Large-scale Education Programs Research Articles

“Global challenge program” projects themed on preventing zoonosis: developing One Health core competences in medical students at SJTU

Abstract Objectives To develop One Health (OH) core competencies in medical students, Shanghai Jiao Tong University has conducted an OH practice project named the “Global Challenge Program” (GCP) for three years. This study aims to understand the outcomes and challenges of the pilot projects, thereby providing evidences to support the expansion of One Health education program on a larger scale. Methods We conducted a questionnaire survey to a purposive sample of 48 participants who were involved in GCP projects. A questionnaire was designed to assess the effect of GCP projects on improving the core competencies of OH professionals. It consists of 32 questions divided into four categories: basic information, overall assessment, communication skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Statistical analysis was conducted and reported based on the data collected from the survey. Results A total of 42 students (87.5 % of 48 participants) completed the follow-up survey. Among them, 64.3 % perceived a significant improvement in their understanding of the OH concept and approach after participating in the GCP projects. Benefiting from the communication opportunities offered by the GCP projects, 24.0 % and 49.0 % of the students reported significant and moderate improvement in their international communication abilities, respectively. In addition, 74 .0% of the students noted that the GCP projects greatly enhanced their capabilities in interdisciplinary cooperation and systematic thinking in addressing complex health issues. Conclusions The GCP project has served as a pilot initiative for participatory OH education, contributing to the development of OH core competencies in medical students, particularly in systems thinking, international communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. However, generalizing the experience of the pilot project to a large-scale education program for medical students requires careful revisit of the gaps of resources and talents in curriculum building and project operation.

Evaluation of University’s Place in the Adult Education Ecosystem

The authors of the present paper conducted a comprehensive analysis of university place in the ecosystem of adult education, based on its characteristic functions, priorities of activity and emerging tensions. The participation of universities in the professional training of adults is analyzed. The research focus is projected on the assessment of the situation at the institutional (a university as a social institution) and organizational level (a university as a specific institution of higher education). A discussion of the prospects for transforming the place of higher institution in the ecosystem of adult education is presented. The study was conducted using a semiformalized interview method (n=36) with representatives of the commercial and public sector occupying key positions (heads and top management of universities, corporate universities, educational consulting organizations, providers of non-formal education services, etc.). Main results. Several points of university positioning in the structure of adult education ecosystem are identified: 1) the university is the core of the educational ecosystem and holds this status; 2) the university occupies the central place of the educational ecosystem, but can lose this status by certain actions or inaction; 3) the university is not the core of the educational ecosystem and should not be; 4) the university is not the core of the educational ecosystem, but could become it. According to most experts, universities occupy a central place in the ecosystem of adult education and have a high potential to retain leadership positions, provided that the educational material is relevant and meets the demands of the labor market. At the same time, it is important to consider that some participants of the educational ecosystem (online platforms, corporate universities and others) are rapidly increasing their influence and implementing large-scale educational programs for the population. Universities, having a high level of public trust and being mainly responsible for fundamental professional education, are interested in accumulating the advantages of other participants of the educational ecosystem. It is optimal to present the university as a central hub of educational practices for the population, accumulating the advantages of other actors of the adult education ecosystem. The article is addressed to administrative and managerial staff of universities, representatives of executive authorities and the real sector of the economy, scientific and pedagogical staff and graduate students seeking to study lifelong learning of adults.

Knowledge of stroke and the window period for thrombolytic therapy in ischemic stroke among South Indians: A hospital-based survey with educational intervention.

The objective of this study was to determine the awareness of stroke in regards to the risk factors, warning symptoms, and knowledge of the therapeutic window period among varied strata of non-medical people attending a tertiary care center. The interventional study involved the collection of data regarding awareness of stroke using a structured questionnaire with a total score of 16. Pre-intervention assessment was followed by intervention in the form of education regarding awareness of stroke administered one-on-one for personalized and effective comprehension by subjects. Then, subjects were asked to recall the information that was delivered to them and were scored accordingly. Among the 500 subjects included, 51% were female. About 76.8% of participants were young (age <50 years), and 83.4% were literate. Only 25.4% of participants were aware of the brain as the site of stroke. About 32.2% of candidates were aware of a few risk factors for stroke. Among them, the majority of participants were aware of hypertension (24%) as a risk factor. The most known warning symptom was "Numbness" or weakness of arm. The majority of the subjects (97.8%) were unaware of a therapeutic window period for stroke being 4.5 h or below. The mean pre-intervention score was 2.52 ± 1.65 while the mean post-intervention score was 15.10 ± 1.79 (P < 0.0001). The study showed that even among literate participants, only a meager number of subjects were aware of the golden window period of intravenous thrombolysis. Educational intervention by means of an in-person and one-on-one explanation achieved significant levels of understanding of stroke. The study could be used to formulate large-scale educational programs that focus on spreading awareness of symptoms and risk factors while also instilling the importance of timely medical intervention for efficient thrombolytic therapy.

UKRAINIAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC SPECIALTIES (UAPS) EUROPEAN SLEEP MEDICINE AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGY ASSOCIATION (ESMANA) STATEMENT OF THE ON SAFE SLEEP AS A PRIORITY ISSUE IN THE PREVENTION OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains a pressing issue worldwide, with a significant number of cases occurring within the first six months of life. Many of these tragedies can be prevented by adhering to safe sleep guidelines. The effectiveness of large-scale educational programs focusing on these guidelines has been well-documented in developed countries, resulting in the saving of thousands of children's lives.In Ukraine, there are currently no national guidelines for the prevention of SIDS. To address this gap, we have compiled modern guidelines from other countries such as the USA, Great Britain, and Germany, along with the latest research data, to develop recommendations for safe sleep practices for children under one year of age. These recommendations cover various aspects, including the recommended sleep position (on the back), requirements for the sleeping surface and crib, suggestions for safe co-sleeping, and guidelines for maintaining an appropriate temperature. We also provide information on the beneficial effects of breastfeeding and vaccination in preventing SIDS, as well as the increased risks associated with overheating, the presence of soft objects near a sleeping child, and parental smoking and alcohol consumption.These recommendations should be disseminated to both parents and healthcare professionals involved in infant care.

Empowering Education for Sustainable Futures

This paper positions the role of quality education in the historical and current development paradigm in a global context under the Sustainable Development Goals. I revisit empowering theories and the whole concept of development and connect it to the present. Can such theories guide us in the debate on the future of education? Finally, I reflect on whether my current workplace, a Danish University College, and similar education institutions are at all obliged to tackle global challenges. If so, how can such institutions position themselves to play an essential role in the futures to come? Are there any common denominators in design and content? I draw on my background as a historian and my master’s degree in International Relations. From a practical perspective, I draw on what I learned from 15 years of experience working with internationalization and development, both within the UN system, private companies, and later as responsible for large-scale education programs and projects in more than 36 countries. I also draw on six years of experience as chairperson of a Danish NGO working with child protection, alternative care, and deinstitutionalization. Most importantly, I draw on experience as a concerned father of two kids who will be affected by, and dependent on, our current actions.

International consortium for personalized medicine: an international survey about the future of personalized medicine.

Aim: The ICPerMed, international initiative promoting personalized medicine, has realized a survey among a group of experts, to define a common vision for the deployment of personalized medicine across healthcare systems until 2030. Materials& methods: ICPerMed defined five perspectives (p.4) and addressed an online questionnaire to 97 international experts to collect their views. Results: Seventy (72%) of the 97 experts effectively answered the survey from which 69 answers were exploitable. Respondents from a variety of international profiles approved the five proposed perspectives and reported required actions and best practices. Conclusion: There is a large consensus among experts directly involved in shaping international strategies and policies, calling for voluntarist public policies, new IT platforms enabling data-driven approaches, large-scale educational programs and new financing models.

The relationship of inflammatory diseases in the oral cavity and cardiovascular system. Literature review and determining the level of dental education

Relevance . The aim of the study was to analyze the modern scientific researches about the relationship of chronic oral infection with cardiovascular diseases, as well as to determine the level of dental education of students and doctors of various specialties. Materials and methods . We carried out the analysis of 11 studies, including 610 patients with cardiovascular disease, who need surgical treatment. After the meta-analysis, we determined the gradation of periodontal pathogens from the most frequently detected in vascular biopsies to the least. We also conducted a sociological interview among 230 people and with the help of its results, we developed a multi-stage dental education program. Results. Based on the analysis of a number of clinical studies, a positive correlation was observed (in 100% cases) between chronic oral infection and detection of periodontal pathogens in vascular biopsies. Sociological survey showed a low level of awareness between doctors and patients on this issue, and we have identified an actual lack of educational work with patients in doctor`s daily practice. Conclusion. The analyzed works and modern clinical studies confirm the possible relationship of oral infection with cardiovascular disease, also, the results of the sociological survey motivate us to realize a large-scale educational program to inform our patients and to increase the knowledge and skills of doctors of various specialties in order to control the greatest possible number of risk factors which lead to atherosclerosis, including chronic infection of the oral cavity.

