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Awareness and Usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Promoting Music Broadcast on Radio in Warri, Nigeria

This paper investigates the level of awareness and usage of artificial intelligence (AI) for promoting music broadcast on radio stations in Warri, Nigeria. The study was prompted by the paradigm shift that is brought about by the advent of artificial intelligence. Despite the advantages inherent in technology most radio stations appear to lack knowledge of the component meant for the broadcast of music. Thus, the study establishes the extent to which the radio station in Warri, Nigeria has become AI compliant in relaying music. To determine the AI awareness level and extent of usage in music promotion on radio stations, the researcher conducted interview sessions using four (4) radio stations, forty-one (41) on Air Personalities (OAP). A Self Respondent Interview Research Instrument was administered via email contact. The study was guided by three (3) research questions. Data were analyzed with the aid of percentage calculation measure to decide the level of awareness and usage of the AI tools connected to music broadcast on radio. The study found that respondents show low level of awareness of significant AI tools and thus could not deploy AI technologies for broadcast of music. The study concludes that it is important to create high level of awareness in the use of AI tools for promotion of music broadcast on radio. The study recommends that OAP should acquire the knowledge of AI tools related to promotion of music on radio stations. The proprietors of radio stations should provide training on the use of AI technologies to enable them become AI compliant in radio broadcasting.

78 Supporting rural paediatricians in British Columbia: Could a rural paediatrics clinical network make a difference?

Abstract Background British Columbia (BC) is a geographically expansive province with an uneven distribution of population and resources. The number of paediatricians in rural communities is small and they face a unique reality compared to their urban counterparts. In 2020, a clinical network (Sustaining Pediatrics in Rural and Underserved Communities – SPRUCe) was introduced to provide support and connection for rural paediatricians in BC. Objectives The rural paediatricians were surveyed shortly after the launch of the network, in June 2021, and again in July 2023 in order to evaluate the impact of the network. Design/Methods In British Columbia, communities are designated as rural through the Rural Practice Subsidiary Agreement (RSA). In 2021, there were 12 RSA communities served by 32 paediatricians, while in 2023 there were 14 RSA communities served by 38 paediatricians. Surveys were sent to paediatricians in RSA communities for whom the study coordinators had email contacts in the spring of 2021 and in the summer of 2023. Anonymized survey results were collected, tabulated and compared. Results In 2021, surveys were sent to 28 paediatricians with a 96% response rate, while in 2023 surveys were sent to 36 paediatricians with a 69% response rate. Comparing the responses, in 2023 a lower proportion of respondents endorsed being concerned about recruitment (81% in 2021 and 68% in 2023). Similarly, a lower proportion disagreed that effective strategies were in place for paediatrician recruitment to their communities (62% in 2021 and 40% in 2023). In 2023, a higher proportion of respondents agreed that they had methods to engage and interact with other rural paediatricians across the province (30% in 2021 and 52% in 2023). Unfortunately, no improvements were noted in the proportion of respondents who endorsed workload challenges, feelings of burnout or limitations in their ability to secure locum coverage. Rural paediatrician involvement medical learner education of medical learners remained static at 80%. Conclusion Strategies to support rural paediatricians in BC are needed to address concerns about workload, burnout, and lack of locum coverage. SPRUCe, a clinical network to support rural paediatrics, provides an example of a potential strategy which may be having a positive impact. The short timeframe between administered surveys and small group of respondents makes demonstrating change challenging, but it is encouraging that decreased recruitment concerns and increased feelings of connectedness among rural paediatricians were noted.

Mental health screening for parents following surgical neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge

Admission to the surgical neonatal intensive care unit (sNICU) is a stressful experience. Care is often complex, with inherent risks and potential complications. This study describes the implementation of an outpatient mental health screening process for parents of infants admitted to a sNICU. Parents of infants aged >34 weeks gestation with a congenital anomaly requiring neonatal surgery participated in this prospective observational study. Standardised measures to screen for parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index™ Fourth Edition Short Form) and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) were administered at the first outpatient visit scheduled when the infant's corrected gestational age was 4 months. A triage algorithm was developed, to review the initial screening results prompting appropriate action and intervention. Positive screens were triaged as evaluate (assess within 48 h), targeted information (email contact), or escalate response (same day risk assessment). Demographic factors associated with parental stress and depressive symptoms were explored. Forty parents (response rate: 88 %) participated in screening. A high portion of parents (52.5 %) required secondary screening, for parenting stress (n = 10), depressive symptoms (n = 5) or both stress and depressive symptoms (n = 6). Socioeconomic disadvantage was positively associated with parenting stress (p = 0.02) and greater depressive symptoms with parent education levels (p = 0.01). Results indicate screening of parent mental health in the outpatient setting is feasible. Use of a triage algorithm helped prioritise parent follow-up and facilitate workflows. Parent mental health screening should be prioritised within and beyond the sNICU to support family and infant outcomes during this critical period of development.

