Orientation Session Research Articles

Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases among the Bachelor of Science New Entrants at the Open University of Sri Lanka in 2020

Global attention towards zoonotic diseases has been oriented with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 as they are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, and they pose a significant threat to public health. This study draws on the awareness of a group of new BSc degree registrants (N=267) at The Open University of Sri Lanka in 2020 about common zoonotic diseases. A cross-sectional study was employed for the participants in a virtual orientation session in December 2020 using a structured online questionnaire. Pearson Chi-square test (χ2) was used evaualte statistical significance at p<0.05. The survey reveals that from the total respondents, 89.9% were aware of zoonotic diseases in humans by animals, 77.9% are aware that zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals and 75.3% knew that zoonotic diseases can be transmitted by eating raw meat of infected animals. Further, 82.4% and 86.1% of respondents agreed that zoonotic diseases could be treated and prevented while 85.4% agreed that zoonotic diseases could be controlled. The majority of the respondents were aware of Rabies, Covid 19, Malaria, Dengue fever and SARS as zoonotic diseases and a higher proportion of female respondents identified Hepatitis E as a zoonotic disease. Bovine tuberculosis was identified by students who studied biological sciences compared to other streams. Respondents below 24 years of age identified Anthrax and Leptospirosis, SARS and Trichinellosis as zoonotic diseases than other age categories. Students in suburban areas had a higher tendency to identify Ebola virus disease, Giardiasis, and Hepatitis E as zoonotic diseases. Urban and suburban students had a higher tendency to wash their hands thoroughly after petting the animals. Pet owners only identified Giardiasis as a zoonotic disease and agreed that avoiding direct contact with animals, avoidance of rearing pets indoors and discarding pet faeces in a proper place as good practices to avoid the transmission of zoonoses. Most of the respondents agreed that zoonotic diseases could be prevented by avoiding eating raw meat, avoiding eating unwashed fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding direct contact with animals, avoiding rearing pets indoors, regular vaccination of pets, proper discharge of animal faeces, washing the hands thoroughly after petting the animals. Overall, this study revealed that the level of awareness about zoonotic diseases among the new BSc registrants was satisfactory. It is inferred that the students could be more educated about the preventive and control measures for zoonotic diseases. It is expected that students will develop essential life skills that are required for the prevention and control of diseases.

Evaluating the Experience of Visiting International Providers on Local Neurology Trainees in a Resource-Limited Setting (P4-8.007)

<h3>Objective:</h3> Assess the impact of visiting international neurology attendings and trainees on local neurology trainees in Zambia. <h3>Background:</h3> Interest in global neurology is increasing among U.S. neurology residents. Global health electives improve clinical skills, commitment to underserved populations, and cost-effective decision-making practices among neurology trainees from high-income settings. However, existing literature focuses primarily on the experiences of Canadian and U.S. trainees, with formal research on the perspective of local neurology trainees lacking. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> The Zambian neurology training program, which graduated its first class in 2018, frequently hosts visiting neurology attendings and residents from high-income settings. Current trainees and graduates of the program completed surveys and participated in focus groups to assess their experiences with visitors and the impact on their training. <h3>Results:</h3> 100% of current trainees (n=5) and program graduates (n=4) participated. All participants rated the experience of working with international visitors positively (56% rated 5/5 (most positive), 44% rated 4/5). Specific positive aspects included exposure to different teaching styles and clinical approaches, awareness of neurologic practice in different parts of the world, expertise in subspecialties less available locally, and expanded academic networking opportunities. Local trainees appreciated the clinical contribution to busy inpatient and outpatient services, the ability to compare themselves to an “international standard”, and the cultural exchange with visitors. Challenges of working with visitors included occasional discrepancies in expectations, prolonged patient encounters due to language barriers, incomplete understanding by visitors of cultural differences and resource limitations, and physical workspace constraints. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Local trainees in Zambia reported an overall positive experience with visiting providers from high-income countries. Our results provide support for expanding global health electives and faculty opportunities in Zambia and, potentially, similar settings. Orientation sessions for visiting clinicians to review cultural differences, resource limitations, and training expectations may improve the experience for visitors and hosts alike. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Salasky has nothing to disclose. Dr. DiBiase has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from National Institutes of Health. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from American Academy of Neurology. The institution of Dr. Saylor has received research support from United States Department of State. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of multiple committees and task forces focused on improving access to MS medications to people across the world with Multiple Sclerosis International Federation that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the Neurology and COVID19 committee with World Health Organization that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Saylor has a non-compensated relationship as a Member of the International Outreach Committee, Junior and Early Career Membership Committee, and Educational Innovation Commitees with American Neurological Association that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.

