Health Training Research Articles

Supporting the nutrition-related health and well-being of people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage: Findings from a national survey.

People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage face significantly higher rates of diet-related health inequities. This study aimed to explore barriers, opportunities and potential solutions in providing food and nutrition services to people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage from the perspective of services providers. The present study is part of a broad co-design model to improve service provision for people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. A cross-sectional online survey involving 33 open and closed-ended questions was distributed to Australian governmental and non-governmental organisations providing nutrition-related support to people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage aged 16 years and over. Data were analysed using frequency distributions and conceptual content analyses. Sixty-eight responses were analysed. Services are predominantly offered by charitable organisations (90%), funded through private donations (66%) and reliant on volunteers (100%). Barriers to supporting clients' nutrition needs include financial constraints, limited community engagement, understaffing, insufficient resources and knowledge gaps. Opportunities and solutions for enhancing support include increasing government funding, advocacy initiatives, stronger community collaboration and more holistic, customised services. Proposed recommendations include establishing purpose-built facilities or wrap-around services to expand access to health services, life skills, training and educational programs. Services face challenges including volunteer reliance, limited resources and inadequate government support, hindering food provision. Client barriers include transportation costs and lack of social support. With dedicated financial support, services can offer comprehensive assistance, including community spaces, staffing, health and social services and training. Community partnerships can maximise funding impact. Solutions must address overall well-being and broader social determinants such as income inequality and housing.

An Analytical Study of the Number of Communicable Diseases and Health Institutions in Iraq using Two-Way Analysis of Variance, Friedman and Scheffe Tests

In this research paper, data were analyzed from Environmental Statistics in Iraq (Health Indicators for 2019)/ Central Statistical Organization /Iraqi Ministry of Planning. The data represents the number of health institutions distributed across all governorates of Iraq (government hospitals, private hospitals, popular clinics, specialized health centers (dental, chest, allergy, asthma, other specialties), primary health care centers (main and subsidiary), other health institutions (insurance clinics). health care, health homes), training health center, family medicine health center, family planning center, central health laboratories, forensic medicine, blood bank). In addition to other data representing the number of infections with communicable diseases in Iraq (polio, acute flaccid paralysis, whooping cough, measles, German measles, mumps, congenital tetanus, adult tetanus, hydatid cysts, typhoid, malaria, schistosomiasis, bacillus dysentery, rabies, Diphtheria, chicken pox, hemorrhagic fever, Malta fever, pneumonia, cholera, scabies, cutaneous leishmaniasis, black fever, animal bites, meningitis of all kinds, bird flu, swine flu). It was determined whether there are significant differences in the number of health institutions in terms of their distribution across all governorates of Iraq, or not. Also, is there a significant difference in the number of infections with communicable diseases in all governorates of Iraq or not? If there is a significant difference in the number of health institutions or the number of infections with communicable diseases, whichever number is higher. The study included the total number of health institutions in Iraq, as well as the total number of communicable diseases of various types in all governorates of Iraq. The results were obtained by applying the Friedman test, in addition to two-way analysis of variance, as well as the Scheffé test.

An examination of nurse practitioner students' perceptions of knowledge, confidence, and experiences related to caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning patients: A national perspective.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals are significantly less likely to have a primary health care provider, be uninsured, and postpone medical care. A health care provider's lack of knowledge in LGBTQ+ health needs, low confidence in discussing sexuality, and bias can result in LGBTQ+ patients choosing to delay or avoid seeking care. These are missed opportunities for health care providers to recognize their unique needs, provide education and preventive screenings and care, and manage chronic conditions. The aim of this study was to examine nurse practitioner students' perceptions of knowledge, confidence, and experiences related to caring for LGBTQ+ patients. Using a descriptive, cross-sectional survey research design, a 29-item online survey was distributed through email to nurse practitioner students (n = 419) across the United States. Overall, nurse practitioners (NP) students demonstrated infrequent questioning related to gender preferences, sexual terms, and clarification of relationships. Results showed that 77.9% of NP students within two terms of graduation had not received any LGBTQ+-specific training. Almost 75% of the NP students reported not routinely asking about sexuality, and 82% reported infrequently or never asking gender identity. Furthermore, 93.1% of respondents reported providers infrequently or never ask about preferred gender or pronouns, and 86% reported providers infrequently inquire about sexual identity in primary care visits. Study findings demonstrate the uniqueness of managing care for LGBTQ+ patients and importance for more detailed LGBTQ+ health training in curricula in NP programs. Closing the gap in health care for LGBTQ+ patients is paramount in addressing global health disparities and population care.

