Future Medical Practice Research Articles

Twelve Tips for Engaging Medical Students in Rural-Focused Research

Background The future of rural healthcare depends on training the future rural health workforce, and on rural health research that can guide clinical and policy decisions in rural spaces. Promotion of rural healthcare careers usually focuses on clinical aspects of care, and research may be seen as a lower priority. Supporting students to be involved in rural focused research offers the opportunity to broaden the pool of potentially rural interested students, and to develop research and scholarship skills and capacity in the future rural workforce. Aim and method We identify twelve tips that medical schools can adopt to foster medical student participation in research and promote student interest in rural healthcare and rural medical practice. These recommendations are based on a review of literature and our personal experience of conducting rural-focused research activities with medical students. Conclusion Through these twelve tips, we provide a practical framework for enhancing undergraduate medical student exposure to rural-focused research to foster research capacity. This has potential to inspire student interest in future rural medical practice and could contribute to alleviate workforce and research gaps in rural areas.

Effectiveness of vigabatrin for infantile epileptic spasm syndrome categorized by etiologies

PurposeWe aimed to assess the effectiveness of vigabatrin (VGB) in patients diagnosed with infantile epileptic spasm syndrome (IESS) and categorize these patients based on their etiologies. MethodsThis retrospective study included patients diagnosed with IESS who exhibited epileptic spasms before the age of 2 years between January 1, 2015, and October 31, 2023 at Saitama Children's Medical Center. Patients with tuberous sclerosis as the identified etiology were excluded. The effectiveness of VGB was assessed based on the resolution of ES for three months with the absence of hypsarrhythmia on interictal electroencephalogram. ResultsThis study analyzed 41 patients (26 boys). The etiologies included genetic, congenital structural, acquired structural, and unknown in 12, 11, 10, and 8 patients, respectively. Patient characteristics did not significantly differ among the four groups. The overall effectiveness of VGB for IESS was 39.0 % (16/41). Categorized based on etiology, VGB was effective in 41.7 % (5/12), 9.1 % (1/11), 50 % (5/10), and 75 % (6/8) in the genetic, congenital structural, acquired structural, and unknown groups, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in effectiveness among the four groups (p = 0.03). Categorized based on diseases, VGB was effective in 28.6 % (2/7) and 50 % (4/8) in trisomy 21 and perinatal brain injury, respectively. ConclusionThe effectiveness of VGB in patients with IESS varied with etiology. Further investigations into the effectiveness of VGB in etiological subtypes of IESS could facilitate the development of tailored treatment algorithms for each etiology, representing valuable guidelines for future medical practice.

Medical Students' Readiness for Prescription Communication Skills Training: A Needs Assessment Study.

Background and objectives The quality of doctor-patient communication plays a crucial role in determining positive medical outcomes. Medical educators may be able to develop effective programs to orient the students toward learning communication skills with the aid of assessment of the attitude of medical students toward such learning. Recently, the National Medical Commission's updated syllabus strongly emphasized on the value of training in prescription communication skills (PCS), in pharmacology. Our study utilizes the Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS) to explore medical students' attitudes toward learning PCS in a private medical college, aiming to address the dearth of data in the Indian context. Methodology This cross-sectional study assessed the attitudes of 131 second-year medical students at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences toward PCS training. Validated, 26-item CSAS was used to measure their attitudes which include 13 items of Positive Attitude Scale (PAS) and 13 items of Negative Attitude Scale (NAS), and data analysis was conducted using independent t-tests to explore potential associations based on socio-demographic factors. Results The study scale showed an acceptable internal consistency of 0.71 (Cronbach's alpha) with 0.92 and 0.76 for PAS and NAS, respectively. The overall mean PAS score and NAS score were 54.2±6.9 and 34.7±6.3, respectively, indicating that the majority of students recognized the significance of communication skills for their future medical practice. Male students had significantly lower PAS scores (52.1±7.4) compared to female students (55±6.6) (p=0.02). Students with a rural background had significantly higher PAS scores (56.2±6.1) (p=0.01) compared to those with an urban background (53.2±9.8). No significant association was seen with demographic parameters like schooling background, presence of doctors in the family, and mother tongue they spoke. Conclusion The study revealed that second-year medical students had a strong inclination toward learning PCS. Therefore, greater emphasis should be placed on providing adequate training in PCS to the students to ensure effective doctor-patient interactions.

