Email Invitation Research Articles

The Mediating Role of Students' Health Information Literacy Skills: Exploring the Relationship Between Web Resource Utilization and Health Information Evaluation Proficiency.

In an increasingly digital age, students rely heavily on web resources to access health information. However, evaluating the reliability and relevance of such information is crucial for informed decision-making. This study examines the importance of students' health information literacy skills (HILS) as mediators, particularly their ability to utilize web resources and successfully evaluate health information. This research investigates the mediating role of students' HILS in the relationship between their utilization of web resources and their proficiency in evaluating health information. An online survey was distributed to current students at a public university in Bangladesh as part of the data collection process for this study. Using Google Forms, the authors created a structured questionnaire. The survey was distributed through Messenger groups, Facebook pages and email invitations to reach the target audience effectively. The researchers thoroughly analysed the gathered data using structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques and SmartPLS-4 software to look for correlations between the variables. The study revealed that among the 122 participants, a significant number (N = 47) accessed internet health information on an occasional basis, whereas 30 individuals reported using it infrequently. The data revealed that 58 individuals, accounting for 47.5% of the sample, possessed the necessary abilities to access and assess online health information. Additionally, 57 participants, representing 46.7% of the sample, demonstrated proficiency in conducting online health information searches. The measurement model demonstrated good convergent validity, as evidenced by composite reliability (CR)scores and Cronbach's ⍺ values over 0.700 and an average extracted variance (AVE) of 0.500. The structural model demonstrated R2values exceeding 0.1, thus validating its dependable forecasting capability. Notable effects were seen, with f2values of 0.335 and 0.317 for the challenges in accessing and evaluating health information (CAEHI) to health information evaluation (HIE) and CAEHI to HILSrelationships, respectively. The mediation analysis found that HILS act as a mediator between types of web resources (TWRs) and HIE, with TWR having an indirect impact on HIE through HILS. The result supports all hypotheses. Therefore, it is evident that students' HILS mediate the relationship between utilization of web resources and their proficiency in evaluating health information. This study's findings could significantly impact instructional practices meant to raise students' health information literacy. This initiative seeks to enable students to make informed decisions about their health by providing them with the necessary tools to analyse and evaluate health-related information. Research on health information literacy can assist patients and the general public by instructing them on how to assess trustworthy online health resources. Students gave insightful feedback that assisted in shaping the study and guaranteeing its relevancy. If they better comprehend health information literacy, patients and the general public can use web-based resources and critically evaluate health information more accurately.

Perioperative Management of Antiplatelet and Anticoagulation in Brain Tumor Surgery: A Survey of International Practices

Perioperative management of antithrombotic therapy is a necessary preprocedural consideration for patients prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), vitamin K antagonists, or antiplatelet medications. There is a lack of evidence-based guidelines to help inform decision-making in managing antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications in the perioperative period around brain tumor resection. The objective of this study was to provide an example of the heterogeneity in practice and raise awareness for the need to create standardized guidelines for managing these medications. A survey was sent to a list of over 800 international neurosurgeons who are members of the Neurosurgery Research Listserv. The survey comprised 70 questions assessing individual practices for managing thromboprophylaxis, antiplatelet medications, and anticoagulation in the perioperative period. The survey was sent via e-mail invitation between March 2021 and June2021. A total of 72 surgeons responded to the survey. There was no difference in medication management preoperatively or postoperatively when comparing intra- and extra-axial tumor resections. Cessation of antiplatelet medications varied between 3 and 11 days while restart varied between 1 and 14 days. Preoperative management of vitamin K antagonists varied between indication for use (P < 0.001) while DOAC management did not. In our group of respondents, 90% started heparin products within 5 days of surgery, while the same fraction restarted DOAC within 14 days. Respondents demonstrated significant heterogeneity in their perioperative management of antiplatelet and anticoagulation medication in brain tumor resection. This may lead to an unacceptable level of heterogeneity in practice that has the potential to cause patient harm due to errors in medication management.