INFLUENCE OF MANAGEMENT OF CLERKSHIP TRAINING ON STUDENTS’ ACQUISITION OF CLINICAL SKILLS IN MBALE CITY HEALTH TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, UGANDA.A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: This study focused on assessing the influence management of clerkship training on Students’ Acquisition of Clinical Skills in Health Training institutions in Mbale City. Methodology: The study adopted the cross-sectional design with a sample of 124 respondents from the medical staff in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Data was analyzed using SSPSS software and content analysis respectively. Results: Th study targeted 127 respondents but got a response rate of 124 participants and among these, nurses comprised 53(44.2%) of the sample, 46(38.3%) were Allied Health, 13(10.8%) were Midwives while 8(6.7%) were medical officers. The duration planned for clinical clerkship training is appropriate to promote students’ skills acquisition (Mean=2.11, Standard deviation=0.994). The decision rule is that the calculated p-value (level of significance) must be less than or equal to 0.05. Since the calculated p-value of 0.000 is less than 0.05, the regression model was found to be statistically significant (F=105.838, Df=1, ρ< 0.05, β=0.688) hence the Management of the Clerkships Training positively influences Students’ acquisition of clinical skills. Conclusion: Management of the Clerkships has a significant positive influence on Students’ acquisition of clinical skills. This was interpreted to mean that if Health Training Institutions in Mbale City enhance on Management of the Clerkships, there will be a positive enhancement in Students’ acquisition of clinical skills. Recommendation: Health Training Institutions in Mbale City should work more towards boosting the Management of the Clerkships towards supporting Students’ acquisition of clinical skills.

Influence of spirituality on quality of life in community-dwelling elderly: integrative literature review

Aging brings with it some limitations that become more pronounced with advancing age, and psychological, physical, behavioral, and social changes can reduce the quality of life of the elderly, who seek spirituality. Spirituality is a tool for coping with difficulties and attributing meaning to life, providing hope, faith, and motivation. This study analyzed the health aspects associated with spirituality in community-dwelling elderly people. This is an integrative review that synthesized the scientific production with the guiding question: What scientific knowledge production on health-related aspects are associated with better levels of spirituality in community-dwelling elderly people in Brazil? Articles with the descriptors in Portuguese and English were selected: spirituality, aged , and quality of life with the following inclusion criteria: published in full, available electronically, in Portuguese, English, and/or Spanish, published between 2015 and 2020, in the SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, and Capes Periodical Portal databases. A total of 130 articles were identified, and 15 were selected that presented evidence on the influence of spirituality on the quality of life of the elderly. After reading the articles, two categories of analysis emerged: I – The experience of spirituality in situations of chronic diseases, and II – The relationship of spirituality with the well-being/quality of life of the elderly. Most of the studies showed positive effects of spirituality on health outcomes, with better physical health conditions, quality of life, longer survival, lower rates of depression and lower prevalence of chronic diseases. In addition, it demonstrated the ability to withstand limitations and protect against stress in the face of changes in aging. Finally, the results indicate a positive influence of spirituality on the quality of life of the elderly. The importance of spirituality for health practices and the need to value it and include it in professional health training are highlighted.

Training in Cultural Competence for Mental Health Care: A Mixed-Methods Study of Students, Faculty, and Practitioners from India and USA.