Evaluation of the Effect of Nutrition Education on Osteopathic Medical Students' Personal Nutrition Choices and Incorporation Into Future Medical Practice.

Our current research project evaluates the impact of nutrition education on the medical student's personal nutrition goals and the likelihood of incorporating nutrition needs into patient evaluation and treatment plans in future practice. The growing popularity of lifestyle medicine has further emphasized the importance of nutrition in the treatment of all patients, especially those suffering from chronic diseases. The paucity of formal medical nutrition education in medical school curricula leaves a significant gap in the knowledge base of physicians in practice. In an attempt to close the gap, we increased nutrition education in first-year osteopathic medical students by establishing a nutrition course emphasizing modern competencies and their importance in clinical practice. Methods: The course evaluation utilized a two-group quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study design. The intervention group consisted of medical students participating in the newly established course, and the control group consisted of second-year medical students who had not taken the course as part of their curriculum. Information was collected about students' knowledge, attitudes, behaviors around nutrition, their plans to pursue a residency with a focus on culinary medicine and incorporate medical nutrition into their medical practice in the future, and their intention to incorporate culinary medicine into future treatment plans. Participation rates within a voluntary culinary medicine interest group were also tracked. Students in the intervention group were 26% more likely to report that proper nutrition for patient care had been addressed in coursework. This suggests that medical students exposed to the medical nutrition course have received more training that is critical in proper patient care than students in the control group. Students in the intervention group were 93% more likely to believe that proper nutrition can be used to prevent disease. Lastly, significantly more students in the intervention group (33% more) intend to explore residency programs with a focus on culinary medicine than those students in the control group. These results demonstrate that nutritional education promotes an awareness of the effectiveness of nutritional counseling in disease prevention and management. Furthermore, it will hopefully prompt future physicians to consider nutritional counseling during their clinical rotations, through residency, and into their independent practice. The presentation of nutrition in the first year of medical school is critical to develop increasing numbers of primary care physicians that promote the importance of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle for patients.

Research on NiTi instruments combined with ultrasonic irrigation and multiantibiotic paste in root canal therapy of periapical inflammation in deciduous teeth.

Pain often occurs after root canal treatment due to unavoidable mechanical or chemical damage. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of a nickel-titanium (NiTi) device combined with ultrasonic irrigation and multiple antibiotic creams in the treatment of periapical inflammation of deciduous teeth, so as to improve the understanding of root canal treatment and optimize clinical practice. Evaluation of efficacy was conducted using X-rays and the Visual Analog Scale. This treatment significantly reduced pain and also improved patient compliance and treatment outcomes. The findings of the present study may have scientific and clinical significance for optimizing root canal treatment in pediatric dentistry and requires further in-depth research in clinical practice. These outcomes may provide potential new ideas and directions for improving patients' quality of life and the efficacy of clinical treatment and have further impacts on future related research and medical practice.

Nanozymes: Potential Therapies for Reactive Oxygen Species Overproduction and Inflammation in Ischemic Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Nanozymes, which can selectively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), have recently emerged as promising candidates for treating ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in preclinical models. ROS overproduction during the early phase of these diseases leads to oxidative brain damage, which has been a major cause of mortality worldwide. However, the clinical application of ROS-scavenging enzymes is limited by their short in vivo half-life and inability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Nanozymes, which mimic the catalytic function of natural enzymes, have several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, high stability, and easy storage. These advantages render them superior to natural enzymes for disease diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. This review highlights recent advancements in nanozyme applications for ischemic stroke and TBI, emphasizing their potential to mitigate the detrimental effect of ROS overproduction, oxidative brain damage, inflammation, and blood-brain barrier compromise. Therefore, nanozymes represent a promising treatment modality for ROS overproduction conditions in future medical practices.

