Likert Scale Research Articles

Effects of Leadership Styles on Employees Job Performance: A Case Study of a Public Sector Organization in Ghana

Institutions are supervised by managers who are expected to direct their subordinates towards the achievements of organizational goals. Achievement of goals in an organization largely depends on the relationship between the supervisors and subordinates. Leadership styles play a crucial role in every organization in terms of industrial harmony and achievement of goals. Managers depending on the situation could employ democratic, autocratic or laissez-faire leadership styles to get organizational goals and objectives achieved. Primary data from public sector employees was used for this study based on the objectives of the study. Data was gathered from 50 employees using closed-ended questionnaires. The number of respondents was selected randomly from a population of 135 and determined using Yamane, 1974 formula and Browly proportional formula as indicated by Kumar 1976. The questionnaire were divided into three sections thus background characteristics of the respondents, respondents’ perception of their superiors’ leadership styles, employees’ assessment of their job performance respectively. The leadership styles were categorized autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire. The leadership and performance scales were measured using a 5-point Likert scale thus, 5=strongly agree; 4=agree; 3=undecided; 2=disagree; 1=strongly disagree. The outcome of the research was to the effect leadership exist in organizations have positive or negative impact on the job performance of workers. The results showed that a democratic leadership style has a significant positive impact on job performance within an organization, while autocratic and laissez-faire leadership styles contribute to apathy and lower work performance. Moreover, it was suggested among other things that the use of laissez-faire and autocratic styles should be discouraged since they are could be a recipe of creating lawless working environment which could result in low productivity.

Sequential adaptive e-learning and hands-on simulator training for unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) of the lumbar spine - results from an EANS Young Neurosurgeons hands-on course.

Unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) is a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technique utilized for lumbar decompression, which has recently gained popularity in Europe. We aimed to explore the value of sequential adaptive e-learning, followed by simulator-based hands-on training modules for UBE at the occasion of the 2024 EANS Young Neurosurgeons meeting. An adaptive e-learning was designed by learning engineers (Area 9 Lyceum), based on theoretical content provided by two endoscopic spine surgeons. A two-module simulator training, consisting of an insight-the-box model (basic tasks for eye-hand coordination), followed by a realistic lumbar spine model (execution of an endoscopic decompression) was developed. Course participants completed the e-learning before the hands-on training course. Course experience was evaluated through a standardized self-assessment questionnaire containing a 5-point Likert scale and a 10-point numeric rating scale. Eleven of eighteen (61%) participants with different levels of professional education (62.5% residents in 1st -6th year of training, 37.5% board-certified) completed both trainings. Thirteen participants (72%) had no prior experience with UBE. The perception of knowledge after the e-learning module increased from 2.5 (SD 2) to 6.5 (SD 1.8; p = 0.039). The usefulness, enjoyment, and efficiency of the courses averaged a score of 8.0 (SD 1.8). Regarding the hands-on training, participants estimated an average increase in their skills from 2.9 (SD 1.8) to 6.8 (SD 2, p = 0.028). The overall rating of the two-module course was 7.9 (SD 2.2). Sequential e-learning and simulator training appear to be an effective educational adjunct to establish novel, MIS-techniques such as UBE.

Development and validation of a cost-effective DIY simulation model for McDonald cerclage training.

The prevention of preterm birth is a challenging task for obstetricians. Cervical cerclage, used as both a primary and secondary prevention method for spontaneous preterm birth, is a crucial surgical intervention. It is essential that obstetricians can learn this procedure in a simulated environment before performing the stitches on high-risk patients. This study aimed to develop a simulator based on 3D printing and evaluate its validity for clinical training. The objectives of this study were (1) to design and construct a cost-effective simulator for McDonald cerclage with two different cervix models-a closed cervix and a cervix with bulging membranes-using common material from a DIY store and 3D printing technology and (2) to validate its effectiveness through feedback from learners and experts in cervical cerclage. The self-made simulator was evaluated by obstetricians using a questionnaire with Likert scale. Obstetricians and gynecologists assessed the simulator and found it useful for learning and practicing cervical cerclage. The simulator was deemed valuable for skill training. Cervical cerclage is a complex procedure that should be mastered through simulation rather than initial practice on real patients. Our simulator is a cost-effective model suitable for various clinical settings. It has been validated by obstetricians for both preventive and therapeutic cerclage, demonstrating its efficacy for training in cerclage techniques. Future research should focus on less skilled obstetricians and gynecologists and investigate how repeated use of the simulator can enhance their performance in cerclage stitching.

