In-hospital Training Research Articles

Prehabilitation in Patients on the Waiting List for Heart Transplant Improves Postoperative Outcomes

<h3>Purpose</h3> Frailty and poor functional capacity in advanced heart failure patients in the waiting list for heart transplantation (HT) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Pilot studies show short-term benefits through an exercise training program (prehabilitation) in HT candidates. We aim to investigate the efficacy of a prehabilitation program on the short and mid-term outcomes after HT <h3>Methods</h3> All patients entering the waiting list in a single centre from July 2017 to July 2021 were offered to join a prehabilitation program consisting in 2 hours/week personalized in-hospital exercise training, nutritional optimization and mindfulness sessions. Patients entering the program and reaching HT were included as Prehab-Group. Contemporaneous patients undergoing HT who did not start (or refused) the program, and those undergoing HT prior to program implementation (2014 to 2017) conformed the control group. Urgent HT and multiorgan transplants were excluded. Endpoints of study were mechanical ventilation time (MVT), intensive care unit (ICU) stay, total length of stay (LOS), postoperative complications, 30 days re-hospitalization and mortality after HT. <h3>Results</h3> 40 patients completed the program, from them 5 improved and came out of the waiting list, 1 patient worsened and received an LVAD and 31 reached HT and were included as Prehab-G. Fifty-one patients were included as controls. Baseline characteristics show no differences between groups except for longer median waiting time in the Prehab-G [191 (108-407) vs. 92 (27-260] days, p=0.003). Controls had longer MVT (37 vs. 20 hours, p=0.03), longer ICU stay [7 (5-14) vs. 5 (3-7) days, p=0.01], and total LOS [(23 (18-38) vs. 18 (16-22), p=0.008] than prehab patients. Prehab patients had lower rate of medical complications (5 vs. 2, p<0.001) and less severity of them (Comprehensive Complication Index 31 (23-41) vs 37 (30-72), p=0.003). There were no differences in surgical complications, in 30 d rehospitalisation or 90 days mortality between groups. All prehab patients except one (93.5%) were discharged home, whereas 16 (31.4%) controls required non-home discharge nursing/rehabilitation facilities (p=0.009). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Prehabilitation in patients listed for HT reduces postoperative complications and shortens mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay and total LOS with a higher rate of home discharge.

Practice-guided Presentation of the German S3 Guideline "Strategies to Warrant Rational In-hospital Use of Antibiotics"

The current S3 guideline entitled "Strategies to warrant rational in-hospital use of antibiotics" summarizes evidence-based antibiotic stewardship (ABS) measures that aim to improve clinical outcomes and prevent development and spread of microbial resistance in German hospitals. Most important prerequisite for efficiency and safety of ABS programs is sufficient staffing capacity as well as reliably operating surveillance of (i) pathogens, (ii) antimicrobial resistance and (iii) consumption of antimicrobials. ABS teams require authorization by hospital institutions as units exclusively responsible for antimicrobial audits and implementation of anti-infective interventions. Clinicians should be regularly granted access to in-hospital training programs delivered by ABS experts. Finally yet importantly, the current S3 guideline also highlights future goals, e.g., the structured involvement for nurses in ABS-guided infection management or the promotion of ABS programs in the outpatient sector and in veterinary medicine.

Hospital training and preparedness of parents and carers in paediatric tracheostomy care: A mixed methods study

IntroductionWithin the UK, the majority of paediatric tracheostomy care is delivered by parents and carers at home. To facilitate this, extensive in-hospital training is delivered by a variety of health care professionals. Our goal was to assess carer perceptions of this process and highlight areas in which we can further improve our service and the training for other hospital providers of paediatric tracheostomy care. MethodsA mixed method approach was adopted. In Phase I, qualitative data from five semi-structured interviews with carers of children with a tracheostomy were thematically analysed and subsequently used to develop a questionnaire. In Phase II, the piloted questionnaire was distributed via telephone, email or post to all eligible caregivers who had been tracheostomy trained at GOSH in the last three years (n = 92). Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics respectively. ResultsThirty-five completed questionnaires were received (38% response rate). Overall participants were highly satisfied with the training provided (mean score 8.42 on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest)). Carer identified areas requiring improvement were caregiver education pre-tracheostomy; emergency and complication training; supervision and training post hospital discharge; training schedule; emotional support; and support from community healthcare teams. These findings led to multiple subsequent interventions to further improve the carer training programme including training videos, psychology provision on request and increased community training. ConclusionAlthough the evaluation of the service revealed high participant satisfaction in home carer training overall, in-depth analysis of caregivers’ experiences indicated common themes in the tracheostomy training service where further support would be beneficial. A carer-centred rather than health professional focus on training needs will allow future attention to be directed to areas of need identified by carers themselves as important to improve the tracheostomy training programme.