LA BIOÉTICA COMO NECESIDAD EN LA MEDICINA ACTUAL Y FUTURA

Bioethics, a discipline with 50 years of history, is shown to be an essential tool for current and future medical practice, in a context of paradigm shift in the clinical relationship, with a nec­essary and increasing empowerment of patients, in a permanent development of knowledge and with the unstoppable presence of technology and the process of digitalization of health. It is necessary to improve and advance in the training in bioethics of health professionals, espe­cially medical doctors, consolidating the ethical values that they must apply in their practice, without falling into defensive medicine and without losing the human component, essential in their work with patients.

Feedback Loop Failure Modes in Medical Diagnosis: How Biases Can Emerge and Be Reinforced.

Medical diagnosis in practice connects to research through continuous feedback loops: Studies of diagnosed cases shape our understanding of disease, which shapes future diagnostic practice. Without accounting for an imperfect and complex diagnostic process in which some cases are more likely to be diagnosed correctly (or diagnosed at all), the feedback loop can inadvertently exacerbate future diagnostic errors and biases. A feedback loop failure occurs if misleading evidence about disease etiology encourages systematic errors that self-perpetuate, compromising future diagnoses and patient care. This article defines scenarios for feedback loop failure in medical diagnosis. Through simulated cases, we characterize how disease incidence, presentation, and risk factors can be misunderstood when observational data are summarized naive to biases arising from diagnostic error. A fourth simulation extends to a progressive disease. When severe cases of a disease are diagnosed more readily, less severe cases go undiagnosed, increasingly leading to underestimation of the prevalence and heterogeneity of the disease presentation. Observed differences in incidence and symptoms between demographic groups may be driven by differences in risk, presentation, the diagnostic process itself, or a combination of these. We suggested how perceptions about risk factors and representativeness may drive the likelihood of diagnosis. Differing diagnosis rates between patient groups can feed back to increasingly greater diagnostic errors and disparities in the timing of diagnosis and treatment. A feedback loop between past data and future medical practice may seem obviously beneficial. However, under plausible scenarios, poorly implemented feedback loops can degrade care. Direct summaries from observational data based on diagnosed individuals may be misleading, especially concerning those symptoms and risk factors that influence the diagnostic process itself. Current evidence about a disease can (and should) influence the diagnostic process. A feedback loop failure may occur if biased "evidence" encourages diagnostic errors, leading to future errors in the evidence base.When diagnostic accuracy varies for mild versus severe cases or between demographic groups, incorrect conclusions about disease prevalence and presentation will result without specifically accounting for such variability.Use of demographic characteristics in the diagnostic process should be done with careful justification, in particular avoiding potential cognitive biases and overcorrection.

Bridging Healthcare Horizons: Illuminating Pakistani Medical Students' Perspectives on Telemedicine

Purpose: In the evolving landscape of global healthcare, telemedicine stands out as a beacon of progress, offering enhanced accessibility. Nowhere is its impact more critical than in the rural expanse of Pakistan, where traditional healthcare struggles to reach. This research delves into the minds of Pakistani medical students, a cohort pivotal in steering the future of healthcare delivery in the country.
 Methodology: The research design for your study can be described as cross-sectional or survey research, focusing on understanding the telemedicine exposure, interest levels, and plans for future utilization among Pakistani medical students across 20 medical schools.
 Target Population: The target population in your study comprises Pakistani medical students enrolled in the 20 medical schools included in the study.
 Findings: Among the 396 students surveyed, 24% boasted prior exposure to telemedicine, while a noteworthy 52% expressed unwavering intentions to incorporate it into their future medical practices. Notably, 73.8% of those with prior exposure were resolute in their commitment to using telemedicine, compared to 43% without prior exposure. Among the undecided students, 21% had been exposed previously, shedding light on the profound influence of exposure on shaping future intentions.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: This research goes beyond the surface exploration of medical students' attitudes towards telemedicine; it makes a distinctive contribution to theoretical frameworks, policy development, and practical implications. The study acts as a theoretical cornerstone by shedding light on the intricacies of the awareness gap within this demographic. From a policy perspective, the findings provide policymakers in Pakistan with a nuanced understanding of the current state and future potential of telemedicine integration into the healthcare system. The practical implications are profound, emphasizing the urgent need for early education in telemedicine to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals for the challenges and opportunities presented by an evolving healthcare landscape.

