Need For Training Research Articles

Standardizing Competencies and Enhancing Professionalism Through a Telepresenter Certificate Program

Background: Telehealth researchers frequently identify barriers to telehealth delivery, but often their literature does not propose change management strategies to improve access to care through telehealth. Systematic reviews support findings that education and training are lacking to ensure high-quality telehealth delivery. Curriculum that addresses technical skills, provides a clinical perspective for addressing digital health care, and proposes best practices can build the foundation for a competent telehealth workforce — most crucially, telepresenters. Objective: Recognizing an unmet need for standardized training for telepresenting health care professionals, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Connected Care (VA OCC) built on its prior telehealth experience to create a Telepresenter Certificate Program (TCP) in partnership with the University of Florida College of Nursing (UF CON). This paper describes the program’s curriculum, the educational methods used, and learners’ responses to a summative survey that evaluated the TCP’s impact. Methods: VA OCC and UF CON created a curriculum encompassing two courses. The first course was an introduction to the current knowledge regarding digital health, including the role of clinical informatics, electronic health records, patient-generated health data, and trends in data use in health care. The second course helped learners understand required telehealth competencies through patient case scenarios and covered topics such as how to telepresent virtual medical exams and apply these skills in practice. Results: Over a total of four TCP cohorts, 909 learners completed the program. Among overall learners, 87% agreed or strongly agreed that “they will be able to apply the knowledge and skills learned to effectively assist telehealth providers in delivering patient care using telehealth technology.” On average, 94% of TCP completers were satisfied with the program. Discussion: VA OCC’s partnership with UF CON successfully created a novel curriculum to standardize competencies and enhance professionalism for the telepresenter role through the TCP. Learners positively endorsed their acquisition of skills and their satisfaction with the program. The TCP offers a viable model for other health care consortiums to standardize competencies and enhance professionalism for telepresenters, resulting in improved telehealth quality and increased health care access.

НЕЙРОСЕТЕВОЕ ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИЕ ПАРАМЕТРОВ ТРАНСПОРТНЫХ ПОТОКОВ В ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНЫХ СИСТЕМАХ СВЕТОФОРНОГО РЕГУЛИРОВАНИЯ

A method is proposed for neural network prediction of congestion on road sections outside the control zones of transport detectors in the systems of “flexible” transport flow control at intersections with the traffic light regulation. The paper describes the operating principle of the original control system based on fuzzy logic. To develop a universal neural network solution that can be used to predict traffic on most road sections with common characteristics without the need for training for each case separately, it is proposed to identify 9 main types of sections and, accordingly, 9 neural networks. Each typical neural network differs in the amount of the input data and parameters. All neural networks are trained on samples obtained from analyzing traffic flow on road sections of each type. Typical characteristics of road sections, architecture, and parameters of neural networks are determined. Neural networks are trained and tested on the model data. Using computer simulation methods, the author assesses the control quality of the original intelligent traffic light control system, which has complete information about the transport flow (however, it is difficult to implement in practice), as well as a control system that uses a set of data obtained using transport detectors and supplemented with a neural network forecast. According to the experiment results, a system with a neural network forecast of congestion on road sections is inferior in quality of control by no more than 1.92% compared to an idealized system, which gives grounds to consider this method applicable in intelligent transport flow control systems at intersections with traffic light regulation.

Assessing knowledge of dental house officers regarding dosage calculation and complications of local anaesthesia, in three tertiary care dental hospitals of DUHS, Karachi.

To assess the knowledge and awareness of dental house officers regarding calculation of local anaesthesia dosage, and to evaluate differences in practices at various tertiary care facilities. The cross-sectional study was conducted at three dental hospitals affiliated with Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi from July to December 2022, and comprised house officers of either gender currently enrolled at the participating centres. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge and awareness of local anaesthesia dosage calculation, administration methods, and common complications. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. Of the 200 subjects approached, 136(68%) responded, and 89(65.4%) of them were females. Knowledge regarding the meaning of 2% lidocaine solution was low 45(33%), and 68(50%) subjects were knowledgeable about the maximum dosage of lidocaine with epinephrine. In terms of practice, lidocaine was the most commonly administered local anaesthetic 115(85%), followed by bupivacaine 15(11%). The majority of subjects administered local anaesthesia with vasoconstrictor 127(94%), but only 36(27%) performed aspiration during administration. Syncope 71(52%) was the most commonly reported complication, followed by lip/cheek/tongue biting by 35(26%). House officers' knowledge level of local anaesthesia administration indicated the need for adequate training.