Correcting near vision impairment and women’s empowerment: a before-after mixed-methods study among older Zanzibari craftswomen

ObjectiveTo understand if presbyopia correction could empower older craftswomen entrepreneurs living in Zanzibar.DesignMixed-method, before-after intervention study.SettingUnguja and Pemba islands, Zanzibar.Participants209 craftswomen (weaving, tailoring and sewing, pottery and producing oil and...

One-strength dose escalation of house dust mite depot product for subcutaneous immunotherapy is safe and tolerable.

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) aims at modulating the immune response by administration of allergen preparations at regular intervals over several years (1). For subcutaneous AIT (SCIT), the treatment is initiated with a dose escalation phase followed by a maintenance dose administration. Over the last decade, there has been a trend towards shortening dose escalation regimens to increase patient adherence. This open-label, phase II trial aimed to investigate the safety and tolerability of a house dust mites (HDMs) SCIT product when used in a newly designed one-strength dose escalation scheme. Patients, aged 12-65, suffering from HDM-allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis ± asthma were included. Patients were randomized to the one-strength (6 injections from the highest strength 3) or the Standard dose escalation regimen (14 injections from strengths 1 to 3) using the HDMs-SCIT product. All adverse events were reported. Tolerability was assessed on the Likert scale. One hundred and forty-three patients were randomized, 79 adults and 64 adolescents. In total, the one-strength regimen caused more adverse drug reactions (ADRs) than the Standard regimen (p = .0457). With both regimens most ADRs were local reactions which occurred more often in the one-strength group (p = .0393). But there was no significant difference in the number of patients affected by systemic or serious ADRs between both regimens. No relevant differences occurred between the two age groups and no other risks were observed for adolescents compared to adults. The safety and tolerability of both regimens can be considered comparable, as most ADRs were local reactions, primarily rated as mild in intensity. Nevertheless, the one-strength regimen caused more ADRs. Reducing the number of injections from 14 to 6 while using only one strength offers the potential to improve patient adherence which further might increase clinical efficacy. Future trials could confirm this hypothesis.

The Development of ChemicoMine, Maritime Chemistry Comic Webtoon as an Edutainment Media Accordance to the IMO Regulations

Based on the IMO Model Course 7.04 curriculum, chemistry is an introductory course that a candidate for sailor must master. However, most abstract chemistry concepts require technology-based learning media and edutainment. Webtoon is a digital comic that presents the concept of chemistry through real-life visualization strategies to attract student interest. This research aimed to create ChemicoMine, a maritime chemistry comic webtoon whose material content follows IMO regulations. The research method is R&D with the ADDIE model, which is limited to the Development stage. The instruments used in this research were analyst instruments of necessity, the validation tools of storyboard, the instrument validated by an expert in media and material, and the instrument for students. The data analysis techniques used the Likert scale 5. Validation results from an expert in material and media stated that the product received a percentage rating of 87.66% and 95.28% with the category (very good). Student response results obtained percentage of rating of 88.94% with the category (very good). Based on the results, ChemicoMine received a positive student response and can be used as an alternative edutainment media.

Penile constriction devices: a randomized survey study to compare preferences between two medical-grade devices.

