Mean Scores Of Intervention Group Research Articles

Evaluation of the impact of an integrated simulation model in basic life support training on knowledge and practice: A randomized control trial in Jordanian hospitals

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of simulation training (ST) in improving nurses' knowledge and practice, which is essential in the nursing field, particularly among nurses in Jordanian hospitals. ST has the potential to significantly enhance patient care outcomes. A Randomized Control Trial was conducted in five hospitals in Jordan, using three repeated measurement tests: a pre-test, an immediate post-test after the intervention, and a post-test three months later. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney statistical test showed that the control and experimental groups were similar, with no significant differences in the participants' demographic characteristics. The Independent T-test confirmed the similarity of the pre-test results in the control group's knowledge and practice and the intervention group's mean scores. The simulation intervention proved to be highly effective in enhancing Basic Life Support (BLS) knowledge and practice among nurses. It nearly doubled the knowledge pre-test percentage from 40% to 75.35% in the immediate post-test, improving the scores from poor in the pre-test to excellent in the post-test. This significant improvement highlights the importance of simulation training in enhancing nurses' knowledge and practice. Similarly, ST significantly increased the average practice score percentage from 47.5% to 70% after the intervention, demonstrating its substantial impact. In conclusion, BLS simulation is a highly efficient educational method that helps participants acquire knowledge and skills. Simulation training prepares learners to activate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quickly and correctly in case of cardiopulmonary arrest. Therefore, simulation in training should be expanded in the nursing curriculum.

The Effect of a Happiness Education Program on the Expressed Emotion and Quality of Life of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The mental health of the parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly the mothers, is poor due to the severity and complex nature of this condition, and they encounter numerous issues. This investigation aimed to determine whether happiness education affected mothers of children with ASD's Expressed Emotions (EE) and Quality of Life (QoL). A total of 70 mothers of children with ASD aged 3 to 13 years participated in this clinical trial study research. The experimental group received the Fordyce happiness training program once every 6 weeks via WhatsApp. In three stages, data were collected using a demographic form, the Family Questionnaire (FQ), and the World Health Organization Quality Of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) (before the intervention, immediately afterward, and 1 month later). In the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, the acquired data were analyzed using independent-sample t-tests, Chi-square tests, and repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). There was no significant difference in EE and QoL mean scores between the two groups before the intervention, but after, the intervention group's mean score of EE (20.91 (4.355)) was substantially lower than the control group's (44.74 (4.77)) (p < 0.001). In comparison, the intervention group's mean score of QoL and its dimensions was more significant than the control group's (p < 0.001). Given the efficacy of the happiness education program in reducing EE and enhancing QoL in mothers of children with ASD, such treatment strategies should be developed and used.

The effects of web-based progressive muscle relaxation exercise on perceived stress and anxiety levels of nursing students who were in clinical practice for the first time: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction/Objective. It is reported that during the education process, uncontrollable long-term stress affects professional identity development and health of nursing students negatively. The effects of web-based progressive muscle relaxation exercises on perceived stress and anxiety levels of nursing students who were in clinical practice for the first time were analyzed in the present study. Methods. The present study used a randomized controlled design. The study was carried out at a state university in Turkey. A total of volunteering 66 nursing students (36 in the control and 30 in the intervention group) in clinical practice for the first time who were studying during the 2021-2022 academic year were included in the sample. Intervention group students performed 36 sessions of progressive muscle relaxation exercise three days a week for 12 weeks. The data were collected by using the ?Sociodemographic Characteristics Form?, ?State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)? and ?Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)?. Results: In comparing post-test mean scores of intervention and control group, PSS and STAI total mean scores of the intervention group were found to be statistically significantly lower than those of the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Progressive muscle relaxation exercise was found to reduce perceived stress and anxiety in nursing students who were in clinical practice for the first time.

Effects of a theory-based training program with follow-up home visits on self-management behavior, glycemic index, and quality of life among Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundUncontrolled diabetes is an important public health problem that endangers the quality of life of patients. Promoting self-management through well-planned training is an essential strategy to control diabetes effectively. This study aimed to examine the effects of a training program based on social cognitive theory (SCT) on self-management behavior, glycemic index, and quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsThis is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest design. The statistical population included 106 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus assigned to the intervention and control groups [n1 = n2 = 53], who received services from two urban health centers. A multi-method, SCT-based training program consisting of six 60–80-min sessions was run, followed by 2–3 follow-up home visits [once a month for each participant] for the intervention group. The data were collected before and three months after the intervention and were analyzed in SPSS 19.ResultsBefore the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the main variables. After the intervention, there was a significant increase in the intervention group's mean scores of knowledge, self-efficacy, social support, outcome expectations, self-regulation, self-management behavior, glycemic index, and quality of life. There were no significant changes in these constructs in the control group after the intervention. The regression analysis results indicated that social cognitive theory and self-management could explain the variance in quality of life [adjusted R-squared = 0.476].ConclusionsThe findings support the effectiveness of the multi-method, SCT-based educational intervention in improving self-management behaviors, glycemic index, and quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is suggested that the quality of type 2 diabetes care programs should be promoted. However, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes.

