Introductory Session Research Articles

Improving Collaboration Between Youth Peer Support Workers and Non-peer Colleagues in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

The involvement of youth peer workers (YPSWs) in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) stimulates hope, destigmatization, and more culturally and developmentally appropriate support. Nevertheless, the collaboration between YPSWs and non-peer colleagues remains challenging, as it requires services to embed a new type of expert into practice. To stimulate the involvement of YPSWs in practice, this study reports on 27 semi-structured interviews with YPSWs and non-peer colleagues to provide insight into the barriers and facilitators in the collaboration process. The study took place in the Netherlands. A total of 10 interviews with YPSWs, and 17 interviews with non-peer colleagues in different healthcare occupations in CAMHS were conducted. Overall, the participants perceived relatively more barriers compared to facilitators in the collaboration process. Barriers to operate efficiently with YPSWs in multidisciplinary teams included: condescending attitudes and professional stigma towards YPSWs; concerns for YPSW boundaries; bureaucratic and clinical language usage by non-peer colleagues; conflicts due to different sets of expertise; and, lack of role clarity and guidelines for YPSWs. To improve the partnership between YPSWs and non-peer colleagues, participants described the importance of supervision and monitoring of YPSW activities. Moreover, participants also stressed the need for clear guidelines, and introduction and evaluation sessions to facilitate the collaboration process. While YPSWs seem to be an asset to CAMHS, there are a number of barriers to overcome. To overcome these barriers, organizational commitment, supervision (especially from peer colleagues), flexibility by non-peer colleagues, training non-peer staff to support YPSWs, and consistent evaluation of the implementation of YPSWs in services is recommended.

Developing patient-refined colorectal cancer screening materials: application of a virtual community engagement approach

IntroductionIn partnership with a federally qualified health center (FQHC), an adapted virtual version of boot camp translation (BCT) was used to elicit input from Spanish-speaking Latino patients and staff to develop messaging and patient education materials for follow-up colonoscopy after abnormal fecal testing. We describe how we adapted an existing in-person BCT process to be delivered virtually and present evaluations from participants on the virtual format.MethodsThree virtual BCT sessions were facilitated by bilingual staff and conducted via Zoom. These sessions included introductions and discussions on colorectal cancer (CRC), CRC screening, and gathered feedback from participants on draft materials. Ten adults were recruited from the FQHC. A research team member from the FQHC served as the point of contact (POC) for all participants and offered Zoom introductory sessions and/or technology support before and during the sessions. Following the third session, participants were invited to complete an evaluation form about their virtual BCT experience. Using a 5-point Likert Scale (where 5 = strongly agree), questions focused on session utility, group comfort level, session pacing, and overall sense of accomplishment.ResultsAverage scores ranged from 4.3 to 5.0 indicating strong support towards the virtual BCT sessions. Additionally, our study emphasized the importance of a POC to provide technical support to participants throughout the process. Using this approach, we successfully incorporated feedback from participants to design culturally relevant materials to promote follow-up colonoscopy.ConclusionWe recommend ongoing public health emphasis on the use of virtual platforms for community engaged work.

Attention Training Program May Improve Social Anxiety Symptoms

Attention Training Program May Improve Social Anxiety Symptoms

The impact of an organizational-level mindfulness-based intervention on workplace social capital and psychological safety: A qualitative content analysis.