Strengths and opportunities for improvement in surgical education in Ukraine: A qualitative study.

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 has significantly impacted the country's healthcare system including surgical education. To assess the current state and identify the strengths and opportunities for the improvement of Ukraine's surgical education system during the peri-war period, this study is one of the first to explore the state of surgical education across Ukraine in peri-war, providing essential insights for current and postwar healthcare reconstruction. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 24 Ukrainian surgical residents, surgeons, and program leadership from various regions. The study focused on clinical training, didactics, mentorship, autonomy, resident evaluation, the impact of war, and gender disparities in surgical education. Data analysis was conducted using a rapid qualitative analysis technique. Interviews revealed strengths in surgical education such as adaptability to war conditions and international collaborations. However, opportunities for improvement were identified including a lack of structured clinical and didactic experiences, limited autonomy and access to simulators, gender discrimination, and war-time challenges. These issues highlight a need for more comprehensive training and support systems for surgical trainees in Ukraine. The study underscores the resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian surgical education in the face of war while also emphasizing the need for significant improvements. It calls for implementing structured training programs, enhanced mentorship, and attention to gender equality. These findings are crucial for improving surgical education in Ukraine and can be used as an example for other lower-middle-income countries, especially in conflict settings.

Optimization and standardization of the work of a health care facility during a chemical accident

During the years of war, as a result of aviation and missile attacks, a significant number of health care facilities in various regions of Ukraine were destroyed, and the complexity and intensity of their work increased significantly. If the readiness of hospitals and their employees to treat gunshot and explosive injuries is established, in the case of mass destruction of chemically hazardous enterprises and the threat of the enemy using weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons, there is a need for special training of health care facilities to work in the in conditions of chemical threats. The aim of the work was justification of the development and set of measures for the implementation of standard operating procedures in the event of a chemical incident. The legal documents and recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, management of the World Health Organization and the Red Cross on the topic of the study were used. The research methods: bibliosemantic, analytical, modeling were applied. It is established that the special management group, which includes representatives of various services, is of decisive impor­tance in the effective management of a health care facility during a chemical incident: administration; communication department; security department; management of nurses and the department of infection control; human resources department; pharmacy; intensive care unit; department of engineering maintenance and repair; laboratory; kitchen; laundry; cleaning service and waste management. The most important measures of response to a chemical incident that ensure the safety of medical personnel and patients are the organization of a triage zone and a decontamination area for chemically affected persons. Based on the above, to prepare a health care facility for work during a chemical incident, it is necessary to develop a response plan, which consists of special administrative and management decisions and provides for regular staff training.

Barriers and Unmet Educational Needs Regarding Implementation of Medication Adherence Management Across Europe: Insights from COST Action ENABLE

Abstract Background Medication adherence is essential for the achievement of therapeutic goals. Yet, the World Health Organization estimates that 50% of patients are nonadherent to medication and this has been associated with 125 billion euros and 200,000 deaths in Europe annually. Objective This study aimed to unravel barriers and unmet training needs regarding medication adherence management across Europe. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey. The final survey contained 19 close-ended questions. Participants The survey content was informed by 140 global medication adherence experts from clinical, academic, governmental, and patient associations. The final survey targeted healthcare professionals (HCPs) across 39 European countries. Main Measures Our measures were barriers and unmet training needs for the management of medication adherence across Europe. Key Results In total, 2875 HCPs (pharmacists, 40%; physicians, 37%; nurses, 17%) from 37 countries participated. The largest barriers to adequate medication adherence management were lack of patient awareness (66%), lack of HCP time (44%), lack of electronic solutions (e.g., access to integrated databases and uniformity of data available) (42%), and lack of collaboration and communication between HCPs (41%). Almost all HCPs pointed out the need for educational training on medication adherence management. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of addressing medication adherence barriers at different levels, from patient awareness to health system technology and to fostering collaboration between HCPs. To optimize patient and economic outcomes from prescribed medication, prerequisites include adequate HCP training as well as further development of digital solutions and shared health data infrastructures across Europe.

Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) Technology in the Management of Educational Facilities and Infrastructure

Internet of Things (IoT) technology has developed rapidly and has had a significant impact on various sectors, including education. The integration of IoT in the management of educational facilities and infrastructure offers the potential to improve the efficiency, monitoring, and maintenance of facilities in real time. In this digital era, the need for a smarter and more responsive management system is very important to support an effective and sustainable teaching and learning process. This research aims to analyze the potential and implementation of IoT technology in the management of educational facilities and infrastructure. The main focus is to identify the benefits, challenges, and impact of implementing IoT on operational efficiency, rationality, and quality of educational services. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. The research results show that the integration of IoT in the management of educational facilities and infrastructure can increase operational efficiency through automating facility monitoring and maintenance. For example, IoT sensors enable early detection of damage and maintenance needs, which can reduce repair costs and operational downtime. Apart from that, IoT also improves security through sensor-based surveillance systems and sophisticated data analytics. However, this research also identified several challenges, such as high initial costs, the need for reliable network infrastructure, and the need for special training for staff to operate this technology. The conclusion of this research explains that the integration of IoT technology in the management of educational facilities and infrastructure shows great potential to increase the efficiency and quality of educational services. Although there are challenges to overcome, the benefits gained from implementing IoT are much more effective. A mature implementation strategy and support from various parties is needed to ensure the success of this integration.

Pemberdayaan Ibu Hamil dan Kader Kesehatan dalam Penerapan Program Stimulasi Pralahir

Delays in a child's growth and development can be caused by a lack of stimulation. Some pregnant women do not know, do not realize and have a bad attitude in providing prenatal stimulation. Not all health service facilities provide classes for pregnant women that are equipped with prenatal stimulation programs. Even though parents play an important role in providing stimulation since the fetus is in the womb. Providing prenatal stimulation supports the child's growth and development after birth. Based on this urgency, there is a need for training for pregnant women and health cadres. The aim of this community service is to increase knowledge, awareness and ability of pregnant women in providing prenatal stimulation, as well as increasing community participation in supporting the implementation of prenatal stimulation programs. The results showed an increase in the knowledge aspect of 27.28 points, with an average pre-test score of 64.54 (fair category), post- test 91.82 (good category). The average ability to perform prenatal stimulation was in the good category (94.55). These results show that this training can increase participants' knowledge and abilities in carrying out prenatal stimulation programs.

Compassionate Othering: the construction of refugee patients in medical students’ narratives – a qualitative study using story completion

BackgroundRefugees remain a marginalized population and are exposed to a variety of discriminatory processes, among them Othering which categorizes people as belonging or not-belonging according to certain ascribed characteristics. We explored how the narrative construction of refugee patients by medical students constitutes a form of Othering.MethodsUsing story completion, 124 5th year medical students at the Martin- Luther- University Halle-Wittenberg in October 2019 wrote a fictional story in response to a story stem situated in a medical practice. In a comparative approach, one patient presenting with abdominal pain lacks further characterization (version A) and the other is a refugee (version B). The stories were coded using qualitative content analysis by Mayring with a focus on content and narrative strategies (plot structure and perspective).ResultsWe identified four themes: characters, medical condition, access to care and provision of substandard care. The stories were predominantly framed with a medical or an interaction-based plot structure and written from a process-oriented perspective. The themes in version B, supported by their use of narrative strategies, were largely contextualized within the patients’ history of migration. An empathic depiction of patient B and the students’ compassion for the patients facing substandard care were key motifs as well.ConclusionThe perception of the version B patients predominantly as refugees establishes their construction as an Other. The students’ compassion acts as a representation of societal inequalities and remains an inept response without the tools to counter underlying discriminatory structures. Based on a discourse of deservingness, compassion alone therefore perpetuates Othering and highlights the need for structural competency training in medical school.

Awareness and Training Needs of Teachers in Inclusive Education

The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the awareness levels and identify the training requirements of educators in inclusive education. The study encompassed 73 teachers from the Grade School, Junior High School, and Senior High School divisions of a private university within the purview of the Division of Iloilo City, Philippines for the academic year 2023- 2024. An adapted questionnaire was utilized as the primary research tool. The analysis used frequency count, percentage, mean, rank, standard deviation, and ANOVA. The findings revealed that, when collectively considered, the educators demonstrated an intermediate level of awareness concerning inclusive education, mainly focusing on Professional Knowledge Regarding Inclusive Education and Exceptional Children, Knowledge of Instructional Practices and Content, and Knowledge in Planning and Managing the Teaching and Learning Environment. Moreover, the results emphasized the pressing need for training, with respondents emphasizing the significance of being effectively trained in areas such as Assessing Student Needs, Resourcing Classroom Learning, Enhancing Collaboration and Communication with Parents, Colleagues, and the Community, Evaluation of Student Progress, and Goal Setting. Furthermore, the study also explored potential differences in awareness levels across various demographic factors, including age, educational background, grade level taught, length of service, and previous training experiences. The analysis revealed that these demographic factors did not significantly influence the awareness levels among the teachers regarding inclusive education.