Improving post-injury follow-up survey response: incorporating automated modalities

BackgroundIncorporating post-discharge data into trauma registries would allow for better research on patient outcomes, including disparities in outcomes. This pilot study tested a follow-up data collection process to be incorporated into existing trauma care systems, prioritizing low-cost automated response modalities.MethodsThis investigation was part of a larger study that consisted of two protocols with two distinct cohorts of participants who experienced traumatic injury. Participants in both protocols were asked to provide phone, email, text, and mail contact information to complete follow-up surveys assessing patient-reported outcomes six months after injury. To increase follow-up response rates between protocol 1 and protocol 2, the study team modified the contact procedures for the protocol 2 cohort. Frequency distributions were utilized to report the frequency of follow-up response modalities and overall response rates in both protocols.ResultsA total of 178 individuals responded to the 6-month follow-up survey: 88 in protocol 1 and 90 in protocol 2. After implementing new follow-up contact procedures in protocol 2 that relied more heavily on the use of automated modalities (e.g., email and text messages), the response rate increased by 17.9 percentage points. The primary response modality shifted from phone (72.7%) in protocol 1 to the combination of email (47.8%) and text (14.4%) in protocol 2.ConclusionsResults from this investigation suggest that follow-up data can feasibly be collected from trauma patients. Use of automated follow-up methods holds promise to expand longitudinal data in the national trauma registry and broaden the understanding of disparities in patient experiences.

The top 10 priorities in adults living with type 1 diabetes in Ireland and the United Kingdom - A James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership.

To undertake a Priority Setting Partnership (PSP), identifying the most important unanswered questions in type 1 diabetes in Ireland and the United Kingdom and to compare these to priorities identified in a 2011 PSP. A steering committee (including eight individuals with lived experience/charity representatives and six clinicians) designed a survey which asked stakeholders to list three questions about type 1 diabetes. This was disseminated through social media, direct email contact, and printed posters. Following analysis, a second survey asked participants to rank these priorities in order of importance. The top questions were then carried forward to an online, 2 days final workshop where the final top 10 were ranked. There were 1050 responses (64% female, 78% adults living with type 1 diabetes, 9% healthcare professionals, 9% family members) to the first survey and 2937 individual questions were submitted. Sixty-five summary questions were submitted into a second survey, completed by 497 individuals (76% adults living with type 1 diabetes, 9% healthcare professionals, and 11% family members). Nineteen questions from the interim survey progressed to a final workshop, which identified the top 10 priorities through group discussion. As in 2011, there was emphasis on psychological health, diabetes-related complications, and hypoglycaemia. New themes prioritised included artificial intelligence and women's health. The research priorities, which have been identified using a robust and proven methodology, highlight the key concerns of those living with type 1 diabetes, their families and representatives, as well as clinicians in Ireland and the UK.

Factors associated with patients' experience of access to their multidisciplinary primary health care clinic: A multilevel analysis.

Understanding patients' experiences accessing primary health care (PHC) is necessary to improve service organisation. This study aims to examine individual, organisational, and contextual factors associated with patients' experience of accessing the multidisciplinary PHC clinic to which they are attached. This cross-sectional study builds on survey data collected in multidisciplinary PHC clinics located in 14 regions in the province of Quebec (Canada). Between September 2022 and June 2023, an online questionnaire was sent to patients with an email contact and attached to a family physician. Two patient-reported experience measures were assessed: (1) difficulty obtaining an appointment with their regular family physician or nurse practitioner and (2) perceived unmet healthcare needs. A self-reported online questionnaire based on the advanced access model was also sent to PHC professionals and administrative staff to assess the use of advanced access strategies in their practice. Multilevel logistic regression models were fit. Stratified analyses were conducted according to the number of consultations received. In total, 122,397 patients and 847 family physicians, 97 nurse practitioners and 347 administrative staff nested into 104 clinics answered the survey. In the overall sample, having a chronic disorder was the only individual factor associated with the patient experience of access. Organizational factors including estimation of demand and supply, use of a referral algorithm, and strategies to optimise consultations were associated with a better access experience. Patients from medium size clinics compared to small clinics had better experiences of care for both outcomes. Stratified analysis indicated similar results for patients who consulted at the clinic 1-5 times in the last 12months as observed in the overall sample. This study indicates that enhancing organizational processes can improve patients' access experiences.