Although the need to train clinicians to provide effective mental health care to individuals from diverse backgrounds has been recognized worldwide, a bulk of what we know about training in cultural competence (CC) is based on research conducted in the United States. Research on CC in mental health training from different world populations is needed due to the context-dependent nature of CC. Focusing on India and USA, two diverse countries that provide complementary contexts to examine CC, we explored graduate students', practicing clinicians', and faculty members' perspectives regarding CCtraining they received/provided and future training needs using mixed-methods. The data were collected using focus groups (n = 25 groups total: 15 in India, 11 in USA), and a survey (n = 800: 450 in India, 350 in USA). Our data highlight the salient social identities in these countries, and the corresponding constituents of CC training. Participants in India described a practical emphasis to their CC training (e.g., learning about CC through life experiences and clinical practice experiences) more so than through coursework, whereas participants in USA described varying levels of courseworkrelated toCC along with practice. Participants in both countries considered enormity of CC as a challenge, while those in the US also identified CC training limited to a white, straight, male perspective, hesitancy in engaging with diversity topics, and limited time and competence of the faculty. Strengths of CC training in India and USA are mutually informative in generating recommendations for enhancing the training in both countries.

Health of the black population in health training: perspectives towards racial equity.

This article aims to understand the view of racial equity and the motivations for approaching the health of the black population in Collective Health, Nursing, and Medicine courses at a Brazilian public university, guided by the black perspective of decoloniality. Considering Institutional Racism, it is necessary to invest in the interfaces between the education and health sectors in the training of professionals for the Unified Health System. This is a qualitative study with an intervention-research approach, affirming a social and political commitment to transforming reality. Workshops were held with representatives of the Structuring Teaching Centers of the selected courses. The theme of the health of the black population has been elaborated in a prompt and decontextualized manner, with no reflection based on structural racism, power relations, and Brazilian socio-historical formation. This creates a distance from the guidelines proposed by the National Policy for Comprehensive Health of the Black Population. At the end of this article, perspectives are identified for the reorientation of health training, aimed at increasing democratic density and racial equity.

Construction and application of a core competitiveness evaluation index system for public health personnel training based on the CIPP model

BACKGROUND: With the change of human disease spectrum and the increase of public emergencies, the public’s demand for health services and health is gradually increasing and higher expectations are placed on public health personnel. OBJECTIVE: Research needs to establish a comprehensive system of evaluation indices for accurate assessment of the core competencies of public health personnel, to enhance their core competitiveness, and introduce novel approaches to evaluate talent development in the field of public health. METHODS: The study is based on the CIPP (Context Input Process Product) model and uses literature analysis, semi-structured interviews, and Delphi methods to construct an evaluation index system for the core competitiveness of public health talent cultivation. The entropy method is used to determine the weight of the model evaluation index. Finally, the improved Artistic Be Colony algorithm (ABC) is used to optimize the BP network, and apply it to evaluate the core competitiveness of public health talent cultivation. RESULTS: The improved BP network achieved the target accuracy within 11 iterations, with the optimal value observed after 16 iterations, producing an MSE (Mean Square Error) value of 10–13. The evaluation of the index system reported a 97% accuracy, and upon application to the university’s public health training programme, nearly 50% of students and teachers achieved core competitiveness quality scores above 90. CONCLUSIONS: The aforementioned method suggests that it can proficiently assess the fundamental competitiveness of training for public health personnel and offer guidance for future development in the domain of public health.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HEALTH EDUCATION TRAINING WITH THE PHANTOM MEDIA DEMONSTRATION METHOD ON KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS SKILLS IN SMA NEGERI 3 SAMARINDA

In Indonesia, when it comes to female cancers, breast cancer is by far the most lethal. Treatment was delayed because of a lack of education about breast cancer and how to perform a breast self-examination (BSE) for early diagnosis. Real-world targets can learn from and mimic the behaviour displayed in examples through the demonstration technique. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of health training using demonstrative techniques and dummy media on female students' knowledge and ability to deal with BSE. Research Metodes: This investigation was quantitative in nature, and a one-group pretest-posttest design was adopted. There were potentially as many as 198 kids at SMA Negeri 3 Samarinda, hence a sample size of 66 was used. Simple random sampling was used. A knowledge and skills questionnaire with a value of 0.05 served as the instrument for this study. Results: A significant effect of health education on female students' knowledge and skills on BSE was found, as indicated by a wilcoxon test p value of 0.05. Conclusion: Health education on BSE delivered using the phantom media demonstration approach has an impact on elevating SMA Negeri 3 students' understanding of the topic. It is anticipated that it can serve as a source of inspiration and education for high school girls. Keywords: Demonstration, SADARI, Knowledge, Skills, Teenager.

ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY VIA STRENGTHENING ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION AND EFFECTIVE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT

This study investigates the effects of occupational safety and health management and achievement motivation on employee productivity at PT. XYZ (Persero). Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the research integrates quantitative surveys with qualitative analyses. Data were gathered from the Transmission Implementation Units (UPT) in Bogor and Karawang, covering the years 2017 to 2021. Findings reveal that both effective occupational safety and health management and strong achievement motivation significantly and positively impact employee productivity. While both factors directly improve productivity, the mediating role of achievement motivation is less effective compared to the direct influence of occupational safety and health management. The study concludes that enhancing the effectiveness of occupational safety and health management alongside boosting achievement motivation can markedly increase employee productivity at PT. XYZ (Persero). The company is advised to improve occupational safety and health training, closely monitor the work environment, and implement reward programs to recognize and incentivize high-performing employees

Evaluation of glycemic control, comorbidities, complications and mortality twenty-five-year follow-up at a diabetes outpatient clinic in Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate glycemic control, comorbidities, diabetes-related complications, and mortality among people with DM followed-up at an outpatient clinic based at a Diabetes Association in Brazil. Methods: Sociodemographic, medical and mortality data were obtained from 1,173 patients with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who were evaluated once between 1996-2011 and whose vital status was checked in 2022. Data were analyzed using statistical tests to find out different characteristics between patients with DM1 and DM2. Results: 204 patients had T1DM (17.3%), 969 T2DM (82.6%) and 404 (34.4%) died during the study period (2.8% T1DM and 31.6% T2DM). Among T1DM, 82.3% had inadequate glycemic control, 61.2% had no associated comorbidity and presented varied causes of death. Regarding T2DM, 64.18% had inadequate glycemic control, had more comorbidities, higher rates of smoking and died more frequently due to cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: Based on glycemic control, current care model provided needs to be rethought to provide more frequent clinical follow-up and structured education. Training health professionals, general practitioners and specialists is urgently needed as well as further long-term prospective studies in this topic.

Enhancing Aviation Safety through AI-Driven Mental Health Management for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers.

This article provides an overview of the mental health challenges faced by pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs), whose stressful professional lives may negatively impact global flight safety and security. The adverse effects of mental health disorders on their flight performance pose a particular safety risk, especially in sudden unexpected startle situations. Therefore, the early detection, prediction and prevention of mental health deterioration in pilots and ATCs, particularly among those at high risk, are crucial to minimize potential air crash incidents caused by human factors. Recent research in artificial intelligence (AI) demonstrates the potential of machine and deep learning, edge and cloud computing, virtual reality and wearable multimodal physiological sensors for monitoring and predicting mental health disorders. Longitudinal monitoring and analysis of pilots' and ATCs physiological, cognitive and behavioral states could help predict individuals at risk of undisclosed or emerging mental health disorders. Utilizing AI tools and methodologies to identify and select these individuals for preventive mental health training and interventions could be a promising and effective approach to preventing potential air crash accidents attributed to human factors and related mental health problems. Based on these insights, the article advocates for the design of a multidisciplinary mental healthcare ecosystem in modern aviation using AI tools and technologies, to foster more efficient and effective mental health management, thereby enhancing flight safety and security standards. This proposed ecosystem requires the collaboration of multidisciplinary experts, including psychologists, neuroscientists, physiologists, psychiatrists, etc. to address these challenges in modern aviation.

Evaluating Mental Health First Aid for Illinois Agricultural Communities.