Through the past decades, the mental health of the European population has been continuously declining. Social relations in various spheres of life, including workplace settings, have been shown to impact mental health. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been found effective in enhancing well-being, and reducing perceived stress, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Research into mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in workplace settings has shown that these interventions may positively affect workplace outcomes, such as interpersonal relations. However, research regarding the organizational impacts of MBIs is still nascent. The objective of this study was to investigate how an organizational-level mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) including a workplace-adapted MBSR programme may impact workplace social capital and psychological safety. Four small and medium-sized private companies were included in this study, representing 368 employees and managers. The intervention consisted of three steps: 1. Mandatory participation in introductory sessions on mental health and mindfulness, 2. Voluntary participation in a 10-week workplace-adapted MBSR programme, and 3. A workshop for selected employee representatives and managers on further implementation of mindfulness. Data was collected using pre and post-intervention focus group interviews. In total, 27 interviews including 76 respondents were conducted. Verbatim transcription was performed. Data was analyzed using deductive content analysis with theoretical frameworks for social capital and psychological safety. The analysis resulted in three main categories: 1. Social capital (1.1. bonding social capital, 1.2. bridging social capital, 1.3. linking social capital), 2. Psychological safety, and 3. Emergent theme: The role of lockdown on the perceived organizational impact of a workplace MBI. The greatest impact was found relating to the bridging social capital, i.e., social capital between departments, and psychological safety among colleagues at the same level of employment. The results indicate that company participation in this organizational-level MBI including a workplace-adapted MBSR programme may positively impact social relations at work, especially the bridging social capital and psychological safety between colleagues at the same level of employment. These results may have been influenced by lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MHealth to Support Outdoor Gym Resistance Training: The ecofit Effectiveness RCT

In Australia, 45% of adults meet the aerobic recommendations, and only 9%-30% meet the resistance training guidelines. Given the lack of at-scale community-based interventions promoting resistance training, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of an innovative mHealth intervention on upper- and lower-body muscular fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and social-cognitive mediators among a sample of community-dwelling adults. Researchers evaluated the community-based ecofit intervention using a cluster RCT from September 2019 to March 2022 in 2 regional municipalities of New South Wales, Australia. Researchers recruited a sample of 245 participants (72% female, aged 53.4±13.9 years) who were randomized to the ecofit intervention group (n=122) or waitlist control (n=123) group. The intervention group received access to a smartphone application with standardized workouts tailored to 12 outdoor gym locations and an introductory session. Participants were encouraged to perform at least 2 ecofit workouts per week. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 9 months. The coprimary muscular fitness outcomes were evaluated using the 90-degree push-up and the 60-second sit-to-stand test. Intervention effects were estimated using linear mixed models accounting for group-level clustering (participants could enroll in groups of up to 4). Statistical analysis was conducted in April 2022. Statistically significant improvements were observed in upper (1.4 repetitions, 95% CI=0.3, 2.6, p=0.018) and lower (2.6 repetitions, 95% CI=0.4, 4.8, p=0.020) body muscular fitness at 9 months but not at 3 months. Increases in self-reported resistance training, resistance training self-efficacy, and implementation intention for resistance training were statistically significant at 3 and 9 months. This study has shown that a mHealth intervention promoting resistance training using the built environment can improve muscular fitness, physical activity behavior, and related cognitions in a community sample of adults. This trial was preregistered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12619000868189).

Experience and Satisfaction with a Family-Based Physical Activity Intervention Using Activity Trackers and Apps: A Qualitative Study.

Wearable activity trackers and smartphone apps have been shown to increase physical activity in children and adults. However, interventions using activity trackers and apps have rarely been tested in whole families. This study examined the experience and satisfaction with an activity tracker and app intervention (Step it Up Family) to increase physical activity in whole families. Telephone interviews were conducted with Queensland-based families (n = 19) who participated in the Step it Up Family intervention (N = 40, single-arm, pre/post feasibility study) in 2017/2018. Using commercial activity trackers combined with apps, the intervention included an introductory session, individual and family-level goal setting, self-monitoring, family step challenges, and weekly motivational text messages. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to identify themes, categories and sub-categories. In summary, parents reported that children were engaged with the activity tracker and app features to reach their daily step goals. Some technical difficulties were experienced with app navigation, syncing of activity tracker data, and tracker band discomfort. Although families liked that the weekly text messages reminded them to be active, they did not find them very motivating. Using text messages for physical activity motivation in families requires further testing. Overall, the intervention was well-received by families for increasing physical activity motivation.