Effects of a Ketogenic Diet on Body Composition in Healthy, Young, Normal-Weight Women: A Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial.

This study investigates the effects of a ketogenic low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet on body composition in healthy, young, normal-weight women. With the increasing interest in ketogenic diets for their various health benefits, this research aims to understand their impact on body composition, focusing on women who are often underrepresented in such studies. Conducting a randomized controlled feeding trial with a crossover design, this study compares a ketogenic LCHF diet to a Swedish National Food Agency (NFA)-recommended control diet over four weeks. Seventeen healthy, young, normal-weight women adhered strictly to the provided diets, with ketosis confirmed through blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was utilized for precise body composition measurements. To avoid bias, all statistical analyses were performed blind. The findings reveal that the ketogenic LCHF diet led to a significant reduction in both lean mass (-1.45 kg 95% CI: [-1.90;-1.00]; p < 0.001) and fat mass (-0.66 kg 95% CI: [-1.00;-0.32]; p < 0.001) compared to the control diet, despite similar energy intake and physical activity levels. This study concludes that while the ketogenic LCHF diet is effective for weight loss, it disproportionately reduces lean mass over fat mass, suggesting the need for concurrent strength training to mitigate muscle loss in women following this diet.

Fall assessment and intervention among community-dwelling older people in a primary health care center in Spain: a best practice implementation project.

The implementation of fall prevention programs in the community is complex. Although there is solid scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of such programs, there are multiple barriers that should be addressed using multifaceted strategies. The aim of this project was to increase compliance with evidence-based recommendations regarding fall risk screening and preventive interventions among older adults in a primary health care setting. This project used a pre-/post-implementation clinical audit based on the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. Eight audit criteria were derived from JBI evidence summaries. The sample size was 62 patients aged 70 years or older. Data collection methods included a review of medical records and a questionnaire. A baseline audit was conducted and five barriers to best practice were identified. Strategies were then developed to increase compliance with the evidence-based recommendations, guided by JBI's Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) analysis. A follow-up audit was conducted in July 2022 to evaluate changes in compliance with best practices. The baseline audit showed 0% compliance with best practice recommendations for seven out of eight audit criteria. Five barriers were identified: (1) absence of fall risk screening tools, (2) lack of fall prevention intervention protocols, (3) insufficient reporting of fall episodes in the records, (4) need for staff training, and (5) high staff turnover. Following the implementation of a fall risk assessment and intervention protocol, along with staff training, seven out of eight audit criteria increased from 0% to between 22.6% and 100%. This evidence-based implementation project improved nursing practice in relation to compliance with best practice interventions to prevent falls. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A229.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: TEACHER PERCEPTIONS, PRACTICES, CHALLENGES AND NEEDS

In this phenomenological study, we examined the perceptions, classroom practices, and educational needs of preschool teachers regarding inclusive education. We collected the data through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview form. The paricipants were 15 preschool teachers selected by criterion sampling, working in public preschools in the city center of Diyarbakır. We analyzed the data through content analysis. Our findings reveal that preschool teachers possess a general understanding of inclusive education but lack specific knowledge in more detailed domains. They believe that implementation of inclusive education requires consideration of children's individual differences, developmental characteristics, and the cultural diversity. The teachers identified several challenges in implementing inclusive education, including a lack of materials, large class sizes, a limited understanding and support from parents, and their own professional insufficiency and experience. Additionally, they noted deficiencies in the general educational policies on inclusive education. Teachers often seek support from the children’s families or school counseling services to address the challenges they face. They also highlighted the need for practical training on developing and implementing inclusive activities, adapting activities to various characteristics of the children, and actively engaging children with special needs in learning. Based on these findings, we have put forward several recommendations for practice and further research.