PRACTICAL APPROACH IN DELIVERING THEME "AUTONOMIC REFLEXES AND THEIR CLINICAL APPLICATION" AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY, POLTEVE STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

In the system of higher medical education, physiology is a fundamental discipline and occupies an important place in the system of training highly qualified medical specialists. In the system of higher medical education, physiology stands as a cornerstone discipline, holding a pivotal role in shaping the competencies of future medical professionals. The scientific and pedagogical staff at the Department of Physiology, Poltava State Medical University, is dedicated to nurturing students' capacity to analyze and synthesize both theoretical and practical knowledge, laying the groundwork for clinical acumen in future specialists. This article presents a hands-on approach to teaching the topic "Autonomic Reflexes and Their Clinical Applications" within the contemporary educational landscape, targeting second-year master's and first-year bachelor's students. Highlighting the practical significance of this topic in the future medical practice, it underscores how mastering autonomic reflexes equips students with the skills to influence internal organ activity and administer emergency medical care. Such an approach not only fosters student engagement with the subject matter but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for physiology as a whole. The article outlines the instructional principles, spanning from theoretical discourse to practical exercises, emphasizing the integral role of physiology in higher medical education. By advocating for the study of physiology as a foundational science, the article underscores its role in fostering interdisciplinary integration and shaping clinical reasoning—an essential aspect of quality medical training in today's educational landscape.

Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Correlates among Male Medical Students at the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

Identifying the potential factors of depression among medical students is the first step towards academic excellence and future safe medical practice. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to February 2020 at the University of Bisha, College of Medicine (UBCOM), Bisha Province, Saudi Arabia. Male medical students from year one to year six were involved. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about students' socio-demographic and academic characteristics. The Arabic version of the PHQ-9 scale with a score of ≥10 was used to identify depression. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the prevalence and correlates of depression. Of the 190 male students enrolled, 26.8% had depressive symptoms, of whom 45.1% were experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. The significantly highest depression rate was found among the second-year students, at 43.8% (OR = 2.544; 95% CI 1.178-5.714; p = 0.018), and the lowest rate was found among year one students, at 8.9% (OR = 0.203; 95% CI 0.075-0.560; p = 0.002). Univariate regression revealed a significant correlation between depression and dissatisfaction with family income, loss of family members, having psychological illness, difficulties in personal relationships, regretting studying medicine, failure in an academic year, a lower grade than expected, conflict with tutors, lack of college facilities and heavy academic load. In multivariate analysis, loss of family members (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI 1.86-7.413), difficulties in personal relationships (AOR = 2.371; 95% CI 1.009-5.575), regretting studying medicine (AOR = 3.764; 95% CI 1.657-8.550), and failing an academic year (AOR = 2.559; 95% CI 1.112-5.887) were independently correlated with depression. The study concluded that medical students at UBCOM experience depressive symptoms associated with various risk indicators. Optimizing the educational and social environment and infrastructure facilities at UBCOM might promote students' mental health and well-being.

KINEMATICS OF LOWER LIMBS DURING SQUATTING FOR CHINESE MALE AND FEMALE YOUTHS

This research aimed to measure lower extremity kinematics for male and female youths during daily activities and to identify gender differences from kinematics of lower limbs. A total of 87 healthy participants, comprising 43 Chinese male youths and 44 female youths, were recruited from Anhui Polytechnic University to participate in this research. All participants were instructed to perform squatting activities on a soft mat starting from an upright position. Every participant completed six squatting exercises, and motion capture technology was used to gather 3D kinematic data. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. The average 3D angles of the hip, knee, and ankle joints of male and female youths were calculated, and then the independent t-test was used for statistical significance. Data analysis showed no significant gender differences in the sagittal movements of the knee and ankle joints for Chinese male and female youths. The mean hip joint angle during squatting was [Formula: see text] for male youths and [Formula: see text] for female youths. The knee joint angle was [Formula: see text] for male youths and [Formula: see text] for female youths. With regard to ankle mobility, the hip and ankle ranges of motion were [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for male youths and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for female youths. Both sexes showed significant gender differences in the nonsagittal plane. The range of motion (ROM) observed during deep squatting exceeds the ROM after arthroplasty for Chinese male and female youths. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of deep squatting biomechanics for the Chinese population and provide a basis for mitigating hyperflexion exercises and fabricating appropriate joint injury prostheses. By understanding the specific movement patterns of Chinese male and female youths, healthcare professionals can develop individualized interventions and rehabilitation programs to improve functional outcomes, prevent joint injuries, and improve the overall quality of life. The research found significant gender differences for sagittal hip and anterior ankle movements of male youths during squatting. These findings shed light on the kinematics of lower limbs. They have the potential to influence future research and medical practice to improve joint health and functional mobility for Chinese male and female youths.