Pendampingan Pelatihan Software Akuntansi Accurate dalam Membantu Guru & Siswa-Siswi Smk untuk Meningkatkan Kompetensi dan Profesionalisme

Purpose: The purpose of this service activity is to equip and assist vocational teachers and students in understanding and being able to operate various features in accurate accounting software related to accounting transactions which are expected to improve the skills of using accounting software for teachers and students. Method: The training method includes an introduction session on accurate accounting software, simulation of the use of accurate accounting software, discussion of journals and financial reports accompanied by questions and answers by vocational teachers and students. Results: Accurate accounting software training went well and smoothly even though it was carried out online, but the enthusiasm of the participants was still intertwined with the many questions asked to the trainers. Conclusions: With this training, it is hoped that it will improve the competence and professionalism of vocational teachers and students in using accurate accounting software which is widely used in companies in Indonesia to produce accounting information that is useful in decision making.

Student perceptions in regard to formative assessment in medical education

Background: Formative assessment has been made a point of emphasis by recent National Medical Commission guidelines. It is a useful to ensure continuing progression, learning, and feedback of the student. Eventually, this successful formative assessment should lead to better performance in summative assessment and in their professional career. Aims and Objectives: (i) To evaluate basic understanding of students about formative assessment as well as change following educational session; (ii) To assess perceptions of students in relation to various aspects of formative assessment. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. Participants included second professional year undergraduate medical students. After a brief introductory session about formative assessment, a questionnaire was given to the students following informed consent. The participants had 30 min to fill out the questionnaire. Questionnaire contained 20 questions including different aspects of formative assessment. Change in response in regard to awareness of formative assessment was calculated. Results: Response rate obtained was 92.88%. Total respondents were 130. There was an increase in awareness by 76.92% after educational session. MCQ quiz in middle of teaching session was most commonly recommended form of formative assessment (66.92%). Teacher–student ratio was the most important factor for successful formative assessment. Most students (57.69%) believed that formative assessment should be done every month. Conclusion: Formative assessment is a useful tool for learning for undergraduate students from a student’s perspective. However, feasibility in terms of time and teachers remains the greatest limitation in its successful implementation.

Multidisciplinary Support To Access living donor Kidney Transplant (MuST AKT): A Clinical Research Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Increase Living Kidney Donation.

Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is the optimal treatment for eligible patients with kidney failure, although it is underutilized. Contextually tailored patient- and family-centered interventions may be effective to increase LDKT. We outline a protocol to test the feasibility of the Multidisciplinary Support To Access living donor Kidney Transplant (MuST AKT) intervention designed to increase LDKT. Non-blinded single-center pilot randomized controlled trial with a qualitative interview component. Academic transplant referral center in Northern Alberta Region with a population of more than 2 million in its catchment area. English-speaking patients of the age range 18 to 75 years who are referred for kidney transplantation are eligible to participate. Feasibility will be assessed by indicators of recruitment, retention, and completion rates, treatment fidelity, adherence to intervention, engagement in intervention, and acceptability. Participants will be randomly assigned 1:1 to either standard care (control) or the experimental group who receive standard care plus the MuST AKT intervention, a person-centered program designed to assist and enable the kidney transplant candidate to achieve what is required to receive an LDKT. The intervention consists of an introductory session and 4 intervention sessions delivered in-person or virtually. Inferences cannot be drawn regarding the efficacy/effectiveness of the MuST AKT intervention. This study is non-blinded. This pilot study is the first step in our broader initiative to increase LDKT in our health care jurisdiction. The results of this study will be used to inform the development of a future definitive randomized controlled trial. NCT04666545.