Communication Technology Facilitates Quality Care Between Midwives and Their Pregnant Clients Within a Midwifery Continuity of Care Relationship

INTRODUCTION:Communication was identified as a component of high-quality maternity care within an evidence-informed Quality Maternal and Newborn Care framework. Communication technology has been shown to enhance relationships midwives develop with their clients; however, concerns with the safety of the communication have been identified.AIM:This article reports on the contribution that communication technology makes toward quality care when used within a continuity of care relationship between midwives and their pregnant clients.METHODS:This article reports on phase 2A of a multiphase study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with lead maternity carer midwives using the online platform Microsoft Teams. Midwives who had previously undertaken an online survey in phase 1A and had indicated interest in participating in an online interview were emailed an invitation to participate. Fourteen midwives responded to the email invitation. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data.FINDINGS:The findings indicate that communication technology facilitates quality care within a midwifery model of continuity of care. This is achieved in two ways through (a) connectedness and being known and (b) an awareness of challenges which in turn enables midwives to develop strategies for ensuring quality care.DISCUSSION:Communication technology, when used within a continuity of care relationship, facilitates quality care. It does this through enabling a connection continuation of connectedness and knowingness which enables midwives to negotiate safe and appropriate means for contact. It also privileges midwives with knowledge of challenges when using communication technology and enables strategies to be developed.

Faculty’s Role in Creating a (Remote) Sense of Community Among Faculty and Facilitating Contexts of Care for Students

Objectives: This qualitative study employed a sensemaking approach to understand faculty members’ sensemaking of their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergency transition to remote teaching and learning. Methods: An email invitation to participate in the study was sent to faculty who taught in an MBA program during both the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 academic school years. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 faculty members who self-selected to participate in the study. Results: Two salient themes emerged from the research: &lt;em&gt;creating a (remote) sense of community among faculty&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;facilitating contexts of care for students&lt;/em&gt;. These findings highlight the mission-central importance of faculty, the role of teaching, and the need to support faculty as they support students in higher education. Conclusions: As a result of the emergency transition to remote teaching and learning, faculty gained an increased awareness of the importance of human connection and interaction, which made them develop a whole-person approach both to colleagues and students. Implications: How well institutions plan for and support their faculty during times of crises will influence the institution’s capacity for student support and the personal impact of the crisis on faculty.

Transgender, Gender-Diverse, and Nonbinary Experiences in Physical Therapy: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

The objective was to explore experiences with and identify barriers and facilitators of utilizing physical therapy for people who identify as transgender, gender diverse, and nonbinary (TGNB). A qualitative descriptive design was employed using semistructured interviews conducted in New Zealand. Eligible participants were individuals who were 12years old or older, who self-identified as TGNB, and who had accessed physical therapy at a community-based clinic that also provides a gender-affirming service. Participants were recruited via email invitation to the clinic database. Interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Demographics are reported descriptively. Seventeen individuals (15-64years old and identifying as 11 different genders) participated. All participants reported physical therapist experiences relating to 1 or more of the following 4 themes: challenging cisnormativity at policy, environmental, clinic, and therapist levels; safety and trust throughout the clinical experience, including clinic credibility for being a safe provider, clinic displays of TGNB inclusivity, implementation of safe clinic processes, and respectful therapist interactions; inclusive experiences in a clinic that provided affordable care and took active steps to understand and affirm TGNB identities and with physical therapists who had a high level of knowledge of TGNB-specific health issues and took a biopsychosocial approach to care; and sensitivity to body discomfort or dysphoria triggers. Barriers to and facilitators of care were identified at policy, environmental, clinic, and therapist levels. People who identify as TGNB face challenges to accessing safe and culturally sensitive physical therapy. However, there are achievable areas for improvement at policy, environmental, clinic, and physical therapist levels to gain trust and engagement in care for the TGNB community. This study provides a detailed exploration of TGNB physical therapist experiences and identifies specific areas of improvement for TGNB physical therapy care to provide clinicians and physical therapy clinics insights into the provision of safe and culturally sensitive physical therapy.

