In-person Interactions Research Articles

How is the COVID-19 pandemic impacting our life, mental health, and well-being? Design and preliminary findings of the pan-Canadian longitudinal COHESION study

BackgroundWith the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person social interactions and opportunities for accessing resources that sustain health and well-being have drastically reduced. We therefore designed the pan-Canadian prospective COVID-19: HEalth and Social Inequities across Neighbourhoods (COHESION) cohort to provide a deeper understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic context affects mental health and well-being, key determinants of health, and health inequities.MethodsThis paper presents the design of the two-phase COHESION Study, and descriptive results from the first phase conducted between May 2020 and September 2021. During that period, the COHESION research platform collected monthly data linked to COVID-19 such as infection and vaccination status, perceptions and attitudes regarding pandemic-related measures, and information on participants’ physical and mental health, well-being, sleep, loneliness, resilience, substances use, living conditions, social interactions, activities, and mobility.ResultsThe 1,268 people enrolled in the Phase 1 COHESION Study are for the most part from Ontario (47%) and Quebec (33%), aged 48 ± 16 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD)], and mainly women (78%), White (85%), with a university degree (63%), and living in large urban centers (70%). According to the 298 ± 68 (mean ± SD) prospective questionnaires completed each month on average, the first year of follow-up reveals significant temporal variations in standardized indexes of well-being, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and psychological distress.ConclusionsThe COHESION Study will allow identifying trajectories of mental health and well-being while investigating their determinants and how these may vary by subgroup, over time, and across different provinces in Canada, in varying context including the pandemic recovery period. Our findings will contribute valuable insights to the urban health field and inform future public health interventions.

Factors Influencing Sri Lankan Doctors’ Behavior to Recommend Online Purchase of Medical Nutrition Products

Online purchase is becoming an increasingly viable alternative to in-store transactions due to constraints on in-person interaction. However, medical nutrition customers, mostly healthcare patients in Sri Lanka, are still apprehensive about purchasing products online. Doctors’ recommendations can positively influence patients’ decisions to buy medical nutrition online, but few researchers have studied this. This study incorporated the Unified Theory of Acceptance and User of Technology (UTAUT) to assess what influences doctors to recommend online medical nutrition purchases to their patients. This study utilized a quantitative survey involving 64 medical doctors in Sri Lanka and used partial least squares structural equation modeling for data analysis. The results showed that Performance Expectancy (PE), Social Influence (SI), and Effort Expectancy (EE) affect doctors’ Behavior Intention (BI) in recommending online purchasing for medical nutrition. This study will benefit the pharmaceutical industry in accelerating medical nutrition online purchases in Sri Lanka by leveraging doctors as social influencers to recommend online purchases and extend the application of UTAUT in the field.

Interprofessional survey on knowledge and attitudes of midwives regarding oral health, in France.

Oral health is essential for psychosocial well-being and general health. For expectant mothers, pregnancy increases the risk of oral diseases and has a subsequent impact on the oral health of a child once born. Midwives are in charge of pregnancy monitoring, childbirth and newborns' first days of life. They could have an important role in prevention. However, limited studies evaluating the knowledge, attitudes and practices on oral health among midwives have been conducted in Europe. We performed a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. Two local midwifery associations sent out the questionnaire by email and social media networks to all registered midwives and practicing in the department of Herault (n=613), between April and May 2022. Statistical analyses on quantitative data and descriptive analyses of qualitative free-text responses were performed. In total, 167 midwives were included. We found a lack of knowledge on many oral health topics and this was stated as the main reason that only 29% of midwives provided oral health information to their patients. Only 30% of the midwives had a training module on oral health during their initial training, and less than half of them considered the training adequate. To improve their lack of knowledge, participants expressed a preference for digital communication methods for themselves; however, they favored in-person interaction for public interventions. This study showed a lack of training and knowledge about oral health among midwives and a lack of oral health discussion with expectant mothers who are a high-risk population for oral diseases.