Maintaining the quality of life and social activity of women in the post-reproductive period

Taking into account the increase in the proportion of women in the post-reproductive age in society and the increase in the retirement age, it becomes necessary to preserve their professional and social activity. As of 2016, in the structure of the female population of Ukraine, women over 50 years are 46.7%, respectively, the number of women over 45 years is more than half. However, today the problems of women of post-reproductive age are paid insufficient attention both by society, and by the media and social organizations.The issue of maintaining the life quality and social activity of women in the post-reproductive period was discussed on April 5, 2017 in Kiev at an expert council meeting in which leading experts in obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, family medicine and oncology participated. As noted at the meeting, the relevance of this topic is primarily due to the deterioration of the life quality due to the cessation of ovarian function and the appearance of symptoms of menopause, along with an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, oncological pathology, and type II diabetes at post-reproductive age.In this regard, at the meeting of the expert council it was proposed to implement the social and information project “Femininity of the future”, within the framework of which in the next 3 years (2017–2019) in 18 regions of Ukraine a number of measures aimed at preserving the life quality and social activity of women in the post-reproductive period. In particular, among them is the development of methods that reduce the risk of developing diseases, increase the level of knowledge of patients and doctors of different directions on modern approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of menopausal disorders in women, a large-scale educational program on the preservation of life quality, social activity of women in the post-reproductive period and with respect to methods for reducing the risk of cardiovascular pathology, oncological diseases.

Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale.

Concerned with the importance of prevailing knowledge about dementia in supporting those with dementia, large-scale educational programs have been implemented in some countries. Although Japan is one of those few countries, the experience from Japanese programs has been rarely shared because of the lack of a standardized measurement for assessing knowledge about dementia. This study aims to develop a Japanese version of the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (JADKS) and to examine its reliability and validity. The JADKS was developed through a translation-back-translation process and was distributed to 837 people including university students, community-dwelling older people, health and welfare professionals, and family caregivers. Using data from the 566 participants who fully completed the questionnaire, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and concurrent validity were evaluated. The results indicate that the JADKS has acceptable psychometric properties. The JADKS may be useful in assessing knowledge about dementia and could help compare effectiveness of educational programs.

Assessing Student Achievement in Large-Scale Educational Programs Using Hierarchical Propensity Scores

Many researchers assessing the efficacy of educational programs face challenges due to issues with non-randomization and the likelihood of dependence between nested subjects. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate a rigorous research methodology using a hierarchical propensity score matching method that can be utilized in contexts where randomization is not feasible and dependence between subjects is a concern. Although propensity score matching is not new in helping to create quasi-experimental models, many studies limit propensity score matching to student-level variables. To address this limitation in educational research, this study extends propensity score matching to the next level so that hierarchical modeling techniques can be used to help minimize error due to the likelihood of dependence between nested students. A large-scale educational program that targets first-semester freshmen was used to illustrate the utility and value of the methodology. This type of program is typical in higher education where student self-selection creates difficulty in assessing its true effects on student achievement; however, by using a rigorous methodology, administrators can have higher confidence when making programmatic and budgetary decisions.

Belief reinforcement: one reason why costs for low back pain have not decreased.

Recent figures show that there has been no change in the upward trend of direct and indirect costs for the largely benign symptom of low back pain in Western societies. This is despite greater understanding and the recommendation of a much more conservative and independent approach to its management. Moreover, in recent years, several large-scale education programs that aim to bring knowledge of the public (including general practitioners) more in line with evidence-based best practice were carried out in different countries. The hope was that the information imparted would change beliefs, ie, dysfunctional patient behavior and biomedical practice on the part of clinicians. However, these programs had no influence on behavior or costs in three out of the four countries in which they were implemented. It is argued that one reason for the overall lack of success is that it is extremely difficult to alter the potentially disabling belief among the lay public that low back pain has a structural mechanical cause. An important reason for this is that this belief continues to be regularly reinforced by the conditions of care of a range of “hands-on” providers, for whom idiosyncratic variations of that view are fundamental to their professional existence.