Death Café conversations: evaluating the educational potential for university students in palliative care teaching.

Discussing death, particularly among future healthcare professionals, remains a challenge. The "Death Café" initiative offers a relaxed setting for such conversations, and this study investigates its educational potential for medical students. To assess the effectiveness of "Death Café" as an educational tool for medical students in palliative care, and to understand students' perceptions and reflections on death and end-of-life topics post-participation. An exploratory qualitative design was employed, analyzing reflections submitted by medical students following voluntary participation in a Death Café session. Medical students from a course on palliative care participated in the "Death Café," a structured yet informal discussion about death in a relaxed café setting. Subsequently, participants submitted written reflections on their experiences. These reflections were analyzed using a thematic analysis method, identifying emerging themes related to the students' perceptions of death, the event, and its impact on their future medical practice. Forty-two students attended the Death Café. Twenty-one reflections were collected from 29 medical students who participated. Most students found the "Death Café" environment conducive to open conversations about death. Key themes included recognizing the fragility of life, the role of medical professionals in end-of-life care, and the personal and professional growth derived from such reflections. The students also highlighted the transformative nature of the event, shifting from discussing death in general to pondering on their roles as future healthcare professionals. Positive feedback indicated the absence of negative comments about the activity, with suggestions provided for future iterations. The "Death Café" serves as an innovative pedagogical approach to medical education, particularly in palliative care teaching. It offers students a platform for sincere dialogue on death and reinforces the significance of integrating innovative methods in medical training. This initiative not only enriches personal understanding but also emphasizes the commitment to holistic patient care.

Attitude, Awareness, and Understanding of Artificial Intelligence AI among Medical and Dental Students in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The rapid growth of AI has transformed various sectors, including healthcare. AI aids medical diagnoses and treatment planning, but challenges such as privacy and ethical concerns exist. Understanding AI is crucial for medical and dental students in Jordan to enhance patient care. This study examines students' attitudes, awareness, and understanding of AI to inform effective education and better healthcare practices. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan among medical and dental students from Nov 2022 to Mar 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman's correlation. Ethical approval was obtained, and SPSS was used for analysis. RESULTS: The study involved 800 respondents, predominantly female (54.6%) and with an average age of 19.81 years. Most participants were medical students (64.6%), had a national diploma (75.0%), and were in their first or second year of education (73.1%). The majority were single (97.9%), and 75.1% resided in the central region. In terms of technology background, 38.8% had family members in the technology sector, and half used electronic devices for 3-6 hours daily. Over 75% used electronic devices for studying, while 44.1% had taken technology courses, with only 23.5% having specifically studied Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, 46.0% had prior research experience, but only 18.0% had participated in AI-related research. Participants rated their overall technology knowledge at 2.91 ± 1.06 and AI knowledge at 2.43 ± 1.21. The main sources of AI information were social media (35.0%). Regarding AI applications, 28.0% believed it would enhance medical diagnosis, while 24.0% expressed concerns about hacking and cybersecurity. Only 10.0% planned to consistently incorporate AI into their future medical practice. Statistical tests revealed significant differences in awareness of AI based on study field (p-value = 0.034), income (p-value = 0.028), previous technology involvement (p-value = 0.004), ICDL course participation (p-value = 0.02), AI course participation (p-value < 0.001), and programming language learning (p-value = 0.001). Similar variations were observed in understanding AI basic principles, with additional significance related to research course participation (p-value < 0.001). Attitudes toward AI differed only among those with previous technology course involvement (p-value = 0.037). Spearman's correlation indicated a moderate positive association between awareness of AI in medicine and dentistry and understanding of AI basic principles (r: 0.491, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The younger generation of medical and dental professionals’ views AI as a collaborator in their practice. Strong interest and active engagement in AI-related courses highlight the importance of integrating AI education into medical curricula for innovative healthcare practices.