Development Of An E-Learning Model Using CMS Moodle During Covid 19

Every aspect of life, particularly the field of education, has seen a change in orientation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Education is changing, and distance learning can help. In-person interactions are no longer the main focus. The purpose of this study is to use the CMS paradigm to create an e-learning model. In addition, the paradigm of teacher-oriented learning has given way to student-oriented learning. Students are now positioned as learning subjects rather than as learning objects in this student-oriented learning environment. These days, there are a lot of learning resources available, and e-learning involves the use of technology (the internet). Through the use of the Internet, intranet, or online media, educational resources can be made available to students through e-learning. further networks of computers. Given that computer technology is used by educators, students, and educational institutions to carry out teaching and learning activities, e-learning has become essential for the academic community. Software for online and website-based learning activities is known as Moodle-based e-learning media. This medium takes the form of an online course presentation tool where instructors can post lesson plans, instructional videos, PowerPoint presentations, discussion boards, and tests pertaining to certain journal articles.

Covid-19 and sociovirtualization

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented changes in social interaction, necessitating the exploration of new ways to socialize. This article employs a literature review methodology to delve into the impact of Covid-19 on socialization and the emergence of sociovirtualization as an alternative means of connecting and engaging with others in the digital realm.
 The article begins with an overview of the Covid-19 pandemic's global impact on social interaction, highlighting the need for physical distancing and the subsequent rise of sociovirtualization. The literature review method is then employed to examine relevant studies, research articles, and scholarly publications that shed light on the concepts of sociovirtualization and its implications for socialization. The advantages of sociovirtualization are examined, emphasizing the benefits it offers in terms of bridging geographical barriers, ensuring safety during the pandemic, and enabling global knowledge sharing. However, the article also acknowledges the challenges and limitations associated with sociovirtualization, such as technical issues and the potential impact on social connections.
 Strategies for overcoming the barriers to sociovirtualization are discussed, highlighting the importance of improved infrastructure, enhanced virtual features, and inclusive digital literacy programs. The article also explores the relationship between sociovirtualization and mental well-being, recognizing both the positive aspects of maintaining social connections and the potential challenges of excessive screen time and limited physical interactions.
 The article considers the future of socialization, envisioning sociovirtualization as a norm in our social lives. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that combines virtual and in-person interactions to foster authentic human connections. By embracing sociovirtualization while considering its implications, we can navigate the current circumstances and prepare for a future where virtual and real-world interactions coexist harmoniously.

Exploring the challenges and benefits of online youth-led nutrition programs

Nutrition educators at the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) have been engaging low-income youth in youth-led participatory action research (YPAR) for several years. During COVID-19, these educators transitioned from in-person to online YPAR programming. Delivering the YPAR program online presented challenges but also fostered new strategies and provided benefits. This study assesses the challenges, strategies and benefits of online YPAR programming, and it examines future program implications from the perspectives of both nutrition educators and youth. Qualitative interviews were conducted via Zoom with eight nutrition educators who attempted to implement YPAR programming during the 2020–2021 school year. We used a retrospective Qualtrics survey to gain information from 54 youth participants. We found that online facilitation encouraged the innovative use of technology, which was especially important because it allowed teams to connect with each other during tumultuous times. This online format made meetings easier in terms of planning, documentation and logistics. However, the online format presented particular challenges, such as coping with internet and technology difficulties and trying to sustain authentic engagement among participants without in-person interactions. Consequently, 50% of nutrition educators and 45% of youth respondents said they preferred a mix of in-person and online meetings for future YPAR programming.