LGBTIQA+ Literacy and Responsiveness Education in a Clinical Mental Health Service

ABSTRACT Purpose To report on implementing a workforce education and development initiative to enhance LGBTIQA+ literacy and responsiveness. Methods An instrument of 7 questions was administered to staff who attended a 1-hour introductory training session on LGBTIQA+ literacy and responsiveness held across an Australian inner metropolitan clinical mental health service. Results In total, 113 questionnaires were received. Overall 68% of staff agreed, or strongly agreed that they had adequate knowledge and attitudes to meet the support needs of LGBTIQA+ people. There were 75% who felt confident working with LGBTIQA+ people. A strong 91% reported the training to be useful to their clinical practice. Overall, 45% neither agreed nor disagreed their service was set up clinically and culturally for LGBTIQA+ persons, with 18% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing. Conclusions Organizational commitment in the form of training and education supports staff to become equipped with knowledge and skills in providing inclusive and responsive practice to LGBTIQA+ people. Training and education are reported to contribute to service improvement and staff capacity to better respond to community needs.

Impacting employees' and managers' mental health skills using a workplace-adapted mindfulness-based intervention.

BackgroundDuring the past decades, the mental health of the population has been declining. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been found effective in enhancing well-being along with reducing perceived stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in the workplace have shown promising results relating to the mental health of employees and managers. However, the research field of organizational-level MBIs being offered to entire companies is still nascent. Practicing mindfulness may affect skills related to good mental health. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of an organizational-level MBI on the mental health skills of employees and managers.MethodsThis qualitative study was part of a quasi-experimental multi-method study. Four small and medium-sized private enterprises with a total of 368 employees and managers were included. The intervention contained: 1. An obligatory introductory session on mental health and mindfulness, 2. Voluntary participation in a 10-week live online workplace-adapted MBSR course, and 3. A workshop for selected employee representatives and managers on further implementation of mindfulness in the organization. A total of 27 focus group interviews including 76 respondents were conducted pre- and post-intervention. Verbatim transcription was performed. Data was analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis.ResultsThrough analysis, four pre-intervention categories emerged: 1. Bodily sensations and awareness in stressful situations, 2. Reactive and passive behavior during stressful situations, 3. Differences in perception as a stressor, 4. Self-criticism and low ability to practice self-care. Six post-intervention categories were identified: 1. Enhanced ability to be aware in the present moment, 2. Increased acknowledgement of how others may view things differently from oneself, 3. Increased kindness to oneself and being able to practice self-care, 4. Moving from reactive to responsive behavior in stressful situations, 5. Mindfulness as an accelerator for an ongoing personal process and 6. Practicing mindfulness – setting time aside or being mindful in everyday life.ConclusionThis study indicates that it is possible to enhance employees’ and managers’ mental health skills using an organizational-level MBI. Enhanced awareness in the present moment transcended through post-intervention categories, facilitating increased self-kindness and responsive behavior in stressful situations.

Does group physiotherapy improve pain scores and reduce the impact of pelvic pain for women referred with persistent pelvic pain? A clinical trial

Introduction: This study aimed to test group Physiotherapy sessions – pain education and supervised exercise − in addition to individual consultations, for women referred with persistent pelvic pain (with/without endometriosis), with the primary outcomes being pain scores and pain impact. Methods: Parallel study design with three treatment arms: (1) usual care: a suite of individual Physiotherapy consultations; (2) introductory group pain education session followed by usual care and (3) introductory group pain education session followed by usual care and an 8-week supervised group exercise programme. Results: Ninety women were recruited (30/treatment arm), with 66 women (73%) completing their allocated treatment. Participants were aged between 16 and 51 years; endometriosis was confirmed in 41% ( n = 27/66) of the study population. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistically significant gains ( p < 0.05) in pain scores and pelvic pain impact scores were observed in all arms. Between groups, there was statistically significant improvement ( p < 0.05) in pelvic pain impact score for those who attended the group pain education session followed by usual care (arm 2), compared to usual care (arm 1) alone. There was no significant added improvement with the weekly supervised group exercise programme (arm 3), when compared to those who received the group pain education programme and usual care (arm 2). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated positive benefits of a group pain education session on pain scores and pelvic pain impact for women referred with persistent pelvic pain, when added as a precursor to individual Physiotherapy consultations.

