Participant Feedback Research Articles

Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of the Daybreak Drink Tracker: Prospective Observational Study.

Excessive alcohol use is associated with significant harms, with wide-ranging social and economic impacts. Efforts to prevent and reduce the harmful use of alcohol are a public health priority. Smartphone apps have the potential to provide accessible and cost-effective support to those seeking to reduce alcohol consumption; however, the evidence base regarding which components are effective is lacking. Self-monitoring is considered as one of the most effective components for behavior change across multiple health domains, yet there is mixed evidence for its role in the alcohol use space. An improved understanding of the use, acceptability, and outcomes of smartphone apps and their inherent components is required to determine their potential role in alcohol behavior change. We investigated the feasibility and acceptability of the Drink Tracker, a novel feature of the commercially available Daybreak (Hello Sunday Morning) app. The Daybreak app is accessible worldwide via major app stores and is offered free of charge to Australian residents. Individuals (aged over 18 years) registering for Daybreak were invited to access the Drink Tracker to monitor their alcohol consumption as part of an uncontrolled observational prospective study. Feasibility was assessed via uptake and frequency of use of the Drink Tracker. Acceptability was measured via participant feedback to determine overall satisfaction, perceived helpfulness, and likelihood of recommending the Drink Tracker to others. Self-reported changes in alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score) and psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale score) at 3-month follow-up were also measured. Preliminary data collected for the first 4 months (October 2023 to February 2024) of the study were reported, including 3-month follow-up outcomes. Feasibility was demonstrated, with almost 70% (2847/4119) of those registering for Daybreak going on to access the Drink Tracker. Of those accessing the Drink Tracker, 71.1% (n=2024) consented to research, comprising the final participant sample. Frequency of use was high, with over half of participants (1112/2024, 54.9%) using the Drink Tracker more than once, and more than one-third (757/2024, 37.4%) using the Drink Tracker more than 5 times. Of the 30 participants completing a 3-month follow-up, acceptability was high, with 73% (n=22) reporting high satisfaction levels with the Drink Tracker overall, 87% (n=26) indicating it was easy to use and rating a mean score of 7.7 (SD 2.8) out of 10 in terms of likelihood of recommending to others. Significant reductions in alcohol consumption (P<.001) and psychological distress scores (P<.001) were observed at the 3-month follow-up. Our results suggest that the Daybreak Drink Tracker is highly feasible and acceptable in supporting individuals accessing commercially available smartphone apps to change their relationship with alcohol. While positive clinical outcomes were observed, the absence of a control group disallows any conclusions with regard to the efficacy of the Drink Tracker. Further testing via a randomized controlled trial is required.

Improving the process of evaluating the quality of care in “maternal near miss” at hospital level: an action research study protocol

BackgroundThe fifth Millennium Development Goal aims to improve maternal health by reducing maternal mortality by 75% from 1990 to 2015. Consequently, utilizing quality care indicators and performance evaluations is crucial for providing effective services. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of care for critically ill mothers in hospitals through action research.Methods/designThis study involves action research utilizing reform cycles, including focus group meetings with the head of the midwifery office, maternity hospital officials, gynecologists, and midwives from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Following a severe morbidity incident resulting in maternal death, a hospital meeting will convene to investigate the root causes. This committee will review the hospital records from the mother's admission to discharge to identify necessary preventive measures against malpractice. Sampling is purposeful. Sample size will be determined by data saturation. The project's final results, along with participant feedback, will inform the planning of the second action research cycle, which will encompass planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The final report will be submitted to officials for approval, and the number of invitees for subsequent meetings will be based on study findings, facilitating discussion and decision-making for ongoing processes. Ultimately, the final care quality assessment process will be prepared for presentation.DiscussionIn many birth blocks, women experiencing severe complications from pregnancy and childbirth face similar health issues. Quality care is essential for global strategies aimed at eliminating avoidable deaths.Ethical code IR.MUMS.NURSE.REC. 1402.024.

Capacity building in obstetric ultrasound: Impact of simulation based clinical teaching on resident training at a health facility in India.