Mobile Crisis Teams' Implementation in the Context of new Medicaid Funding Opportunities: Results from a National Survey.

This cross-sectional survey study describes characteristics of mobile crisis teams (MCTs) in the United States. Mobile crisis teams (MCTs) are increasingly recognized as essential responders to help those experiencing mental health crises get urgent and appropriate care. Recent enhanced federal funding is designed to promote adoption of MCTs, but little is known about their current structure and function and whether teams meet new Medicaid rules governing their utilization. Survey participants (N = 554) are a convenience sample of MCT representatives recruited through professional organizations, listservs, and individual email contacts from October 2021 - May 2022. Respondents most frequently identified themselves as MCT program director/manager (N = 237, 43%). 63% (N = 246) of respondents reported billing insurance for services provided (including Medicaid), while 25% (N = 98) rely on state or county general funds only. Nearly all respondents (N = 390, 98%) reported including behavioral health clinicians on their teams, and 71% (N = 281) reported operating on a 24/7 basis, both of which are required by Medicaid's enhanced reimbursement. Just over half of respondents (N = 191, 52%) reported being staffed with 11 or more FTE staff members, our estimated number required for adequate 2-person coverage on a 24/7 basis. MCTs are a popular policy initiative to reduce reliance on law enforcement to handle mental health emergencies, and enhanced federal funding is likely to expand their utilization. Federal rule makers have a role in establishing guidelines for best practices in staffing, billing, and outcomes tracking, and can help ensure that stable financing is available to improve stability in service delivery.

Implementing exercise recommendations into clinical practice-new findings from mental health professionals' and patients' perspectives in a university psychiatric setting.

To date, concrete recommendations for physical activity in psychiatric treatments are limited. Thus, we evaluated knowledge, barriers and beliefs associated with exercise prescription of mental health professionals (MHP) to people with mental illnesses. We aimed to identify patients' barriers to exercise participation and to work out options addressing these barriers. In our cross-sectional and questionnaire-based investigation, we recruited medical, nursing and therapeutic staff and patients of a psychiatric clinic by email and personal contact. Questionnaires contained the German versions of The Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire (EMIQ-G) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ). We included 100 MHP and 100 patients. MHP had significantly more knowledge regarding positive effects of exercise on general health than patients. Exercise was prescribed mostly (48.4%) or always (37.9%) by MHP. The data showed missing education in exercise prescriptions and different recommendation behavior. Male patients seemed to experience exercise more often as a positive distraction and had lower physical health barriers than females. Physical activity needs to be more integrated in psychiatric treatments. Some strategies as educating MHP and patients regarding potential benefits of exercise via psychoeducative brochures and adapting recommendations to individual symptoms could improve exercise behavior in psychiatric patients.

Mental Health Support Is an Unmet Need for Long-term Burn Survivors: A Web-based Survey.

A National Trauma Research Action Plan identified the involvement of burn survivors as critical informants to determine the direction of research. This study employed a web-based survey to identify care gaps in a sample of burn survivors. We surveyed burn survivors from around the United States through social media and email contact with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. We elicited demographic info, burn history, and unmet needs. Statistical analysis was performed to test our hypothesis that lack of access to mental health support/professionals would be identified as an unmet need in long-term burn survivors. Of 178 survey respondents, most were at least 10 years removed from the date of their burn injury (n = 94, 53%). Compared with those less than 3 years from their burn injury, individuals greater than 10 years were at least 5 times more likely to note a lack of access to mental health support [11-20 years OR 8.7, P < .001; >20 years OR 5.7, P = .001]. About 60% of Spanish speakers reported lack of support group access was among their greatest unmet needs, compared with 37% of English speakers (P = .184). This study highlights the need for ongoing access to mental health resources in burn survivors. Our findings emphasize that burn injury is not just an acute ailment, but a complex condition that evolves into a chronic disease. Additional studies should focus on the experiences of Spanish-speaking burn survivors, given small sample size leading to a likely clinically significant but not statistically different lack of access to support groups.