The virus be damned: Older adults seek romantic relationships during a pandemic

COVID-19 was concerning for older adults because they faced greater health risks from the virus and generally experience higher rates of isolation and loneliness. Single older adults are of particular concern because they also lack a cohabiting partner for social connection, so they may face greater levels of loneliness. Many older adults have been using technology to develop and maintain social connections, including romantic connections, to mitigate these feelings of loneliness and isolation. This research explores how feelings of loneliness connect to use of online dating sites during a pandemic, how older adults decided to and rationalized dating at a time when meeting in-person and social interactions were discouraged and dangerous, and how experiences differed between men and women. I interviewed 50 men and 50 women, ages 60–83, about their experiences seeking partners and dating during the pandemic. All respondents were single, heterosexual, and recruited from online dating websites, but varied by race, education level, marital experience, employment status, and geographic location. Single older adults relied on feelings of loneliness and isolation, the ubiquity of online dating sites, and particularly for women, adherence to safety measures while on a date as motivation for seeking and meeting romantic partners during a pandemic. Single older adults seeking new romantic interactions during a pandemic, when health risks were greater, illustrates the importance of intimate relationships even into older age and how loneliness and isolation are powerful drivers in seeking romantic relationships.

Technology to support aging in place: key messages for policymakers and funders.

AgeTech, a subset of the health technology industry, uses technology to support healthy aging, and support care partners and health professionals to improve quality of life for aging adults. By enhancing and adapting alternative care approaches through emerging technologies, it is possible to enable and extend the ability for older adults to safely age in place within their own homes, improve care experiences, and/or decrease long-term care costs/needs. With the rapid development and proliferation of AgeTech into the consumer market, it is paramount for policymakers and funders to ensure that AgeTech solutions can be leveraged to support older adults to age well in place. This paper highlights five key messages for policymakers and funders drawing on experiences from Canada. First, it is essential to embrace a life course perspective on aging, recognizing the heterogeneity of older adults who experience diverse and evolving needs. AgeTech should adapt as needs and capacities evolve. Second, AgeTech should solve a real problem. Technology must be well aligned to the needs and preferences of older adults to be impactful. Third, health related AgeTech should empower, enhance, or support existing health care services, while recognizing the value of human interactions. In-person interactions can provide meaningful connection and important health data which should be enhanced not replaced. Fourth, the establishment and ongoing fostering of authentic partnerships to inform, co-create and co-design AgeTech solutions is key to developing successful products. Finally, policymakers and funders have an important role to play in enabling accelerated design, development and testing to meet current and future needs.

Cohesion Assessment Team: A Multidisciplinary Unit Assessment Grounded inArmy Doctrine.

The Cohesion Assessment Team (CAT) provides battalion and brigade command teams with actionable insight into the climate of their unit and the presence of certain harmful behaviors. This assessment, initiated by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and initially managed by the Headquarters Department of the Army's People First Task Force, employs a framework from the Center for Army Professional Leadership to structure data and findings. This manuscript describes how to conduct a CAT assessment. To start, two battalions within the same brigade are selected or volunteer for observation based on various metrics. Data are collected from multiple sources including (1) army metrics, such as promotion rates and Uniformed Code of Military Justice actions, (2) subject matter expert in-person observations and interactions, (3) discussions with battalion and brigade staff, (4) survey data from approximately 90% of the soldiers in participating units, and (5) targeted interviews, focus groups, and listening sessions. Onsite data are collected and synthesized with the survey results within a week. Results are presented to battalion and brigade command teams. Briefs highlight key elements of the unit climate that should be maintained or improved. In addition, summarized results are presented to progressively higher echelons of leadership, culminating with the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army for consideration of army-wide changes. The CAT focuses on providing leaders at brigade and below with relevant and actionable information to help inform their internal decision-making to improve their unit's climate. This capability is distinct in many ways, including its non-attributional systems focus and its methodical approach to quickly collecting and triangulating multiple data points. Additionally, the CAT helps leaders identify areas under their control that will impact unit climate, similar to the feedback that training events provide on unit readiness. Army leadership deemed the CAT pilot a success, and responsibility for future CATs was transferred to the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in October 2022.