Current postgraduate curriculum in India lacks practical training in ultrasound for residents in obstetrics and gynecology. The objective of this study was to develop and assess impact of a capacity building program utilizing clinical teaching and simulation to enhance knowledge and skills of residents at a healthcare facility in India. A training program comprising of 14 modules on basic obstetric ultrasounds was created over 3 months. These modules, validated by fetal medicine experts, underwent a pilot study for face validity. A total of 18 newly enrolled junior residents without prior ultrasound experience were recruited. A two-day workshop included interactive module sessions and 6 h and 30 min of hands-on training using an obstetric simulator. Pre- and post-tests consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) assessed knowledge. Follow-up assessments were carried out at 1 and 3 months. Skill assessment at the third month was conducted using an objective structured practical examination (OSPE), alongside image submission by residents. There was significant improvement in marks over time, with a mean pretest score of 24 ± 2.7 out of 50 marks, post-test score of 36.81 ± 2.86 and stable scores (34.6 ± 3.21, 34.4 ± 2.96) during follow-up reviews. OSPE scores at third month averaged at 21.47 ± 2.3 (maximum marks 30); image assessment scores averaged at 83 ± 8.62 (maximum marks 100). Participant feedback indicated a positive response to all program aspects (practicality, content and structured training). Confidence levels in performing clinical ultrasound improved significantly after attending the module (P < 0.0001). Simulation with clinical teaching effectively enhanced knowledge and skills of residents, fostering confidence in performing basic obstetric ultrasounds early on in their residency. Integrating similar capacity building initiatives into residency training programs can improve healthcare delivery by ensuring a well prepared cadre of doctors skilled in obstetric ultrasounds.

Effectiveness of the Buddhist-Based Elderly Mental Health Counseling Training Program for Thai Health Volunteer Monks

The mental health challenges faced by aging societies, particularly within the context of Thai Buddhist communities, underscore the urgent need for capacity-building initiatives to support monks in promoting the psychological well-being of the elderly. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a mental health training program for monks, rooted in Buddhist principles. The primary aim is to assess how well the program equips monks to counsel the elderly in Thai Buddhist society. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 32 health volunteer monks selected through purposive sampling. The study assessed the monks’ knowledge and practical counseling skills and collected participant feedback. The results indicate significant improvements in both knowledge and practical skills, with marked progress observed from pre- to post-test scores (p &lt; 0.001) and sustained effectiveness in follow-up assessments (p = 0.005). Approximately 71.88% of participants passed the knowledge post-test and practical skills evaluation, with 62.50% demonstrating proficiency in the follow-up assessment. These findings suggest that the program is effective in preparing monks to address mental health issues among the elderly in Thai Buddhist society. Additionally, integrating indigenous practices and beliefs into mental health interventions can enhance their cultural relevance and acceptance. This approach empowers local religious leaders and fosters culturally sensitive solutions to mental health challenges across diverse populations.

Personalized Smartphone-Enabled Assessment of Blood Pressure and Its Treatment During the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 Pandemic in Patients From the CURE-19 Study: Longitudinal Observational Study.

The use of digital interventions by patients for remote monitoring and management of health and disease is increasing. This observational study examined the feasibility, use, and safety of a digital smartphone app for routine monitoring of blood pressure (BP), medication, and symptoms of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to deploy and test electronic data recording using a smartphone app developed for routine monitoring of BP in patients with primary hypertension. We tested the app for ease of data entry in BP management and tracking symptoms of new-onset COVID-19 to determine if participants found this app approach useful and sustainable. This remote, decentralized, 12-week, prospective, observational study was conducted in a community setting within the United States. Participants were approached and recruited from affiliated sites where they were enrolled in an ongoing remote decentralized study (CURE-19) of participants experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Potential participants were asked to complete a digital screener to determine eligibility and given informed consent forms to read and consent to using the Curebase digital platform. Following enrollment, participants downloaded the digital app to their smartphones for all data collection. Participants recorded daily BP, associated medication use, and emergent symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, usability (adherence, acceptability, and user experience) was assessed using standard survey questions. Adverse events were collected based on participant self-report. Compliance and engagement were determined from user data entry rates. Feasibility and participant feedback were assessed upon study completion using the User Experience Questionnaire. Of the 389 participants who enrolled in and completed the study, 380 (98%) participants downloaded and entered BP routines in week 1. App engagement remained high; 239 (62.9%) of the 380 participants remained in the study for the full 12-week observation period, and 201 (84.1%) of the 239 participants entered full BP routines into the digital app 80% or more of the time. The smartphone app scored an overall positive evaluation as assessed by the User Experience Questionnaire and was benchmarked as "excellent" for domains of perspicuity, efficiency, and dependability and "above average" for domains of attractiveness and stimulation. Highly adherent participants with hypertension demonstrated well-controlled BP, with no significant changes in average systolic or diastolic BP between week 1 and week 12 (all P>.05). Participants were able to record BP medications and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. No adverse events attributable to the use of the smartphone app were reported during the observational period. The high retention, engagement and acceptability and positive feedback in this study demonstrates that routine monitoring of BP and medications using a smartphone app is feasible for patients with hypertension in a community setting. Remote monitoring of BP and data collection could be coupled with hypertensive medication in a combination product (drug+digital) for precision management of hypertension.