Effect of in-hospital training in newborn resuscitation on the competence of health-care workers in resuscitating newborn infants at birth at Mboppi Baptist Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.

Introductionneonatal mortality accounts for the most significant proportion of under-five mortality worldwide, as in Cameroon. Birth asphyxia is the leading cause of neonatal deaths in Cameroon. Training of health care workers (HCWs) in newborn resuscitation reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we evaluated the effect of in-hospital training on the competence (knowledge and skills) of HCWs in newborn resuscitation at Mboppi Baptist Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.Methodsthis was a quasi-experimental study done in five weeks, in which we compared knowledge and skills before and after training. Assessment of knowledge and skills of HCWs in newborn resuscitation was done before training (simulations) and a week after training using World Health Organization (WHO) adapted Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT+) standard tool. Three key informant interviews (KIIs) and a focused group discussion (FGD) were held to determine barriers to effective newborn resuscitation. Data were analyzed using R software version 3.6.2. McNemar test and Cohen´s Kappa were used to analyze quantitative data, while major themes from KIIs and FGDs were selected for qualitative data.Resultswe enrolled 30 HCWs, each HCW was observed twice, a total of 60 deliveries observed before and 60 after training. Sixteen HCWs (53%) showed adequate knowledge before and after training. Median scores for skills significantly increased by 28% (p<0.00054) for real-life observations and 26% (p=0.0004) for newborn resuscitation scenario simulations. The main barriers to adequate newborn resuscitation were inadequate knowledge, equipment, shortage of trained staff and poor teamwork between midwives and anesthetists.Conclusionin-hospital training on newborn resuscitation improved the skills of HCWs but had no significant effect on their knowledge on newborn resuscitation. We would recommend that in-hospital training in newborn resuscitation be done often for HCWs.

Conditioning of nurses’ work in infectious diseases wards in association with the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction &#x0D; Infectious diseases, due to their specificity and rapid spread, require a special, individual approach, not only to the treatment, but also to the protection of medical staff against infection.&#x0D; Objective: The aim of the study is recognition of the conditioning of work of nurses in hospitals dedicated to COVID-19, at the time of pandemic.&#x0D; Materials and Method&#x0D; The study included 100 nursing staff - 78 females (78%) and 22 males (22%) employed in Polish hospitals dedicated to care of patients with COVID-19 by virtue of the Minister of Health [5]. The research material was collected during the period from 15 January 2021 - do 12 February 2021. The largest group in the study was aged under 30 (32%), and similarly those aged 31 - 40 (31%). The respondents aged 41 - 50 constituted 21% of the nursing staff examined. The smallest group of nurses was aged over 60 (16%). The largest number of the nursing staff lived in urban areas (78%), whereas the reminder in rural areas (22%).&#x0D; The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey, using a questionnaire technique, while the research tool was an author-constructed questionnaire designed for the purpose of the presented study.&#x0D; Conclusions &#x0D; &#x0D; In dedicated hospitals it is necessary to optimize the equipment in the ward indispensable for care of patients with COVID-19, which would improve the working conditions of nurses.&#x0D; It is advisable to adjust the employment of nurses to the demand for nursing care of patients seriously ill with COVID-19, treated in dedicated hospitals. &#x0D; In infectious diseases hospitals, in-hospital training courses should be intensified concerning the OSH and sanitary-hygienic principles in care of patients with COVID-19, because ¼ of the examined nurses indicated such a need.&#x0D;

Guideline recommendations for antimicrobial stewardship education for clinical nursing practice in hospitals: A scoping review.