Penile constriction devices offer a noninvasive approach to enhance the sexual experience and as the variety of penile constriction devices increases, it is crucial to assess patient preferences and device effectiveness to provide insights into their clinical utility. We aimed to compare the preferences for and effectiveness of two medical-grade penile constriction devices: Eddie by Giddy and FirmTech. Between May and July of 2023, males were recruited via social media and prospectively enrolled into an Institutional Review Board-approved, randomized, questionnaire-based study. Upon enrollment, the participants completed the Sexual Health Inventory for Men and Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males questionnaires. Participants were randomized to which device they received first. They used the device twice either during masturbation or intercourse in a two-week timeframe. Once utilized, the participants completed a 17-question, Likert scale, device satisfaction questionnaire, in which lower numbers indicated positive responses. The process was repeated with the second device. T-test and Chi-Square Analysis were run for statistical analysis. The primary outcomes of this study were patient-reported device satisfaction and efficacy and the secondary outcome was the device preference for patients with and without erectile dysfunction. Fifty men were enrolled and 49 completed the study. The average age was 40years old. Of the participants, 80% recommend the FirmTech device compared to 53% who recommend the Eddie by Giddy device (P= 0.0026). The FirmTech device was overall easier to put on both flaccid and erect (P= 0.0308 and 0.0002), was more comfortable, had better stretch, and was easier to adjust (P= 0.087, <0.0001, and 0.0119, respectively). The FirmTech device had a better overall impression amongst the participants (P= 0.0249). Eddie by Giddy was felt to improve erectile firmness more in those with ED than in those without (P = 0.0178). This study adds to the current literature on penile constriction devices that better guide providers as they counsel patients on these devices to enhance sexual function. The strength of this study is that this is a prospective randomized crossover study. The limitations of this study are that this is a single center study based on patient reported outcomes. The FirmTech device performed better than the Eddie by Giddy with respect to overall impression of the device, likelihood of using the device in the future, and recommending the device to a friend, while the Eddie by Giddy device performed better at improving erectile firmness. NCT05853822.

Enhancing Lesion Detection in Inflammatory Myelopathies: A Deep Learning-Reconstructed Double Inversion Recovery MRI Approach.

The imaging of inflammatory myelopathies has advanced significantly over time, with MRI techniques playing a pivotal role in enhancing lesion detection. However, the impact of deep learning (DL)-based reconstruction on 3D double inversion recovery (DIR) imaging for inflammatory myelopathies remains unassessed. This study aims to compare acquisition time, image quality, diagnostic confidence, and lesion detection rates among sagittal T2WI, standard DIR, and DL -reconstructed DIR in patients with inflammatory myelopathies. In this observational study, patients diagnosed with inflammatory myelopathies were recruited between June 2023 and March 2024. Each patient underwent sagittal conventional turbo spin-echo sequences and standard 3D DIR (T2WI and standard 3D DIR used as references for comparison), followed by an undersampled accelerated DIRDL examination. Three neuroradiologists evaluated the images using a four-point Likert scale (from 1 to 4) for overall image quality, perceived signal-tonoise ratio, sharpness, artifacts, and diagnostic confidence. The acquisition times, and lesion detection rates were also compared between the acquisition protocols. A total of 149 participants were evaluated (mean age 40.6 ± 16.8 years; 71 females). The median acquisition time for DIRDL was significantly lower than for standard DIR (298 seconds [interquartile range (IQR), 288-301] vs 151 seconds [IQR, 148-155]; P < 0.001), showing a 49%time reduction. DIRDL images scored higher in overall quality, perceived signal-to-noise ratio, and artifact noise reduction (all P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in sharpness (P = 0.07), or diagnostic confidence (P = 0.06) between the standard DIR and DIRDL protocols. Additionally, DIRDL detected 37% more lesions compared to T2WI (300 vs. 219; P < 0.001). DIRDL significantly reduces acquisition time and improves image quality compared to standard DIR without compromising diagnostic confidence. Additionally, DIRDL enhances lesion detection in patients with inflammatory myelopathies, making it a valuable tool in clinical practice. These findings underscore the potential for incorporating DIRDL into future imaging guidelines. DL = deep learning; DIR = double inversion recovery; IQR = interquartile range; MS = multiple sclerosis; AQP4+NMOSD = AQP4-IgG positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders; MOG = myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein; MOGAD = MOG antibody-associated diseases.