O-225 A study investigating whether egg share donors treatment outcome impacted on their overall psychological well-being and treatment experience

Abstract Study question Does unsuccessful egg sharing treatment impact on the egg share donor’s psychological well-being or make her regret her decision to participate? Summary answer Egg share (ES) donors whose treatment was unsuccessful did not regret egg sharing, and were unanimously happy for their recipient if her treatment was successful. What is known already ES programmes are a unique form of egg donation for two main reasons. First, both the donor and her anonymously matched recipient are engaged in the simultaneous pursuit of having a baby. Second, egg sharing schemes offer a benefit for the donor other than altruism. However, a major concern is for the psychological well-being of ES donors whose own treatment is not successful. This concern raised was based on opinion, rather than empirical research. It is therefore vital that the psychological well-being of ES donors through egg sharing is better studied. Study design, size, duration Data for this study were gathered using a questionnaire. Selection criteria for the study were those who had participated in egg donation treatment between 2014-2022 at Lister Fertility Clinic (LFC), Chelsea, London. Only patients who had agreed to participate in research during the consenting process of their treatment were sent an email invitation asking them to participate in the study. 394 ES donors were sent an email invite. Participants/materials, setting, methods After receiving the email link, respondents filled out the questionnaire online using the Qualtrics survey tool. The paper copies received were manually inputted by the research team onto Qualtrics. The questionnaire took on average 15-20 minutes for participants to complete. 197 egg share donors were included in analysis Statistical analysis was conducted using the χ², analysis of variance (ANOVA), Mann Whitney U test, and Fisher’s exact test. Main results and the role of chance This is the largest study to investigate the psychological issue surrounding ES donation. Overall, ES donors rated their treatment ‘very positively’ (85.7%). The vast majority of egg sharers (91.8%) were glad they took part in the programme. Significantly, patients were stratified into whether IVF treatment was successful or not, with successful treatment being defined as a resulting live birth. For egg sharers, there was no difference between positive or negative treatment outcome, and their responses to whether they: would participate in egg sharing again in the future; would recommend egg sharing to a friend or family member who needs fertility treatment; felt well informed of egg sharing; and felt they had sufficient support from the fertility clinic during and after treatment. The only answer that was statistically significant based on treatment outcome was when asked if they were ‘glad they took part’, with 99.4% of successful egg sharers answering yes, compared to 72.7% of unsuccessful egg sharers (Fishers exact, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Of the unsuccessful ES donors who found out their recipient’s treatment was successful, 100% reported they were ‘happy for their recipients’, with the vast majority of this category stating they were glad they took part (85.7%). Limitations, reasons for caution As with all questionnaire generated data, there is a potential for sampling bias. Second, this is a single centre study. LFC is one of the largest ES centres in the UK and has success rates above the national average. Therefore, this data may not represent the ES programme nationally. Wider implications of the findings As with all questionnaire generated data, there is a potential for sampling bias. Second, this is a single centre study. LFC is one of the largest ES centres in the UK and has success rates above the national average. Therefore, this data may not represent the ES programme nationally. Trial registration number n/a

Identification and Accommodation of ADHD in Family Medicine Residencies: A CERA Study.

An increasing number of medical students applying to residency programs request accommodations for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Early implementation of accommodations for individuals with ADHD during family medicine (FM) residency could help learners and programs, but the number of programs prepared to invite learners to disclose ADHD and to implement accommodations is unclear. The purpose of this study was to describe practices employed by FM residency programs to identify residents who need accommodations for ADHD. We also chose to examine the frequency with which basic categories of ADHD accommodations are used and whether review of technical standards (ie, resident job description) is associated with timing of accommodations. We analyzed responses from the 2022 Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance (CERA) national survey of FM residency program directors, which was distributed via email invitation to all US programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. A total of 298 program directors (44.3%) responded. Approximately one in six FM residency programs are proactive in their identification of learners with ADHD, typically recognizing the need for accommodations during the interview process or orientation. Once the need is identified, most programs implement accommodations within 1 month, and many employ multiple types of accommodations. While a small subset of programs has developed processes to identify and accommodate ADHD proactively, results suggested that the majority of programs approach accommodation processes on an ad hoc basis. In turn, ad hoc identification precludes a proactive approach, given use of poor performance to identify the need for supports.