Age-gender differences in the relationships between physical and mental health

Previous studies have identified that smoking, exercise and breadth of social interaction mediate the strong associations between physical and mental health. However, these studies have been restricted to older populations, have not explored differences by gender, and have not considered online social interaction. We explore how the effects of four mediators (exercise, smoking, in-person and online social interaction) of the two-way relationships between past and future physical and mental health vary across eight age and gender groups. We use data from a representative sample of the UK population consisting of 175,779 observations on 41,995 adults from Understanding Society (UKHLS) between 2009 and 2019. Within a mediation framework, we estimate the percentage of the total effects that can be explained by the proposed mediating factors. We show that exercise, smoking, in-person and online social interaction are significant mediators of the effect of mental health on future physical health. In-person social interaction is the largest of these, accounting for 2.3% of the total effect. Smoking, in-person and online interaction are significant mediators of the effect of physical health on future mental health. Again, in-person interaction is the largest of these, accounting for 3.0% of the total effect. The percentages of the total effects mediated by each factor differ substantially by age and gender. Seeking to avoid the harmful effects of poor physical health on future mental health should focus on increasing physical activity in older men, and on increasing in-person social interaction in both men and women. Seeking to avoid the harmful effects of poor mental health on future physical health should focus on increasing physical activity and in-person social interaction in older men and women, and on reducing smoking in younger men and women.

Disclosure of suicidal ideation in non-psychiatric clinical research: Experience using a novel suicide risk management algorithm in a multi-center smoking cessation trial

Background Clinical trials involving pharmacologic or behavioral treatments often assess depression and suicidal ideation for purposes of screening, baseline assessment of potential moderators or mediators of treatment, or as a study outcome, even if the primary condition under study is not a mental health disorder. Suicide risk management in the context of clinical research poses significant clinical, ethical, and practical challenges, and the literature provides little guidance with respect to outcomes of suicide risk management protocols (SRMPs) or suicide risk assessment instruments deployed in the clinical research setting. Methods We report our experience using a novel SRMP in the Program for Lung Cancer Screening and Tobacco Cessation (PLUTO) trial through in-person and remote interactions. Results An SRMP was developed for non-clinical research staff to assess and respond to participants who express suicidal ideation. Between September 2016 and April 2021, the SRMP was used 61 times for 59 individuals. The SRMP was activated by explicit probing of suicidal ideation in 46 of 61 uses (75%). Subject risk was categorized as high-risk in 6 of 61 SRMP uses (10%). Conclusion Our findings demonstrate a useful tool for the management of suicidal ideation and behavior in a clinical trial. Suicidal ideation may be endorsed by only a small number of study participants, however participant safety dictates the need to develop and implement a practical SRMP. These findings may be of relevance to researchers collecting patient reported outcomes remotely. Researchers should consider available resources for SRMPs during design and start-up phases of research.

Overcoming Social Interactions Stress During COVID-19 Lockdown: The Role of Individuals’ Mobility and Online Emotional Support

The effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on the shift from in-person (offline) social interactions to online interactions and its consequences on social support and stress attracted scholarly attention. However, much less is known about how individuals’ prior mobility experiences have influenced coping with this shift. In the present research, we hypothesized that people with mobility experiences should already be more familiar with, and could profit more from, online social interactions before the pandemic, which might buffer against the negative impact of the pandemic on the emotional social support they obtained and the stress they felt during these interactions. In order to investigate this issue, we collected data ( N = 875) in Germany during the lockdown between April and May 2021. We measured mobility by introducing a novel approach that encompasses the act of moving houses (both within a country and internationally), commuting patterns, and nationality (migration background). Participants also reported the frequency of their online and offline interactions (before and during the lockdown), as well as the emotional support they obtained from online and offline interactions and the stress felt during lockdown interactions (as compared to before the lockdown). Results provide quantitative evidence in support of the main hypothesis especially regarding migration background. We discuss the relevance of these findings for research on migration and mobility.