Background Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a proactive healthcare intervention to improve patient outcomes by optimising antimicrobial use. Although nursing involvement is a recognised necessity, bedside nurses may not yet possess competencies to fulfil this role. Objectives To identify recommendations for AMS education for the bedside nurse in key global AMS guidelines. Methods Scoping review methodology was used to systematically search published and ‘grey’ literature in PubMed, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, government websites and websites of professional societies and organisations. Search dates were from 1990 to 2020. Inclusion criteria were English language AMS guidelines for hospitals. Results Literature searches retrieved 1 824 articles, with 43 meeting the review inclusion criteria. Reference was made to AMS nursing education in 23 (53.4%) of the articles. Educational opportunities for nurses were recommended: inclusion of AMS concepts/content into undergraduate and postgraduate nursing curricula (n=12; 27.9%), in-hospital training (n=14; 32.5%) and continuing professional development (n=6; 13.9%). Recommendations for nursing education were as follows: role of AMS in preventing antimicrobial resistance (n=7; 16.2%), infection prevention and control (n=3; 6.9%), diagnostics in AMS (n=5; 11.6%), pharmacology (n=11; 25.5%) and collaboration (n=2; 4.6%). Identified nursing educational gaps were: nurses not recognising their role within AMS (n=5; 11.6%), inadequate nursing resources and expertise for dosing, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic strategies and managing possible drug incompatibilities with extended/prolonged infusions (n=3; 6.9%), and inappropriate nurse disposal of antibiotic waste (n=1; 2.3%). Conclusion Although recommendations for nursing education were found in many key AMS guidelines, few guidelines provided detailed descriptions of the nursing competencies that were required for this role. Contributions of the study This study serves to compile and highlight previously little-known recommendations within key international antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) guidelines for the education of clinical nurses in their AMS role. It provides a summary of expected clinical nurse competencies. It adds to current discussion within the literature on how to improve and support this critical nursing role.

The effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and an in-hospital exercise training programme on physical fitness and quality of life in locally advanced rectal cancer patients: a randomised controlled trial (The EMPOWER Trial)

BackgroundThe EMPOWER trial aimed to assess the effects of a 9-week exercise prehabilitation programme on physical fitness compared with a usual care control group. Secondary aims were to investigate the effect of (1) the exercise prehabilitation programme on psychological health; and (2) neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) on physical fitness and psychological health.MethodsBetween October 2013 and December 2016, adults with locally advanced rectal cancer undergoing standardised NCRT and surgery were recruited to a multi-centre trial. Patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and completed HRQoL questionnaires (EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D-5L) pre-NCRT and post-NCRT (week 0/baseline). At week 0, patients were randomised to exercise prehabilitation or usual care (no intervention). CPET and HRQoL questionnaires were assessed at week 0, 3, 6 and 9, whilst semi-structured interviews were assessed at week 0 and week 9. Changes in oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold (VO2 at AT (ml kg−1 min−1)) between groups were compared using linear mixed modelling.ResultsThirty-eight patients were recruited, mean age 64 (10.4) years. Of the 38 patients, 33 were randomised: 16 to usual care and 17 to exercise prehabilitation (26 males and 7 females). Exercise prehabilitation significantly improved VO2 at AT at week 9 compared to the usual care. The change from baseline to week 9, when adjusted for baseline, between the randomised groups was + 2.9 ml kg −1 min −1; (95% CI 0.8 to 5.1), p = 0.011.ConclusionA 9-week exercise prehabilitation programme significantly improved fitness following NCRT. These findings have informed the WesFit trial (NCT03509428) which is investigating the effects of community-based multimodal prehabilitation before cancer surgery.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01914068. Registered 1 August 2013.

COVID-19 and the risk to health care workers: Is it possible to prevent nosocomial transmission?

Aim: Health employees are the key point in the struggle against the disease and in-hospital transmission during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Hospital contamination poses a serious risk for both healthcare personnel and social transmission. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the COVID-19 positivity and prevention strategies in healthcare personnel. Materials and Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 PCR results examined among health employees for all reasons were retrospectively collected. Combined nasopha-ryngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples were used. Real-time PCR was used for testing. With the epidemic, the pandemic preparation process started in our hospital. All in-hospital organization was prepared in steps. Training programs and practical applications were put into practice. Results: Among 1054 active health personnel, 682 underwent 876 tests. Only 2 people (0.3%) were identified as positive for SARS-CoV-2 on PCR tests. In the total number of tests, the positivity rate was identified as 0.22%. In this period, no health employee developed severe disease, and no personnel died due to COVID-19. Discussion: Creating effective health strategies with a preparation process, together with in-hospital organization and training, and the use of appropriate and sufficient personal protective equipment, are highly effective in protecting healthcare personnel and preventing hospital-borne transmission.