Effectiveness of Homeopathic Medicine in Canine Urinary Incontinence: Outcomes of Owner Response Survey

With advances in data collection via electronic surveys, they have become a popular tool for researchers especially with the changes in normalcy caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. During this pandemic period, previously collected traditional format paper data on Homeopet ™ ‘Leaks No More’ was collated, analysed, written up, reviewed, and published Farrington TJ and Smith . The current study was again an owner response survey like the previous studies but done electronically. In the case of this Homeopet™ 'Leaks No More' survey, the selection criteria used to identify eligible participants who had purchased the product directly from the manufacturer's website helped to ensure that the responses collected were from genuine product users including first time and repeat users. This helped to eliminate potential bias in the responses and ensured that the data collected was of high quality. It ensured elimination of spurious responses and replies from unverified users. The use of gratuities only to those who agreed to provide fully completed surveys containing a true assessment of their pets' responses with an email and other contact details including agreement to be contacted helped to improve the response rate and quality of data collected. In fact the normal verifying of email addresses and names of respondents was turned off for data protection requirements after collection before sending data to analyst and authors removing only from them ability to cross-reference to an original mail shot offering the survey to people who had joined the mailing list on Homeopets own sales site, the researchers were after completion of the paper able to ensure that the data collected was authentic and reliable without exposing any personal data for the participants from the survey collection while still ensuring it was verifiable. Despite striving to write the survey questionnaire in a balanced inclusive way so that it would resonate with a wide range of perspectives and viewpoints across a broad range of views, one can assume that those who filled it out were more likely to have been open to complementary medicine or to have a pet who had failed to respond or responded poorly to conventional therapy. It also meant that emails and names could be verified and if necessary, through the email DNS, and thus could be contacted to complete any missing data needed, which thanks to response numbers was not necessary so the data remained completely confidential. As Homeopet ™ ‘Leaks No More’ is an OTC (Over the Counter) retail product which during the pandemic sold primarily online through various online retailers due to the restricted access to bricks and mortar retailers, shops, and stores there was little or no direct access to or contact with the end users and thus the electronic survey proved highly effective in that environment. Overall, electronic surveys have proven to be a more successful and time-efficient way of collecting data compared to traditional methods as shown in this research paper. The high-quality data collected in this study will be valuable for future research and product development in the field of complementary medicine for pets. Methods and Outcomes: An online questionnaire template was developed using questionnaires from the previous studies and he decision was to use SurveyMonkey® as the mode of delivery to participants. Homeopet™ LLC employed an independent consultant to design and develop the front end for owner response input and the back end for data collection. Ms Jenny Doran Halcyon Days Ltd. worked with Dr Farrington and his team, some external individuals unfamiliar with the project (to ensure the public would understand the questionnaire fully), including staff at Homeopet familiar with the process, to test prototype versions of the SurveyMonkey® and tailor them to the projects requirements till the entire team came to a consensus acceptable to Homeopet™ in the time constraints available. The survey was then made available online with an invitation to participate added to the purchase process on the manufacturer’s website. Other online outlets were considered but were not open to the authors having access to their customer information even for verification purposes. This outlet area is being worked on for future surveys.

Fielding the research participant perception survey to evaluate a culturally tailored Latinx cohort study

Abstract Introduction: Latinx populations are underrepresented in clinical research. Asking Latinx research participants about their research experiences, barriers, and facilitators could help to improve research participation for these populations. Methods: The Salud Estres y Resilencia (SER) Hispano cohort study is a longitudinal cohort study of young adult Latinx immigrants whose design and conduct were tailored for their study population. We administered the Research Participant Perception Survey (RPPS) to SER Hispano participants to assess their experiences in the study. We describe overall results from the RPPS and compare results of surveys administered to SER Hispano participants via email versus telephone. Results: Of 340 participants who were contacted with the RPPS, 142 (42%) responded. Among respondents, 53 (37%) responded by initial email contact; and 89 (63%) responded by subsequent phone contact. The majority of respondents were between 35 and 44 years of age (54%), female (76%), and of Cuban origin (50%). Overall, research participants expressed high satisfaction with their research experience; 84% stated that they would “definitely” recommend research participation to friends and family, with no significant difference by method of survey administration (P = 0.45). The most common factor that was chosen that would influence future research participation was having summary results of the research shared with them (72%). Conclusion: We found that culturally tailored studies can be good experiences for Latinx research participants; and we found that use of the RPPS can be administered successfully, particularly when administered by more than one method, including telephone, to evaluate and to improve research experiences for this population.