Financial Toxicity and Time Toxicity in Multiple Myeloma: Prevalence, Predictors, and Impact on QOL

Introduction: Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are at ongoing risk of financial toxicity (FinTox) from medication costs and lost productivity (Richter CLML 2020, Fiala CLML 2023). Given MM's incurable nature with ongoing monitoring and supportive care, time toxicity (TimeTox) from frequent healthcare interactions may persist into the maintenance phase as well. The prevalence, predictors, and impact of FinTox and TimeTox on QOL have not been fully characterized in this population. Methods: We surveyed (by mail and online) English-speaking MM patients who had undergone auto-transplantation at our US institution. Survey questions included financial stressors (COST inventory), frequency/convenience of in-person vs telehealth visits, and physical/mental QOL [PROMIS Global Health, with minimum clinically important difference (MCID) 5]. FinTox+ was defined as COST score <23 (25th percentile). After discussions with local patients, we defined TimeTox+ as either (a) MM-related interactions (including in-person visits, telehealth / telephone calls, infusions, and labwork) ≥1x per week on average and/or (b) in-person MM-related interactions ≥1x per month in far-residing patients (defined as patients who reported that interactions with their primary MM provider usually required ≥4 hours away from home). Variables were compared descriptively using Fisher's and rank-sum test. Predictors of FinTox and TimeTox were identified using adjusted multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of 670 patients, 252 (38%) completed the survey as described in Table 1. 64% were on maintenance, 21% on observation, and 16% on active treatment for relapsed MM. Far-residing patients comprised 20% of respondents. Among n=207 (82%) who completed the COST inventory, the median COST score was 31 (IQR 23-37). Of these respondents, 22% (n=45) were FinTox+. Most (59%) reported monthly MM-related out-of-pocket costs <$100, but 15% reported MM-related expenses ≥$500 monthly. While physical QOL scores were comparable between FinTox+ and FinTox- respondents, FinTox+ respondents had significantly worsened mental QOL (median PROMIS scores 45.8 vs 50.8, p <0.01). Time toxicity was reported by 40% (n=101) overall, including 14% of 51 respondents on observation, 37% of 155 respondents on maintenance, and 82% of 38 respondents with relapse. Unsurprisingly, TimeTox was more prevalent among far-residing respondents (73% vs 31%, p<0.001). Far-residing respondents were less likely to rate in-person visits as convenient (Figure 1A, p<0.001), with 62% (far-residing) vs 89% (near-residing) agreeing that in-person visits were easy to attend. However, near-residing and far-residing respondents had similar frequencies of in-person visits (Figure 1B, p=0.37). Telehealth visits were rated similarly conveniently by both far-residing and near-residing respondents (Figure 1C, p=0.77). Telehealth visits were more common in the far-residing cohort (Figure 1D, p=0.01), with 54% vs 32% of respondents reporting ≥1 telehealth visit in the past year. Median physical QOL (44.9 vs 47.7) and mental QOL (48.3 vs 50.8) were both significantly worse in TimeTox+ respondents but within the MCID. In adjusted multivariable analyses, predictors of FinTox were younger age (OR=1.10, p<0.001) and annual income <$50K (OR=6.29, p<0.001). Predictors of TimeTox were disease status (reference: observation; relapsed OR=22.69, maintenance OR=3.21, p<0.001) and far-residing status (OR=5.72, p<0.001). Conclusion: In our study of over 250 patients with MM, 22% reported FinTox while 40% reported TimeTox. FinTox was associated with lower income as well as a clinically meaningful decrease in mental QOL, suggesting benefit for FinTox screening and early referral to financial navigation services. TimeTox was reported by over a third of patients on maintenance, and further research into reversible drivers of TimeTox is ongoing: for example, workflows to increase local lab monitoring and decrease in-person visit frequency for patients on oral maintenance. Limitations of our study include selection bias, recall bias, and lack of generalizability to transplantation-ineligible patients. Additionally, universal definitions for FinTox and TimeTox have not yet been standardized. However, this is the largest study of these toxicities in MM to date and serves as a starting point for larger more definitive prospective research.