Dampak Kesehatan Mental dan Atmosfer kerja Terhadap Motivasi Kerja Karyawan

Isnawati The Impact of Mental Health and Work Atmosphere on Employee Work Motivation (Case Study on Private Employees in Surabaya City), Institut of Economic Science Pemuda Surabaya, Mentor Nur Farida, S.M., M.M. The purpose of this research is to determine how the working environment and mental health of private employees in the Surabaya City area affect their motivation for their jobs. 150 private workers from a range of industrial sectors made up the research sample. A Likert scale questionnaire survey is employed as the data collection method to gauge factors related to job motivation, workplace culture, and mental wellness. The findings of data analysis using SPSS indicate that private employees' motivation at work is significantly positively impacted by their mental health and the environment in which they operate. The results of the partial t-test indicate that job motivation is significantly impacted to some extent by mental health and the work environment. Simultaneous F tests verify that work motivation is significantly impacted by both mental health and the workplace environment.

Thread-Filler: A Standardized Combination Therapy

Advanced technology and increasing knowledge about aging faces have combined to create the illusion of thread lifting to replace surgical interventions. However, results that came far beyond expectations led to a heavy suspicion of these tools. However, combined treatments with fillers would have better outcomes with a synergetic effect. In this study, 52 patients were treated with a specific thread, whereas soft tissue support was added to supervene the lifting effect of the threads. With a mean age of 48 years, these patients were treated with 3 pairs of mid and lower facial areas, and one for eyebrows. With a median amount of 5 mL fillers were added simultaneously at the same treatment plan. The follow-up period was 32 months. Assessment with a Likert Scale questionnaire revealed most of the patients (n = 42) were delighted, whereas only one patient was unsatisfied. The only unsatisfied patient experienced the most frustrating complication, which was thread removal due to infection. The literature shows unauthorized, unspecialized applications of such medical devices cause failure and loss of reliability. Therefore, the most important point of this technique is the sterile setting. Other issues that are discussed in this paper also aim to direct the reader to achieve the most benefit of these 2 techniques.

Perceptions of Pharmacy Faculty Regarding Factors Contributing to Declining First-Time NAPLEX Pass Rates.

Identify perceptions from pharmacy faculty across the Academy concerning factors that may be influencing NAPLEX first-time pass rates to highlight potential focused areas of further research based on common experiences. An anonymous 43-item Qualtrics™ questionnaire was distributed to faculty members from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Questions were predominantly 5-point Likert scale items (5=very large impact) and encompassed six domains: pharmacy school factors, COVID-19 educational modifications, testing factors, standardized testing, applicant preparedness, and student factors. Demographic data as well as perceptions were reported with means and standard deviations. In total 600 responses were analyzed. Respondents were predominantly female (66%) and white (78%). Most had a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, residency training, and were practicing as a licensed pharmacist within the Southern and Midwestern US. Respondents indicated that the decline in NAPLEX first-time pass rates is a moderate to large problem (mean 3.64, standard deviation [SD] 0.891), and the top potential influencing factors include student quality (mean 3.99, SD 0.876), student's critical thinking (mean 3.90, SD 0.947), study habits (mean 3.74, SD 0.920), and admission standards (mean 3.67, SD 1.082). The top 4 factors indicated by respondents as impacting NAPLEX first-time pass rates were related to the student quality. This result highlights the importance of exploring issues related to pharmacy admissions and the need to implement effective strategies to support an increasing number of potentially less prepared pharmacy students.

COMPETENCE AND TEACHER PERFORMANCE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE MODERATING ROLE OF JOB SATISFACTION

This study aims to examine the effect of competence on performance, with job satisfaction as a moderator, among vocational high school teachers in Pekanbaru City. The approach used is quantitative, with the research population consisting of all vocational high school teachers in Pekanbaru City, totaling 778 individuals. Based on the Krejcie and Morgan table (1970), the sample size is 260 individuals, selected through Systematic Random Sampling. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire using a 1-5 point Likert scale and processed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS 3.0 as the analytical tool. The results of hypothesis testing indicate that: 1) competence has a positive and significant effect on performance, 2) job satisfaction also has a positive and significant effect on performance, and 3) job satisfaction moderates the effect of competence on teacher performance.