CONTACT FREQUENCY WITH CHILDREN FOLLOWING RELOCATION LATER IN LIFE: DO CONTACT MODES AND PROXIMITY TO A CHILD MATTER?

Abstract Contact with children is an important source of support for older adults. It is not clear if relocation and proximity to a child affect in-person communication as well as telephone, email, and social media contact between older parents and children. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (2014-2018: N=3,332) we examined changes in communication frequencies between parents who either stayed or relocated in the last 4 years and potentially changed their close proximity to a child. We found differential effects of relocation on contact frequency depending on contact modes and proximity. Regarding in-person contact, unadjusted and adjusted linear regressions revealed older adults were less likely to meet up with their children regardless of the distance moved when a child was not nearby. In contrast to stayers, movers with proximity to a child were more likely to meet up with their children (adj. β=0.50, p ≤0.001). We found the same trend for telephone and email contact frequency. Movers with proximity to a child were more likely to have telephone (adj. β=0.17,p=0.034) and email contact (adj. β=0.33, p=0.023). Unlike other types of contact modes, social media contact frequency was not influenced by relocation or child proximity. While older adults tend to constrict their relationships, this trend is not applicable to every older adult. In the social convey model, situational characteristics (e.g., relocation) is considered, and heterogeneity in social relations in later life can be explained.

Low‐resource long‐term dementia care settings: Identifying key features and strategies for research recruitment

AbstractBackgroundLow‐resource long‐term care (LTC) settings serve older adults who are at high risk for health inequities in dementia care, including individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and live in rural areas. With the growing demand for dementia care and increasing diversity of LTC residents, identifying and partnering with low‐resource LTC settings is critical for dementia care research. However, low‐resource LTC settings are not well defined or understood. Drawing on data from a larger study of person‐centered dementia care, this study describes key features of low‐resource long‐term dementia care settings in two U.S. states and processes for identifying and recruiting these settings for research engagement.MethodPrimary and secondary data and purposive sampling with maximum variation were used to identify low‐resource LTC settings that serve residents with dementia in two states and to target sites for recruitment. Input from local ombudsmen and publicly available data were used to identify sites that served residents with dementia, accepted Medicaid, and were located in federally designated medically underserved areas. Sites were recruited via phone and email contacts. Following study orientation site visits, researchers developed site descriptions which were verified by each site.ResultFour LTC settings (two nursing home; two assisted living) that serve residents with dementia participated. All four settings were in federally designated medically underserved areas with two settings each in rural and urban areas. Facility size ranged from 19 to 105 residents. The assisted living settings accepted Medicaid waivers and at least one‐third of their residents received financial assistance through Medicaid or other subsidies. Most residents in the nursing homes were Medicaid beneficiaries. Residents at the sites had a wide range of socio‐demographic characteristics and physical and cognitive impairments. All settings noted staffing challenges and considerable variation in retention strategies were reported.ConclusionIdentifying and partnering with low‐resource LTC settings is critical for research on equity in dementia care. This presentation describes key features of low‐resource LTC settings that serve residents with dementia and strategies for identifying and recruiting them for research. Additional work is needed to expand on these descriptive findings and to broaden generalizability to other LTC settings.