Introduction. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) was created to teach individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Programs like this may be essential for agricultural communities where suicide rates have increased, and mental health stigma has been a barrier to this population. This study evaluated how effective MHFA and Youth MHFA were for participants from agricultural communities. Methods. Participants completed the MHFA (N = 38) and Youth MHFA (N = 66) programs in 2021-2022, and Extension educators offered both programs as a part of outreach efforts within agricultural contexts. Participants completed pre-, post-, and post-only evaluations as standardized by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Results. After completing the MHFA and Youth MHFA training, participants increased their knowledge, confidence, and skills in various mental health topics. This includes early indicators of mental health challenges, the ability to have supportive conversations, and how to provide resources to others. For example, most participants felt they became more knowledgeable about MHFA (69%) and the ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges (65%). Conclusion. This research has implications for supporting agricultural workers through additional mental health training, managing farm stress, and understanding mental health stigma within this community.

RETRACTION NOTICE: The improvement of emergencies from health training

Retraction note: Lafuente, J. C. & González-Raboso, A. (2022). The improvement of emergencies from health training. TECHNO REVIEW. International Technology, Science and Society Review Revista Internacional De Tecnología, Ciencia Y Sociedad, 12(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.37467/revtechno.v11.4402 The Editorial Office of Eurasia Academic Publishing Group has retracted this article. An investigation carried out by our Research Integrity Department has found a group of articles, among which this one is found, that are not within the thematic scope of the journal. We believe that the editorial process was manipulated and, furthermore, acceptance decisions were made under possibly inappropriate peer review.

Developing mental health curricula and a service provision model for clinical associates in South Africa: a Delphi survey of family physicians and psychiatrists

BackgroundClinical associates are a health professional cadre that could be utilised in mental health task sharing in South Africa but this is training dependent. The objectives of the study were to identify the potential curricula content, training sites, and teaching modalities for undergraduate and potential postgraduate clinical associate mental health training and to identify the tasks that they should perform based on these curricula.MethodsWe utilised the Delphi method to reach consensus on items with the panel comprising psychiatrists and family physicians. The first round questionnaire of the Delphi survey was developed based on a literature review and the results from earlier phases of the overall study. The survey was administered electronically and consisted of three rounds. Following both the first and second rounds, an updated questionnaire was constructed omitting the items on which consensus was reached. The questionnaire consisted primarily of nine-point scales with consensus based on 70% of participants rating 1,2,3 or 7,8,9.ResultsThere were 26 participants in the first round with this number falling to 23 in later rounds. There was strong consensus on a training attachment to a mental health clinic at a community health centre (CHC) at undergraduate (96.2%) and postgraduate level (100%). Consensus was reached on the importance of training on the management of six categories of disorders at the undergraduate level and nine categories of disorders at the postgraduate level. Clerking patients as a teaching modality reached 100% consensus at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. PHC clinics, CHCs and district hospitals reached consensus as appropriate settings for clinical associates to provide mental health services. In addition, GP practices and secondary hospitals reached consensus for those with postgraduate training. Consensus was reached on ten of the 21 listed tasks that could be performed based on undergraduate training and 20 of the 21 tasks based on a postgraduate qualification in mental health.ConclusionsThe Delphi panel’s recommendations provide a clear roadmap for enhancing mental health curricula for clinical associates, enabling their utilisation in mental health service provision. A future postgraduate mental health qualification for clinical associates would allow for expanded task sharing.

(123) FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN PREGNANT PATIENTS: A PILOT SURVEY OF OBGYN RESIDENTS’ SCREENING HABITS, METHODS, AND EDUCATION

