Post-test Study Design Research Articles

Predictors of upper limb motor recovery in stroke survivors: a pre–post test study design

ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the predictors of upper limb motor recovery in stroke survivors.DesignPre–post test study design.SettingConducted in two centres (First Level Hospital and University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka).ParticipantsPatients...

Transition from Virtual Reality to Metaverse: Students’ Experiences Regarding the Future of Nursing Education

The study was aimed at determining the effect of educational intervention on nursing students’ awareness of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and metaverse in nursing education, both on their level of virtual presence, and their knowledge of, attitudes towards, and awareness of metaverse. A quasi-experimental study with a single-group pretest–posttest design study was conducted at a university. Ninety-three nursing students participated in the present study. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used for data analysis. Of all the participants, 60.2% had heard of metaverse, 50.5% had VR experience, and 62.4% said that metaverse could be used in nursing education in the future. The participating nursing students’ experiences regarding their transition from VR to metaverse revealed that their level of readiness for e-learning and knowledge and awareness of metaverse was high. It was concluded that metaverse could be used in nursing education within the possibilities provided by today’s technology.

Emerging therapeutic benefit of platelet-rich fibrin as novel platelet concentrates in tissue engineering

Background: Treating irreversible cardiomyocyte loss following myocardial infarction presents several therapeutic challenges. While cell therapy shows promise as a regenerative treatment for infarcted cardiac tissue, different cell sources vary in their therapeutic potential. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as an attractive option due to their accessibility, but their limited differentiation capacity remains a significant constraint. Recent evidence suggests that injectable platelet-rich fibrin may enhance this process by stimulating the differentiation of ADSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Objective: Analyse the benefit of injectable platelet-rich fibrin to accelerate the differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Methods: This study is a true experimental randomized post-test design study. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from adipose tissue and expanded in culture through four passages. The characteristics of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were measured by the expression of CD 34-, CD 45-, and CD 105+ using flowcytometry. The samples were divided into 3 groups, i.e. negative control (α-MEM), positive control (differentiation medium) and treatment group (platelet-rich fibrin). The assessment of GATA-4 marker expression was conducted using flowcytometry on the fifth day and troponin was conducted using immunocytochemistry on the tenth day to determine the differentiation to cardiomyocyte. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-tests and one-way ANOVA for data that demonstrated normal distribution as verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Results: Flowcytometry on GATA-4 expression revealed significant difference on addition of platelet-rich fibrin compared with negative and positive controls (68.20 ± 6.82 vs 58.15 ± 1.23; p<0.05; 68.20 ± 6.82 vs 52.96 ± 2.02; p<0.05). This was supported by the results of immunocytochemistry on troponin expression which revealed significant difference between platelet-rich fibrin group compared with negative and positive controls (50.66 ± 7.2 vs 10.73 ± 2.39; p<0.05; 50.66 ± 7.2 vs 26.00 ± 0.4; p<0.05). Conclusion: Injectable platelet-rich fibrin accelerates differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells.

Enhancing College Students’ Well-Being through an Online Mindfulness Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Background Mental health challenges continue to be on the rise with college students. The COVID-19 pandemic further accentuated these challenges. Thus, consideration could be given to exploring various strategies to support the well-being of students. Purpose This study examined the effects of an online mindfulness intervention in an academic course measuring the well-being in a two-group pretest and posttest study design. Methods Participants included (N = 40) undergraduate students ages 18–23. The experimental group consisted of participants in an online health course with a mindfulness component. The control group enrolled in an identical health course without a mindfulness component. Results The results indicated greater statistically significant increases in the experimental group’s well-being, mindfulness and positive affect, as well as a decrease in negative affect compared to the control group. Discussion This study offers insight into the potential effectiveness of online mindfulness interventions embedded in academic courses for benefiting students’ well-being. This is especially relevant as it was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic when focus on well-being was paramount. Translation to Health Education Practice Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) play an important role in enhancing well-being in the college student population through the needs assessment, implementation, evaluation, research and usage of findings.