Sociodemographic Predictors of Sexual Communication and Sexual Communication as a Predictor of Sexual, Relationship, and Life Satisfaction in Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden, and the UK

Sexual communication is associated with higher levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction. However, research suggests that many struggle with sexual communication. Using a cross-country convenience sample of 7,139 respondents from six European countries (Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden, and the UK), we investigated sociodemographic predictors of different facets of sexual communication and their associations with sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction. Data was collected in May and June 2022 through respondent panels, by Cint, a market research software platform. Participants received an email invitation to the study and completed an online self-report survey. We found that a large proportion did report difficulties with sexual communication or a wish to improve such communication. We also found that sociodemographic factors predicted each facet (self-disclosure, frequency of communication, and quality of communication) of sexual communication as a set, but that the strongest predictors were sexual frequency and dissatisfaction with the low frequency of sex. Lastly, each facet of sexual communication was associated with higher levels of sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction. Across results, we generally found little cross-country variation.

Exploring the fear of clinical errors: associations with socio-demographic, professional, burnout, and mental health factors in healthcare workers - A nationwide cross-sectional study.

The fear of clinical errors among healthcare workers (HCW) is an understudied aspect of patient safety. This study aims to describe this phenomenon among HCW and identify associated socio-demographic, professional, burnout and mental health factors. We conducted a nationwide, online, cross-sectional study targeting HCW in France from May to June 2021. Recruitment was through social networks, professional networks, and email invitations. To assess the fear of making clinical errors, HCW were asked: "During your daily activities, how often are you afraid of making a professional error that could jeopardize patient safety?" Responses were collected on a 7-point Likert-type scale. HCW were categorized into "High Fear" for those who reported experiencing fear frequently ("once a week," "a few times a week," or "every day"), vs. "Low Fear" for less often. We used multivariate logistic regression to analyze associations between fear of clinical errors and various factors, including sociodemographic, professional, burnout, and mental health. Structural equation modeling was used to explore how this fear fits into a comprehensive theoretical framework. We recruited a total of 10,325 HCW, of whom 25.9% reported "High Fear" (95% CI: 25.0-26.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed higher odds of "High Fear" among males, younger individuals, and those with less professional experience. High fear was more notable among physicians and nurses, and those working in critical care and surgery, on night shifts or with irregular schedules. Significant associations were found between "High Fear" and burnout, low professional support, major depressive disorder, and sleep disorders. Fear of clinical errors is associated with factors that also influence patient safety, highlighting the importance of this experience. Incorporating this dimension into patient safety culture assessment could provide valuable insights and could inform ways to proactively enhance patient safety.

Unsolicited scam invitations from predatory publications and fraudulent conferences: Radiology-in-training experience

PurposeRadiology faculty across various specialties have been reported to receive an average of 20.7 invitations to submit manuscripts to bogus journals and 4.1 invitations to speak at unsuitable events over a two-week span. Radiology trainees also receive a fair number of unsolicited invitations from unknown senders to submit manuscripts and speak at meetings. Trainees can be more vulnerable to predatory invitations due to potential naivety. We aimed to determine the prevalence of these spam invitations received by radiology trainees. Material and methodsThe designed survey for evaluating the experience of radiology trainees regarding phishing scams of predatory publications and conferences was sent to radiology residency and neuroradiology fellowship program leadership to redistribute amongst their trainees, and was advertised on social media platforms. The survey was first sent out on September 28, 2023, and was closed two weeks later October 12, 2023. Spearman’s correlation, univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. ResultsOur study included 151 respondents who completed the survey. Of the survey respondents, 53 % reported receiving unsolicited emails from predatory publications (mean = 6.76 ± 7.29), and 32 % reported receiving emails from fraudulent conferences (mean = 5.61 ± 5.77). Significant positive correlation was observed between number of unsolicited email invitations with number of PubMed indexed publications, number as corresponding author, number in open access journals and number of abstract presentations. ConclusionsTrainees in radiology receive many unsolicited invitations to publish papers as well as to present at meetings that are not accredited. This could lead to wasted time and financial resources for unsuspecting trainees.

