English Language Research Articles

DISP-10. RACIAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC DIFFERENCES IN CLINICAL AND ACCESS TO CARE OUTCOMES IN NEUROSURGICAL-ONCOLOGY PATIENTS

Abstract BACKGROUND Large database studies have identified racial and socioeconomic differences in neurosurgical-oncologic outcomes. For clearer insights and understanding, more detailed and prospective evaluation is needed. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed a database of 1475 patients undergoing surgery for CNS tumors over 5 years. Multivariate analysis, specific to various pathologies, was conducted to identify demographic and socioeconomic factors (including age, sex, racial identity, primary language, insurance status, and income estimate) associated with access to care and clinical outcomes. Additionally, prospective patient-centered interviews were conducted on neuro- oncology patients to qualitatively explore reasons for disparities in healthcare. RESULTS Significant associations were found between racial identities (White n=911; Hispanic n=285; Asian n=206; Black n=74) and sex (ANOVA p 0.0043), age (p<0.0001), income estimate (p<0.0001), primary language (p<0.0001), and insurance status (p<0.0001). Among different pathologies, presentation to the ED, rather than outpatient setting, was consistently associated with a non- English primary language (p=0.0312) and Medi-Cal insurance (p=0.0029). Time from imaging diagnosis to neurosurgical consultation was associated with non- English primary language (p=0.0262) and Medi-Cal (p=0.0030). Delay between recommendation for surgery and date of surgery was significant in Black patients (p=0.0112). A non- English primary language was negatively associated with having a gross total resection (p=0.0087). Notably, adjuvant treatments were less likely for those with non-English primary language (p=0.0203), Black race (p=0.0049), and Medi-Cal coverage (p=0.0014). Cox regression analysis identified only age (p<0.0001) as a predictor of poorer overall survival in oncologic cases. Prospective interviews identified cultural, economic (work- related), and healthcare navigation issues as reasons for differences in access to care. CONCLUSIONS Across the spectrum of neurosurgical oncology diagnoses, racial and socioeconomic factors independently associate with access to care but not clinical outcome variables. Further investigation is needed, particularly in patients with non- English primary languages and cultural attitudes towards chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

TEL Pedagogies: Gamification – Grammar Guru

The Centre for English Communication (CEC) developed and launched Grammar Guru (GG), a browser-based game application, as part of Singapore Management University’s (SMU) TEL initiative in 2023. GG is used as part of CEC’s blended learning resources, which complements our core curriculum module for undergraduates, Writing & Reasoning (WR). GG is an upgraded iteration of Power Grammar 1.0, a basic grammar game developed by students several years ago. GG is an effective TEL tool for teaching grammar as it uses gamification to make learning engaging and caters to the needs of learners with different language proficiency levels. GG improves student engagement through gamification. Gamification is the application of game design, techniques and elements in non-game contexts and activities (Deterding et al., 2011, p. 1). Research shows gamification is highly effective in increasing student engagement, attention, motivation, creativity, digital literacy and performance level (Barua & Bharali, 2023; Fernandez-Antolin et al. 2021; Skritsovali, 2023). GG includes elements such as points, leaderboards, hints, and non-playable characters (NPC) to teach grammar in a professional, corporate context. By contextualizing grammatical and linguistic forms in sentences and paragraphs, GG helps students achieve greater competence and fluency in their English language abilities. The gamification elements make learning more interactive and enjoyable which improves students’ knowledge retention and application. A primary quantitative study conducted by CEC established that “the positive correlation observed suggests that the higher level a student played, the higher the student’s English language proficiency”. CEC is currently conducting a qualitative study to gather students’ feedback. GG also addresses the requirements of learners with diverse language proficiency levels by varying the difficulty of questions. These questions include sentence and text correction, matching, re-arrangement, true/false, fill-in-the-blanks and multiple-choice questions. Players work their way through eight levels that comprises Junior and Senior Intern, Junior and Senior Management Trainee, Junior and Senior Middle Management and Junior and Senior Director. Perez (2020) and Langendah (2016) highlight how certain game elements such as storytelling, challenges, progression, and feedback can boost student drive and learning. The gamification elements in GG have a similar effect, motivating learners of different proficiency levels. GG’s interface is designed to be simple and intuitive. Regardless of students’ socioeconomic background or gaming aptitude, they would be able to navigate it effectively. One challenge GG faces is striking a balance between entertainment and education. Limited game development funds result in limited game design features and less engaging gameplay for students, especially in comparison to commercial games with substantial budgets that offer high entertainment value through advanced graphics and intricate storylines. Furthermore, as CEC instructors are not game design experts, we have limited knowledge that restricts our capacity in designing and maintaining GG. Currently, CEC outsources game design and maintenance to a third parties. This results in instructors not being able to directly make changes to the game questions and content. Moreover, the process of retrieving relevant data for analysis is tedious and time consuming. Despite these constraints, thoughtful and strategic approaches can create valuable TEL resources that improve student learning.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: A Review