Questionnaire Survey of Pharmacy Students regarding Long-term In-hospital Practical Training: 8 Years of Changes

In 2010, the in-hospital practical training period for pharmacy students was extended from 4 to 11 weeks. We have conducted questionnaire surveys of these students every year with the aim of reviewing the quality of training by conduction of surveys and evaluations. However, it was not clear whether reviewing based on the questionnaire results improved student satisfaction with the in-hospital practical training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the validity of reviewing based on the questionnaire results by analyzing the data accumulated during the long-term practical training. A questionnaire survey was conducted of 333 5th-year students upon completion of practical training at Chiba University Hospital from 2010 to 2017. Students self-evaluated their attitude toward practical training on a 6-point scale and their satisfaction level for each component of the practical training on a 5-point scale. The students were also allowed to share their feelings about hospital pharmacy work. Repeated review of the training content can facilitate communication with patients, which was lacking at the beginning of the training period. Improved communication led to higher-quality pharmacy practice and increased student satisfaction. Meanwhile, changes to work procedures may reduce student satisfaction unless the training strategy is reviewed accordingly. Because the work of hospital pharmacists is constantly changing, it is considered that the content of the practical training should be revised accordingly through continuous conduction of surveys and evaluations, thereby enabling optimal practical training.

Short-Term Changes in Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer during In-Hospital Exercise Training and Chemotherapy Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of exercise training on the quality of life (QoL) of patients diagnosed with stage IIIB and stage IV non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to a passive control group (CG). The exercise-trained group (ETG) consisted of 18 patients, and the CG consisted of 8 patients. The training program in the ETG consisted of two 2-week running cycles interspersed with consecutive rounds of chemotherapy with cytostatic drugs. A comparison of the changes in the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36), St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) was the primary outcome. Analysis of the results of the SGRQ and the SF-36 questionnaire did not reveal any statistically significant differences in the assessment of QoL between the examined groups. The analysis of FACT-L questionnaires showed statistically significant changes, indicating deterioration of QoL in domains describing physical well-being in the CG. Therefore, the analysis of the results of the QoL assessment did not show any significant improvements in the group of patients undergoing comprehensive exercise training, although deterioration of QoL was noted in the CG.

Effectiveness of Quality Improvement Processes, Interventions, and Structure in Trauma Systems in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Trauma mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains high compared to high-income countries. Quality improvement processes, interventions, and structure are essential in the effort to decrease trauma mortality. A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies assessing quality improvement processes, interventions, and structure in developing country trauma systems was conducted from November 1989 to August 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were included if they were conducted in an LMIC population according to World Bank Income Classification, occurred in a trauma setting, and measured the effect of implementation and its impact. The primary outcome was trauma mortality. Of 37,575 search results, 30 studies were included from 15 LMICs covering five WHO regions in a qualitative synthesis. Twenty-seven articles were included in a meta-analysis. Implementing a pre-hospital trauma system reduced overall trauma mortality by 45% (risk ratio (RR) 0.55, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.75). Training first responders resulted in an overall decrease in mortality (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.78). In-hospital trauma training with certified courses resulted in a reduction of mortality (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.78). Trauma audits and trauma protocols resulted in varying improvements in trauma mortality. There is evidence that quality improvement processes, interventions, and structure can improve mortality in the trauma systems in LMICs.

The effects of exercise training on lipid profile in patients with sarcoidosis

This study aimed to determine the use of lipid profiling to assess the effects of moderate intensity exercise training (ET) on patients with sarcoidosis. Fourteen patients with sarcoidosis (mean age, 46.0 ± 9.6 years) were examined before and after 3-week of ET programme in hospital settings. Symptoms (fatigue: FAS, dyspnoea: MRC), lung function tests and physical function tests (6 MWT, muscle force) were measured before and after ET. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to determine lipid profile before and after ET. Twenty-five NMR signals from lipid compounds were selected for further analysis as well as serum lipid and inflammatory markers. Three weeks of ET results in improvement of symptoms (FAS: 27.5 vs. 21.0; p < 0.001, MRC: 0.86 vs. 0.14; p = 0.002) and physical function (6MWT: 508.43 vs. 547.29; p = 0.039). OPLS-DA analysis of the lipid profiles of patients with sarcoidosis revealed differences among the samples before and after ET, including decreases in fatty acids (p < 0.017), triglycerides (p < 0.022) and total cholesterol (p < 0.020). Other changes included shifts in fatty acids oxidation products and triacylglycerol esters. A short-time, in-hospital exercise training benefits patients with sarcoidosis by enhancing their physical function. Additionally, positive effect on lipid profile was observed also in this study. It is suggested that lipid profiling could become a new prognostic method to assess effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with sarcoidosis.