Occupational Physicians' Management of Workers With Multiple Sclerosis in Italy: Results From a Survey.

This study, conducted on a sample of Italian occupational physicians (OPs), aimed to gather data regarding professional activity and their needs in managing workers with multiple sclerosis. A convenience sample of OPs recruited by e-mail invitation to the list of Italian Society of Occupational Medicine members was considered. A total of 220 OPs participated between July and October 2022. An ad hoc questionnaire was developed based on previous survey experiences. It investigated, among others, the characteristics of OP respondents, the evaluation of fitness for work issues, and the OP training and updating needs on multiple sclerosis and work. Ninety-one percent of OPs had to assess the fitness for work of workers with multiple sclerosis during their activity. Sixty-four percent experienced particular difficulties in issuing a fitness for work judgment. Regarding the level of knowledge on multiple sclerosis, 54% judged it sufficient. The "Assessment of fitness for work for the specific task" and the "Role of the OPs in identifying reasonable accommodations" were the most interesting training topics regarding MS management in work contexts chosen by the respondents. The interest in the work inclusion and job retention of people with disability, particularly the aspects linked to the Identification and implementation of reasonable accommodations, will require integration with the occupational safety and health protection system and will undoubtedly impact the OP's activities.

Factors That Contribute to the Mental Health of Black Youth during COVID-19 Pandemic.

The mental health of Black youth during the COVID-19 pandemic is potentially influenced by various systemic factors, including racism, socioeconomic disparities, and access to culturally sensitive mental health support. Understanding these influences is essential for developing effective interventions to mitigate mental health disparities. Our project used a community-based participatory (CBP) research design with an intersectional theoretical perspective. An advisory committee consisting of fourteen Black youth supported all aspects of our project. The research team consisted of experienced Black researchers who also trained six Black youths as research assistants and co-researchers. The co-researchers conducted individual interviews, contributed to data analysis, and mobilized knowledge. Participants were recruited through the advisory committee members and networks of Black youth co-researchers and sent an email invitation to Black community organizations. Forty-eight Black identified were interviewed between the ages of 16 and 30 in Canada. The data was analyzed thematically. We kept a reflexive note throughout all aspects of the project. Participants reported significant challenges with online schooling, including a lack of support and access to resources. Lockdowns exacerbated stress, particularly for those living in toxic living/home environments. Financial burdens, such as food insecurity and precarious employment, were prevalent and exacerbated mental health challenges. Additionally, experiences of anti-Black racism and police brutality during the pandemic heightened stress and anxiety among participants. The findings underscore the complex interplay of systemic factors in shaping the mental health of Black youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions that address structural inequities and provide culturally competent support to mitigate the impact on mental well-being.

Who donates food purchase data for research? Results from two nationwide data collection efforts in Finland