Context.— Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare multisystem disorder belonging to the family of neoplasms exhibiting perivascular epithelioid differentiation. It primarily affects women of childbearing age. The disease is characterized by a proliferation of smooth muscle–like cells (lymphangioleiomyomatosis cells) within all lung compartments, leading to cystic parenchymal destruction and, in some cases, respiratory failure. These cells carry mutations in one or both tuberous sclerosis (TSC) genes and coexpress smooth muscle and melanocytic markers. Female hormones, particularly estrogens, influence the course of the disease. Symptoms of lymphangioleiomyomatosis vary significantly among patients, ranging from exertional dyspnea and coughing to chest pain and recurrent pneumothorax. Objective.— To present the latest advancements in the understanding of disease pathogenesis and diagnosis, illustrate the pathologic and radiologic findings, provide a reference for pathologists and other health care professionals, briefly discuss recent evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and emphasize the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and optimization of patient care. Data Sources.— A comprehensive review of pertinent medical literature published in the last 30 years, focusing on publications written in the English language, was performed. Conclusions.— Despite the recent significant advancements in the understanding and management of lymphangioleiomyomatosis, there are still significant gaps in our knowledge of its pathophysiology and the role of the immune system in the genesis and progression of the disease. The current changes in diagnostic algorithms favor the adoption of minimally invasive procedures as the standard of care. As a result, the clinical laboratory will play a larger role in the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and surgical pathologists will likely be less involved in the diagnosis of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis than they currently are.

Modern Technology: A Potential Tool to Impart English Language Skills

The present paper discusses the Lingua Franca of the world ‘English language’ and the role of technology in learning and teaching the English language effectively. The 21st-century modern technology has enabled learning and teaching of English very simple. We have a lot to choose from in the world of technology both hardware and software tools: Radio, TV, C.A.L.L, M.A.L.L, CD Rom, Computers, OHP, iPods, the Internet, Electronic Dictionary, Email, Blogs and Audio Cassettes, PPT’s, Videos, DVDs or VCD’s. Technology has brought a revolution in the life of people and completely changed their interaction and work dynamics. Industries were also greatly influenced and couldn’t escape the technical revolution. As a result, technology plays a vital role in teaching and learning. Using technology to teach English has a lot of advantages. Learners can get benefit from traditional educational institutions and also from online education. At the English lessons online we can unite to do the desired task. Different software programs, applications are available in learning Vocabulary, Pronunciation skills, Grammar, and LSRW skills. Many students in developed countries are making use of technology to learn the English language. But many more in underdeveloped countries fail to use tech tools for learning purposes due to inadequate tech facilities.