Virtual Training on IGRT: A Unique Initiative of a Private Cancer Center from a Developing Country with Regional Academic Collaboration during COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose/Objective(s)In the year 2020 cancer was identified as the second leading cause of death globally with more than 19 million cancer cases and 10 million cancer deaths. As per GLOBOCAN 2020, the caseload of cancer in Bangladesh was 1,56,775 and the cancer death were 1,08,990. Radiation therapy (RT) is indicated for around 50% of cancer, achieving local control and overall survival benefit. Inadequate number of RT facilities and manpower, huge cancer patient burden, lack of trained manpower is the main barrier for optimum cancer care of Bangladesh. During the COVID pandemic a unique initiative for manpower training in the field of radiation therapy was taken by a private cancer center of Bangladesh, with the regional academic collaboration of a Cancer Institute and Research Center of India. "Virtual training on IGRT" was arranged mainly for radiation therapy technologists (RTT) also with the provision for radiation oncologists (RO) and medical physicists (MP) to attend.Materials/MethodsRetrospective record review of the IGRT training program arranged from 4 September to 9 October 2020 was done.ResultsThe program was designed for five days on five week ends (4 September,11 September, 18 September, 25 September and 9 October 2021) for a duration of three-hours daily. First day was the introductory session which covered Setup, Fusion, Immobilization and Context Setting, followed by site specific discussion. On Day 2. Head and Neck Cancer, Brain Cancer, Day 3. Breast and Thoracic Cancer, Day 4. Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Cancer, Day 5. Prostate and Cervical Cancer were covered. A number of 245 candidates completed the pre-program online registration (RO- 83, MP-43, RTT-87 and PG Students-32). Among them total 230 attended the virtual program (Day-1-64, Day 2-150, Day 3-100, Day 4-103 and Day 5-103) Total 22 faculties were engaged from the collaborative center of India for this virtual training program where 11 were RO, 4 MP and 9 were RTT. Out of 230 attendants,133 (58%) provided their online feedback. Majority of them (>90%) found the training contents relevant to their daily practice and they opined that this training will help to change their ongoing practice.ConclusionThis first ever initiative of a private Cancer center of Bangladesh with regional academic collaboration could create encouraging response among participants with significant impact on their everyday practice. Participants found the training useful and practice changing. Well-structured, need based more such virtual training program may be arranged in future. This model can be reproduced at other developing countries with the expectation of similar outcome.

Syllabi collection on diversity and intersectionality in public health: reflecting on the development

Abstract Background Highlighting the intersectionalities between different markers of diversity and health inequities encourages the reconsideration of normativities in public health (PH). We developed an open access collection of syllabi on the relevance of intersectionality and diversity in PH together with the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER). Objectives We developed the syllabi in a participatory, iterative process guided by transformative teaching pedagogy. We reflect on this process and how this can inform the enhancement of the syllabi themselves, as well as future curriculum development. Results We recruited a core group of 9 PH researchers, teachers and professionals from all career levels from participants of introductory session presentations in different settings (e.g., 14th EPHC, ASPHER Retreat). The core group met once a month for one year online, and each meeting took the form of co-working sessions in breakout rooms to develop the syllabi based on interest and expertise. We designed a qualitative online survey to evaluate and ensure the scientific rigor and pedagogical value of the syllabi. We invited critical and constructive input from ASPHER member school professionals with expertise in intersectionality, diversity or curriculum development in PH in terms of content and pedagogy. Conclusions Drawing from the expertise of the PH community we combined diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, experiences from different career levels and PH education systems, as well as specialisation in the PH field. The transformative pedagogical approach was considered particularly valuable in strengthening competences such as reflexive strategies and self-, social- and global awareness which are key to teaching on diversity and intersectionality issues. The peer-review structure supports the uptake in PH education and a sustainable implementation. The collection will also allow PH faculty to diversify their pedagogical approaches. Key messages • Inclusion of health inequities, diversity and social injustice issues is crucial in public health curricula, since an intersectional perspective is increasingly acknowledged in public health research. • The syllabi collection will equip public health teachers of all career levels to develop their own course material on social identities and their significance for public health.