Introduction &amp; BackgroundFood retailers’ transaction data are increasingly used for research. Unlike many other digital footprints, the representativeness of automatically accumulating food purchase data as such is less biased as food is consumed by all individuals. However, the process of obtaining individual/household level data requires consents from the consumers and, thus, may create selection bias. Objectives &amp; ApproachThe aim of this work is to describe the recruitment process and participant characteristics in the Finnish LoCard study to evaluate the selection mechanism. The Finnish LoCard study comprises two cohorts collected in 2018 and 2023 with 47,066 and 42,340 participants, respectively, who have consented to release their food purchase data for research. The study collaborates with S group, the leading retailer in Finland with 47% market share. Members from their loyalty card program were invited to consent to their purchase data being used for research and voluntarily respond to a background questionnaire. Relevance to Digital FootprintsOur analyses may provide further insights into the selectivity of consumers who are willing to share their purchase data for research purposes. ResultsFor both LoCard cohorts, all loyalty card holders (n~2.3M) were considered. In LoCard I, the invitations were sent to 1.1M primary card holders with confirmed email addresses, of whom 47,066 (3.9%) participated and consented to their purchase data being used for research. In this cohort, women, middle-aged individuals, individuals with higher education, and employed individuals were overrepresented whereas the retired individuals, those with lower education and individuals with children were underrepresented. In the LoCard II, loyalty card holders (n ~2.24M) with an email address were invited. Of these, 852,009 (37.7%) opened the invitation link, and a further 42,340 provided the consent, resulting in response rate of 1.9% from the original population and 4.9% from those reacting to the email invitation. Data on the characteristics of LoCard II participants are not available yet but will be presented in the conference presentation. Conclusions &amp; ImplicationsThis work investigates selection mechanisms in the Finnish LoCard study and evaluates the feasibility of reaching underrepresented groups in health studies, such as socioeconomically disadvantaged groups or young men, through a combination of loyalty card program and email invitations.

Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Korean Pulmonologists: A Nationwide Survey.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly impacts cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory health. In Korea, OSA patients are treated by specialists in internal medicine, otolaryngology, neurology, and psychiatry, but the participation rate of pulmonologists in OSA management is relatively low compared to other specialties. This study investigated the knowledge and attitudes about OSA among Korean pulmonologists. An online survey was conducted, targeting respiratory specialists listed in the Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases directory. The survey used the validated "Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes" (OSAKA) questionnaire, which consists of questions about knowledge and attitudes on OSA. To maximize participation, email invitations were sent three times to the target audience. Out of 634 queried pulmonologists, 127 (20%) responded to the survey. The mean age of respondents was 45.4 ± 8.6 years. The respondents' years of specialty acquisition ranged from the 1980s to the 2010s. Additionally, 74 (58.3%) held a doctor's degree, and 96 (75.6%) worked in hospitals with a sleep center. Furthermore, 71 (55.9%) of the pulmonologists reported having experience with OSA patients. Pulmonologists with experience managing OSA patients had significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores compared to those without such experience. Interestingly, older respondents and those who completed their pulmonology training earlier had higher attitude scores. In addition, the knowledge score significantly correlated with responses to the five items of the attitude questionnaire. This study provides valuable insights into the knowledge and attitudes of Korean pulmonologists regarding OSA. The findings indicate that their knowledge levels are comparable to or better than those in previous studies. These results underscore the need for targeted educational programs and practical training, especially for younger pulmonologists, to enhance their proficiency in managing OSA and to encourage a more active role in its treatment.

Canadian Public Library Pandemic Response: Bridging the Digital Divide and Preparing for Future Pandemics

This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on computer and Internet access services in Canadian public libraries as well as the implications of this lack of access for people facing socioeconomic barriers, and how Canadian public libraries could address digital divide issues in the post-pandemic era. Recommendations on future pandemic preparedness for public libraries are also discussed in this article. This research project conducted a bilingual (English and French) online survey targeting public library technicians, librarians, and library board members across Canada. From 1,631 research invitation emails sent to public library staff across Canada and three Facebook posts on Canadian public library staff groups, over a one-year period from November 3, 2021, to November 6, 2022. 226 individuals participated in the online survey questionnaire. Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social inequalities in Canada, including access to computers and the Internet. The digital divide could lead to poor health outcomes and put existing disadvantaged populations at greater risk in terms of future employment opportunities. The digital divide needs to be addressed so that Canadians in low-income households and those living with disabilities do not get left behind. Importantly, public libraries in Canada have been working tirelessly to equalize access to computers, the Internet, and digital literacy training and support. Their determination, social responsibility, and professional ethics need to be acknowledged. Finally, this article's recommendations for future pandemic preparedness in Canadian public libraries may also be applicable and beneficial to public libraries globally.