The Effect of Game-Based Learning on Improving the Basic English Speaking and Listening Ability of Children Aged 5-6 at Golden Cradle Kindergarten in High-Tech Zone of Nanchang, Jiangxi

Background and Aims: English language proficiency is increasingly becoming a vital skill in today's globalized world. As countries strive to enhance their competitiveness on the international stage, the ability to communicate effectively in English has become a critical aspect of education, particularly during early childhood development. Early exposure to English language learning has been shown to yield significant benefits, leading to increased linguistic abilities and intercultural understanding. Consequently, the implementation of effective language learning strategies during early childhood education becomes paramount. The purposes of this study were: 1) to compare the basic English listening ability of children aged 5–6 after using game-based learning activities to that before learning, 2) to compare the basic English-speaking ability of children aged 5–6 after using the game-based learning activities with that before learning. And 3) to study the children’s interest in the game-based learning activities. Methodology: The study, conducted at Golden Cradle Kindergarten in Nanchang City, evaluated the impact of a game-based teaching method on the English listening and speaking skills of 35 children aged 5-6 over one month. Initial and final assessments recorded in Excel showed significant improvements in both skills and increased learning interest. The data analysis includes percentages, means, standard deviation, and paired t-tests. Results: Results showed that the English listening ability of students was significantly higher than before they learned, indicating that the game teaching method can improve the English listening ability of children aged 5–6 years old, students had English-speaking ability was significantly higher than before they learned, indicating that the game teaching method can improve the English-speaking ability of 5–6-year-old children and the learning interest of students was significantly higher than before they learned. Conclude: Children between the ages of five and six have demonstrated a significant improvement in their English listening skills after using the game teaching method; their ability was significantly better than before. Additionally, it improves their ability to speak English, with a discernible increase observed following the application of the game-based learning approach. Additionally, this approach makes the kids more engaged and motivated than they were before by piquing their curiosity in learning.

Influence of English Language Usage on Students' Academic Performance in Physics in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda. A Case of Gakenke District

Influence of English Language Usage on Students' Academic Performance in Physics in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda. A Case of Gakenke District

Chance vs. Chants

This study was designed to determine if there is a difference between English Language Learner (ELL) production of /s/ in words such as prince and prints, as it appeared that ELLs were pronouncing “prince” for the former, but “print” for the latter. Study subjects completed a dictation task using a paragraph with many words ending in /s/. The results were that final /s/ in words such as prince was produced in 94.1% of the required contexts, while /s/ in words like prints was produced in 64.9% of the required contexts. The structural difference between pairs such as prince and prints is that prince has no internal morphological structure, while prints consists of print + s. The different production rates for final /s/ suggest that ELLs are processing the words differently, and are apparently unconsciously aware of the morphological difference between pairs such prince and prints. Contrary to expectations, this morphological awareness leads to incorrect responses. The discussion shows that issues such as salience, sonority, and L1 transfer cannot account for the data obtained in the study. In the paper suggestions are presented for raising morphological awareness to a more conscious level, thereby potentially aiding acquisition.

Obstacles in Instructing English at Village Elementary Schools in Bangladesh: A Study and Proposals

Elementary education serves as the foundation for students' future endeavors. Each year, many students in rural Bangladesh fail public examinations, and those who pass often do so by rote memorization, lacking proficiency in the four key language skills required for competence in English. Primary education was chosen for this study as it is a crucial stage where teachers bear full responsibility for student learning. The primary objective of this research was to identify the obstacles in teaching and learning English at the elementary level in rural areas of Bangladesh. Data were gathered using two sets of questionnaires administered to both students and teachers to assess the state of English language education in these primary schools. Additionally, teacher interviews and classroom observations, guided by an observation checklist, were conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current teaching practices. The findings reveal that the majority of rural students struggle with English due to several factors, including a shortage of skilled and trained teachers, inadequate teacher training, inappropriate teaching methods and materials, limited contact hours, large class sizes, and insufficient pedagogical knowledge. This paper also includes several recommendations based on the research findings to address these challenges effectively.