Development and Psychometric Assessment of the Weight and Eating Quality of Life (WE-QOL) Scale in US Military Veterans.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is in need of population health approaches to address overweight and obesity-related diseases. BMI serves as a simple, blunt metric to monitor these efforts. However, emerging research has demonstrated that healthcare weigh-ins contribute to weight stigma which paraodoxically is associated withweight gain. An alternative metric is urgently needed for VHA's MOVE!® Weight Management Program and other eating- and weight-related services. To develop a brief population health metric called the Weight and Eating Quality of Life (WE-QOL) Scale and assess its psychometric properties. The literature was reviewed for relevant weight- and eating-specific QOL measures to identify unique and overlapping constructs. Eight items, representing these constructs, comprised the new brief WE-QOL Scale. A survey study was conducted with data analyzed in STATA. A total of 213 consecutively evaluated US Veterans attending an orientation session for MOVE!. The WE-QOL Scale, as well as a widely used generic health-related QOL measure, the European Quality of Life Screener (EQ-ED-5L), and relevant validated measures. WE-QOL descriptive findings demonstrated severe impacts on physical activity and physical discomfort for approximately 30% of the sample each; moderate-to-severe impacts on daily responsibilities, emotional distress, and shame and guilt for one-third of the sample each and public distress for one-fourth of the sample. The WE-QOL Scale performed aswell as, or better than, the EQ-ED-5L for internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91) and associations to relevant constructs (BMI, eating pathology, and physical activity). Findings support the reliability and construct validity of the WE-QOL Scale. The WE-QOL Scale has potential to provide a standardized population health metric that could be used as a screening tool and clinical reminder to identify, refer, and assess outcomes for Veterans with weight and disordered eating issues. Future research could be targeted at using this measure to improve patient care and quality of care.

Neural and behavioral adaptations to frontal theta neurofeedback training: A proof of concept study.

Previous neurofeedback research has shown training-related frontal theta increases and performance improvements on some executive tasks in real feedback versus sham control groups. However, typical sham control groups receive false or non-contingent feedback, making it difficult to know whether observed differences between groups are associated with accurate contingent feedback or other cognitive mechanisms (motivation, control strategies, attentional engagement, fatigue, etc.). To address this question, we investigated differences between two frontal theta training groups, each receiving accurate contingent feedback, but with different top-down goals: (1) increase and (2) alternate increase/decrease. We hypothesized that the increase group would exhibit greater increases in frontal theta compared to the alternate group, which would exhibit lower frontal theta during down- versus up-modulation blocks over sessions. We also hypothesized that the alternate group would exhibit greater performance improvements on a Go-NoGo shooting task requiring alterations in behavioral activation and inhibition, as the alternate group would be trained with greater task specificity, suggesting that receiving accurate contingent feedback may be the more salient learning mechanism underlying frontal theta neurofeedback training gains. Thirty young healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to increase or alternate groups. Training consisted of an orientation session, five neurofeedback training sessions (six blocks of six 30-s trials of FCz theta modulation (4-7 Hz) separated by 10-s rest intervals), and six Go-NoGo testing sessions (four blocks of 90 trials in both Low and High time-stress conditions). Multilevel modeling revealed greater frontal theta increases in the alternate group over training sessions. Further, Go-NoGo task performance increased at a greater rate in the increase group (accuracy and reaction time, but not commission errors). Overall, these results reject our hypotheses and suggest that changes in frontal theta and performance outcomes were not explained by reinforcement learning afforded by accurate contingent feedback. We discuss our findings in terms of alternative conceptual and methodological considerations, as well as limitations of this research.

Assessing efficacy of instructor based orientation to donning doffing protocols and modifications to doffing area infrastructure in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection among Doctors assigned to COVID-19 patient care

We assess the efficacy of orientation programmes for doctors of proper donning, doffing techniques for personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe practices inside the COVID-19 hospital in reducing the COVID-19 infection rate among doctors. A total of 767 resident doctors and 197 faculty visits on weekly rotation were recorded over a six month period. Doctors were guided through orientation sessions before their entry into the COVID-19 hospital from 1 August 2020. The infection rate among doctors was used to study the efficacy of the programme. McNemars Chi-square test was used to compare the infection rate in the two groups before and after orientation sessions were commenced. A statistically significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 infection was seen among resident doctors after orientation programmes and infrastructure modification (3% vs 7.4%, P=0.03). Twenty-eight of 32 (87.5%) doctors who tested positive developed asymptomatic to mild infection. The infection rate was 3.65% and 2.1% among residents and faculty respectively. There was no mortality recorded. Orientation programme for healthcare workers for PPE donning and doffing protocols with practical demonstration and trial of PPE usage can significantly reduce COVID-19 infection. Such sessions should be mandatory for all workers on deputation in designated area for Infectious Diseases and in pandemic situations.