Effects of mindfulness training on resilience, self-confidence and emotion regulation of elite football players: The mediating role of locus of control

This study investigated effects of mindfulness training on resilience, self-confidence and emotion regulation of elite football players as well as mediating role of locus of control. The study recruited 34 participants which were assigned into experimental (n=17) and control (n=17) groups. Age ranged between 16 and 32years (M age = 22.6years, SD = 1.47). The experimental group received 8 weeks mindfulness acceptance commitment (MAC) intervention program, while control group received no intervention. Participants completed Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), The Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC), Trait Sport Confidence Inventory (TSCI), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and Adapted Levenson Multidimensional Locus of control scales (ALMLC). Both groups completed the questionnaire at pre-test and post-test evaluation. Descriptive data employed mean and standard deviation, while Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) of Sӧrbom's method (alternative to analysis of covariance) was used for analysis of hypothesis. Finding of the study showed that there is significant direct and indirect effect of mindfulness acceptance commitment on resilience, self-confidence and emotion regulation on elite football players. The findings further showed that there is significant difference between the pre-test scores and post-test scores of intervention group and control group. The intervention group mean scores on resilience, self-confidence and emotion regulation are higher than the control group counterparts. This shows that MAC program is effective in increasing resilience, self-confidence and emotion regulation of elite football players concurrently which in turn could improve performance and attain success.

The challenge of sustainability: Long-term results from the Fifty-Fifty peer group-based intervention in cardiovascular risk factors

The Fifty-Fifty trial demonstrated that a peer-group-based intervention was able to improve healthy behaviors in individuals with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors immediately post-intervention. To determine the long-term sustainability of a one-year peer-group-based intervention focused on CV health and behavior. A total of 543 adults aged 25 to 50 years with at least 1 CV risk factor were screened and recruited, received initial training through workshops, and were then randomized 1:1 to a peer-group-based intervention group (IG) or a self-management control group (CG) for 12 months. At a median of 52 months from baseline, 321 participants were re-assessed (~60% retention). The primary outcome was the mean change in a composite health score related to blood pressure, exercise, weight, alimentation, and tobacco use (Fuster-BEWAT score [FBS], range 0-15). Intervention effects were assessed using linear-mixed effects models. The mean age of retained participants was 48.0 years (SD: 5.4), and 73% were female. Consistent with previous results, the change of overall FBS was significantly greater in the IG than in the CG at 12-month follow-up (between-group difference, 0.60 points; 95% CI, 0.08-1.12; P=.025). Assessment of long-term sustainability (52-month follow-up) showed that there were no between-group differences in the mean overall FBS (IG mean score, 8.52; 95% CI, 7.97-9.07 vs CG mean score, 8.51; 95% CI, 7.93-9.10; P=.972) or in the change of overall FBS from screening (IG mean change, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.00-1.28; CG mean change, 0.46; 95% CI, -0.20-1.12; P=.497). A one-year peer-group-based intervention showed favorable results at immediate post-intervention but did not demonstrate significant differences between the IG and CG at 52 months. Combination of an initial training period (workshops) with the maintenance of peer-support groups or other re-intervention strategies may be required to achieve sustained effects on healthy behaviors. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02367963. Registered (https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02367963).