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING AS A MEANS OF DEVELOPING SPEAKING SKILLS OF MEDICAL STUDENTS

This article explores the effectiveness of project-based learning (PBL) as a pedagogical approach to enhance speaking skills of medical students, emphasizing the practical application of language within professional field. In the context of evolving medical education, the need for proficient English language skills among healthcare professionals has become increasingly topical. By integrating constructivist, experiential, communicative, and task-based learning theories, PBL fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Through active engagement in projects such as clinical simulations, case studies, and health campaigns, students not only acquire linguistic competence but also bridge knowledge across disciplines such as biology, pharmacology, ethics, etc. This study aims to analyze the methodologies, impacts, and potential obstacles of PBL in medical English education. The findings are intended to inform English language instructors in medical educational establishments, ultimately enhancing the quality of training for future healthcare professionals in a globalized surroundings. By promoting effective communication skills, PBL serves as a vital tool in preparing a new generation of adaptable and skilled practitioners.

Phraseological Quotations: Two Shavian Case Studies

Abstract Phraseological Units (PUs) in a language often include quotations and the so-called authorial “winged words” (“geflügelte Worte” in Gläser 1986), which have a single known author. These units, by gaining popularity among the members of a community of speakers, take on a life of their own as PUs. This study illustrates how these quotations acquire meanings and uses that do not match those of the original formulation they derive from, which, in turn, sheds light on how linguistic expressions at large reach conventionalization through language change. Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) ranks high among the authors who have contributed most to the English Phrasicon. This study investigates two case studies where quotations by Shaw have made their way into the English language as PUs. These quotations, however, are often used, as we shall see, in a way that differs from the sense they had in their original context. This study analyses how some novel PUs are coined and can help us map the processes of semantic adaptation these PUs undergo as they become conventional. It also provides insights into what constitutes a PU and how their defining characteristics apply in these cases.

District Level Crop Weather Calendars and Advisories for Kharif Rice in Odisha, India

The crop weather calendar is a visual depiction of key facts about crop growth phases, typical crop water requirements, and alerts that should be sent out in response to weather that is conducive to the spread of pests and diseases. Farmers and other stakeholders may successfully plan crops, schedule irrigation, and take plant protection measures by using these calendars, which are practical and helpful tools for farmers. The crop weather calendars are prepared in different languages for better understanding to farmers and explain the usage importance and plan farm operation and activities by taking decisions as per the prevalent crop weather conditions in fields. It plays a vital role for important crops and various varieties through research & development-based process at village/ panchayat level. It also helpful for improving the quality of medium range weather forecast based on Agro-Advisory Services (AAS). The AAS provides strategies based on weather for crop and livestock management to increase production and food security. The AAS has been useful to advise farmers regarding farm operations to manage the inclement weather for effective crop production in the changing environment. The Research was carried out on the studies of crop weather calendar on Rice crop in different districts of Odisha by All India co-ordinated research project on Agrometeorology, Bhubaneswar centre with the support of Agro Meteorological Field Unit (AMFU). It has been prepared with an objective to study climate normal of past 30 years from (1993-2023). Climatic data of Rice crop in Kharif season has been taken 25th SMW to 42nd SMW for medium duration (125 days) and 26th to 49th SMW for long duration (150 days) Rice crop in both English and Odia (local) languages for the coastal districts i.e (Khordha, Puri, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur) of Odisha. From the crop weather calendar the medium duration of rice crop, it was found that for sowing to seeding the mean temperature is 290C, before the transplanting and the water requirement of 670-690 mm is found congenial for better yield of the crop. The growth of the crops severely affected where the temperature falls below 200C, for high yielding of Rice crop during the kharif season the favourable weather conditions are Tmax: 300C, Tmin: 260C, Rainfall: 78 mm to 110 mm during the 29th to 30th week with RH 87%. For the pest likes stem borer and leaf folder the congenial weather conditions are Temperature :20 to 300C, RH:87%, Wind speed (Km/h) <5 and Rainfall: 00-30 mm. Similarly for Blast and BLB diseases, the favourable conditions during the 28th-31st week to 48th week, when the temperature range 20-300C, RH=> 90 %, Wind speed < 5 (Km/h) RH:30-50%. It has been found that the severity of pest and diseases increases with decreases in temperature and High RH and very low rainfall.