Cognitive impairment and behavioural emergencies within the acute hospital setting

BackgroundPatients with cognitive impairment exhibiting agitation and aggression are challenging to manage in the acute hospital setting. When a patient’s behaviours place themselves or others at risk of harm, a...

Effect of a telephone and web-based problem-solving intervention for stroke caregivers on stroke patient activities of daily living: A randomized controlled trial

Objective To test for effects of a problem-solving intervention for stroke caregivers on stroke survivor activities of daily living. Design Two-arm parallel randomized clinical trial with repeated measures at 11 weeks and 19 weeks. Setting Medical centers for US military Veterans. Subjects Caregivers of stroke survivors. Intervention A registered nurse guided caregivers in using problem-solving strategies emphasizing creative thinking, optimism, planning, and expert information to address challenges associated with caregiving. Caregivers in the intervention completed one telephone orientation session followed by eight online, asynchronous messaging center sessions. The messaging center sessions involved (a) education on the Resources and Education for Stroke Caregivers’ Understanding and Empowerment website (https://www.stroke.cindrr.research.va.gov/en/), (b) supportive communication between the nurse and caregiver, (c) nurse and caregiver interactions to improve problem-solving, and (d) maintain adherence to discharge planning instructions. Main Outcome The Barthel Index was used to measure activities of daily living. Results 174 participants (standard care n = 88, intervention n = 86) were enrolled at baseline. There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. Change scores in activities of daily living between baseline and 11 weeks were significantly higher in the intervention group than the standard care group (group difference = 6.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.28, 11.58). Group differences in change scores between baseline and 19 weeks were not statistically significant (group difference = 3.89, 95% confidence interval: −3.58, 11.36). Conclusions This web-based caregiver intervention improved stroke survivor activities of daily living by 11 weeks, but intervention effects were undetectable after 19 weeks.

Assessing Self-Reported Readiness of Medical Students transitioning to Clinical Clerkship at the University of Ottawa

Introduction: The transition from pre-clerkship to clinical clerkship is a pivotal moment for medical students. Curricular improvements can be made to better prepare students for clerkship. We collected student feedback to generate recommendations for improvement with regard to clerkship preparedness at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine.&#x0D; Methods: We created a pre- and post-clerkship transition survey for medical students at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine. The groups assessed were from different cohorts. Likert-type and open ended questions were used. The survey was open from October 10 to October 31, 2020. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used for data analysis.&#x0D; Results: We obtained 176 respondents (37% response rate), of which 158 provided consent and completed the survey. Students in the post-transition group were less anxious about the transition to clerkship, compared to their pre-transition colleagues, with the most significant difference being completing a thorough history and physical examination (2.9/5.0 vs. 3.3/5.0, p&lt;0.05). The two main stressors for incoming clerks were inadequate clinical skills training in pre-clerkship and lack of clarity around clerkship roles, responsibilities, and expectations.&#x0D; Conclusion: Improvements can be made in pre-clerkship through the integration of small-group orientation sessions, formative OSCEs, accelerated review of pre-clerkship material, and clerkship simulation sessions to facilitate a seamless transition to clerkship at the University of Ottawa.

The Effects of Deception on Maximal Strength, Goals, and Physical Self-Efficacy

Deceptive feedback involves offering altered performance results to athletes with the intention of eliciting greater physical output. The use of feedback and feedforward mechanisms used to predict a performance endpoint is referred to as teleoanticipation. The interpretation of physciological and psychological effects of stimuli upon is the basis for current and future performances. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of false positive feedback, of varying percentages, on maximal strength, physical self-efficacy, and strength goals through the lens of teleoanticipation. Recreational lifters (n=17) were tested for one repetition maximum (1RM) leg press scores, future goal weights (G), and physical self-efficacy (SE), over the course of two orientation sessions and five separate test sessions. A baseline of 1RM strength was established during the first test control session (TC). Deceptive feedback was given on the subsequent three sessions and consisted of loads that were 5% (T+5), 10% (T+10) or 15% (T+15) above the loads reported to participants during each session. The full extent of deception was revealed on the final session of testing (TF). There were significant differences between the trials for 1RM measures; TC was significantly different from the T+5, T+10, and TF. Results for G revealed significance for all trials compared to TC but no differences were found in self-esteem. This data suggests that deception may enhance 1 RM measures, negatively impact goal setting, but not affect physical self-efficacy.