Accurate: Penunjang di Era Digitalisasi untuk Meningkatkan Kompetensi dan Profesionalisme Guru dan Murid SMK

Abstract - Covid-19 pandemic has brought many changes for education, working life and so on. Digitalization is increasingly felt and forced to change from being face-to-face to online, so inevitably world moves faster to accelerate the use of technology. Technology development also applied in industry, including in terms of accounting records. The importance of debriefing for teachers and students of VHS, especially accounting vocational, related to using Accurate accounting software which has been widely used. This training improves self-competence and competitiveness in the face of digitalization. Therefore, Pusat Penelitian dan Pengabdian Masyarakat TSM in collaboration with TSM lecturers help to provide training for teachers and students to recognize and able to operate one of accounting software that has been widely used, especially by SME industry in Indonesia, namely Accurate. The purpose of this training is to provide briefing to teachers and students in understanding and operating various features in Accurate related to accounting transactions which are expected to improve skills in using this software. The training method includes Accurate introduction session, simulation, journal and financial statements discussion. Targets and outcomes to be achieved from this training are increased the understanding and skills of teachers and students in operating Accurate so the students could meet the requirements of world of work in terms of the use of technology.

They do what they must: caseworkers at the public employment service in Vienna

PurposeConcerning the decision-making of frontline bureaucrats, research has suggested that caseworkers take into account a broader range of legal, organisational, professional and personal aspects. Their decision-making can offset social rights, when it neglects policy goals, but it can support social rights if the decisions consider clients' perspective.Design/methodology/approachBased on a factorial survey experiment with 197 Viennese caseworkers of the employment service, the caseworkers were asked how likely they would be to refer nine different typical clients to the introductory session for the programme “Women into Technical and Craft Professions”, whereby different dimensions were altered to grasp regulations and clients' perspective.FindingsIn the multilevel analysis, the interest of the clients in a technical-educational programme demonstrates the strongest positive effect, which complies with the programme's political intention. Other pertinent criteria may support clients' interests and the organizational performance goals, but neglect clients' position, when they counteract performance goals. Primarily, caseworkers do what they must and follow mandatory and performance criteria.Research limitations/implicationsOn the caseworker's level, further research should aim to reach larger samples. Furthermore, the impact of performance goals on caseworker's decision making has to regard different professional groups beside personnel and labour market experts.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that a focus on the micro-level is needed to evaluate the impact of social policies. The practitioner's position is crucial to juggling legal goals and client's need.Social implicationsPerformance goals ought to better reflect social rights on a broader scale.Originality/valueThis article provides new evidence on the level of discretion caseworkers execute.

Efficacy of a smartphone-based care support programme in improving post-traumatic stress in families with childhood cancer: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionDiagnosis and treatment represent distressing experiences for the families of children with cancer. Psychosocial challenges are faced by these families in China because of limited health services and resources for...

Virtual vascular surgery interest group during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