Influence of family caregivers on clinical trial decisions: Results from a qualitative study.

e23023 Background: Family caregivers are key stakeholders in cancer clinical trial decisions who have been overlooked in previous research. Caregivers play a critical role in supporting patients during clinical trial participation, yet there is little consensus regarding how they should be included in informed consent. Clinical trial staff communicate regularly with patients and caregivers during consent and throughout trial participation, making their perspectives vital to understanding the role caregivers play in these decisions. Methods: This qualitative study identifies the roles caregivers play in cancer trial decision-making, influential factors from the caregiver perspective, and practices of clinical trial staff regarding caregiver inclusion in consent. Patients who were offered a clinical trial at a midwestern comprehensive cancer center were asked to identify a caregiver to participate. Clinical trial staff were recruited via email invitation. We conducted focus groups with caregivers and trial staff, followed by semi-structured interviews with caregivers. Caregivers were asked about attitudes towards research, experiences with trial consent, and their role in decision-making. Trial staff were asked how they included caregivers in consent and attitudes towards their involvement. Transcripts were coded, then analyzed with NVivo using content analysis. Results: Focus groups consisted of 9 caregivers and 10 clinical trial staff, then 15 caregivers completed interviews. Caregiver themes included promoting patient autonomy, influential factors, and burdens of trial participation. Trial staff themes were approaches to caregiver inclusion, navigating challenging situations, and the need for training. Caregivers viewed their role as supporting patient understanding and deferring to the patient as final decision-maker. Hope for therapeutic benefit, oncologist endorsement, and practical barriers (e.g. cost, distance) were influential. Trial staff viewed caregivers as highly influential and encouraged their involvement in consent despite occasional challenges such as family disagreement and undue influence. Conclusions: Early communication with caregivers when offering a trial is vital due to their influential role in decision-making. Clinical trial staff would benefit from training on best practices for inclusion of caregivers, including communication, managing emotions, mediating disagreement, and where to refer caregivers for support. Researchers should consider caregiver burden and potential sources of caregiver support during trial design to minimize barriers to participation.

Development and implementation of an online intervention and embedded decision aid to support self-management of acne vulgaris: qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals.

Acne is common and has a significant impact on quality of life. Topical treatments are first-line and effective, but non-adherence is common due to slow onset of action, or lack of advice on how to manage side effects. The Acne Care Online programme is developing an online intervention to support acne self-management and help-seeking. This project aims to explore experiences and views of healthcare professionals (HCPs) treating acne to assess the acceptability and feasibility of implementing this intervention and embedded decision aid in practice. This qualitative study recruited HCPs working in general practice. Email invitations were sent to eight research-active practices in Southwest England, and snowball sampling was used. Purposive sampling was used to seek diverse participants. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Data were explored using thematic analysis. Nine interviews were conducted, including seven GPs, one nurse, and one pharmacist. Findings highlighted challenges faced by HCPs managing acne in time-limited consultations, particularly around patients' limited understanding of effective treatments, frequent requests from patients for non-first-line treatments, treatment non-adherence, and addressing psychosocial impact. The intervention and embedded decision aid were perceived as beneficial in addressing these challenges, improving shared decision making, and providing a reliable resource for patients. Interviewees suggested integrating the intervention into electronic practice templates for effective implementation. HCPs were positive about the potential for the intervention to be implemented as a useful tool in practice. Potential implementation barriers need to be considered, such as making the intervention quick to access in time-limited consultations.

Going back home: Understanding the challenges of international medical graduates (IMGs) in oncology.