RETRACTED: Development and evaluation of a second victim training course for nursing managers

BackgroundMost nursing managers are not fully aware of second victims and may not be able to provide support. Moreover, there are relatively few training courses for nursing managers about second victims. AimTo describe the construction and evaluation of a second victim course for nursing managers. DesignA single-group pretest–posttest study design was used. SettingA large comprehensive tertiary hospital with over 3000 beds in China. ParticipantsForty-nine nursing managers who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria participated in this training. Sixteen clinical frontline nurses who experienced adverse events within three months following the training were also invited. MethodsThe course “Second Victim & Empathy Communication” was developed through a literature review and expert consultation and consisted of 4 unit modules: (1) adverse events & second victims, (2) the recovery trajectory of second victims, (3) second victim supportive resources, and (4) key strategies of empathy communication. A course evaluation questionnaire, an empathy communication questionnaire for nursing managers, a second victim evaluation questionnaire, and an open-ended question were used to measure the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of the course. Results>97.96 % of the nursing managers were satisfied with the course, >97.96 % had learned new knowledge, and >95.92 % had changed their behavior and attitudes toward second victims. Their levels of empathetic communication differed significantly before and after training (t = −2.170, P = 0.035). Among these nursing managers, twenty-six participants provided positive and meaningful feedback and suggestions to the course by answering an open-ended question. A total of 66.6 % to 100 % of second victims were satisfied with the empathetic communication behavior exhibited by nursing managers. ConclusionThe second victim training course is feasible and can be used for clinical training to enhance nursing managers' understanding of second victims and enhance their empathetic communication.

Exploring the effects of a graduate level trauma-informed care education program for child welfare professionals

The national child welfare agency in Ireland identified the integration of trauma-informed practices as a service need, in the current significantly challenging practice climate. A promising program that meets the need of child welfare professionals to support need has been developed and is reported on in this paper. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a newly developed post-graduate level trauma-informed care program for professionals in the national child welfare agency in Ireland. Study participants were 41 child welfare professionals that included front-line practitioners, supervisors, and senior managers. A pretest–posttest study design was used, data was collected over three-time points to measure the effects of the program on pre-defined outcomes of Trauma-informed Knowledge, Professional Self-efficacy, Professional Quality of Life, and Intention to Leave. Statistically significant positives effects were found in trauma-informed knowledge, professional confidence, burn-out and compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress, with effect sizes ranging from medium-large to large (η2=.133toη2=.721) across the intervention time period. The positive impacts arising from the program were sustained for 3 months post-intervention. The results of this initial evaluation are promising in supporting child welfare professionals’ capacity to integrate trauma-informed practices and addressing the need for trauma informed practitioners. The need for further research is highlighted.

Virtual reality and functional training effect on contractile properties of lower leg muscles and postural stability

Purpose. Tensiomyography is a noninvasive and reliable method to identify the differences in skeletal muscle responses. Poor lower leg muscles cause poor postural stability, leading to the risk of injury in athletes. The study aims to investigate the aftereffect of a six-week virtual reality environment and functional training program on the contractile properties of lower-leg muscles and postural stability index. Material and methods. A comparative pre-test and post-test study design was selected for this study. Twenty-four male athletes were taken part in the study. The participants were randomly divided into a virtual reality intervention-training group (n=12) or a functional training group (n=12). The virtual reality environment training was provided using the CAREN integrated virtual reality system with a D-flow application from Motek. Functional training for static and dynamic postural stability was performed with various open and closed-eye exercises in the physical therapy lab. The contractile properties of lower-leg muscles were measured using tensiomyography. The postural stability index was assessed using a stadiometer. The assessments were performed before and after six weeks of training. A paired sample t-test was used to determine differences between pretest and posttest intervention outcome measures, and sample t-test was also applied to determine differences between groups after six weeks of training. Results. Results indicated significant differences between pretest and posttest measurement in virtual reality training group for displacement (t=2.81, p=.043), (t=-6.92, p=<.001) in gastrocnemius lateral and medial muscle respectively, and sustain time (t=2.29, p=.042) in souls muscle. The postural stability with close eye was significant (t=2.61, p=.024). The functional training group showed significant differences for sustain time (t=-18.86, p=<.001) in gastrocnemius lateral, and relaxation time (=3.24, p=.008), delay time (t=3.07, p=.011), and sustain time (t=-19.74, p=<.001) in gastrocnemius medial, and sustain time (t=3.17, p=.009) in souls muscle. The postural stability was having insignificant differences. Conclusion. The virtual reality environment and functional training, help to improve performance, and tensiomyography could be used to assess and evaluate the parameters that could be helpful for optimizing training load in the performance enhancement process of athletes.