Transdiagnostic Ecological Momentary Intervention for Improving Self-Esteem in Youth Exposed to Childhood Adversity

Targeting low self-esteem in youth exposed to childhood adversity is a promising strategy for preventing adult mental disorders. Ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) allow for the delivery of youth-friendly, adaptive interventions for improving self-esteem, but robust trial-based evidence is pending. To examine the efficacy of SELFIE, a novel transdiagnostic, blended EMI for improving self-esteem plus care as usual (CAU) compared with CAU only. This was a 2-arm, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, randomized clinical trial conducted from December 2018 to December 2022. The study took place at Dutch secondary mental health services and within the general population and included youth (aged 12-26 years) with low self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale [RSES] <26) exposed to childhood adversity. A novel blended EMI (3 face-to-face sessions, email contacts, app-based, adaptive EMI) plus CAU or CAU only. The primary outcome was RSES self-esteem at postintervention and 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included positive and negative self-esteem, schematic self-beliefs, momentary self-esteem and affect, general psychopathology, quality of life, observer-rated symptoms, and functioning. A total of 174 participants (mean [SD] age, 20.7 [3.1] years; 154 female [89%]) were included in the intention-to-treat sample, who were primarily exposed to childhood emotional abuse or neglect, verbal or indirect bullying, and/or parental conflict. At postintervention, 153 participants (87.9%) and, at follow-up, 140 participants (80.5%), provided primary outcome data. RSES self-esteem was, on average, higher in the experimental condition (blended EMI + CAU) than in the control condition (CAU) across both postintervention and follow-up as a primary outcome (B = 2.32; 95% CI, 1.14-3.50; P < .001; Cohen d-type effect size [hereafter, Cohen d] = 0.54). Small to moderate effect sizes were observed suggestive of beneficial effects on positive (B = 3.85; 95% CI, 1.83-5.88; P < .001; Cohen d = 0.53) and negative (B = -3.78; 95% CI, -6.59 to -0.98; P = .008; Cohen d = -0.38) self-esteem, positive (B = 1.58; 95% CI, 0.41-2.75; P = .008; Cohen d = 0.38) and negative (B = -1.71; 95% CI, -2.93 to -0.48; P = .006; Cohen d = -0.39) schematic self-beliefs, momentary self-esteem (B = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.01-0.57; P = .04; Cohen d = 0.24), momentary positive affect (B = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.01-0.45; P = .04; Cohen d = 0.20), momentary negative affect (B = -0.33; 95% CI, -0.59 to -0.03, P = .01, Cohen d = -0.27), general psychopathology (B = -17.62; 95% CI, -33.03 to -2.21; P = .03; Cohen d = -0.34), and quality of life (B = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.18-2.13; P = .02; Cohen d = 0.33) across postintervention and follow-up. No beneficial effects on symptoms and functioning were observed. A transdiagnostic, blended EMI demonstrated efficacy on the primary outcome of self-esteem and signaled beneficial effects on several secondary outcomes. Further work should focus on implementing this novel EMI in routine public mental health provision. Dutch Trial Register Identifier:NL7129(NTR7475).

Assessing the Quality of Recruitment Information on Skull Base Surgical Fellowship Program Websites.

Introduction The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), North American Skull Base Society (NASBS), American Rhinologic Society (ARS), and American Neurotology Society (ANS) fellowship directories are important information repositories for skull base surgical fellowship programs. However, there is limited research on the amount and depth of information available through these resources. The objective of the present study is to assess Web site accessibility and information availability for individual fellowship programs listed within the AANS, NASBS, ARS, and ANS fellowship directories. Methods Lists of all accredited skull base surgical programs were obtained from the AANS and NASBS fellowship directories. Duplications in listed programs were removed, and systematic queries via an online search engine were conducted to identify fellowship Web sites. From each available Web site, information pertaining to 24 different variables was collected and organized into two categories-recruitment and education. Differences in the availability of information on recruitment and education were then compared across Web sites and contextualized relative to other surgical specialties. Results After excluding duplicates, 113 fellowship programs were identified, of which 99 (87.6%) had accessible Web sites. Of the 48 listed by the NASBS, direct Web site links were available for 33 (68.8%), email contacts were accessible for 32 (66.7%), and phone numbers were listed for 6 (12.5%). Of the 39 programs listed by the AANS, none included Web site links, 38 (97.4%) provided an email contact, and 39 (100%) listed a departmental contact telephone number. All 28 (100%) programs listed by the ANS provided a phone and email contact in addition to a Web site link to each institutional Web site. Of the 33 programs listed by the ARS, 29 (88%) had a departmental contact telephone number, 31 (94%) had an email contact available, and 4 (12%) had a program Web site link directly available from the database Web site. Of the 99 total programs, fellowship Web sites displayed an average of 5.46 (42.0%) of the 13 recruitment features and 4.80 (42.6%) of the 11 education features. Programs in the geographic Northeast were significantly less likely to present information pertaining to recruitment ( p = 0.023). Furthermore, programs in geographic Northeast and West were significantly less likely to present information focused on surgical training and/or education ( p = 0.006). Conclusion Although many skull base fellowship programs have maintained comprehensive program Web sites, certain critical aspects remain deficient, and some programs provide little to no information. Providing more detailed information about programs can prove mutually beneficial for fellowship program directors and candidates.