Abstract Introduction Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in pregnancy is highly prevalent, but largely underdiagnosed, as both patients and healthcare providers do not readily broach the topic. Recent studies have found that obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) residents in various programs feel comfortable inquiring about a patient’s sexual history and recognize sexual health training as a priority in residency. Other studies, however, have shown that residents report a lack of knowledge surrounding screening for and providing counseling on FSD. Currently, there is no literature evaluating the extent of OBGYN residency training on FSD in pregnancy. Objective This study aims to identify screening habits, methods, and education surrounding screening for FSD in pregnant patients by OBGYN residents at an academic residency program in Chicago, IL. Methods This study was an IRB-approved, cross-sectional study that included both a direct online survey and an in-person discussion session designed to collect data on residents’ knowledge, opinions, and perceived barriers to screening. The survey and discussion were administered immediately prior to their biennial lecture on FSD. Results 17 OBGYN residents at a single institution completed the study. Respondents included 4 (23.5%) PGY1s and 4 (23.5%) PGY2s, who are classified as junior residents, as well as 4 (23.5%) PGY3s and 5 (29.4%) PGY4s, who are classified as senior residents. 3 (17.6%) of the residents were men. Junior residents and senior residents reported that screening for FSD should be done 3.7 times and 2.8 times during pregnancy, respectively. On a scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being uncomfortable and 10 being comfortable, junior residents' and senior residents’ median scores were 3 and 2, respectively for both screening for and providing counseling on FSD in pregnancy. 10 (58.8%) of residents recalled receiving training on FSD during the course of their residency. Only 3 (17.6%) residents reported that they regularly screen for FSD in pregnant patients. Residents identified the most important time to screen for FSD in pregnancy as either the new obstetric visit 7 (41.1%) or the postpartum period 7 (41.1%). For barriers to screening and counseling on FSD in pregnancy, residents reported a lack of training (n=16, 94.1%) and interventions taking too much time (n=9, 52.9%). Qualitative discussion elucidated other barriers, such as having no standard screening tool, feeling unsure about treatment options, and limited curricular education. Conclusions Our study shows that although the majority (58%) of residents recall receiving some training in FSD, they do not feel comfortable screening for or counseling on it. Senior residents are only slightly more comfortable than junior residents (3 vs 2 on a 0-10 comfortability scale). The residents report a lack of training in FSD and time-consuming interventions as reasons. Other barriers include lack of a standard screening tool, unfamiliarity with treatment options, and limited curricular education. The knowledge gained from these results indicates a need for curriculum modification and enhancement of the education of OBGYN residents, specifically to address their indicated barriers. Disclosure No.

Pre-Pandemic Landscape of the Oklahoma Public Health Workforce: A Case Study From the Region 6 Training Needs Assessment Survey, 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a well-trained public health workforce prior to the public health crisis. Public health training centers regularly assess workforce needs and their pre-pandemic data play vital roles in guiding public health workforce development beyond the crisis. In 2019, Oklahoma partners of the Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center (R6SCPHTC) co-conducted an online survey of the public health workforce located in the Health Resources & Services Administration Region 6. Between March and April, the R6SCPHTC collected 503 surveys, including 201 surveys from Oklahoma. Questions inquired about demographic and workforce characteristics, work contexts, training needs and interests, training access and logistics, and knowledge of R6SCPHTC online resources. Key findings included that two-thirds of the pre-pandemic Oklahoma public health workforce consisted of employees age 40 or older with few holding public health or medical degrees. The majority of respondents worked for health departments and Tribes, and almost half were frontline workers. Although at least half of the participants interested in training on public health activities and topics were familiar with them, confidence in their abilities related to these activities and topics was expressed by less than half. Qualitative data provided details on training needs addressed quantitatively and described new training areas. Survey participants expressed interest in diverse training delivery methods and technological devices. Most respondents were not familiar with the free trainings available through the R6SCPHTC. Similar to the regional and national public health workforce, Oklahoma's workforce needed training and support already before COVID-19. Time and resources need to be invested into the current and future workforce. While addressing priority public health skills and topics remains important, training on current and emerging topics is needed. Providing accessible trainings with expanded content will prepare Oklahoma's public health workforce for the future.