Navigating English Language Instruction in China: Insights from Chinese Students on Native English-Speaking Teachers’ Practices

ABSTRACT This study uses the instructional beliefs model to analyse Chinese students’ perceptions of classes taught by Native English-Speaking Teachers (NESTs). Forty-five Chinese students from 12 universities in southwestern China participated in the semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate pedagogical practices were perceived positively for practical language application but criticized for culturally incompatible pedagogical practices. Instructional outcomes exhibited positive affective and behavioural changes but posed challenges in cognitive learning. The study underscores the need for tailored teaching approaches and an understanding of students’ expectations to enhance the overall effectiveness of NEST-led instruction in Chinese classrooms.

Study on the Overseas Reader Reviews of English Translation of Sanguo Yanyi

<p>Reader evaluation is a key step in measuring the effectiveness of literary translations. A thorough investigation of the reception of Chinese classical novels among overseas readers can help us understand Western readers’ acceptance, value judgments, and preferences regarding these works. This study aims to assess the translation quality and value of the English version of <em>Sanguo Yanyi</em> by Yu Sumei. By collecting reader reviews from platforms such as Amazon and Goodreads, we employ KHCoder text analysis software to generate visualizations that analyze reader feedback. The results indicate that several main factors influence reader evaluations of this translation, including translation quality, English language experience, narrative coherence, and overall reading experience. Therefore, Chinese translators should comprehensively consider the needs and reading habits of overseas readers when translating classical Chinese novels.</p>

“It's Just a Hot Mess”: Supporting Teacher Praxis to Challenge Barriers for Multilingual Learners

ABSTRACTThis paper examines a professional learning (PL) program for upper elementary teachers focused on developing instructional practices to support multilingual learners (MLLs) in science. The PL sought to support teachers' praxis, which we describe as their sense of agency to critically analyze and take action against barriers to MLLs’ opportunities to learn. We analyzed pre‐PL interviews with teachers to identify the ways that they framed MLLs from asset‐ and deficit‐based perspectives and the barriers that they identified that undermine MLLs' science learning. Then, we analyzed the extent to which the teachers' participation in the PL shifted their framing of MLLs and fostered their sense of agency to challenge the barriers faced by MLLs. We found that teachers shifted toward more asset‐based views of students' existing language resources and deepened their sense of agency to employ scaffolds that engage these resources in their own instructional practice. However, teachers continued to surface barriers in their organizational contexts, including the emphasis placed on standardized language assessments and the misalignment between English language instruction and science learning. Our analysis shows that the PL did not adequately support teachers in navigating these particular institutional barriers. Based on our analysis, we argue that teachers and science education researchers should expand their focus beyond teachers’ instructional practices and work together to remove barriers for MLLs in the larger organizational systems of schooling.

HOST COUNTRY LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AMONG FIRST-GENERATION YAGLIDERE IMMIGRANTS IN THE USA AND THE MAINTENANCE OF THE TURKISH LANGUAGE IN SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS VIA SOCIAL NETWORKS

This article investigated the effect of the social networks of Yaglidere Turkish immigrants on language acquisition and the maintenance of heritage languages by successive generations in the USA. The study was conducted in the cities of Patterson and Burlington between January 2018 and July 2018. This research used qualitative research methods to analyze ethnographic interviews and participant observations. Data were collected using participant observation and informal talks with immigrants conducted in different informal settings such as participants’ houses, their restaurants, and other cafes in Burlington and Paterson. The interviews lasted from 40 to 90 minutes. Questions were open-ended and focused on the role of social networks in the acquisition of English language skills. In order to analyze the resulting data, the audio recordings were transcribed and translated into English. The interviews were first transcribed into Microsoft Word files and then imported into Maxqda, a software program for qualitative analysis, where the data were coded for study. The results indicated that even though social networks have destructive effects among first-generation immigrants, they have undeniable constructive effects on language maintenance in other generations. So, what is destructive for the first generation turns into constructive for the other generations.