Optimising Physical Training in DanceSport by Using HIIT Training and Smart Devices for Monitoring Physical Activity

&lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;span&gt;This study investigates the effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), specifically for Tabata, combined with smart monitoring devices on adult dancesport practitioners' physical fitness and performance. The primary objective was to assess the impact of these interventions on key physical parameters and overall performance. Forty participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group (n=20) that engaged in Tabata training three times a week while using smart devices to monitor their activity, and a control group (n=20) that continued with their regular training routines. The experimental group showed significant improvements in aerobic and anaerobic capacity, agility, and overall motor performance throughout the study. These enhancements were measured using standardized physical assessments and the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test, confirming statistically significant progress in the experimental group compared to the control group. Integrating smart devices was crucial in maintaining and enhancing participant motivation, providing real-time feedback, facilitating goal-setting, and allowing for progress tracking, contributing to increased responsibility and engagement in physical activity. Participant feedback highlighted the motivational benefits of smart technology, consistent with existing literature. The immediate performance data and synchronization with fitness apps enhanced the training experience, promoting continuous improvement and long-term commitment. The findings indicate that combining Tabata training with smart monitoring devices effectively improves the physical and technical performance of adult dancesport practitioners. This dual approach enhances physical conditioning and also ensures training relevance to the specific demands of dancesport, maintaining both aesthetic and functional performance aspects. In conclusion, using HIIT, specifically Tabata, alongside smart devices, offers a powerful methodology for optimizing dancers' physical preparation. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of these training programs, integrate different forms of HIIT, and include a broader participant demographic to validate and expand these findings.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

Circular Economy, Pengelolaan Sampah Organik melalui Budidaya Maggot dan Jamur Tiram di Kecamatan Sambikerep Surabaya

This project aims to manage organic waste in Sambikerep District, Surabaya, through the cultivation of maggots and oyster mushrooms as part of a circular economy concept. The activity is conducted by Master of Management students from Universitas Airlangga in a Creating Shared Value (CSV) program to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This program provides economic opportunities for low-income communities, especially housewives, and promotes climate change adaptation and mitigation. The program’s success indicators include the number of participants, participant feedback, and the availability of supporting facilities, all of which were achieved successfully. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis was also conducted to assess the program's impact on stakeholders, including students, local residents, and partners. The program results provide various skills and benefits, such as leadership, communication, and community relations, measured in monetary terms as a proxy for the training and resources provided.

Sosialisasi Peningkatan Keuntungan Perusahaan Melalui Perbaikan Struktur Modal, Arus Kas Operasi dan Ukuran Perusahaan pada Perumdam Kota Mojokerto

The Regional Drinking Water Company (Perumdam) of Mojokerto City as a Regionally-Owned Enterprise (BUMD) has an important role in providing clean water services to the community. However, Perumdam Mojokerto City faces a number of challenges that affect its financial and operational performance, including a less than optimal capital structure, inefficient cash flow management, and limited company scale. The purpose of this study is to identify solutions to increase profits through improvements in capital structure, operating cash flow, and company size. This study uses a qualitative approach. The method of implementing socialization includes planning objectives, schedules, and materials, followed by workshops and seminars, distribution of materials in various formats, evaluation of participant feedback, and documentation that supports the implementation of results to improve the performance of Perumdam Mojokerto City. Socialization at Perumdam Mojokerto City succeeded in providing an understanding of optimizing capital structure, cash flow management, and company expansion, with digital technology solutions, service diversification, and water distribution expansion, as well as continued training support to ensure effective implementation in improving performance and profitability.

Processes and approaches to perioperative pain management in patients undergoing major lower extremity amputations secondary to vascular disease: a multi-specialty modified Delphi consensus study protocol

IntroductionPain surrounding major lower extremity amputations (MLEAs) in the vascular surgical patient can be severe, conferring significant debilitation from the preoperative stage through to the chronic rehabilitation phase. Although there...