Evaluation of healthcare professionals' knowledge on Code Blue: A multi-centre survey study

Introduction: The Blue Code practice provides increase in survival rates and decrease in the rate of permanent sequelae after cardiac arrest. There are issues that healthcare workers should pay attention to in the Code Blue practice. Aim The primary purpose of this survey study is to determine the knowledge levels of physicians and nurses about the Code Blue and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 6 centres. The secondary aim is to determine the solutions that can be made to eliminate these deficiencies. Methods After the approval of the Faculty Ethics Committee, Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, Adana Baskent Turgut Noyan Training and Research Hospital, Dokuz Eylül Univ. Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Manisa Celal Bayar Univ. Faculty of Medicine, except for the doctors and technicians of the Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation and the healthcare professionals working in the intensive care units, the doctors and nurses working in other departments were asked to answer the questions in the questionnaire via the internet with the questionnaire form stated in Appendix 1. Results A total of 415 participants responded the survey. Of them, 45.8% were nurses, 24.8% residents, 23.3% faculty members, 5.4% specialist doctors and 0.7% general practitioners. Totally 86.6% of the participants knew the Code Blue number. To the question "What is the Code Blue?", 92.7% of the participants gave the correct answer to his question. "Do you hesitate to intervene when you encounter a patient requiring emergency intervention?" 25.9% of the participants answered "Yes" to the question. "Is there a form about Code Blue in your clinic?" 41% answered "No" to the question. Conclusion According to the results of the survey we conducted, we are of the opinion that healthcare workers have insufficient knowledge about the Code Blue. In order to solve these problems, it would be appropriate to direct healthcare professionals to both in-hospital and external training programs.

Medical students with performance difficulties need wide support: Initial results of an academic tutoring program

BACKGROUND:Even students with previous academic success may face challenges that affect their academic performance. Many medical schools offer programs to students at the risk of academic failure, to ensure that they succeed in the course.OBJECTIVE AND METHODS:In this report we describe a pioneering academic tutoring program developed at a Brazilian medical school and discuss the initial results of the program based on the feedback from tutors and data regarding the progression of students in the medical course.RESULTS:In 2018, 33 students enrolled into the program. Students' performance difficulties were mainly associated with mental health problems and socioeconomic vulnerability. Of the 33 students, 27 (81.8%) were assisted by the Mental Health Support Service and 16 (48.5%) were assisted by the Social Assistance Service. In addition to the planning academic activity class load, tutors were able to assist students in solving socioeconomic issues, carrying out personal support interventions with the promotion of self-esteem, and presenting suggestions for behavioral changes in their routine. For most students (72%), the action plan proposed by the tutors was successful. Eight of the 14 (57%) students in the fourth year progressed to the final two years of in-hospital practical training (internship).CONCLUSIONS:The Academic Tutoring Program showed positive results for most of the students. Close monitoring and tutor intervention allowed students with poor academic performance to overcome the low performance cycle. These important tasks demand time and energy from tutors, and institutional recognition of these professionals is essential for the successful maintenance of the program.

Evaluation of Medication Error Reports Sent to Food and Drug Deputy From Hospitals Affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran Province, Iran, 2015-2018

Background: Medical errors are one of the most common threats to patient safety. Medication errors have several consequences, including the increase in patients’ mortality, length of stay, and healthcare costs.&#x0D; Objectives: This study was conducted in Food and Drug Deputy of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (MAZUMS) to evaluate medication errors.&#x0D; Methods: This study was conducted by the Food and Drug Deputy of Mazandaran University on medication errors reported and received from affiliated hospitals during 2015-2018. The analysis was performed based on the cause of the error, the frequency of the drugs, routs of administration, and the type.&#x0D; Results: Out of 3033 reported cases, the results of data analysis indicated that the highest percentage of these errors was related to antibiotics (22.84%). According to the results, the most common type of error belonged to the incorrect drug (44.18%), incorrect dose (25.65%), and drug omission (16.68%). The most common cause of the errors was related to neglect and insufficient care by the medical team (38.24%) and no or incorrect mention of the details of prescribed medications (in Kardex, HIS, etc.) by nurses (14.96%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Regular in-hospital training for medical staff focused on teaching the standards required for the administration and use of various medications, and identification of common medication errors can prepare guidelines to reduce these errors in hospitals. Besides, providing measures such as electronic prescription and medication systems based on a unit-dose drug distribution system can also help reduce medication errors.