Effect of Graded Early Mobilization on Psychomotor Status and Length of Intensive Care Unit Stay in Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

IntroductionThe main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of graded early mobilization on psychomotor status and duration of ICU stay of patients with mechanical ventilation.Materials and methodsDesignQuasi-experimental study.SettingBRB Hospitals Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A reputed 500-beddedgeneral hospital with 30 ICU beds.ParticipantsA total of 30 patients were selected as participants in the study from the hospital. 15 patients were included in the ICU treatment group and the remaining 15 were in the intervention group using the purposive sampling method.Scales usedFunctional independence measure (FIM) scale and 7 point generalized anxiety depression (GAD-7) scale.InterventionGraded early mobilization was provided as an intervention to all participants of the intervention group by a professionally qualified ICU physiotherapist for 10 sessions. Most of the patients received multiple sessions of intervention within a day.ResultsIn the control group mean FIM score was 17.40 (SD±4.88), and in the intervention group mean score was 65.70 (SD±12.18). The mean difference was statistically significant in the ‘t’ test (p-value > 0.001). In the control group, the mean GAD-7 score was 19.50 (SD±2.71), and in the intervention group the mean GAD-7 score was 7.5 (SD±2.59). The mean difference was statistically significant in the ‘t’ test. (p-value > 0.001). The mean length of ICU stay in the control group was 5.60 (SD±1.07) and in the intervention group it was 3.10 (SD±0.56). The mean difference was statistically significant in the ‘t’ test (p-value > 0.001).ConclusionThis research showed that graded early mobilization was highly effective to improve the motor and psychological status of mechanically ventilated patients and reduce their length of ICU stay.How to cite this articleDas B, Saha S, Kabir F, Hossain S. Effect of Graded Early Mobilization on Psychomotor Status and Length of Intensive Care Unit Stay in Mechanically Ventilated Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(4):416–420.

The effect of virtual reality on mothers' anxiety during children's circumcision: A randomized controlled study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of use of virtual reality headsets on mothers' anxiety, by distracting their attention, during their child's circumcision procedure. This was a randomized controlled intervention study. The study used a pretest and posttest design and was carried out between April 15, 2019, and June 30, 2019, with 60 participants (n=30 intervention and n=30 control group). The data were collected using a personal information form, the State Anxiety Inventory and Faces Anxiety Scales. In the study, the participants in the intervention group watched videos through a virtual reality headset. The socio-demographic characteristics of the intervention group and control group were similar in the pretest, except for the educational level. After the intervention, the intervention group's mean scores on the Faces Anxiety Scale, heart rate and respiration rates were significantly lower than those of the control group, but the difference between the mean State Anxiety Inventory scores was insignificant. Distraction using videos produced by virtual reality headsets is effective in reducing mothers' moderate level anxiety. It is recommended that further studies should be conducted in different ambulatory surgery procedures.

Effect of a Multifactorial Fall Injury Prevention Intervention on Patient Well-Being: The STRIDE Study.

In the Strategies to Reduce Injuries and Develop Confidence in Elders (STRIDE) study, a multifactorial intervention was associated with a nonsignificant 8% reduction in time to first serious fall injury but a significant 10% reduction in time to first self-reported fall injury relative to enhanced usual care. The effect of the intervention on other outcomes important to patients has not yet been reported. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the intervention on patient well-being including concern about falling, anxiety, depression, physical function, and disability. Pragmatic cluster-randomized trial of 5,451 community-living persons at high risk for serious fall injuries. A total of 86 primary care practices within 10 U.S. healthcare systems. A random subsample of 743 persons aged 75 and older. The well-being measures, assessed at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months, included a modified version of the Fall Efficacy Scale, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and depression scales, and Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument. Participants in the intervention (n = 384) and control groups (n = 359) were comparable in age: mean (standard deviation) of 81.9 (4.7) versus 81.8 (5.0) years. Mean scores were similar between groups at 12 and 24 months for concern about falling, physical function, and disability, whereas the intervention group's mean scores on anxiety and depression were .7 points lower (i.e., better) at 12 months and .6 to .8 points lower at 24 months. For each of these outcomes, differences between the groups' adjusted least square mean changes from baseline to 12 and 24 months, respectively, were quantitatively small. The overall difference in means between groups over 2 years was statistically significant only for depression, favoring the intervention: -1.19 (99% confidence interval, -2.36 to -.02), with 3.5 points representing a minimally important difference. STRIDE's multifactorial intervention to reduce fall injuries was not associated with clinically meaningful improvements in patient well-being.