Teachers’ Content Knowledge and Strategies Used in Teaching Physical Science in Selected Schools at Buffalo City Municipality, South Africa

Physical Science encourages an ethical and responsible approach to studying, creating, and applying the sciences. In South Africa, there is a devaluation of indigenous scientific knowledge and limited access to scientific knowledge due to a history of poor, non-existent, or inadequate schooling in some communities. This paper investigates teachers’ content knowledge and strategies for teaching Physical Science in selected schools at Buffalo City Municipality, East London, South Africa. This paper adopted a descriptive research design and used random sampling to select forty-two Physical Science teachers out of the total population of fifty-two. Self-designed structured questionnaire of Likert modified scale response, the Physical Science Teachers’ Content Knowledge and Strategies Questionnaire (PSTCKSQ), was used to collect participant feedback. Three research questions were set for the paper and revealed the following respectively, a Mean () 3.33 shows a general agreement across all items about the positive impact and importance of Physical Science education another Mean () 3.14 shows a general agreement across all items about the effectiveness and use of different teaching strategies in Physical Science education and the mean score ( = 2.79) indicates moderate agreement on the adequacy of teacher training in Physical Science content. It is recommended among others that Physical Science teachers should establish a stimulating and productive learning environment that encourages students’ curiosity, comprehension, and admiration of the topic by utilising their content expertise. The paper concludes that to address local and global concerns, assist economic development, promote scientific literacy, create employment possibilities, and encourage critical thinking and well-informed decision-making, Physical Science education is essential in South African schools for driving innovation and technological advancement.

Feasibility of Using Rebound Exercise in Community-Dwelling Adults With Neurological Disorders.

Rebound exercise (RE) increases mobility in hospitalized adults with neurological disorders (AwND), but its feasibility in community settings remains largely unexplored. This study evaluates the practicality of implementing RE in the community, particularly for AwND. The feasibility study involved 53 community-dwelling AwND engaging in RE sessions for 30 min, once- or twice-weekly, over 12 weeks. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment rates, adherence, attrition, and participant feedback. The study measured blood pressure (BP), walking speed (WS), and physical activity level (PAL) at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Repeated measures ANOVA and the Friedman tests were used to test for significant differences across the time points. The study demonstrated high recruitment (70.59%) and retention (98.1%) rates, with most participants (76.9%) preferring once-weekly sessions due to time constraints. There were no reported injuries or adverse events. Most participants were older adults (50%), females (67.3%), and retired (55.8%). Significantly lower resting BP (p < 0.001), higher WS (p < 0.001), and PAL (p = 0.000) were observed after 12 weeks of RE. In conclusion, RE is a feasible, safe, and acceptable intervention for supervised community-dwelling AwND and could be a valuable tool for promoting PAL in this population.

Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT) to protect and nurture community care providers

Purpose This case study describes pilot implementation of Nalanda Institute’s Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT) with community care providers in New York City (NYC) to protect them from stress and trauma impacts and nurture their capacity to deliver skillful, compassionate care. Design/methodology/approach The Academy for Community Behavioral Health in NYC offered CBRT at no cost to a diverse cohort of 28 nonprofit care providers. This virtual eight-week course met weekly for 2 hours over Zoom, with formal and informal meditation practice between sessions. A mixed methods pre/post survey assessed changes in meditation practice, work-related stress and mindfulness and compassion. A final survey invited participant feedback on course experiences and course outcomes. Findings This case study suggests that a virtual eight-week CBRT course can be both feasible and effective for community care providers, even in their demanding roles. Most participants who started the course completed it (77%). CBRT helped participants establish a regular meditation practice and led to improvements on indicators of work-related stress, mindfulness and compassion. Participants linked these changes to an increased sense of hopefulness, agency and resilience for navigating stress and trauma in their work. They also found valued peer support in the course. Originality/value This case study offers one model for sharing effective but underused contemplative healing tools with care providers who encounter significant stress and trauma. It can inform efforts by funders, organizational leaders, managers, direct care staff and researchers to better protect these critical helpers.

Evaluating an e-learning course's impact and challenges on genomic literacy among medical professionals.