Prevalence and Impact of Workplace Sexual Harassment Experienced by Medical Sonographers.

To assess the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment among a nationwide sample of medical sonographers. A survey was distributed anonymously to a convenience sample of medical sonographers via email contacts and sonographer-specific social media pages. Data were analyzed to determine respondent demographics, the prevalence of sexual harassment in the last 2 years, the type and severity of harassment experienced, demographics of perpetrators, personal and institutional responses to such experiences, and the impact of sexual harassment on sonographer physical and mental health and job satisfaction. Of the 220 sonographers (83% female) most (45%) were between 18 and 34 years and identified as white (81%). A total of 192 (87%) reported experiencing at least 1 incident of harassment within the last 2 years. Female respondents experienced higher harassment rates (76%) compared to males (50%, P = .02). The most common forms of harassment were verbal, including suggestive or sexist jokes (69%) and offensive sexist remarks (61%). Perpetrators were predominantly male (78%) and most commonly patients (89%) or their friends/family members (46%). The majority of respondents either ignored the harassing behavior (70%) or treated it like a joke (50%), with only a minority (12%) officially reporting incidents. Of those who reported, 44% were unsatisfied with their institution's response. Among respondents, 34% reported negative impacts of workplace sexual harassment, such as anxiety, depression, sleep loss, or adverse workplace consequences. Workplace sexual harassment is a common occurrence for sonographers and often leads to negative health and career outcomes. Further institutional policies to prevent harassment and mitigate its effects are needed.

Electronic survey investigating UK veterinarians’ perceptions of the potential for veterinary prescription medication misuse or abuse

ObjectiveTo investigate veterinarians’ experience and perception of the risk of veterinary prescription medication (VPM) misuse and abuse by the public and veterinary professionals and to determine the clinical context in which respondent veterinarians prescribed certain VPMs. Study designAnonymous online voluntary survey. PopulationA total of 361 of 7126 veterinarians registered as practicing in the UK, who provided e-mail contact details to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Knowledge for participation in research. Respondents included general practitioners, with or without further qualifications, and European specialists, covering charity, private or academic small, large or mixed animal practice. MethodsThe anonymous online survey, open from September to December 2021, posed 27 questions regarding personal experience and perception of VPM misuse or abuse, including which VPMs were considered most at risk of abuse by clients or veterinary staff. Thematic analysis was performed on free-text sections. ResultsThe participation rate was 5% (361/7126), and the completion rate 60% (216/361 respondents). Of these, 88% of respondents somewhat agreed, agreed or strongly agreed that some VPMs were at risk of abuse. A third (29.9%; 107/358) had suspected an owner of taking VPMs, and one fifth (20.1%; 72/358) had suspected veterinary staff. Perceptions regarding the likelihood of public VPM abuse ranged from not suspecting a problem to having first-hand experience. Drugs considered most at risk of owner abuse were opioids, benzodiazepines and gabapentin, and those for veterinary staff were opioids, benzodiazepines and ketamine. Numerous ‘red flags’ prompting suspicion of VPM abuse were identified alongside ways of mitigating risk. Conclusions and clinical relevanceVeterinarians in the UK reported varied experiences with, awareness of, and attitudes towards VPM abuse by the public and veterinary staff. Although not quantified, the UK veterinary industry could be a source of abusable drugs.