The Effect of Group-Based Family Orientation to Community Mental Health Services

INTRODUCTION A simple initial family orientation session (IGS) focusing on what families might expect by way of treatment and with provision of community resources if required was designed and implemented in a regional mental health service. The IGS effects were examined in terms of clinical measures that align closely with the provincially developed SMART goals for treatment and the nationally developed mental health theme of ‘recovery-oriented services’, as well as readmission rates, and cumulative lengths of stay. METHODS Employing clinical and registration data from a regional information and registration system, we examine readmission rates and cumulative lengths of both within and between groups exposed and unexposed to IGS over comparable time periods before and after November 2016. RESULTS The IGS-exposed group had a greater reduction in admissions and cumulative length stay compared to the unexposed group, with the greatest reduction in IGS-exposed emergency admissions. Clinical data indicated that both IGS-exposed and unexposed groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the hypothesis that changes in admission rates and overall days in service was potentially an effect of the IGS. The clinical measurement system and the IGS align closely with the provincially developed SMART goals for treatment and the nationally developed mental health theme of ‘recovery-oriented services’.

The factor of resident safety culture in nursing homes in Indonesia

PurposeOlder adults living in nursing homes may become vulnerable because of errors or incidents; it is necessary to create a positive safety culture to minimise such occurrences. However, safety culture is still a prevailing issue in Indonesian nursing homes. This study aims to examine factors related to resident safety culture in nursing homes located in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a cross-sectional research design and involved 13 nursing homes in East Java province, Indonesia. Multistage cluster samplings were used to determine the respondents of this study. The respondents included 219 employees: managers, health care, supportive and administrative staff. The Indonesian version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire was used to measure safety culture.FindingsMost of the respondents (68.5%) had a positive perspective on the nursing home’s safety culture. Staffs who had worked for six to ten years in the nursing home were 17.07 times more likely to have positive perspective on safety culture with a p-value of 0.0002. Respondents who gave direct care also had a positive perception of safety culture with a p-value of 0.008.Research limitations/implicationsBroader insight into safety culture needs to be provided to all staff in the nursing home. Safety topics should be included in the orientation session for new staff.Originality/valueThe staff’s work experience and direct care have a significant connection to safety culture.

The Effect of Group-Based Family Orientation to Community Mental Health Services

INTRODUCTION The effects of an initial family orientation session (IGS) were examined in terms of readmission rates and cumulative lengths of stay. METHODS We examine readmission rates and cumulative lengths of stay both within and between these groups over comparable time periods before and after November 2016. RESULTS IGS-exposed group had a greater reduction in admissions and cumulative length stay compared to the unexposed group, with the greatest reduction in IGS-exposed emergency admissions. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the hypothesis that changes in admission rates and overall days in service was potentially a direct effect of the IGS.

The Effect of Group-Based Family Orientation to Community Mental Health Services

INTRODUCTION The effects of an initial family orientation session (IGS) were examined in terms of readmission rates and cumulative lengths of stay. METHODS We examine readmission rates and cumulative lengths of stay both within and between these groups over comparable time periods before and after November 2016. RESULTS IGS-exposed group had a greater reduction in admissions and cumulative length stay compared to the unexposed group, with the greatest reduction in IGS-exposed emergency admissions. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the hypothesis that changes in admission rates and overall days in service was potentially a direct effect of the IGS.

Are we ready yet for digital transformation? Virtual versus on-campus OSCE as assessment tools in pharmacy education. A randomized controlled head-to-head comparative assessment