The aim of this study was to confirm and evaluate the learning effect of a physician-facing e-learning course on genetic medicine for improving genomic literacy. We employed qualitative and quantitative methodology to survey 103 physicians who took the course at a national university in Japan. Evaluations were conducted at the levels of participant feedback, learning, and behaviour. Participants completed a questionnaire and test (full score = 100) before and after the course. Pre- and post-test scores were compared using paired-samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the difference their clinical experience. The effect size was estimated using Cohen's d. Responses were obtained from 96 physicians. Approximately 80% (n = 75-93) of participants responded positively to the course, a result supported by the qualitative data. The mean scores for the pre- and post-test showed an increase from 71.25 to 74.58 (p=0.008). In particular, mean test scores increased significantly from 68.94 to 75.53 (p<0.001) in physicians with no clinical experience in genetic medicine, while no significance was observed scores for physicians with clinical experience in genetics from 73.47 to 73.67 (p=0.903). Behavioural assessment was carried out for 28 participants; however, no statistically significant differences were identified. Our findings indicate that our e-learning course was useful for physicians with no experience of genetic medicine. For those with experience, it may be necessary to provide more practice-based education and educational methodologies. Behavioural assessment needs to be examined further.

Feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of telehealth-delivered group exercise for people with type 2 diabetes: A pilot trial.

Several barriers can preclude people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from in-person exercise session participation. Telehealth may be an alternative mode of service delivery to increase uptake. We evaluated the feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of delivering group exercise via telehealth for people with T2D. Sixteen people with T2D (age 59.9 ± 12.7 years, 63% male, duration of T2D 11.5 ± 11.1 years) underwent an 8-week telehealth-delivered group exercise intervention. Weekly supervised sessions incorporated whole-body aerobic and resistance exercises, followed by education. Feasibility was evaluated by recruitment, enrolment, attendance and attrition rates, the practicality of telehealth delivery, and participant feedback. Adverse events were monitored throughout (safety). Preliminary efficacy was determined from changes in glycaemic control, body composition, blood pressure, exercise capacity, neuromuscular strength/fitness, quality of life and physical activity levels. The agreement/reliability of in-person clinician-measured versus telehealth-supervised participant-self-measured assessments was also evaluated. Feasibility was supported by high attendance (97.1%) and low attrition (81%). All (100%) participants reported they would participate in telehealth-delivered exercise interventions in the future and would recommend them to other people with T2D. No serious adverse events were reported. There were improvements in hip circumference (Cohen's d -0.50), diastolic blood pressure (-0.75), exercise capacity (1.72), upper body strength (1.14), grip strength (0.58), health-related quality of life (0.76-0.81) and self-reported physical activity (1.14). Participant-self-measured assessment of body weight, 2-min step test and 30-sec sit-to-stand test were deemed acceptable. Telehealth-delivered group exercise appears feasible, safe and efficacious for people with T2D. These findings warrant further exploration in a powered trial. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000379718).

Abstract 4128549: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Combined Contingency Management and Problem-Solving Therapy Intervention to Enhance Alcohol Abstinence: A Pilot Single-Arm Mixed Methods Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction/Background: It is crucial to develop and implement innovative behavior-change therapies that specifically target young adults with alcohol use disorder, as the prevalence of this issue is on the rise, and it has serious long-term health consequences. Research Questions/Hypothesis: How does the newly developed Contingency Management and Problem-Solving Therapy (CM-PST) intervention impact the levels of alcohol misuse or abstinence in young adults at follow-up compared to baseline.Young adults who receive the newly developed CM-PST will have lower levels of alcohol misuse or abstain from alcohol. Goals/Aims: We aimed to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an integrated behavior therapy of CM-PST for young adults with alcohol use disorder. Methods/Approach: This mixed methods study employed a single-arm design with post-intervention and 12-week follow-up assessments. Young adults aged 18-24 were recruited from July 2023 to May 2024. Participants underwent the newly developed integrated CM-PST intervention for 8 weeks. The assessment of feasibility was conducted by evaluating the rates of recruitment and retention, and adherence to the intervention. Acceptability was assessed by analyzing participants’ feedback and engagement data. Participants completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the 90-day Timeline Follow back (TLFB) at baseline and 12 weeks after the intervention. Furthermore, they participated in a twice daily breathalyzer test, post-intervention interview and completed a client satisfaction scale questionnaire. Results: A total of 28 participants were recruited, with 71.43% (20/28) completing all the study procedures. Adherence to the CM-PST was 100%, indicating strong engagement. Participant feedback highlighted the influence of CM on behavior and decision-making and the efficacy of PST in addressing life challenges as well. Alcohol consumption at 12 weeks was significantly lower than those at baseline ( t =3.042, p =.007). Overall, the newly developed intervention was well-received, and 95% of participants indicated that the interventions were acceptable. Conclusions: This study showed that the integrated CM-PST intervention to promote alcohol abstinence and reduce alcohol related problems is both feasible and acceptable. Study findings indicated that the intervention has potential as a supplementary care for individuals seeking support in reducing alcohol consumption.