THE USE OF DICTATION METHOD IN ENGLISH WRITING ACHIEVEMENT AT SMP NEGERI 31 PALEMBANG

This study examined the implementation and effectiveness of the Dictation Method in enhancing English writing achievement among seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 31 Palembang. The research addressed two main questions: first, how students respond to the Dictation Method in their English learning; and second, how teachers implemented this method in classroom practice. Data were collected through surveys administered to 132 students across four classes, employing Likert scale analysis to gauge student perceptions. Results indicated overwhelming student approval (96%) of the Dictation Method, This study examined the implementation and effectiveness of the Dictation Method in enhancing English writing achievement among seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 31 Palembang. The research addressed two main questions: first, how students respond to the Dictation Method in their English learning; and second, how teachers implemented this method in classroom practice. Data were collected through surveys administered to 132 students across four classes, employing Likert scale analysis to gauge student perceptions. Results indicated overwhelming student approval (96%) of the Dictation Method.

Barriers to Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Comparison of High-Poverty and Low-Poverty Communities.

Our aim was to determine the most significant barriers to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for people living in high-poverty communities relative to low-poverty communities. We created a 21-question survey based on interviews with underrepresented minority patients with osteoarthritis targeting five barriers to TJA: trust in surgeon, recovery concerns, cost / insurance issues, fear of poor surgical outcomes, and timing considerations. Participants rated the importance of each barrier on a 5-point Likert scale, dichotomized into very / extremely important and not as important. The survey was distributed at New York City clinics and nationally through an arthritis advocacy group. We used geocoding to link addresses to census tracts, defining "high-poverty communities" as those with ≥20% of residents living below the poverty level. Logistic regression models assessed the association between community poverty status and rating barriers as very / extremely important, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Of the 702 survey participants, 16.8% were residents of high-poverty communities. After adjustment, participants from high-poverty communities were more likely to rate trust in surgeon (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.87 [1.24, 2.82]) and fear of poor surgical outcome (aOR: 1.68 [1.08, 2.61]) as very / extremely important. People from high-poverty communities identified lack of trust in surgeons and fear of poor surgical outcomes as more significant barriers to TJA compared to people from low-poverty communities.

Patient reported experiences of health care, quality of life and preoperative information in colon cancer.

Cancer may create problems and needs associated with impaired quality of life (QoL). The first health care encounter is important to enable patients to cope and may ultimately impact QoL. The aim of this study was to describe the patients' experiences of encounters with health care professionals. Another aim was to explore the possible impact that the encounters may have on QoL 1 year after a colon cancer diagnosis. We also wanted to investigate whether patients had received information about treatment related side-effects. This substudy within the QoLiCOL (Quality of Life in COLon cancer) study included 1687 patients (male n = 876, female n = 811, mean age 71) between 2015 and 2019. Questionnaires were answered at diagnosis and after 1 year. QoL was self-assessed with a seven-point Likert scale. Analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression. A total of 1,550 patients (91.9%) reported feeling well received by health care professionals. We found no statistically significant association with QoL. Patients (87%) reported feeling well informed about their treatment, but few patients recalled having received information regarding potential side effects on bowel or sexual function. Patients with colon cancer generally had a positive experience of the encounter with health care where they felt both well received and well informed. However, the amount of relevant information received was scarce. This indicates that it may be difficult to identify whether patients are properly informed prior to treatment for colon cancer only by asking if they feel well informed.

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS IN IMPLEMENTING CLASSROOM DEBATING STRATEGY TO INCREASE STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILL

This study aimed to investigate university students' perspectives regarding the implementation of classroom debating strategies to enhance speaking skills. This study employed a descriptive qualitative methodology involving the distribution of questionnaires, conducting interviews, and gathering documentation. To assess the data, the researcher employed a 5-point Likert scale, which contained twenty items in the questionnaire and five questions during the interview session. Thirty-six respondents completed a full questionnaire, while eight students participated in an interview session with detailed questions. The findings of this study indicate that university students possess favorable attitudes regarding the utilization of classroom debate strategies to enhance their speaking skills. The debate effectively motivated students to enhance their speaking skills and improve several elements of speaking, including vocabulary, pronunciation, fluency, comprehension, and grammar. University students encounter numerous hurdles in executing classroom debating strategies, including difficulties in defining the motion, articulating reasons, formulating rebuttals to opponents' arguments, structuring logical and coherent discourse, and managing uneasiness and anxiety during presentations.