9001 Background: With an increasingly diverse patient population in the U.S., the need for a diverse clinician workforce has been exemplified. In 2021, 28% of the practicing physicians in the U.S. were born/trained outside of the continental U.S. Though strides in promoting diversity among oncologists have been made, continuous longitudinal assessments and improvements are important to ensure goals are met. We conducted the first cross-sectional study to understand the challenges and experiences of IMGs and Puerto Rican (PR) medical graduates in oncology in the U.S. Methods: An anonymous online questionnaire via Survey Monkey was developed. Non-U.S. IMGs and PRMGs who trained and/or practicing independently in the U.S. were eligible to participate. The study launched on Twitter with promotional materials, inviting participants to complete the survey. A list of IMGs and PR medical graduates was also compiled and an email invitation with the survey link was sent to. The enrollment period was from Sept-Dec 2023. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 97 participants from oncology-related fields completed the survey. Most were attendings (62.9%), and women (50.5%). 95.9% were IMGs and 5.2% PRMGs. 79.4% participants migrated after medical school and 90.7% were still living In the U.S. The main reasons for migrating were looking for better training (63.9%), seeking professional gains (57.7%), and lack of opportunities in their home country (49.5%). Most had to adapt to new cuisine (51.5%), community (53.6%), traditions (54.6%), and celebrations (58.8%). Participants expressed the need to change their dress code (33%), tone of voice (39.2%), the way they spoke (51.5%), and conducted themselves (49.5%). Participants faced racial/ethnic (54.5%), gender (29.7%), and language (41.9%) discrimination during training in the U.S. Similarly, they experienced racial/ethnic (46.8%), gender (32.8%), and language (24.6%) discrimination during independent practice in U.S. Most participants reported moderate personal (57%), yet extreme professional (57.4%) satisfaction in the U.S. 10.5% of participants had returned to their home country, 27.4% planned to, and 53.7% did not plan to return. The main reasons for going back home were family (67%), quality of life (28.9%), and feelings of isolation/lack of community (22.7%). Conclusions: Our study reveals that the main reasons physicians migrate to the U.S. is for education and professional opportunities. Yet these could come at a high cost, leading foreign-born physicians to compromise their true identities. Despite increasing representation of IMGs and PRMGs in the medical field in the U.S., they remain victims of discrimination at frequent rates. It is imperative to implement changes beyond diversifying the work field and strive for equity to create a more conducive environment for minority physicians.

Do Sex Toys Make Me Satisfied? The Use of Sex Toys in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, and the UK

ABSTRACT Sex toys are easily accessible in many countries in the Western world. Yet, cross-country studies on sex toy ownership and use and their association with relationship, sexual, and life satisfaction are rare. Using a cross-country convenience sample of 11,944 respondents from six European countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, UK), we investigated the rate and factors linked to sex toy ownership and use and their associations with sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction. Data were collected in May and June 2022 through respondent panels by Cint, a market research software platform. Participants received an e-mail invitation for the study and completed an online self-report survey. We found that more than half of respondents owned or had owned a sex toy, with the most common sex toys owned being dildos and vibrators, followed by handcuffs, penis rings, and anal sex toys. Across countries, the majority of sex toy owners reporting using these either alone or with a steady partner (55–65%) and a minority with casual partners (10–15%). Controlling for socio-demographics, parental status, sexual orientation, number of sex partners, and relationship status and length, we found that sex toy ownership and use were significantly associated with higher sexual and life satisfaction, while higher relationship satisfaction was only significantly associated with currently owning a sex toy (but not number of sex toys) and frequency of use with a partner (but not alone). Across results, we generally found little cross-country variation.

The salience of students’ body language during in-person and online lectures at a Canadian university

Abstract Professors teaching different disciplines at a university in Canada received an email invitation to fill-out an online questionnaire where they could reflect on and express their opinions about the pedagogical and communicative roles of the body during their lectures. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: one asking professors to comment on their own body language; the other inquiring about professors’ perception of their students’ body language usage. This article is specifically focused on the second part of the survey, where professors reacted to questions concerning awareness of students’ body language during classes held in-person and online. In investigating the perceived salient functions attributed to students’ body language, this study values multimodal competence, embodied communication, and it informs the concept of immediacy in the relationship between students and professors at the university level.