KOAH tanısı almış hastalara uygulanan progresif gevşeme egzersizlerinin yorgunluk ve yaşam kalitesine etkisi

Amaç: Bu araştırma, KOAH tanısı ile yatmakta olan hastalara uygulanan progresif gevşeme egzersizlerinin taburculuk sonrası yorgunluk ve yaşam kalitesine etkisini belirlemek için planlandı.Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu araştırma, bir üniversite hastanesinde KOAH tanısı ile yatan 30 uygulama, 30 kontrol grubunda olmak üzere toplam 60 hasta ile yapılan yarı deneysel bir araştırmadır. Örneklem kriterlerine uyan hastalara hastaneye yattıklarında eğitim verilmeden önce ‘‘Hasta Tanıtım Formu’’, ‘‘KOAH ve Astım Yorgunluk Ölçeği’’ ve ‘’SF-36 Yaşam Kalitesi Ölçeği’’ dolduruldu. Uygulama grubuna taburcu olmadan bir gün önce progresif gevşeme egzersizleri CD’si eşliğinde eğitim verildi. Taburcu olduktan bir ay sonra aynı formlar tekrar uygulandı. Bulgular: Uygulama grubundaki hastaların eğitim öncesi ve eğitim sonrası sırasıyla KOAH ve Astım yorgunluk ölçeği puan ortalamaları 77,8610,16 ve 43,099,98; kontrol grubundaki hastaların ise 75,0713,23 ve 78,2514,20 idi. Uygulama grubundaki hastaların eğitim öncesi ve eğitim sonrası toplam Yaşam Kalitesi Ölçeği puan ortalaması sırasıyla 26,989,82 ve 78,2211,47; kontrol grubundaki hastaların ise 32,6312,78 ve 31,7313,22 idi. Uygulama grubunda ön test son test KOAH ve Astım Yorgunluk Ölçeği ile Yaşam Kalitesi Ölçeği puan ortalamaları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Progresif kas gevşeme egzersizlerinin yorgunluk ve yaşam kalitesi üzerinde etkili olduğu saptandı. KOAH tanısı alan hastalarda progresif gevşeme egzersizlerinin kullanımı önerilebilir.

Effectiveness of a short web-based film targeting parental oral health knowledge in a well-child care setting.

Young children rely on their parents with respect to oral health routines. However, parental knowledge on this topic is often insufficient. Well‐child care may be an excellent route to reach parents because almost all of them attend. To evaluate the effectiveness of an 8.5 min web‐based film about oral health, provided by well‐child care, a non‐blinded quasi‐experimental study was performed. Parents attending well‐child care clinics in the Netherlands were assigned to an intervention (n = 88) or control group (n = 41). The control group received care as usual. We measured parental knowledge of oral health with a questionnaire (range of scores 1–12) before and directly after the intervention, and 6 months later, and assessed differences between the intervention and the control group. Parental oral health knowledge improved after watching the film: the intervention group’s mean score of 11.1 (SD 1.3) was greater than the mean score of 7.1 (SD 2.0) of the control group (Cohen's d = 2.64). Scores remained higher in the intervention group 6 months after watching the film (mean 9.1, SD 1.3) than before (Cohen's d = 1.25). A web‐based educational film delivered in a well‐child care setting can be an effective way to address oral health and to improve parental knowledge.

The Effect of Basic CPR Training on Adults' Knowledge and Performance in Rural Areas of Iran: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

IntroductionCardiac arrest happening outside the hospital, specifically in rural regions that are more distant from health centers, is a crucial issue in the health of individuals in those regions. Therefore, the ability of residents in those regions to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is very important in preventing death among people. This study aimed at determining the effect of basic CPR training on the adults’ knowledge and performance in rural areas.MethodologyThis quasi-experimental study was conducted on 92 adults from rural areas of Shouraab Kohmareh-Sorkhi in Fars province, Iran, in September and October 2018. The samples were selected and divided into two groups using the simple random method. The data were collected using a demographic information form, knowledge questionnaire, and an observational checklist of CPR performance devised by the researcher. Basic teaching of CPR for the intervention group included two hours of oral teaching using lecture and question and answer as well as two hours of practical teaching using demonstration, practice on a manikin, provision of feedback, and correction of errors. The data were entered into the SPSS statistical software, version 21 and were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, independent t-test, chi-square test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Mann–Whitney test.FindingsThe study results revealed that the intervention group’s mean score of knowledge was significantly greater after the intervention (6.78±1.23) compared to that at baseline (2.78±1.74) and compared to the control group (3.24±1.84) (p<0.001). Additionally, the intervention group’s mean score of performance was significantly greater after the intervention (8.22±1.65) than that before the intervention (0.8±0.77) and compared to the control group (1.17±0.71) (p<0.001).ConclusionAccording to the study findings, the villagers’ performance and knowledge could be enhanced by teaching basic CPR techniques.Trial Registration NumberIRCT20150714023199N3; date registered: 2018-05-06.

Validity and Reliability of a Tool to Assess Quality Improvement Knowledge and Skills in Pediatrics Residents.