BackgroundThe global COVID-19 pandemic has influenced pharmacy education including learning, assessment, and exams. In the UAE, pharmacy instructors have adapted several innovative teaching methods to strive for quality learning outcomes. The current trial presented a head-to-head comparative assessment between on-campus versus virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with examiners’ and students’ perspectives. AimThe main aim was to compare fourth-year students’ and examiners’ perceptions of the feasibility (time and logistics), stress, performance, and satisfaction between on-campus versus virtual OSCE. MethodA randomized controlled head-to-head comparative assessment between the On-campus and virtual OSCE was conducted to explore performance and satisfaction of pharmacy students and examiners towards the two OSCE settings. The virtual OSCE was carried out directly after the on-campus -OSCE and the setting was designed in a way that aligned with the on-campus OSCE but in a virtual way. Microsoft Teams® breakout room was used as a virtual stations. Respondus-lockdown-browse and Google Meet® were used for proctoring purposes. ResultsStudents who sat for the on-campus assessment were more satisfied with the instructions, the orientation session, the time management, and the overall exam setting, the ability of the exam to assess their communication and clinical skills, professionalism and attitude, and the interactivity of the exam compared to the students who sat for the virtual assessment. Examiners’ perceptions for both settings were the same with the exception of interaction with students (p less than 0.05) as the on-campus OSCE was more interactive. ConclusionStudents still prefer the on-campus OSCE to the virtual OSCE format in many aspects. Nevertheless, virtual OSCE is still a feasible and satisfactory method of assessment when on-campus OSCE is not possible. There is a need of a specialized platform to conduct the virtual OSCE from A to Z rather than maximizing the use of options in the current digital platforms.

The Effect of Group-Based Family Orientation to Community Mental Health Services

INTRODUCTION The effects of an initial family orientation session (IGS) were examined in terms of its effect on readmission rates and cumulative lengths of stay. METHODS We examine readmission rates and cumulative lengths of stay both within and between these groups over comparable time periods before and after November 2016. RESULTS IGS-exposed group had a greater reduction in admissions and cumulative length stay compared to the unexposed group, with the greatest reduction in IGS-exposed emergency admissions. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the hypothesis that changes in admission rates and overall days in service was potentially a direct effect of the IGS.

Implementation of distance learning IMCI training in rural districts of Tanzania

BackgroundThe standard face-to-face training for the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) continues to be plagued by concerns of low coverage of trainees, the prolonged absence of trainees from the health facility to attend training and the high cost of training. Consequently, the distance learning IMCI training model is increasingly being promoted to address some of these challenges in resource-limited settings. This paper examines participants’ accounts of the paper-based IMCI distance learning training programme in three district councils in Mbeya region, Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional qualitative descriptive design was employed as part of an endline evaluation study of the management of possible serious bacterial infection in Busokelo, Kyela and Mbarali district councils of Mbeya Region in Tanzania. Key informant interviews were conducted with purposefully selected policymakers, partners, programme managers and healthcare workers, including beneficiaries and training facilitators.ResultsAbout 60 key informant interviews were conducted, of which 53% of participants were healthcare workers, including nurses, clinicians and pharmacists, and 22% were healthcare administrators, including district medical officers, reproductive and child health coordinators and programme officers. The findings indicate that the distance learning IMCI training model (DIMCI) was designed to address concerns about the standard IMCI model by enhancing efficiency, increasing outputs and reducing training costs. DIMCI included a mix of brief face-to-face orientation sessions, several weeks of self-directed learning, group discussions and brief face-to-face review sessions with facilitators. The DIMCI course covered topics related to management of sick newborns, referral decisions and reporting with nurses and clinicians as the main beneficiaries of the training. The problems with DIMCI included technological challenges related to limited access to proper learning technology (e.g., computers) and unfriendly learning materials. Personal challenges included work-study-family demands, and design and coordination challenges, including low financial incentives, which contributed to participants defaulting, and limited mentorship and follow-up due to limited funding and transport.ConclusionDIMCI was implemented successfully in rural Tanzania. It facilitated the training of many healthcare workers at low cost and resulted in improved knowledge, competence and confidence among healthcare workers in managing sick newborns. However, technological, personal, and design and coordination challenges continue to face learners in rural areas; these will need to be addressed to maximize the success of DIMCI.

Elaboración de una guía de trabajo para el desarrollo de sesiones de orientación grupal con estudiantes del nivel de preescolar: sistematización de una experiencia profesional

This article is based on the systematization of a professional experience that consisted in the creation of a work guide for the group orientation of preschool students in the Antonio Camacho Ortega School, Regional Office, Cartago, Costa Rica, school district 07. The objective of this systematization was to strengthen group processes, from an orientation approach, directed to the early childhood student population to benefit the educational services they receive. The aim of the systematization was the methodology used in group orientation sessions with preschool students from the Antonio Camacho Ortega School during the school year 2021, and as the systemization axis, which aspects of the methodological proposal have effectively contributed in the group orientation sessions with preschool children? We concluded that the proposed methodology was in line with the students’ interests, with the goals of preschool education, and that it favored significant learning.