Factors Determining the Choice of a Career in Geriatrics among Students in Geriatric in-Hospital Training: A Prospective Study of 74 Medical Students.

To understand why students in the 2nd cycle of medical studies choose to complete a Diploma of Specialized Studies (DSS) in geriatrics, we conducted a study to identify the factors influencing the choice of a future specialty. In addition, we assessed the impact of clinical in-hospital training (CIHT) in a geriatric hospital on the students’ selection of their future specialty. We included all students who completed CIHT in the geriatric facility of our University Hospital between 1 May and 31 October 2018. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire: one part was given before CIHT and the other after. The students were classified into two groups: those considering a career in geriatrics (CIG) before CIHT, forming the group DSS geriatrics+ (GDSSG+), and those not considering it, constituting the group DSS geriatrics− (GDSSG−). Seventy-four students aged 22 years old were included. Of these students, 26% were considering a CIG before CIHT. This rate increased significantly to 42% after CIHT (p = 0.04). However, none of the students who indicated that they were potentially interested in pursuing geriatrics before CIHT preselected geriatrics as their first option. For more than 92% of the students, the comprehensive care of geriatric patients was an asset. The main drawbacks were diagnostic and therapeutic limitations (60% of students), then managing aging, disability, and neurocognitive disorders (55% of students). After CIHT, the view of geriatrics improved by 74%. In conclusion, geriatric CIHT improves students’ opinions of geriatrics and increases the number of students considering a CIG. However, geriatrics still suffers from a lack of prestige.

Pre-graduation medical training including virtual reality during COVID-19 pandemic: a report on students\u2019 perception

BackgroundThe Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic brought significant disruption to in-hospital medical training. Virtual reality simulating the clinical environment has the potential to overcome this issue and can be particularly useful to supplement the traditional in-hospital medical training during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospital access is banned for medical students. The aim of this study was to assess medical students’ perception on fully online training including simulated clinical scenarios during COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsFrom May to July 2020 when in-hospital training was not possible, 122 students attending the sixth year of the course of Medicine and Surgery underwent online training sessions including an online platform with simulated clinical scenarios (Body Interact™) of 21 patient-based cases. Each session focused on one case, lasted 2 h and was divided into three different parts: introduction, virtual patient-based training, and debriefing. In the same period, adjunctive online training with formal presentation and discussion of clinical cases was also given. At the completion of training, a survey was performed, and students filled in a 12-item anonymous questionnaire on a voluntary basis to rate the training quality. Results were reported as percentages or with numeric ratings from 1 to 4. Due to the study design, no sample size was calculated.ResultsOne hundred and fifteen students (94%) completed the questionnaire: 104 (90%) gave positive evaluation to virtual reality training and 107 (93%) appreciated the format in which online training was structured. The majority of participants considered the platform of virtual reality training realistic for the initial clinical assessment (77%), diagnostic activity (94%), and treatment options (81%). Furthermore, 97 (84%) considered the future use of this virtual reality training useful in addition to the apprenticeship at patient’s bedside. Finally, 32 (28%) participants found the online access difficult due to technical issues.ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, online medical training including simulated clinical scenarios avoided training interruption and the majority of participant students gave a positive response on the perceived quality of this training modality. During this time frame, a non-negligible proportion of students experienced difficulties in online access to this virtual reality platform.