ObjectivesEarly exposure to vascular surgery at the medical student level positively influences one’s decision to apply into an integrated vascular surgery residency program. Vascular surgery interest groups (VSIGs) are student-run and aim to facilitate such exposure, traditionally via in-person events. Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these interactions. This is a description of the virtual activities of a VSIG group during the 2020-2021 academic year and highlights their impact among medical students.MethodsThe virtual activities of the VSIG at the Yale School of Medicine were reviewed. Students received surveys prior and after activities to assess their impact. Pre- and post-activity surveys using Likert scale (1 = completely disagree; 5 = completely agree) were administered and compared. Statistical significance was achieved with p< 0.05.ResultsA total of five virtual events were held: Introductory Session (October 2020), a Simulation Session (November 2020), a Research Night (January 2021), a Journal Club (February 2021), and a National Match Panel (April 2021). The surveys of three events (Introductory Session, Simulation Session, and National Match Panel) were analyzed. Attendance at these events were 18, 55, and 103 respectively. The average pre-survey response was 51.2% and the average post-survey response rate was 27.46%. Students agreed that the Introductory Session increased their knowledge about vascular surgery as a subspecialty (4.22 ± 0.67) and that the session was valuable to their time (4.33 ± 1.00). The Simulation Session increased student’s comfort with knot tying from 1.73 ± 0.89 to 3.21 ± 1.25 (p < 0.001). Students reported an increased understanding of residency program selection (2.39 ± 1.10 vs. 3.21 ± 1.12, p = 0.018), the ERAS application (2.16 ± 1.01 vs. 3.00 ± 0.88, p = 0.007), and letters of recommendation (2.45 ± 1.07 vs. 3.14 ± 1.17, p = 0.04). Students particularly had a significant increase in the understanding of the logistics of residency interviews which were held virtually that year for the first time (1.84 ± 0.96 vs. 3.29 ± 1.20, p < 0.001).ConclusionsVirtual VSIG activities were feasible and effective during the pandemic in promoting student engagement and interest in vascular surgery. Despite lifting social distancing measures, the virtual format could become a valuable tool to expand outreach efforts of the vascular surgery community to recruit talented medical students.

Student's Willingness and Perception Towards Online Teaching and Learning Through the Psychoeducational Group Counseling Approach

This study aims to assess the willingness and perception of students toward online teaching and the learning process among students through a psychoeducational group counseling approach. This study was carried out due to the occurrence of several psychological issues among respondents, including the difficulty of giving focus to the activities of teaching and learning online. The design of this study is in methodical way, namely by running four group counseling sessions through a psychoeducational approach. The method used to get information from these group counseling sessions is by using related modules such as Introduction Session, Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) Analysis, a Day in Life (as a Time Management), and Fantasy of Success. The study found that, despite some identified constraints, online teaching and learning are still preferred by the respondents in terms of their willingness and perception to embrace this new norm of the teaching and learning process.

A Game-Based School Program for Mental Health Literacy and Stigma on Depression (Moving Stories): Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent among adolescents in Western countries. However, although treatment for depressive symptoms is available, many adolescents do not seek help when they need it. Important barriers to help-seeking among adolescents include low mental health literacy and high stigma. Therefore, we have developed a game-based school program, Moving Stories, which combines mental health literacy training for depression with contact with someone with lived experience both in the digital and nondigital world. The aim of this study is to conduct a first test of the effectiveness of the newly developed game-based program, Moving Stories, using a cluster randomized controlled trial. A total of 185 adolescents participated, divided over 10 classes from 4 schools. Half of the classes were randomly selected to follow the Moving Stories program, whereas the other half were in the control group, where no intervention was provided. The adolescents filled out digital questionnaires at 4 time points, with questions on mental health literacy, stigma, depressive symptoms, and the program itself (before the program, after the program, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up). Using R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing), we ran linear mixed-effects models for all continuous outcome variables and generalized linear mixed-effects models for all binary outcome variables. Compared with the control group, participants in the Moving Stories group improved after the program in personal stigma (b=-0.53, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.03; t179.16=-2.08; P=.04). Effects on personal stigma lasted over time (3-month follow-up: b=-0.57, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.03; t174.39=-2.07; P=.04). Most adolescents in the Moving Stories group participated in the introduction (97/99, 98%) and contact session (93/99, 94%), played the game for 4 or 5 days (83/99, 83%), and indicated that they would recommend the game to their peers (90/98, 92%). The results of this study show the potential of Moving Stories as a stigma reduction program. With changes in the program to improve its effects on mental health literacy, Moving Stories could be implemented in schools to improve help-seeking in adolescents and reduce the negative consequences and burden of depressive symptoms. Dutch Trial Register NTR7033; https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR7033. RR2-10.2196/11255.