Resilience and adaptation: a mixed-methods exploration of COVID-19’s influence on neonatal residency education in China

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on neonatology residency training in a tertiary children’s hospital in Chongqing, located in southwest China. Specifically, the study encompassed the effects on residents’ education, lived experiences, well-being, and the quality of neonatal care delivered. As higher educational institutions adapt to the post-COVID-19 era after the pandemic disruption, it is imperative that educational designers/academics learn from their experiences and challenges in curriculum design and delivery, ensuring quality and relevance in education.MethodsThis study employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on neonatology residency training at a tertiary children’s hospital in Chongqing. The first phase surveyed residents’ perceptions and experiences of their clinical education and well-being during the crisis. The second phase compared the quality of neonatal care between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.ResultsThe survey of 123 neonatology residents examines the effects of COVID-19 on their learning, training, and mental health. The survey showed that most residents adapted well to the situation. Still, some faced challenges in their clinical education and experiences, such as reduced clinical exposure and opportunities to see rare diseases and conditions. A retrospective analysis of clinical data revealed that 7,151 neonates were admitted to the neonatology department during the study period. There was a 27.6% decrease in neonatal admissions during COVID-19, with more premature births and transfers. Residents conducted fewer clinical procedures but managed more complex cases. During COVID, hospital stays and costs were higher, but antibiotic use was lower. Although the case-mix index (CMI) score increased during the pandemic (1.25 vs. 1.18, p < 0.05), there was no significant difference in the rates of readmission within 7 days or poor prognosis.ConclusionsDespite reduced clinical exposure, the quality of neonatal care was maintained through innovative training methods that enhanced comprehensive residency programs. The study suggested that neonatology residency education remained effective and resilient during the crisis. Exceptional health professional education is vital to train qualified physicians and enhance healthcare systems for future challenges.

Patient actor training improves preexposure prophylaxis delivery for adolescent girls and young women in Kenya: a cluster randomized trial.

To evaluate effectiveness of a standardized patient actor (SP) training intervention to improve quality of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Kenya. Cluster randomized trial and mystery shopper evaluation. Twelve of 24 maternal child health and family planning facilities were randomized to SP training. Providers at intervention facilities participated in 2-day training in adolescent health, PrEP guidelines, values clarification, and communication skills, followed by role-playing and de-briefing with trained actors. Control facilities received standard national training. The primary outcome was quality of care, assessed by unannounced SPs (USPs) or "mystery shoppers" blinded to intervention arm. Quality was measured in two domains: guideline adherence and communication skills. Intent to treat analysis compared postintervention quality scores by randomization arm, clustering on facility, and adjusting for baseline scores and USP. Overall, 232 providers consented to USP visits, and 94 providers completed the training. Following training, USPs posed as AGYW seeking PrEP in 142 encounters (5-6 encounters per site). The mean quality score was 73.6% at intervention sites and 58.4% at control sites [adjusted mean difference = 15.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.4-21.1, P < 0.001]. Mean guideline adherence scores were 57.2% at intervention sites and 36.2% at control sites (adjusted mean difference = 21.0, 95% CI: 12.5-29.4, P < 0.001). Mean communication scores were 90.0% at intervention sites and 80.5% at control sites (adjusted mean difference = 9.5, 95% CI: 5.5-13.6, P < 0.001). SP training significantly improved quality of PrEP care for AGYW in Kenya. Incorporating SP training and unannounced SP evaluation could improve PrEP uptake among AGYW.

Increasing Interest in Data Literacy: The Quantitative Public Health Data Literacy Training Program

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the presentation of public health data to lay audiences has increased without most people having the knowledge to understand what these statistics mean. Recognizing that minoritized populations are deeply impacted by the pandemic and wanting to improve the racial representation in biostatistics we developed a training program aimed at increasing the data literacy of high school and college students from minoritized groups. The program introduced the basics of public health, data literacy, statistical software, descriptive statistics, and data ethics. The instructors taught eight synchronous sessions consisting of lectures and experiential group exercises. Five of the sessions were also offered asynchronously. Of the 209 students, 76% were college students; 90% identified as Black, Asian, or Latino/a/x; and the average age was 21 years. In synchronous sessions, 56% of students attended all sessions. All course sessions were rated as good/excellent by most ( ≥ 70 % ) students. The program recruited, engaged, and retained a large cohort ( N > 100 ) of underrepresented students in biostatistics/data science for a virtual data literacy training. The program demonstrates the feasibility of developing and implementing public health training programs designed to increase racial and gender diversity in the field.