Word formation in Bangladeshi English

Background: This paper aims to investigate the lexical properties of Bangladeshi English (BdE). Bangladesh does not have an official second language. Nevertheless, English has been present in Bangladeshi society for approximately four hundred years. The polity of Bangladesh is also silent about its position in the three-circle model of World English’s and does not have any proper plan for the English language. Very few studies have been done on the English of Bangladesh from World English’s perspective. Methodology: Data is collected from five different sources; a survey, the Corpus of Global Web-Based English (GloWbE), the News on the Web (NOW), the Oxford English Dictionary, and one corpus compiled with 92 speeches of the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. This corpus contains 101,490 words. The freeware corpus analysis toolkit Antconc is used to process the data of this corpus. The mixed method is followed in this work. Data is collected quantitatively and analyzed qualitatively. Findings: The result of the study reveals that Bangladeshi English has rich lexical properties. These lexis are formed in different morphological processes. A good fraction of these lexis are noun, but adjective, verb, and adverb are also present. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings can be used as a starting point for further research.

Evaluating the visual literacy of the Kuwaiti government’s Arabic infographics during the COVID-19 pandemic: an automated visual analysis and AI approach

PurposeWith infographics emerging as key communication tools on social media platforms, this study explores the visual literacy of governments in creating effective infographics, especially during crises. Using the Kuwaiti government during the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study, the investigation evaluates the government’s visual competency and strategy in its infographics on X.Design/methodology/approachFor competence, AI-based techniques were employed to analyze the proportion of text region size to total infographic size, word count per infographic and the most prominent colors used. Regarding strategy, the study utilized the crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) model as a framework to examine how the Kuwaiti government integrated crisis communication response strategies into infographics.FindingsWhen communicating complex messages, the government resorted to text-heavy infographics instead of creative visualizations, casting doubt on its visual competence. The inconsistent use of colors further undermined a recognizable visual identity. Regarding strategy, infographics on crisis updates were most frequent, supporting CERC’s emphasis on reducing uncertainty. Yet, prioritizing bolstering strategies above empathy and action steps goes against the advice of existing literature.Originality/valueWhile crisis communication research is widely based on textual analysis, this study extends the literature by examining visuals, specifically infographics. Additionally, focusing on Arabic infographics from Kuwait, the study expands the crisis communication literature, which has mainly concentrated on Western countries and the English language. Given the lack of consensus on the best methods to measure visual literacy, this study’s AI approaches contribute to the literature.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2024-0172

The influence of maternal long term health conditions including multimorbidity on child oral health: A scoping review and evidence gap map protocol

Objective This scoping review will map the extent and type of evidence in relation to the association between maternal long term health conditions (LTCs), including multimorbidity, and child oral health. Introduction Newer theories are emerging that detail the many factors that can influence child oral health at child, family and community levels. More recently, the association between maternal general health and child oral health has been explored, with preliminary evidence suggesting a link between shared environmental factors and diet/substance use during pregnancy causing childhood caries. Inclusion criteria All published studies that describe the relationship between maternal LTCs (including multimorbidity) and child oral health. There will be no limitation on the date of publication due to the limited number of studies available from the initial search of PubMed. The review will exclude case studies, abstracts, and grey literature. Literature must be in English language. Methods The following databases will be searched; CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Maternity and Infant Care, Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science. The search will include sources in English only and will be undertaken between April and July 2024. Studies to be included will be of any type of study design that describe a relationship between maternal long term health conditions, including maternal long term oral health conditions, and child oral health. Data extraction will be undertaken using tabulation of results by at least two independent reviewers. Narrative analysis of the evidence will be undertaken, and results will be presented in a narrative and tabular manner due to the heterogenous and limited evidence base found in the test search. This review has been registered prospectively on Open Science Framework, (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ECSWJ). The review will also inform an Evidence Gap Map (EGM) to illustrate the current evidence base regarding maternal health factors that influence child oral health.