QOL-17. REFLECTIONS ON A PSYCHOEDUCATION INTERVENTION FOR PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED BRAIN TUMORS (NEUROPATHWAYS): A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract BACKGROUND Patients with newly diagnosed primary malignant brain tumors (PMBT) face unique challenges processing and absorbing information regarding their diagnosis, often while contending with cognitive and communication deficits. Limited research exists regarding optimal information provision and support for this highly distressed population. We used input from clinician, patient, and caregiver stakeholders to design a population-specific, psychoeducation intervention (“NeuroPathways”) to address these needs. METHODS We conducted a single-arm study (N=12) to pilot and refine NeuroPathways in English-speaking patients within six-weeks of a PMBT diagnosis. Neuropathways comprises 1) a comprehensive (105 pages) handbook covering information about PMBT diagnosis, treatment, coping, self-care, and vetted resources, and 2) four brief, individual telehealth sessions with a trained interventionist (e.g., psychologist, physician) over 4-8 weeks to assist and empower patients to obtain information, support, and coping guidance at their preferred depth and pace, using the handbook as a resource. Ten participants completed all four sessions and participated in semi-structured exit interviews. We used rapid qualitative analysis to explore participants’ perceptions of intervention delivery, content, and benefit. RESULTS Participants (83% male, median age=52 years) uniformly described NeuroPathways as accessible, citing the telehealth format as particularly important for facilitating participation given logistical challenges related to cancer treatment. Perceived benefits of participation included: a) access to well-organized information targeting both current and future disease- and treatment-related concerns; b) increased skill in problem solving and communication with loved ones and/or medical providers; c) personalized emotional support from interventionists. While most felt the timing was appropriate, several who enrolled later in the eligibility window stated a desire for earlier intervention. CONCLUSION Participant feedback highlights the accessibility and potential benefits of this psychoeducation intervention for patients with newly diagnosed PMBT. These data will inform refinement of NeuroPathways in preparation for a pilot randomized controlled trial to formally assess feasibility and acceptability.

Ask Me

In this poster, we share ongoing research into the use of realistic AI-generated avatars for education in a large Australian business school. These highly realistic avatars have been used as educational presenters to provoke critical discussions on ethical AI by immersing students in text-to-video technology (Vallis et al., 2024). From this initial study, an emergent typology for avatars in educational media has been developed, to help educators design for teaching and learning based on learning purposes and modes of delivery Britton &amp; Vallis, 2023; Vallis &amp; Britton, 2024). Such practical, theoretical guidance in designing, developing, and deploying AI in education is much needed (Dawson et al., 2023). Drawing upon learnings to date, we further explore synthetic media designs for effective and ethical use in education. The poster presents three use cases of synthetic media with QR codes to demonstrate their application and to facilitate discussion at the conference. An additional fourth QR code will be added to gather participant feedback on which use case they found most compelling and educational, as well as their reasons for their preferences. The first use case explores short video presentations, where synthetic media offers students a choice of accents, voices, and faces to present educational content (Dao et al., 2021). This approach aims to free teacher time for more learner guidance and communication, potentially enhancing learning outcomes. Video-based learning can enhance student engagement and understanding by providing flexible, interactive, and visually stimulating experiences (Sabli? et al., 2021). The second use case is ‘Ask me’, a trial of a realistic avatar that answers frequently asked questions. Multimodal AI, like GPT-4o, with integrated voice, video, and audio capabilities, can simulate real-world scenarios for educational scenarios with engaging and realistic experiences (Mollick &amp; Mollick, 2023). Future use cases may include specific learning activities such as role-play and rehearsal. Multimodal feedback on student progress is presented in the third use case. A lifelike digital representation of a teacher has been designed to closely mimic a real human teacher’s appearance and expressions. Simple video feedback, generated based on student interactions with university systems and combined with a teacher’s text, is sent via email to enhance engagement. This trial is designed to augment feedback, rather than replace interaction between students and teachers (Bozkurt &amp; Sharma, 2023). By presenting these use cases, we aim to provide practical insights and stimulate discussions on the ethical and effective use of synthetic media in education. Our preliminary findings indicate benefits to using AI-generated avatars, if the ethical implications and the quality of human-AI interactions are carefully considered in the learning design (Vallis et al., 2024).