Evaluating the impact of distance learning on gender-affirming healthcare competence: knowledge acquisition and satisfaction among healthcare professionals in Italy.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals face significant healthcare barriers, with one of the most critical being the inadequate knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in TGD health. To address this issue, we undertook a project to develop a distance learning course for all healthcare professions, encompassing a comprehensive range of topics related to TGD health issues. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a course on gender-affirming healthcare competence, with a focus on knowledge acquisition and satisfaction levels. The hypothesis was that participating in the course would enhance the participants' knowledge on the covered topics. A distance learning course, designed for all Continuing Medical Education professions, was conducted between March and September 2023. The course was structured according to the Problem-Based Learning methodology. We implemented a pre-test vs. post-test study design to evaluate the enhancement of knowledge, based on a set of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and investigated users' satisfaction through the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire. We examined the pre- and post-course proportions of correct responses to questions, along with the mean score difference, categorized by learners' sex, age, and geographical area. Eventually, a Satisfaction Training Index was created. The maximum capacity was reached, with 29,998 out of 30,000 available spots filled. Of those enrolled, 18,282 HCPs successfully completed the training. Post-test results revealed an increase in correct answers across all MCQs, with overall mean score rising from 48.8 to 68.0 (p < 0.001). Stratified analysis indicated improvements across all participant categories. A higher average increase among female (19.87) compared to male enrollees (17.06) was detected (p < 0.001). Both "over 55" and "46-55" age groups showed the greatest score increases compared to "35-46" and "under 35" groups, despite no significant differences in pre-test scores. Course satisfaction was high, averaging 4.38 out of 5. Top-rated aspects included "learning new concepts" (4.49), "accessibility" (4.46), and "platform functionality" (4.46). Our research hypothesis was confirmed by the significant increase in knowledge going from pre-test to post-test and by the high level of user satisfaction. The obtained results serve as a foundation for planning additional professional education in TGD health.

Instructional guidelines and group discussion effects on new nurses’ competency regarding nursing care of preterm infants

BackgroundPremature birth was once one of the leading causes of infant mortality. Premature infants require improved medical and nursing skills from a highly competent nursing team. PurposeThis investigation aimed to assess the effects of instructional guidelines and group discussion on new nurses’ competency in preterm infants caring at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). MethodsA single-anonymized, two-group pre-test and post-test study design was accompanied in 2022. The study was accompanied for 50 newly graduated nurses concerned with competence in nursing management of preterm infants at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in two hospitals: Al-Namas General Hospital, KSA, and the Pediatric Hospital of Assiut University, Egypt. Two groups were randomly selected from among the nurses to be trained on preterm infant nursing care competence either through an instructional guideline or group discussion. Nursing attitudes and practices were measured before and after training using questionnaires and checklists. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the instructional guideline group and the group discussion in the mean total score of attitudes (11.72 and 14.65, P = 0.455) and practices (14.36 and 14.80, P = 0.494) towards caring for preterm infants before intervention. While mean nurses’ attitude and practice scores increased significantly in both groups after the intervention, in the discussion group, nurses' practice scores increased significantly (p = 0.001). Still, there were no significant changes in the instructional guideline group (P = 0.202). ConclusionBoth methods were effective on the newly graduated nurses' attitude; however, the instructional guidelines did not affect their practice regard nursing care of preterm infants. However, group discussion training techniques can effectively improve the nurses’ attitude and practice toward nursing care of preterm infants. Relevance to clinical practiceThe group discussion training method should be the approved and proven method for hospitals to train new nurses to increase clinical practices, especially during nursing care for premature infants, because this method has proven its worth in increasing the skill of nurses. It enables a group to talk about a specific subject and exchange personal stories. This approach involves a group leader facilitating communication and interaction between participants.

Effectiveness of infection prevention and control interventions in health care facilities in Africa: A systematic review

Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety and quality care. However, they are avoidable by implementing evidence-based infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. This review evaluated the evidence of the effectiveness of IPC interventions in reducing rates of HAIs in health care settings in Africa. We searched several databases: CENTRAL, EMBASE, PUBMED, CINAHL, WHO IRIS, and AJOL for primary studies reporting rates of the 4 most frequent HAIs: surgical site infections, central line--associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumoniae, and increase in hand hygiene compliance. Two reviewers appraised the studies and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Out of 4,624 studies identified from databases and additional sources, 15 studies were finally included in the review. Themajority of studies were of pre- and post-test study design. All the studies implemented a combination of interventions and not as stand-alone components. Across all included studies, an improvement was reported in at least 1primary outcome. Our review highlights the potential of IPC interventions in reducing HAIs and improving compliance with hand hygiene in health care facilities in Africa. For future research, we recommend more pragmatic study designs with improved methodological rigor.