A scoping review of the integration of non-medical prescribing for acute common clinical conditions by community pharmacists

Abstract Introduction Non-medical prescribing enhances patient care, safety, and medication accessibility, while also maximising expertise1. Some evidence exists for a variety of factors at individual, organisational, regulatory, and policy levels impacting the implementation of PP in community pharmacy2. Common clinical conditions (CCC) can be defined as ‘a broad range of self-limiting conditions that are more complex in their diagnosis and treatment than minor ailments and management that often involves the need for prescription medicines’. Aim To collate and characterise literature on the integration of non-medical prescribing for acute common clinical conditions by community pharmacists. Method This scoping review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework. The review team comprised a doctoral student (LK), a research fellow (TJ) and a professor of pharmacy (SC), all with experience of review methodology, community pharmacy research and /or practice. Eligibility criteria, search databases and terms were defined. Medline, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Google Scholar were searched for full text, English language, peer reviewed original papers, randomised controlled trials, cross-sectional and cohort studies, papers reporting empirical data from primary research and review articles including systematic reviews /scoping reviews /narrative reviews from January 2006 to October 2023. The (global) focus was on services delivered by pharmacists and pharmacy team members in community pharmacy for the management of CCC, using non-medical prescribing rights. Search terms included “independent prescrib*”, “pharm* independent prescri*”, “pharm* prescrib*”, “non-medical prescri*, “non-medical prescri*”, “pharm* supplementary prescri*” and “collaborative prescrib*”. Following screening and full text review a narrative synthesis approach3 was used to address the aim which involved: preliminary synthesis through data extraction and tabulation of key study characteristics, exploration of relationships and differences across the studies and finally evaluation of the robustness of the synthesis. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research provided a theoretical lens to support synthesis, identifying barriers and facilitators for integration. All steps were independently checked by two review team members. Ethics approval was not required because this was a scoping review. Results From a total 1018 records identified, 10 papers remained after removal of duplicates, title /abstract screening and full text review. The majority of studies were from Canada and the aims and linked outcomes of studies focused on pharmacists’ views and experiences, evaluation of safety, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction. A range of CCCs were included with a focus on antibiotic prescribing. A wide range of barriers and facilitators to implementation were identified including “regulatory constraints” and “fiscal challenges” at a macro socio-organisational level and a plethora of dichotomous challenges within organisations including a lack of clarity on the pharmacist’s scope of practice and linked consumer confusion, staffing levels and workload, with specific mention of paperwork and access to patient records. Conclusion The small number of studies included indicates that there is a paucity of research in this area. There is a need for increased efforts to consider this topic further and identify ways to address the challenges for further widespread implementation and uptake of such services.

Psychocutaneous Medicine: Current Global Understanding and Imperatives for Continuing Medical Education and Training Opportunities: A Systematic Review

Abstract The intersection of dermatology and psychiatry has gained significant attention in recent years. Psychocutaneous disease affect patient population, who have undiagnosed and undertreated ailments related to the body and mind. These patients suffer a reduce quality of life due to knowledge gaps and reduce awareness about psycho dermatology. This review aims to assess the integration of psychopharmacology topics in continuing medical education programs (CME) and its relevance in clinical practice, it's impact on healthcare professionals’ quality of care, and existing knowledge gaps among trainees and young dermatologists. To identify data from inception up to December 2023, a systematic literature review and search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched using predefined terms including “continuing medical education”, “dermatology”, “psychology”, “psychodermatology”, “psychocutaneous”, “awareness” and “practice patterns”. Inclusion criteria comprised studies evaluating CME programs, clinical studies and reviews published in English language. Studies were excluded if they were single case reports. A total of 93 studies were identified and 12 were included in this review following screening, removal of duplicates, and application of inclusion criteria. Studies revealed lower level of confidence among professionals in handling psycho cutaneous conditions, limited awareness of available resources and high interest in CME programs. Initiatives like video mentoring and clinical skills lessons showed promise but are currently scarce. Examined data from selected studies demonstrate that current CME programs in psychodermatology lack depth, leaving practitioners feeling ill equipped and unaware of available resources. There is substantial global interest in enhancing these programs. Given the breadth of conditions covered, educating dermatologists is crucial for enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction. Addressing resource scarcity and patient stigma is imperative to develop specialized programs. Improvement to education can drive stronger outcomes and holistic patient care. Future efforts should prioritize refining program strategies and conducting thorough assessments to maximize impact.