Establishment and implementation of a clinical application and research database for surgical robots in China

AbstractRobots are widely used in surgeries worldwide. To improve robotic surgical treatments, we established a database of clinical applications and research on surgical robots. Robotics‐related literature included in the China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Vipshop, Chinese science citation database (CSCD), Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases up to September 2022 was searched and entered into the database. Information on all patients who had undergone robotic surgery at our hospital since 2016 was also included. Literature and case information was classified and evaluated according to standard guidelines and statements. The Gansu Provincial Hospital was the first to use evidence‐based medical research methods to successfully establish a database of clinical applications and research on surgical robots. This database comprised literature search, upload, quality evaluation, risk of bias assessment, case information entry, and access functions. Based on the database, we conducted related studies in general surgery, gynecology, urology, thoracic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery, and published 16 meta‐analyses and 15 clinical studies. Establishing this database removes language, retrieval, and evaluation barriers in clinicians' use of clinical evidence and lays the foundation for the efficient and accurate use of clinical data for future research. Further, it facilitates evidence‐based evaluation of the effectiveness of robotic therapy, which may guide future medical practice. This typical case of interdisciplinary research aims to build a platform to disseminate knowledge and technology in robotic surgery.This article is categorized under: Technologies > Computer Architectures for Data Mining Application Areas > Data Mining Software Tools Application Areas > Education and Learning

Understanding the Effects of E-Learning on Subject Physiology Through Using Blackboard among Medical Students During the COVID-19 Era

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global education, including medical education, with traditional lectures and internships being disrupted and replaced by online learning platforms. This study aims to investigate the impact of e-learning through Blackboard on medical student's physiology education, as it directly relates to their curriculum and future medical practice. Methods: A structured questionnaire was developed to gather data on the impact of e-learning on physiology. The questionnaire's design ensured content validity and inter-reliability by incorporating existing literature, theoretical frameworks, and expert input. A total of 149 second and third-year medical students participated in the study. The online questionnaire, distributed via Google Forms, utilized a Likert scale for students to rate their attitudes towards online teaching. It covered demographic information, student satisfaction, and satisfaction with assignment methods. Results: Most participants were female (64%), and most students accessed online classes through their phones (93%). Results indicated that students agreed that online learning protected them from COVID-19 and facilitated better time management. However, a significant proportion for preferred face-to-face lectures and reported being distracted by the comforts of home. Overall, satisfaction rates were high, particularly for the assignment method, highlighting its benefits. Conclusion: This study shows that e-learning through Blackboard positively impacted medical students physiology education during COVID-19. Despite challenges and a preference for in-person learning, most students were satisfied with online teaching and found the assignment method beneficial. These findings highlight the potential of online platforms like Blackboard in medical education during crises, offering insights for improvement.

Physician Trainees' Perception of Cannabidiol Use in Medicine: A Survey Study.

Given the ongoing national opiate crisis, physicians have been challenged with mitigating the risk of opiate dependence in their patients. With current physician efforts to mitigate the risks of treating pain with opioid prescriptions, this study evaluates medical students' and residents' understanding and perceptions regarding cannabidiol (CBD) in current medical care and their future medical practice. Orthopedic residents from all American programs and medical students from 50 medical schools, regardless of training year or future specialty plans, were eligible to participate in this survey-based study administered from December 2022 to March 2023. The surveys ask questions about demographic information, what education they receive on CBD utilization in medicine, thoughts on CBD effectiveness in pain control, and future plans on utilizing CBD. A total of 55 residents (1.4%) and 53 medical students (5.1%) responded. Trainees in CBD-legal states were more likely to work with physicians who use CBD in their practice. Most trainees, regardless of location, believe CBD use has a stigma attached to it. Many responders were concerned about the role of CBD in pain control. Finally, most trainees believed that CBD is easy to access if desired and is affordable to purchase. The trajectory of CBD use in the United States indicates that the therapeutic benefits of CBD will be targeted, and future physicians are not always provided adequate educational opportunities to learn about its potential medical uses. Continued training as well as interactions with patients may help decrease the stigma surrounding medical CBD use and help solidify its therapeutic use in pain control.

