every four hours, inpatient training for new tracheostomy patients and families before discharge, and an optional inpatient simulation training resource to provide hands-on practice. Enhanced educational interventions included caregiver learning modules and competencies completed with their primary nurse in the home every ninety days and following a tracheitis infection. Practice changes and education efforts were further sustained with the creation and distribution of laminated tracheostomy care teaching sheets to patient homes. Quarterly tracheitis infection rates were tracked using a U-chart. Organism distribution in tracheitis cases were compared across the baseline (2015-2018) and post-intervention periods (2019-2023) using the Chi square test. Analyses were performed using Stata Statistical Software: Release 18 (College Station, TX: StataCorp, LLC) with two-tailed alpha level of 0.05. Results: Quarterly tracheitis infection rates from 2015 through 2023 are displayed in the Figure. Notably, the baseline period, established Q1 2015 through Q4 2017, revealed a consistent rate of 1.08 tracheitis infections per 1000 tracheostomy days. During this initial phase, changes in oral care frequency and enhanced educational resources were implemented to decrease rates. Following these interventions, a significant shift was observed in Q1 2019, with the new baseline rate drastically reduced to 0.32 infections per 1000 tracheostomy days. This denotes a remarkable 70% improvement from the prior average infection rate which has been sustained through Q4 2023 with the laminated teaching sheets. The most frequently identified organisms across both time periods are displayed in the Table. Pathogen distribution was similar following QI interventions (p = 0.50). Conclusions: Tracheitis infections were reduced by 70% through implementation of multidisciplinary homecare IP&amp;C QI efforts. IP&amp;C programs are integral to pediatric homecare.

Epidemiology of Testicular Trauma in Sports: Analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database

BackgroundThe epidemiology of testicular trauma in sports on a national scale has not been well studied. Timely management and treatment after testicular trauma is critical to avoid serious, long-term ramifications of mismanagement. ObjectiveThe aim was to analyze trends in sports-related testicular trauma based on specific sports and patient demographic characteristics over time. MethodsThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for emergency department cases between 2012 and 2021 with injuries in the pubic region related to 10 commonly played sports. Variables examined included patient age, race, disposition, and sport using incidence rate, incidence rate ratios, and χ2 analysis. ResultsThere were an estimated 28,844 emergency department cases of sports-related testicular trauma between 2012 and 2021. Young patients, aged between 10 and 14 years and 15 and 19 years, accounted for most cases, and results of χ2 analysis showed a significant difference in incidence based on age group (p < 0.01). Most injuries occurred while athletes played basketball, football, and soccer (73.6%). ConclusionsSports-related testicular trauma injury rates remained steady between 2012 and 2021, which suggests greater efforts are necessary to reduce the incidence of sports-related testicular trauma. Education efforts should focus on 10- to 19-year-olds because they have the highest incidence. Given the high incidence in sports like basketball and soccer compared with football and lacrosse, testicular trauma seems to be a risk for athletes competing both recreationally and competitively.

Bad Habits that Stick: An Investigation into Adhesive Medical Tape Use Practices and Beliefs