HPV Vaccine Knowledge and Hesitancy Among Health Colleges' Students at a Saudi University.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a widespread sexually transmitted infection linked to various types of cancer. Although vaccination against HPV is available, global HPV vaccination rates remain low. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of the HPV vaccine and to identify predictors associated with vaccine hesitancy among health college students at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was distributed during December 2022 to students enrolled in health colleges. The survey link was randomly distributed via social media platforms and in-person interactions. The number of participants was 405 including both males and females. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The correct response rate for all knowledge items was calculated, and they were stratified by gender and college. The association of vaccine hesitancy with sociodemographic characteristics was examined using logistic regression analysis. The study found that approximately half of the students (49.9%) were aware of the HPV vaccine. However, only a small percentage of students answered all to all HPV knowledge items correctly. Additionally, only a small proportion (5.2%) reported receiving the vaccine. The overall HPV vaccine hesitancy was 59.1% (43.9% for female and 75.9% for male). The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy was not knowing enough about it. Males were two times more likely than females to believe that they did not need the HPV vaccine. The odds for HPV vaccine hesitancy were greater among males and younger age groups compared to females and older age groups. This study underscores the importance of implementing university-wide interventions and educational campaigns to enhance awareness and knowledge of the HPV vaccine.

Supporting complex oncology workflows with telemedicine.

521 Background: Telemedicine is now foundational in health care, including oncology. Cancer care is complex and requires an integrated care model that involves multiple participants. The use of telemedicine in oncology requires careful consideration of workflows and patients’ needs. Our team reviewed existing telemedicine technology options, but none fit the needs of ongoing, complex cancer care delivery. We describe the development and implementation of a home-grown telemedicine system to support complex oncology workflows in an efficient and scalable manner at a high-volume specialty cancer center. Methods: Using an internally developed application, MSK Telemedicine, we created a technology-enabled workflow that mimicked the positive aspects of an in-person interaction for the patient, the clinician, and administrative staff. The patient (i) can invite friends and family to the visit, (ii) are notified when the clinician is running late, (iii) can join the visit without downloading special software, (iv) can receive visit reminders based on their preferences, (v) can engage with the telemedicine platform in multiple languages (vi) have translators join the call, (vi) provide research consents and participate in clinical trials virtually, and (vii) have multiple clinicians join the virtual visit. We assessed telemedicine volume, duration of the remote encounter, patient satisfaction and help desk measures from August 1, 2021 to May 31, 2023. Patients could provide feedback immediately after the visit using star ratings on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the highest score. After the first telemedicine visit using MSK Telemedicine, patients also had the opportunity to answer a comprehensive patient satisfaction questionnaire. Results: Telemedicine represented 28% of the outpatient visit volume. During the study period, the platform supported a total of 483,499 visits with 67% including more than 2 people. Clinicians requested translator services for 1,289 of visits (Nov 2022 – May 2023) and 25,411 reminders were sent in languages other than English. Patients provided 5,635 research consents. The overall patient satisfaction was 4.84 (n=53,902). Patients reported high ease of use (4.83), audio quality (4.83) and video quality (4.84). 90% of patients would recommend telemedicine to other patients and 91% would have another telemedicine visit with their provider (n=29,804). Over 96% of telemedicine calls lasted over 3 minutes, a proxy to identify successful visits. Since the implementation of the platform, the monthly number of patient calls to the help desk decreased significantly (from 1,691 in March 2022 to 585 in March 2023). Conclusions: The MSK Telemedicine system is an example of a high performing system that is successfully meeting the unique and complex needs of cancer care delivery while providing a seamless patient experience. Future research is underway to evaluate the impact of this system on additional patient and provider outcomes.

Decoding Students' Digital Body Language through the Lens of Teachers: A Phenomenological Sketch

This research focused on digital body language (DBL) in the context of Online Distance Learning (ODL). In ODL, students and teachers rely on digital platforms and technologies for learning, replacing traditional in-person interaction. DBL, a systematic technique to interpret digital signs similar to physical signs, has emerged to understand body language during digital communication. This study employed Husserlian phenomenology to explore teachers' experiences with students' digital body language during virtual consultations. Eight ODL teachers participated in web-based interviews, and the data were transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi's (1978) method. The analysis revealed three themes: (1) Building Connections, (2) Threats to Connections, and (3) Varieties in Connections. These findings demonstrate that teachers perceived students' digital body language as positive and negative experiences. The insights gained from this study provide valuable input for teachers and administrators to enhance communication among students and teachers in the virtual learning environment, extending beyond the challenges of the new normal.