Young mothers and eHealth: a scoping review.

Young mothers, defined as those age 25 and under, are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health problems. Despite this increased risk, very few mental health and parenting interventions that target the unique needs of this group are available. This scoping review summarized extant research on mental health and parenting eHealth interventions aimed at young mothers. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and PubMed databases were used for searches, and articles were screened using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage method for scoping reviews. The eligibility criteria included being peer-reviewed, written in English, published between January 1, 2000, and May 9, 2024, and being an eHealth program targeting mental health and/or parenting skills for women-identifying mothers under the age of 26. After duplicate removal, 3,431 titles and abstracts were screened, and 112 articles moved to full-text review. Four studies were included, each assessing intervention components, targeting mental health and parenting, and outlining participant feedback on the treatment. Each study evaluated a different type of intervention, with depression being the most studied mental health outcome and coping skills being the most studied parenting outcome. Preliminary findings suggest that eHealth features such as flexibility, text messaging, and peer support are appreciated among young mothers. Further research on mental health and parenting eHealth interventions aimed at addressing the needs of young mothers is needed.

Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Virtual Reality for Remote Group-Mediated Physical Activity in Older Adults: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Physical inactivity represents a major health concern for older adults. Most social, at-home physical activity (PA) interventions use videoconference, email, or telephone communication for program delivery. However, evidence suggests that these platforms may hinder the social connection experienced by users. Recent advancements in virtual reality (VR) suggest that it may be a rich platform for social, at-home interventions because it offers legitimate options for intervention delivery and PA. This pilot study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of VR compared to videoconference as a medium for remote group-mediated behavioral intervention for older adults. The information generated from this investigation will inform the use of VR as a medium for intervention delivery. Nine low-active older adults (mean age 66.8, SD 4.8 y) were randomized to a 4-week home-based, group-mediated PA intervention delivered via VR or videoconference. Feasibility (ie, the total number of sessions attended and the number of VR accesses outside of scheduled meetings) and acceptability (ie, the number of participants reporting high levels of nausea, program evaluations using Likert-style prompts with responses ranging from -5=very difficult or disconnected to 5=very easy or connected, and participant feedback on immersion and social connection) are illustrated via descriptive statistics and quotes from open-ended responses. None of the participants experienced severe VR-related sickness before randomization, with a low average sickness rating of 1.6 (SD 1.6) out of 27 points. Attendance rates for group meetings were 98% (59/60) and 96% (46/48) for the VR and videoconference groups, respectively. Outside of scheduled meeting times, participants reported a median of 5.5 (IQR 5.3-5.8, range 0-27) VR accesses throughout the entire intervention. Program evaluations suggested that participants felt personally connected to their peers (VR group: median 3.0, IQR 2.5-3.5; videoconference group: median 3.0, IQR 2.7-3.3), found that goals were easy to accomplish (VR group: median 3.0, IQR 2.8-3.3; videoconference group: median 3.0, IQR 2.6-3.4), and had ease in finding PA options (VR group: median 4.0, IQR 3.5-4.3; videoconference group: median 2.0, IQR 1.6-2.4) and engaging in meaningful dialogue with peers (VR group: median 4.0, IQR 4.0-4.0; videoconference group: median 3.5, IQR 3.3-3.8). Open-ended responses regarding VR use indicated increased immersion experiences and intrinsic motivation for PA. These findings suggest that VR may be a useful medium for social PA programming in older adults, given it was found to be feasible and acceptable in this sample. Importantly, all participants indicated low levels of VR-related sickness before randomization, and both groups demonstrated very high attendance at meetings with their groups and behavioral coaches, which is promising for using VR and videoconference in future interventions. Modifications for future iterations of similar interventions are provided. Further work using larger samples and longer follow-up durations is needed. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04756245; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04756245.

Click and learn: a longitudinal interprofessional case-based sepsis education curriculum

BackgroundSepsis is a global healthcare challenge and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In the USA, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has integrated the Severe Sepsis and...