The Influence of Emotional Competencies on the Entrepreneurship Intentions of University Students in Colombia

The main objective of this article is to analyze the effect of a group of predictors on entrepreneurial intention from the perspective of emotional competencies. To achieve this aim, a sample of 996 students belonging to ten public and seven private universities was selected, with each university having been granted high-quality accreditation by the Colombian Ministry of Education. The theoretical approach was based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the empirical analysis was based on structural equation models. Eight hypotheses were tested, with entrepreneurial intention as the dependent variable and emotional competencies, subjective norms, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial attitude as independent variables. The information was obtained by applying a questionnaire with a Likert scale to students of subjects related to entrepreneurship. From the findings of the study, it is concluded that in the two ecosystems analyzed (public and private), emotional competencies (EC) have neither a direct influence on entrepreneurial intention (EI) nor an indirect one since no significant influence is observed between emotional competencies and entrepreneurial attitude; however, a direct and positive effect was recorded between the self-efficacy and entrepreneurial attitude constructs on entrepreneurial intention. In addition, it is observed that subjective norms (SN) do not directly affect EI, but they do influence it indirectly, being mediated by entrepreneurial attitude and self-efficacy. The contribution of this study is focused on obtaining a better understanding of the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Colombia, which will make it possible to foster strategies for the generation of youth employment and public policies to promote various entrepreneurial initiatives. This could be based on government regulations adopted in the last decade, which are still under development, and the broad participation of university students and research groups of higher education institutions. Furthermore, given the dearth of research examining the impact of emotional competencies on the entrepreneurial intentions of young Colombian university students, this study aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap, thereby contributing to the development of a more robust body of literature that can inform the design and implementation of educational strategies and public policies aimed at fostering entrepreneurship within the university ecosystems of this country.

A subjective and objective fusion visual fatigue assessment system for different hardware and software parameters in SSVEP-based BCI applications.

With the development of brain-computer interface industry, large amounts of related applications have entered people's vision. BCI applications based on steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) are widely used because they do not require pre-training and have high information transmission rates. However, in the actual use of SSVEP stimulus paradigm, the subjects will produce visual fatigue with the use, and fatigue will affect the transmission efficiency. In this experiment, an experimental environment consisting of two paradigm stimulus frequencies (7.5Hz, 15Hz), three resolutions (800 × 600, 1280 × 720, 1920 × 1080) and three refresh rates (120Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz) is set up. The Likert scale is used to collect subjective fatigue and preference scores, and the EEG acquisition system and eye tracker are used to collect objective data. Using the proposed information entropy-CRITIC algorithm to combine subjective and objective indicators, a fatigue assessment system (display screen fitness-DSF) is innovated to score different experimental environments. The higher the DSF score, the better the visual experience. The results show that when using the 7.5Hz SSVEP paradigm, the combination of 360Hz and 1920 × 1080 can bring the best visual experience. When using the 15Hz SSVEP paradigm, the combination of 240Hz and 1280 × 720 is the best. DSF provides powerful help for hardware and software selection guidance and vision protection when using SSVEP-based BCI applications.

Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of the Mask Usability Scale: A Measure of the Perceived Usability of N95 Respirators Among Healthcare Students and Staff.