Background: Medical tape is one of the most ubiquitous resources in the hospital. Although tape is advertised by manufacturers as a single patient-use item, half-used rolls are a common sight in hospitals. Tape is often manipulated by un-sanitized and ungloved hands and comes in close contact with patient skin. Medical tape has the potential to be a source of hospital-acquired infection as it has been documented to be colonized with pathogens ranging from MRSA to Rhizopus. Despite infection risk, currently the only clinical guidelines of tape use are outlined in the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services guidance for Hemodialysis patients issued in 2008 that requires “tape should be dedicated to a single patient and discarded after use” as hemodialysis patients are at higher risk of infection. However, there is a lack of standards in the practice of tape use across hospital systems. Methods: To understand the current practices and beliefs of tape use at our institution, we developed a standardized survey to query individuals from various roles (RN, Physician, Patient Care Technicians, respiratory therapists, phlebotomists) across all patient care areas at a 746-bed academic, tertiary care center. Results: 52 units were surveyed, including 225 employees. Qualitative analysis revealed a wide variety of uses for medical tape for patient care, with venipuncture, securing IVs, and wound dressings being the most common. Only 1.4% of individuals reported single use of tape rolls. 54% of individuals reported tape use behaviors that carry an elevated risk for inoculation of pathogens. 70% of individuals reported that tape was discarded after the patient was discharged from their respective area. These practices did not change across procedure-heavy areas such as the Emergency Department or the Operating Rooms, in fact only 22% of individuals surveyed reported single use of tape in these areas. Beliefs about tape use varied: 95% of individuals agreed that a roll of tape could be used multiple times on a single patient, and 52% of individuals agreed that a roll of tape could be used on multiple patients. Conclusions: Tape use practices varied across hospital units, indicating the need for standardized policies for tape use and storage. Beliefs about tape not being a single-use item were consistent across the hospital and suggest that education and culture change efforts are needed to decrease the risk for hospital-acquired infections from improper medical tape use.

The power and pitfalls of using social media to study rare cancers

This news section is written by a medical journalist and offers Cancer Cytopathology readers timely information on events, issues, and personalities of interest to the subspecialty. This issue covers how Facebook, X, and other platforms can aid patient education and recruitment efforts in studying rare cancers.

Profound Love and Dialogue: Paulo Freire and Liberation Education.

Paulo Freire, Brazilian philosopher and educator, proposed an educational method for adults based on what he called "the problem posing method." This method was based on dialogue that he deemed necessary for education and was not oppressive and controlling. Freire argued that traditional educational methods were inherently oppressive because they served the interest of the elite, instituted what he called "the banking method" in hopes to turn people into better workers. In contrast to this, Freire advocated for an education that was liberating and required dialogue. Dialogue, however, could only take place with profound love. This article reflects on Freire's call for profound love and dialogue within his pedagogical framework, and its necessity for social and political change. Further, this article explores what Freire meant by profound love and dialogue, and explores how love and dialogue are applicable to current and future health literacy and health education efforts. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2024;8(3):e118-e120.].

Challenges and Successes in Introducing Coronary CT Angiography in an Emergency Medicine-Run Observation Unit.

This study was designed to analyze the departmental changes in transitioning the Emergency Department (ED)-run Observation Medicine Unit's routine noninvasive cardiac evaluation from the traditional standard-of-care procedures to coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). While the routine use of CCTA for the evaluation of chest pain has been deemed feasible and safe, provider confidence appears apprehensive, and ordering patterns appear reluctant to change. We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from two risk-matched cohorts of EDpatients who presented with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) but without ischemic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes or positive troponin. Endpoints included length of stay, major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rates at 28 days, recidivism rate, and downstream findings on coronary catheterization. The adoption of CCTA led to a significant reduction in the length of stay for patients in the ED-run Observation Medicine Unit. Provider and nursing education initiatives were crucial in overcoming initial resistance and improving the implementation of CCTA. Post-education, there was a marked increase in the volume of CCTA performed and a decrease in the length of stay, enhancing overall departmental throughput. The results suggest that CCTA offers a reliable and efficient diagnostic alternative to traditional noninvasive tests, with high diagnostic accuracy contributing to faster decision-making and reduced need for invasive procedures. Continuous education for providers and nursing staff was essential to ensure adherence to the new protocol and improve clinical outcomes. Transitioning to CCTA for routine noninvasive cardiac evaluation in the ED-run Observation Medicine Unit demonstrated significant efficiency and diagnostic accuracy benefits. Successful implementation requires targeted educational efforts to ensure competency and confidence among healthcare providers. The findings support the integration of CCTA into standard clinical practice for the evaluation of chest pain in the emergency setting, with future research needed to validate these results in broader patient populations and assess long-term outcomes.