Analysis of Tools Supporting the Formation of Relations in an Educational-and-economic Network

The analysis of the literature shows that cooperation, in particular the maintenance long-term, enhanced and stable relations between education and business is very difficult. Supported by scientific research, source literature presents a beneficial effect of the transfer of knowledge on the improvement of innovation, competitiveness and organizational conditions in enterprises, public institutions as well as other organizations. The activities developed in the educational-and-economic network analyzed herein include e.g. engaging in particular medium-sized and big enterprises in the exchange and updating of knowledge about competencies on the labour market which are necessary on job positions at which graduates of technical schools are employed. The main objective of the paper is to develop a process of cooperation between education and business institutions, in particular with respect to strengthening relations in an education-and-business network in which the activity can improve knowledge sharing. An indirect objective in its development is the analysis of the effectiveness of the application of tools stimulating companies to cooperate and exchange knowledge within the network. The studied were based on data from 2017-2020 collected from a sample of 352 companies. The analysis was also carried out in the context of the frequency of e-mail and telephone contacts as well as direct contacts understood as individual meetings most often held at a given employer’s facility. Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin criterion and Bartlett sphericity test were used for analysis of relationships between individual variables. Factor analysis (KMO and Cattell's criterion) and Pearson's correlation were used to study the effectiveness of the application of tools supporting the companies’ activity in the network. The analyses show that the biggest impact on forming relations is linked to participation in discussion panels. It is worth pointing out that the activity is organized for the purposes of exchanging knowledge and experience of experts who usually represent medium-sized and big employers, especially in the area of HR. As a result of the studies, a process path was proposed for the purposes of establishing, developing and maintaining long-term relations with big and medium-sized enterprises in the network of entities cooperating in the field of education and business.

A Survey of Ski Patrols in the United States Comparing Medical Direction, Patroller Training, and Patient Care.

Ski patrols are tasked with substantial challenges: distance from definitive care, complex extrications, and winter environments. Rules for US ski patrols stipulate that ≥1 persons be trained in basic first aid, but no further regulations regarding the specifics of provided medical care exist. This project investigated patroller training, patient care, and medical direction of US ski patrols through a survey of ski patrol directors and medical directors. Participants were contacted via email, phone, and personal contacts. After consultation with known ski patrol directors and medical directors for question guidance, 2 separate institutional review board-approved surveys were designed: 1 for ski patrol directors and 1 for ski patrol medical directors, containing 28 and 15 qualitative questions, respectively. The surveys were distributed with a link to the encrypted Qualtrics survey platform. After 2 reminders and 4 mo, results were downloaded from Qualtrics into an Excel spreadsheet. Twenty-two responses from patrol directors and 15 from medical directors were received. The response rate is unknown. Outdoor emergency care certification was the minimum medical training required by 77% of the study participants. Twenty-seven percent of surveyed patrols belonged to an emergency medical service agency. Fifty percent of 11 surveyed ski patrols had a medical director, 6 of whom were board certified in emergency medicine. All surveyed medical directors stated that they assisted with patroller education, and 93% assisted with protocol development. The surveys demonstrated variability in patroller training, protocols, and medical directorship. The authors questioned whether ski patrols would benefit from increased standardization of care and training, quality improvement programs, and medical directorship.

USING THE CAPABILITY, OPPORTUNITY, AND MOTIVATION MODEL OF BEHAVIOUR (COM-B) TO IMPLEMENT A PATHWAY TO REDUCE 30-DAY ELECTIVE EMERGENCY ADMISSIONS

AbstractIntroduction30-day emergency readmission is an indicator of treatment related complication once discharged, resulting in readmission. A board-approved quality improvement pathway was introduced to reduce elective re-admissions.MethodThe pathway involved telephone and email contact details provision to patients for any non-life threatening medical assistance, allowing for initial nurse led management of all issues. A new clinic room available 7 days, and same day ultrasound scanning for DVT studies were introduced. A capability, opportunity and behavior model of change was implemented.Readmission rates before and six months after implementation were collected from Model Hospital. A database used to document patient communications was interrogated for patient outcomes.ResultsPrior to implementation, readmission rates following elective primary total knee replacement (TKR) at the 1st business quarter of 2021 (April – June 2021), was 8.7%, (benchmark 3.8%). Following implementation, readmission rates decreased to 4.1% (October – December 2021). 54% of patients making contact were managed with telephone advice. 15% of patients required face-to-face clinic. 32% of those required a same day scan to exclude DVT (1/4).20 out of 684 TKRs performed following protocol introduction were re-admitted within 30 days. Readmissions were 41% surgical, 29% medical. 52% were unaware of the newly implemented protocol. Further improvements have been made to the protocol based on these findings.Implementation of a suitable pathway can significantly reduce re-admission rates in our center and could be used to reduce readmission rates in other national elective treatment centers.