To test the reliability and construct validity of the Mask Usability Scale in healthcare students and staff. A methodological study involving repeated measures. The study included two batches of participants: (1) 283 university nursing students and (2) 1753 participants composed of students (61%) and clinical staff (39%). All participants underwent N95 respirator fit tests and user seal checks. They also responded to the Mask Usability Scale, which comprises 11 items evaluated using Likert scales. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation test. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The factor structure was initially identified through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), laying the groundwork for the model. This approach was followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to ensure the model fits with the standardised solution. Excluding items 9, 10 and 11, the study showed satisfactory internal consistency, evidenced by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.842 for the eight-item scale from the combined samples. Factors, such as 'Heat', 'Breathability', 'Tightness' and 'Ease in talking' showed moderate to strong correlations. The test-retest reliability in the batch one sample was acceptable with ICCs ranging between 0.69 and 0.71 for different models. The EFA and fit indices supported a two-factor structure. The first factor 'Comfort and Usage' included 'Heat', 'Breathability', 'Tightness', 'Ease in talking' and 'Prolonged use', which were keys for the usability of N95 respirators. The second factor 'Suitability' encompassed 'Itchy', 'Easily displaced' and 'Ear soreness'. The variance explained by the first and second factors was 49% and 12%, respectively, with a strong inter-factor correlation. The CFA results were satisfactory with fit metrics (NFI = 0.967, IFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.952, CFI = 0.969, RMSEA = 0.078 with 90% CI [0.069, 0.086] and p < 0.001) and a chi-squared to df ratio of 13.58. The eight-item mask usability scale exhibited satisfactory internal consistency and construct validity in both healthcare student and staff samples. The primary concern in the purchase policy of N95 respirators for clinical use is to strike the right balance between usability and fit rate (passing % of fit testing). Our study solidified the concept of quantifying the usability of respirators. With that mask usabilityscale measurement, a provision of benchmark and reference for the design and selection of respirators would be possible. This validated scale has significant implications for senior management in clinical settings and respirator manufacturers regarding the N95 respirator purchase policy and design. The results indicatedthe psychometric propertiesof mask usability scale in measuring the usability of N95 respirators. This scale is particularly valuable for assessing the perceptions of healthcare students and staff of factors, namely, 'Heat', 'Breathability', 'Tightness', 'Ease in talking', 'Prolonged use', 'Itchy', 'Easily displaced' and 'Ear soreness' concerning the use of N95 respirators. We adhered to EQUATOR guidelines following the STROBE statement. No patient or public contribution. ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN40115047.

A Novel Pediatric Clinical Skills Curriculum to Prepare Medical Students for Pediatrics Clerkship

Abstract Introduction Medical students feel poorly prepared to examine pediatric patients during clerkship. Our institution’s introduction to clinical skills course lacked practice with pediatrics physical examination skills. We developed a novel clinical skills curriculum to increase students’ confidence in examining pediatric patients. Methods Ericsson’s deliberate practice conceptual framework guided curriculum design. We utilized a flipped-classroom model to teach the newborn examination. Students watched a video, then practiced with manikins and patients. For the child examination, students attended a lecture and practiced with hospitalized children and facilitators. Students then participated in a Home, Education, Eating/Exercise, Activities/Employment, Drugs, Suicidality, Sexuality, Safety (HEEADSSS) didactic and role play activity. Before and after participation, students completed REDCap surveys ranking confidence in performing pediatric examinations and identifying normal examination findings on a Likert scale (1 = “Not at all confident,” 4 = “Extremely confident”). We analyzed data using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Results A total of 97 students participated in the curriculum. Respectively, 56 (58%) and 32 (30%) students completed pre- and post-participation surveys. Post-participation, students reported increased confidence in identifying normal infant (median [interquartile range]; (2 [2,2] vs 4 [3,4]; p &lt; 0.001) and child (2 [2,2] vs 3 [3,4]; p &lt; 0.001) examination findings as well as HEEADSSS assessment components (2 [1.5,2] vs 4 [3,4]; p &lt; 0.001), and had significantly higher scores on confidence performing infant (2 [2,2.5] vs 4 [3,4]; p &lt; 0.001), child (2 [2,2] vs 3 [3,4]; p &lt; 0.001), and HEEADSSS assessment (2 [2,3] vs 4 [3,4]; p &lt; 0.001). Discussion This multi-modal curriculum emphasizing pediatric examination skills improved students’ confidence in pediatric-specific knowledge and skills prior to clerkship.