Residency programs are expected to educate residents in quality improvement (QI). Effective assessments are needed to ensure residents gain QI knowledge and skills. Limitations of current tools include poor interrater reliability and requirement for scorer training. To provide evidence for the validity of the Assessment of Quality Improvement Knowledge and Skills (AQIKS), which is a new tool that provides a summative assessment of pediatrics residents' ability to recall QI concepts and apply them to a clinical scenario. We conducted a quasi-experimental study to measure the AQIKS performance in 2 groups of pediatrics residents: postgraduate year (PGY) 2 residents who participated in a 1-year longitudinal QI curriculum, and a concurrent control group of PGY-1 residents who received no formal QI training. The curriculum included 20 hours of didactics and participation in a resident-led QI project. Three faculty members with clinical QI experience, who were not involved in the curriculum and received no additional training, scored the AQIKS. Complete data were obtained for 30 of 37 residents (81%) in the intervention group, and 36 of 40 residents (90%) in the control group. After completing a QI curriculum, the intervention group's mean score was 40% higher than at baseline (P < .001), while the control group showed no improvement (P = .29). Interrater reliability was substantial (κ = 0.74). The AQIKS detects an increase in QI knowledge and skills among pediatrics residents who participated in a QI curriculum, with better interrater reliability than currently available assessment tools.

A Comprehensive Lifestyle Peer Group–Based Intervention on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: The Randomized Controlled Fifty-Fifty Program

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases stem from modifiable risk factors. Peer support is a proven strategy for many chronic illnesses. Randomized trials assessing the efficacy of this strategy for global cardiovascular risk factor modification are lacking. ObjectivesThis study assessed the hypothesis that a peer group strategy would help improve healthy behaviors in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. MethodsA total of 543 adults 25 to 50 years of age with at least 1 risk factor were recruited; risk factors included hypertension (20%), overweight (82%), smoking (31%), and physical inactivity (81%). Subjects were randomized 1:1 to a peer group–based intervention group (IG) or a self-management control group (CG) for 12 months. Peer-elected leaders moderated monthly meetings involving role-play, brainstorming, and activities to address emotions, diet, and exercise. The primary outcome was mean change in a composite score related to blood pressure, exercise, weight, alimentation, and tobacco (Fuster-BEWAT score, 0 to 15). Multilevel models with municipality as a cluster variable were applied to assess differences between groups. ResultsParticipants’ mean age was 42 ± 6 years, 71% were female, and they had a mean baseline Fuster-BEWAT score of 8.42 ± 2.35. After 1 year, the mean scores were significantly higher in the IG (n = 277) than in the CG (n = 266) (IG mean score: 8.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.37 to 9.32; CG mean score: 8.17; 95% CI: 7.55 to 8.79; p = 0.02). The increase in the overall score was significantly larger in the IG compared with the CG (difference: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.18; p = 0.02). The mean improvement in the individual components was uniformly greater in the IG, with a significant difference for the tobacco component. ConclusionsThe peer group intervention had beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, with significant improvements in the overall score and specifically on tobacco cessation. A follow-up assessment will be performed 1 year after the final assessment reported here to determine long-term sustainability of the improvements associated with peer group intervention. (Peer-Group-Based Intervention Program [Fifty-Fifty]; NCT02367963)

Effectiveness of coping strategies intervention on caregiver burden among caregivers of elderly patients with dementia.

Coping strategies are a potential way to improve interventions designed to manage the caregiver burden of dementia. The purpose of this study was to develop an intervention targeted towards improving coping strategies and to examine its effectiveness on reducing caregiver burden. A controlled study design was used. Fifty-seven caregivers of dementia patients were enrolled. Coping strategies were assessed with the Revised Ways of Coping Checklist (WCCL-R) and caregiver burden was assessed with the Chinese version of the Caregiver Burden Inventory. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group was offered a series of five interventions in which problem-solving skills, knowledge of dementia, social resources, and emotional support were taught every 2 weeks, and the control group was telephoned every 2 weeks for the usual clinical management. Two weeks after the end of the intervention, we again administered the WCCL-R and the Caregiver Burden Inventory. Two-way repeated-measure anova was used to evaluate the changes in coping strategies and caregiver burden. Forty-six participants completed the study. No statistically significant differences were noted in the demographic data between the two groups. On the problem-focused coping subscale on the WCCL-R, the intervention group's mean score increased by 3.8 points, and the control group's decreased by 5.1 points (F = 7.988, P = 0.007). On the seeking social support coping subscale on the WCCL-R, the intervention group's mean score increased by 3.8 points, and the control group's decreased by 3.1 points (F = 4.462, P = 0.04). On the Caregiver Burden Inventory, the intervention group's mean score decreased by 7.2 points, and the control group's increased by 2.2 points (F = 6.155, P = 0.017). Psychosocial intervention can help caregivers to adopt more problem-focused and social support coping strategies, which are beneficial in terms of reducing the caregiver burden.