Challenges of resilience training for military personnel in the Lithuanian Armed Forces

Resilience is a complex phenomenon that results from the natural human response to adapt to change through the ability to cope with or respond to threats. In today’s security challenges, military personnel are responsible for the defense of their country, and exposure to unfamiliar situations can harm the ability of military personnel to perform successfully. Therefore, this study aims to identify the challenges in resilience training for the Lithuanian Armed Forces military personnel. The study uses a qualitative research method and an in-depth interview. Eight military psychologists participated in the study. The selection criteria for the informants were currently employed/serving in the military with at least five years of experience and participating in resilience training. The results revealed that there has been significant recent attention to and need for resilience training in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, but that resilience development is fragmented. The findings show that the lack of a unified concept of resilience in the Lithuanian Armed Forces complicates the development of a unified resilience training system. Summarizing the organizational aspects of resilience training for military personnel in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the following key challenges were identified. There is a lack of leadership support for resilience education; the need for the development of trainers or responsible persons involved in resilience education; the lack of a clear perception of the value of resilience education among trainers; the need for unification and systematization of the education system through the updating/creation of the use of a system for feedback and evaluation. AcknowledgmentWe acknowledge General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania for financial support in publishing this article.

TRAINING NEED ASSESSMENT OF AGRI-INPUT DEALERS

In India, research and extension are two crucial components of agricultural growth. To achieve continuous expansion in agriculture, an effective extension system can quickly disseminate farm technology throughout farming communities. Agricultural input dealers play a significant role in the production and sale of agricultural products in addition to the extension services provided to farmers by the state Department of Agriculture and other organizations. Due to their easy accessibility in rural regions, they build a solid connection and help to enhance the agricultural extension system by offering the farming community useful services in a way that disseminates technology. Therefore, it is crucial that they take refresher training courses to provide themselves with the most recent agricultural expertise and information. Hence keeping this in mind, the present investigation was conducted in Jorhat, Golaghat, Morigaon and Udalguri districts of Assam during 2021-22 to ascertain training needs of agro-input dealers. A total 120 numbers of Agri-input dealers were selected as respondents by proportionate allocation method from each of the four districts. Data were collected by using pretested structured interview schedule. The needs assessment were done in the training areas viz., manures and fertilizers , pesticides, seeds, farm machineries, computer application and record keeping with three point continuum of 'much needed', 'needed' and 'not needed' having the value of 3,2 and 1 respectively. The data were analyzed with the help of proper statistical techniques and it was revealed that 96.66 percent of the respondents require training on integrated nutrient management practices, 70 percent have much need for pest protection of stored seeds, training on certification techniques of seeds (76.66 %), latest farm implements and machinery (78.06 %) and 75.97 percent have much need for training on record keeping software. A few characteristics of the dealers like age, experience in dealership, input supply and annual income have significantly negative relationship with their training needs.

Toward an Auditory Virtual Observatory

The large ecosystem of observations generated by major space telescope missions can be remotely analyzed using interoperable virtual observatory technologies. In this context of astronomical big data analysis, sonification has the potential of adding a complementary dimension to visualization, enhancing the accessibility of the archives, and offering an alternative strategy to be used when overlapping issues are found in purely graphical representations. This article presents a collection of sonification and musification prototypes that explore the case studies of the MILES and STELIB stellar libraries from the Spanish Virtual Observatory and the Kepler and TESS light curve databases from the Space Telescope Science Institute archive. Using automation and deep learning algorithms, it offers a “palette” of resources that could be used in future developments oriented toward an auditory virtual observatory proposal. The work includes a user study with quantitative and qualitative feedback from specialized and nonspecialized users analyzing the use of sine waves and musical instrument mappings for revealing overlapped lines in galaxy transmission spectra, confirming the need for training and prior knowledge for the correct interpretation of accurate sonifications, and providing potential guidelines to inspire future designs of widely accepted auditory representations for outreach purposes.

CRISIS MITIGATION MECHANISM AND TRAINING NEED OF SUGARCANE GROWERS- AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