Sleep and the Developing Brain

Sleep and the Developing Brain

Rifampicin Resistance in Tuberculosis Outbreak, London, England

The Wisconsin Antibiotic Resistance Network (WARN) was launched in 1999 to educate physicians and the public about judicious antimicrobial drug use. Public education included radio and television advertisements, posters, pamphlets, and presentations at childcare centers. Physician education included mailings, susceptibility reports, practice guidelines, satellite conferences, and presentations. We analyzed antimicrobial prescribing data for primary care physicians in Wisconsin and Minnesota (control state). Antimicrobial prescribing declined 19.8% in Minnesota and 20.4% in Wisconsin from 1998 to 2003. Prescribing by internists declined significantly more in Wisconsin than Minnesota, but the opposite was true for pediatricians. We conclude that the secular trend of declining antimicrobial drug use continued through 2003, but a large-scale educational program did not generate greater reductions in Wisconsin despite improved knowledge. State and local organizations should consider a balanced approach that includes limited statewide educational activities with increasing emphasis on local, provider-level interventions and policy development to promote careful antimicrobial drug use.

Research Methods and Types of Evidence for Research in Educational Technology

Recent concern about lack of scientific rigor in educational research has led to a reexamination of educational research methods. Methodology requires particular attention when researchers study learning in complex learning environments such as classrooms or computer-driven environments that simulate complex processes. This article reaffirms the importance of experimental research for answering some research questions. It argues that nonexperimental methods, such as design experiments and methods applied to the study of large-scale educational programs, such as randomized field trials, are useful for answering other kinds of research questions about learning in complex settings. This article discusses the validity of evidence gathered using these nonexperimental methods. Finally, it suggests that the study of the dynamics of learning can help integrate data from experiments that reveal details about learning and data from nonexperimental research that reveal how learning occurs in complex settings.

Self-care Education Program in the Elderly

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> We read the report by Vickery et al¹on the impact of a self-care educational program on the decrease in medical visits. The results may be at least partially compared with those recently obtained by our group on a homogeneous population of elderly subjects. In the small town of Ome (Lombardy, northern Italy) we carried out a large-scale educational program on the population older than 60 years (about 360 subjects). The project consisted of group meetings, personal interviews, and distribution of a booklet prepared by us on the basis of the "Age Page" (published by the US National Institute on Aging and concerning self-care of the elderly). Fifteen months later we are trying to detect the possible effects of our intervention on the basis of the number of checkups carried out per person and the type of medical problems posed by the patients. The inquiry was

Goal Ambiguity and Organizational Decoupling: The Failure of “Rational Systems” Program Implementation

Oince at least 1965, and probably before then, federal and state governments have tried to impose change on the American educational system. Funding provided in such large-scale education programs as Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the California School Improvement Program was (and still is) expected to entice schools to participate in programs designed to improve students' education. Evaluations of these programs were meant both to provide information about the program to facilitate future policy formation, and to force implementation of the program by tightening the coupling between program goals and local responses. Yet, the educational system has consistently resisted imposed change. Program evaluations have not appreciably tightened the couplings between program intent and program implementation and educational programs have not been implemented as expected.

Problems and Solutions in Evaluating Child Outcomes of Large - Scale Educational Programs

Evaluation of large-scale educational programs is problematical because of inherent bias in the assignment of treatment and comparison groups. As a result, the ANOVA design is inapplicable, and even ANCOVA designs can give rise to serious regression artifacts. Data from the Follow Through Program are used to illustrate this point: samples were kindergarteners in the Responsive Education model and in best-match comparison classrooms. The criterion variable was MRT readiness level at posttest. Lord’s True Scores ANCOVA was shown to be a more powerful method in correcting for initial differences than the conventional ANCOVA. These data also were used to illustrate the problem of non-uniformity of program implementation across sites and classrooms. An index of implementation level by classroom was used to predict outcome levels, and the potential of this approach as an adjunct in comparative analysis was discussed.