A pilot study assessing emotional intelligence training and communication skills with 3rd year medical students

Objective To investigate whether emotional intelligence (EI) developmental training workshops can lead to increases with the Bar-On Emotional Quotient (EQ-i) total scores. Methods A pilot study with a quasi-randomised controlled design was employed with self-report assessments conducted at baseline and post-intervention following a 7-month training programme. Medical students based at a UK-based medical school participated in the study, and 36 volunteer students were recruited to the control group with 50 students randomly assigned to receive the intervention. A total of 34 (68%) students in the intervention group attended the first intervention training workshop, 17 (34%) attended the majority of the monthly development sessions and completed the post-intervention assessment. In the control group only one participant did not complete the follow-up assessment. Results The intervention group had significantly higher EQ-i change from baseline mean scores than the control group. The intervention group mean scores had increased across time, whilst the control group mean scores slightly decreased. Conclusion The EI developmental training workshops had a positive effect on the medical students in the intervention group. Practice implications Further research is warranted to determine whether EI can be a useful measure in medical training, and the concept and measurement of EI requires further development.

Can virtual reality improve anatomy education? A randomised controlled study of a computer-generated three-dimensional anatomical ear model

The use of computer-generated 3-dimensional (3-D) anatomical models to teach anatomy has proliferated. However, there is little evidence that these models are educationally effective. The purpose of this study was to test the educational effectiveness of a computer-generated 3-D model of the middle and inner ear. We reconstructed a fully interactive model of the middle and inner ear from a magnetic resonance imaging scan of a human cadaver ear. To test the model's educational usefulness, we conducted a randomised controlled study in which 28 medical students completed a Web-based tutorial on ear anatomy that included the interactive model, while a control group of 29 students took the tutorial without exposure to the model. At the end of the tutorials, both groups were asked a series of 15 quiz questions to evaluate their knowledge of 3-D relationships within the ear. The intervention group's mean score on the quiz was 83%, while that of the control group was 65%. This difference in means was highly significant (P < 0.001). Our findings stand in contrast to the handful of previous randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effects of computer-generated 3-D anatomical models on learning. The equivocal and negative results of these previous studies may be due to the limitations of these studies (such as small sample size) as well as the limitations of the models that were studied (such as a lack of full interactivity). Given our positive results, we believe that further research is warranted concerning the educational effectiveness of computer-generated anatomical models.

An educational intervention for newly‐diagnosed cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

AbstractThis is a prospective, randomized pilot trial of an educational intervention for newly‐diagnosed cancer patients under going radiotherapy. The trial was conducted in a relatively rural area in northwest Texas. Our hypothesis was that the intervention would reduce psychological distress. A group of 31 patients who were predicted by the Omega Screening Instrument to be at high risk for psychological distress were selected to be the subjects for this study. The patients were randomly assigned either to the intervention (n = 15) or to a control group (n = 16). The intervention was a series of three one‐hour individual sessions which gave information about radiotherapy and cancer, coping strategies, and communication skills. The sessions occurred during the second, third, and fourth weeks of each patient's radiotherapy. Psychological distress was measured with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) at study entry, and one and three months later. We also used the Inventory of Current Concerns (ICC) to determine the specific areas of concern which were correlated with psychological distress. Knowledge gained was measured with a 15‐item multiple choice test which we developed from the factual material in the intervention and which we administered to both groups at entry, one month and three months. The intervention group's mean scores on the BSI Depression subscale fell over the three months on study, while those of the control group rose. The difference was statistically significant. However, the BSI scores overall were not different between the groups. Psychological distress in both groups was correlated most closely with Health, Existential, and Self‐Appraisal concerns on the ICC. Knowledge, as measured by the multiple choice test, did not increase in the intervention group, and there was no statistically significant difference between the scores of the intervention and control groups at any time. Since the BSI Depression scale has independent convergent validity with other measures of depression, we believe that the change in the intervention group's Depression scores could represent a meaningful effect. However, the lack of any measurable increase in knowledge suggests that any benefit of the educational intervention was probably non‐specific, resulting more from individual attention than from information gained.