A study was conducted to find out the Crisis Mitigation Mechanisms and Training needs of Sugarcane growers in Southern Karnataka during 2022-23. Mandya and Mysore district of Karnataka were selected purposively for the study. Mandya and Maddur blocks in Mandya district and Nanjanagud and Narasipura blocks in Mysore district were selected randomly. Eight villages, two from each block and 120 sugarcane growers, 15 from each village, with minimum five years of experience in sugarcane cultivation were selected as respondents randomly. Blocks, villages and respondents are selected through multistage simple random sampling. Data were collected with structured interview schedule through physical interview method. Statistical tools like frequency, percentage, SD, CV, RBQ, equidistant method was used for data analysis. Food grains, fuel storage followed by fodder storage and relocating to safer places are usually adopted as mitigation measures. They are less aware about various crisis mitigation mechanism to be taken at individual level like contingency crop planning, crop insurance etc. 50 per cent of the sugarcane growers belongs to medium crisis mitigation mechanism adoption category. It was found that they were in need of trainings on IPM, INM, organic farming, entrepreneurship and community disaster management. Training about individual approaches like contingency crop plannings, crop insurance and community approaches of disaster for crisis management to be provided. 43.33 per cent of the sugarcane growers were in high need of training for crisis management. Price crisis was the major crisis faced by farmers followed by labour and finance crisis. Provision of strict law from government to stop delayed payment by factories and maintaining uniform price for sugarcane farmers to be introduced.

Accelerating renewable heat: Overcoming barriers to shared-loop ground source heat pump systems in the United Kingdom

Heat decarbonisation is needed rapidly and at scale to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Shared-loop ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are an under-researched technology with potential to deliver clean heat at scale. These involve the installation of connected GSHPs for a group of homes, a whole street or apartment building, with shared use of deep boreholes, coupled with individual heat pumps installed in each property. However, a range of socioeconomic, political and technical barriers inhibit their mass deployment and there is a research gap surrounding potential policy, governance and financial support mechanisms to help overcome these. This study investigates the advantages and challenges associated with this technology, and reviews measures which could accelerate uptake. Analysis draws on 58 interviews with policymakers, industry stakeholders, users and non-users in the UK. Advantages include neighbourhood scale-deployment, with the potential to decommission local gas grids. Compared with air-source heat pumps, shared-loop GSHPs are more compact, less noisy, and more efficient, with lower running costs. However, they share many barriers associated with all heat pumps, and have higher up-front costs. A range of policy options are discussed which address the need for investor confidence, skills and training, information provision, and other incentives. Overall, carefully designed policy and financial support mechanisms could accelerate mass deployment of shared-loop GSHP technology, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, boost energy security and reduce carbon emissions.

Проблемы реализации муниципальной социальной политики в сельских поселениях российской Арктики: пример Приморского округа Архангельской области

This article examines the challenges in shaping and developing digital competencies among the population during the transition to a digital economy, using the dominant employer in an Arctic monotown as a case study. The impact of digital technologies on the socio-economic aspects of territorial development has not been thoroughly studied, and the development of digital competencies in the population of monotowns remains underexplored and requires further research. The authors highlight the importance of addressing the development of digital competencies among employees and the digital culture of dominant employers, considering regional factors crucial for formulating development strategies for both individual companies and territories (monotowns). The goal of this study is to assess the readiness of executives, managers, and specialists at the dominant company in an Arctic monotown to implement digital processes. The key objectives are to identify and classify the preferences of these executives, managers, and specialists regarding the current level of business digitalization. Our review of studies on the topic confirmed the variation in the development of regional digital infrastructure, influenced by regional development characteristics, the specific labor resources in monotowns, and the impact of dominant employers on digital competency development. To conduct the study, a questionnaire was developed to identify the preferences of senior and middle managers at the company. Electronic document management was chosen as the focus area, as digitalization often begins with this process, leading to varied assessments by employees, including instances of opportunism. Our analysis of the responses revealed a moderate relationship between work experience and preference for electronic document management, as well as a correlation between work experience and the willingness to improve specialized competencies. There was a high overall recognition of the need for continuous development and training. The results identified key areas for digital competency development among the company’s staff.

Barriers to integrating portable Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems in emergency medical service ambulances for stroke care

This study examines the barriers to integrating portable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems into ambulance services to enable effective triaging of patients to the appropriate hospitals for timely stroke care and potentially reduce door-to-needle time for thrombolytic administration. The study employs a qualitative methodology using a digital twin of the patient handling process developed and demonstrated through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, including 11 paramedics from an Emergency Medical Services system and seven neurologists from a tertiary stroke care centre. The interview transcripts were thematically analysed to determine the barriers based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety framework. Key barriers include the need for MRI operation skills, procedural complexities in patient handling, space constraints, and the need for training and policy development. Potential solutions are suggested to mitigate these barriers. The findings can facilitate implementing MRI systems in ambulances to expedite stroke treatment.