Improving self-directed learning ability of medical students using the blended teaching method: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundSelf-directed learning (SDL) is one of the most important abilities for medical students in terms of their future clinical medical practice. During the blended teaching process, teachers can design a variety of learning activities to cultivate students’ SDL abilities. This study aimed to assess the differences between the SDL abilities of medical students using blended and traditional didactic teaching.MethodsThis study included 239 medical students from eight administrative classes. The students were divided into two groups: (1) the experimental group (EG), which included 119 students from four administrative classes, and (2) the control group (CG), which included 120 students from the remaining four classes. From February to July 2022, blended teaching methods were applied to the EG group, and SDL abilities were assessed in comparison to the CG group receiving traditional didactic teaching methods.ResultsAt the end of the semester, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between EG and CG in all six SDL ability factors. Furthermore, when k-means cluster analysis was used to analyze the learning behavior of students in the EG after classifying them as comprehensive, interactive, and passive types, significant differences were observed in all six Self-directed learning factors of students with the comprehensive type, whereas significant differences were observed in four factors (setting learning goals and plans, self-monitoring and regulation, information processing, and communication and cooperation) of students with the interactive type. For students with passive type, only one factor of SDL (information processing) showed significant improvement. There were on differences between comprehensive, interactive, and passive types of CG.ConclusionThe blended teaching approach is better than the conventional didactic teaching for cultivating clinical medical students’ SDL abilities.

Instructional Design for Optimizing Biochemical Chemistry Education Using Basic Medical Knowledge

Biochemical chemistry, as one of the core courses in medical education, involves the structure, function, metabolism, and other key contents of human biomolecules, which is of great significance in cultivating students' scientific literacy and clinical practice ability. However, the traditional teaching of biochemical chemistry is often based on independent chemical concepts and lacks organic integration with basic medical knowledge, leading to a decline in students' interest in learning and poor learning results. Therefore, there is an urgent need to optimize the teaching design of biochemical chemistry using basic medical knowledge to provide students with a more in-depth learning experience and lay a solid foundation for future medical practice. The article discusses the application of basic medical knowledge in biochemical chemistry education from the aspects of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, and proposes three teaching design strategies, namely, case study, modularized learning, and experimental learning.

Positive Predictive Value of Ultrasound in Predicting Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease taking Magnetic Resonance Imaging as Gold Standard

Objective: To determine the positive predictive value of ultrasound in predicting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease taking magnetic resonance imaging as gold standard. Method: 84 patients of both sex groups with ages in the range of 18-60 years suspected to have NAFLD underwent ultrasound examination of the liver and kidney and the ratio of mean gray-scale intensity of the liver / renal cortex calculated. The NAFLD on ultrasound was labelled as per operational definition. The MRI was performed and areas under the water peak and fat peak were recorded. Liver fat content was calculated. The NAFLD on MRI waslabelled as per operational definition.All the data was noted along with demographic details of the patient. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 18 years to 60 years with a mean of 41.4years. Male to female ratio of 1:5 was found. The BMI of the patients ranged from 22.6 Kg/m2 to 34.8 Kg/m2 with a mean of 30.8 Kg/m2 and 71.4% patients were obese. 34.5% patients were diabetic. The diagnosis of NAFLD was confirmed in 96.4% cases on MRI. Taking MRI diagnosis of NAFLD as gold standard, it yielded a positive predictive value of 96.4% for ultrasound in predicting NAFLD. Conclusion: Ultrasound showed a high positive predictive value in the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease irrespective of patient's age, gender, BMI and history of diabetes which advocate its preferred use in future medical practice.