Qualitative Study of Telehealth Delivery of Suicide-Specific Group Treatment "Project Life Force".

Minimal evidence exists for suicide-specific group treatment for high-risk patients offered over telehealth. This qualitative study assessed the acceptability, feasibility, and impact of a telehealth suicide safety planning intervention (SPI) multi-session group. High-risk suicidal Veterans (n = 17) participating in "Project Life Force-telehealth" (PLF-T); a manualized, 10-session SPI video group completed semi-structured qualitative interviews including measures of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. We also interviewed the PLF-T coordinator and PLF-T group facilitators to identify adaptations to deliver PLF-T and learn about barriers and facilitators to implementation. A summary template and matrix analysis approach was used to analyze qualitative data. Veteran group participants were mostly male (88%), age 50 (SD = 15.6), ethnically diverse, and either divorced or separated (54%). Suicide symptoms upon study entry included past month ideation with methods (100%); and past year aborted, interrupted, or actual suicide attempt (59%). Participant interviews revealed an overall positive endorsement of PLF-telehealth with enhanced suicidal disclosure, and improved ability to manage urges and mitigate loneliness. On scales from 1 to 20, PLF-T was rated as highly acceptable (M = 17.50; SD = 2.92), appropriate (M = 17.25; SD = 3.59), and feasible (M = 18; SD = 2.45) by participants. Adaptations to deliver PLF-T included using a communications coordinator to conduct assertive outreach and engagement, adding a telehealth orientation session, restructuring sessions to review suicide severity, and screen-sharing safety plans to maximize learning. PLF-T enhanced convenience and access without compromising safety. Concerns included privacy and technological limitations including connectivity. Project Life Force-telehealth is acceptable and feasible to deliver via telehealth. This opens the possibility of delivery to hard-to-reach high-risk populations. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0365363.

Evaluation of a global training program in One Health communication

Aim: A global Train-the-Trainer Program, focused on improving the communication techniques of One Health advocates, is assessed and evaluated in this study. Methods: Between November 2020 and November 2022, a Train-the-Trainer Program engaged 1.583 trainees from 98 countries between the ages of 18 and 74. Trainees practiced public speaking by teaching a lesson about One Health in mostly underserved primary school classrooms. Two surveys of trainees (n = 222 and 203) assessed the impact of the Program’s orientation session on their confidence in science communication to a novice audience. The classroom teacher survey (n = 184 teachers, representing 4.109 students) measured the trainee’s impact at the community level during and following the lesson. Results: The Program significantly improved the trainee’s confidence in communicating science (0.1 scale points) and teaching novice audiences (0.3 scale points) about One Health. Trainees cultivated student interest in One Health [median = 9 (7.3, 10)] and 90.8% of responding classroom teachers reported a desire to continue teaching about One Health after the trainee’s lesson, 99.1% noted a post-lesson increase in student interest in science, and 97.4% recommended this lesson to their colleagues. Conclusion: This study was the first to evaluate an extensive One Health-focused communication program finding the model effective for trainees and communities alike. The trainees, through public speaking, active teaching and engaging mostly primary school students, mainstreamed One Health and inspired action in communities. The classroom teachers benefited by learning about One Health and gained a desire to share this new knowledge with others in their community.

Transforming E-Learning through Cloud-Based Interactive Multimedia Authoring Solutions

With the advent of multimedia in education sector, there is a big paradigm shift in teaching and learning scenario. The revolutionary approach of technology-based and technology-enhanced learning mechanisms has taken the teaching and learning practices to a new horizon. Most of the higher education organizations have already adapted this shift keeping the rapid growth in the field education technology and they have even setup dedicated departments to support e-learning by means of various support systems, then whether its related to the hardware or software related support or it is related to the support provided for academic practices by means of various orientation and regular training sessions for the staff members. Various tools and techniques are available to assist teachers for varied level of studies, for the course as well their respective assessments. But deploying these tools and techniques are not always very comfortable with some level of customization and thus there are certain authoring tools which provide very easy to implement solutions to the teachers. Along with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), implementation of various online tools has equipped every community of learners with plenty of options to learn and implement to enhance the learning experience. These days, most of these VLEs are implemented on the cloud due to the constraint of storage at the organization level. And hence, various cloud-based authoring tools are developed to support the community of learners, which includes both educators as well as students. This paper highlights few of such implementations and their impact on the overall teaching and learning process. The paper finally recommends a framework, which can be implemented along with various cloud-based authoring solutions.