Crossing digital frontiers with cultural intelligence - a new paradigm for project managers

The evolution of the international business environment during the past twenty years due to globalization and the recent pandemic determined an increase in international projects requiring new organizational and individual capabilities to ensure project success. Cross-cultural competencies have been analyzed within the cross-cultural management field and organizational behavioral studies, with limited research available in the international project management field.Through a comprehensive literature review, the current research outlines the gap within the project management domain concerning the need triggered by the pandemic to acquire cross-cultural and digital abilities among project professionals. We disclose how the existent globalized virtual environment differs from the new one triggered by the pandemic due to the forced shift to the digital setting with a strong impact on in-person interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication.The originality of this work resides in the development of a novel project professional ability framework, including digital and cross-cultural components that emerged during the pandemic. Secondly, we propose the application of the identified cross-cultural and digital abilities within the project process group of the life cycle based on their scope and outputs.

Developing research skills in medical students online using an active research study

BackgroundDeveloping research skills and scholarship are key components of medical education. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated that all teaching be delivered online. We introduced an approach to small group teaching in the academic year 2020–2021 online which involved students in an active (ongoing) research study to develop their research skills.MethodsWe acquired student feedback to evaluate their perspectives quantitatively on development of research and scholarship skills, teaching content and format, and tutor performance using this teaching approach. In addition, we captured free text responses from both students and tutors on the positives and negatives of our course, and their suggested improvements. We also compared summative assessment marks for the online/active research course (2020–2021) with those obtained from previous (2017–2019) and subsequent (2021–2023) teaching sessions.ResultsStudents were largely positive about most aspects of the online course utilising an active research study (n = 13). Students agreed that they were able to acquire research skills, particularly related to data analysis, transferable skills, and giving scientific presentations. A one-way ANOVA revealed no significant difference for assessment marks across all five teaching years (two years prior and two years following the online/active research course), indicating that the course achieved the learning outcomes. Students enjoyed the convenience of online teaching and the availability of course resources, but least liked the lack of in-person interaction and laboratory training. Tutors enjoyed the collaborative aspects of online teaching, but least liked the lack of face-to-face interactions with students.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that delivering online teaching which involves students in active research engages and motivates them to develop their research and scholarship skills. We recommend that educators consider incorporating a current research study in their undergraduate courses as this can enhance the student learning experience as well as the research project itself.

Adaptations to research within the intellectual disability population during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons learned from the CAREVIS study.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in changes in all areas of clinical practice, including clinical research and within the intellectual disability population. While there have been some benefits from this rapid adoption of change, those involved in research have had to overcome a number of additional challenges. These adaptive changes, which have included the use of technology, closure of social spaces, working with specific groups who are more vulnerable to COVID-19, and mask use impairing communication, have had both positive and negative impacts on research. As the pandemic and related restrictions evolve, it is important to examine the changes that have occurred. In the future, the adoption of a hybrid model in research is likely to be a common approach, establishing a balance between technology and in-person interaction.

Explorer la faisabilité, l’acceptabilité et la satisfaction d’un programme virtuel de mentorat par les pairs pour les étudiants et les étudiantes en soins infirmiers de premier cycle : une étude à méthodes mixtes

Final-year nursing students are known to face high levels of stress due to increased demands in academics and clinical practicum. In this study, a virtual peer mentoring program was pilot-tested, involving alumni as mentors. Using a mixed-methods approach, we sought to describe the acceptability, feasibility and satisfaction associated with the intervention. Study intervention involved: a) orientation, b) mindful self-compassion training workshop, and c) virtual mentorship interactions for nine months. Evaluation of study variables was done at the completion of training and at the end of the virtual peer mentoring program via self-reported questionnaires and interviews. The current virtual peer mentoring intervention was deemed acceptable, feasible and satisfactory to mitigate challenges for final-year nursing students. The virtual component of the study was considered to be convenient and appropriate, however, future mentoring interventions could be more effective by employing a form of mixed-contact involving both virtual and in-person interactions.