Individualized in-hospital exercise training program for people undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a feasibility study

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of an individualized exercise program for people undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods This is a feasibility study of an individualized in-hospital exercise training program for people undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Participants performed the exercise program based on daily clinical, hemodynamic and hematological assessment. The program was carried out on a daily basis for 20–40 min during their hospital admission. The primary outcome was feasibility (recruitment, adherence and attrition rates) of the exercise program. The secondary outcomes were functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength, and health-related quality of life evaluated on admission and prior to hospital discharge. The adverse events rate was recorded during the intervention. Results Twenty-six participants (58% female), aged 40 ± 15 (mean ± SD) years were included. The exercise program feasibility was demonstrated by 100% recruitment, 86% exercise adherence and 12% attrition rates with no adverse events recorded. Significant differences were observed in functional capacity (p = 0.03), upper and lower-limb muscle strength (p = 0.01) from admission to discharge (23 ± 7 d). Conclusions An individualized exercise training program based on daily clinical parameters is feasible for hospitalized patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This intervention warrants further investigation in a randomized controlled trial. Implications for rehabilitation The individualized in-hospital exercise training program guided by daily clinical, hemodynamic and hematologic parameters is feasible, safe and with good adherence in people undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. People undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may improve functional capacity and upper and lower limb muscle strength following in-hospital exercise training program. The individualized in-hospital exercise training program could tentatively be introduced as part of the rehabilitation process in people undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Caregiver-Delivered Stroke Rehabilitation in Rural China.

Background and Purpose- Stroke disability is a major health burden in rural China where rehabilitation services are inadequate. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of a novel nurse-led, caregiver-delivered model of stroke rehabilitation in rural China. Methods- A multicenter prospective, randomized open, blinded outcome assessed, controlled trial was conducted in 3 rural county hospitals in China: Zhangwu, Liaoning Province (Northeast); Qingtongxia, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Northwest); and Dianjiang, Chongqing Municipality (Southwest). Adult patients (age 18-79 years) with residual disability (Barthel Index score ≤80/100) after a recent acute stroke were randomized to a new service model or usual care. The new intervention was multifaceted and was based on a task-shifting / training-the-trainers model, supported by a custom-designed smartphone application, where patients and caregivers received evidence-based in-hospital education and stroke rehabilitation training (focus on mobility, self-care, and toileting), delivered by trained nurses before hospital discharge, and 3 postdischarge support telephone calls. Outcome assessments were undertaken before hospital discharge and at 3 and 6 months. Primary outcome was physical functioning (Barthel Index scores) at 6 months, assessed by research staff blind to treatment allocation, adjusted for baseline covariates in an intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary outcomes included measures of mobility, health-related quality of life, mood, and caregiver burden. The study included a process evaluation that assessed intervention fidelity. Results- From November 2014 to December 2016, 246 stroke patients were randomized to intervention (n=118) or control (n=128) groups. There was no statistically significant difference in adjusted 6-month Barthel Index scores between groups (70.1 versus 74.1, mean difference, -4.0 [95% CI, -10.0 to 2.9]), nor any differences across the other outcome measures. Process evaluation interviews revealed that the intervention was desirable and positively accepted by nurses, caregivers, and patients but was considered too complex despite efforts to simplify materials for the rural context. Key strategies identified for future studies included the use of community health workers, smartphone application enhancement, and simpler and more frequent training for nurses, caregivers, and patients. Conclusions- A novel nurse-led, digital supported, caregiver-delivered stroke rehabilitation program did not improve patient physical functioning after stroke in rural China. Further stroke rehabilitation research suitable for resource-poor settings is required, with several components being suggested through stakeholder interviews in our study. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02247921.

In-hospital resistance training to encourage early mobilization for enhanced recovery programs after colorectal cancer surgery: A feasibility study

BackgroundThe enhancement of post-operative care is under constant evolution and, with the addition of enhanced recovery programs, is changing the traditional in-hospital paradigm. Despite these advances, there is a clear lack of focus regarding early post-surgical mobilization, which has been identified as an important aspect of recovery. This pilot study investigates the feasibility of initiating resistance exercise to promote early mobilization in colorectal cancer patients during the in-hospital period. MethodPatients participated in a supervised progressive resistance exercise program, adapted to their physical ability (either in bed, seated or standing), within the first 24 h following surgery. They were seen each day during the hospital stay and encouraged to continue exercising upon discharge. All patients were asked to return to the lab at four weeks after surgery for re-evaluation to establish recovery. ResultsPatient compliance to the in-hospital program was high, with 90% of patients engaging in exercise on the first post-operative day (POD 1) and no adverse effects reported during study. By POD 2, over 70% of patients met enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) recommendations. ConclusionIt is feasible to initiate a progressive post-operative resistance exercise program in patients undergoing colorectal resection. The results suggest the positive aspects of incorporating resistance exercise into post-operative care. This may facilitate a clear and easy to implement exercise intervention that can take into consideration patient physical status and limited facility space in the hospital environment.