Effect of an educational intervention package on knowledge, perception and behavioral intention for breast cancer screening among adolescent students of Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and is the second most common in Nepal. This study assessed the effect of an educational intervention package on knowledge, perception, and behavioral intention for breast cancer screening among adolescent students of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.Methods: A pretest -posttest control group study design was used. Each intervention and control groups included 159 participants, selected from two randomly chosen public secondary schools. Both groups completed self-administered pretest-posttest questionnaires. Educational intervention was given to the intervention group. Data was entered in EpiData 3.1 and analysed by using IBM SPSS 16 version. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test compared the difference in pretest-posttest scores within groups, and the Mann-Whitney U tested the difference between the control and the intervention groups. Results: In pretest-posttest comparisons, the intervention group showed an increase in the percentage of participants scoring at least the median value across knowledge (change: 18.0%, p&lt;0.001), overall perception (change: 20.8%, p &lt;0.001), and behavioral intention (change: 56.6%, p&lt;0.001). There was significant increase in knowledge, perception, and behavioral intention among the intervention group compared to the control group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The educational intervention package showed a notable effect in increasing adolescent students’ intention to get screened for breast cancer. This study emphasizes the need to incorporate breast cancer screening programs into school-level curricula. In addition, this encourages adolescents to take a proactive stance when it comes to health consciousness.

The Effect of an Aerobic Platform on A Number of Body Components in Obese, Overweight, and Normal Children at the Age of (10-12 Years)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of aerobic training intervention on body components in obese, overweight and normal weight children aged 10-12 years. Methods: quasi experimental pretest / posttest study design was used. The research sample was deliberately chosen from the primary school students of the ninth Kuwait School for Boys for the academic year (2022-2023), whose number is (56) students, with (10) obese children and (23) overweight children And ( 23) normal children. Paired independent t test Analysis was used to test the effect of the intervention between pre- and post-training. Results: The intervention significantly improved body component measurements in children with obesity or overweight when the pre-test and post-test values were compared in the research; BMI (p&amp;lt;0.001); Fat M(kg) (p&amp;lt;0.001); It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in TR Fat M (p&amp;lt;0.001). However, in the data below, he concluded that there was no statistically significant difference between the variables;TBW(L) (p&amp;gt;0.05); PMM(%) (p&amp;gt;0.05); TR FFM (p&amp;gt;0.05); TR PMM (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusions: aerobic training made a significant difference in body component indices among children aged 10-12 years with obesity or overweight. Programmed aerobic training interventions can be used to improve some body component indices in obese and overweight children.

Impact of patient-centered communication on patient satisfaction scores in patients with chronic life-limiting illnesses: an experience from Kenya.

Patient satisfaction remains a key area of interest worldwide; utilizing a patient-centered communication approach, particularly with patients with chronic life-limiting illnesses may be one way to achieve this. However, there is a dearth of empirical information on the effect of patient-centered communication strategies in patients with chronic life-limiting illnesses in Kenya on patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of patient-centered communication on patient satisfaction. We conducted our study at a tertiary teaching and referral hospital in Kenya. We utilized a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test study design and engaged 301 adult medical in-patients with chronic life limiting conditions. We randomized them to receive patient-centered communication, and evaluated the change in patient satisfaction scores using an adapted Medical Interview satisfaction Scale 21 (MISS 21). Two hundred and seventy-eight out of 301 recruited participants completed the study. The baseline characteristics of the participants randomized to the control and intervention arms were similar. Although both the control and intervention arms had a decline in the mean difference scores, the intervention arm recorded a larger decline, -15.04 (-20.6, -9.47) compared to -7.87 (-13.63, -2.12), with a statistically significant mean difference between the two groups at -7.16 (-9.67, -4.46). Participants in the intervention arm were less likely to: understand the cause of their illness (p < 0.001), understand aspects of their illness (p < 0.001), understand the management plan (p < 0.001), receive all the relevant information on their health (p < 0.001), and to receive adequate self-care information (p < 0.001). They were also less likely to acknowledge a good interpersonal relationship with the healthcare providers (p < 0.001), to feel comfortable discussing private issues (p < 0.004), and to feel that the consultation time was adequate (p < 0.001). Contrary to expectation, patient-centered communication did not result in improved patient satisfaction scores. Further studies can evaluate factors affecting and explaining this relationship and assess intermediate and long-term effects of provision of a patient-centered communication in diverse global contexts.

Effects of 8 Weeks Conditioning Exercises on Muscular Endurance: A Cross-Sectional Study of Female Cadets of Ghana Immigration Service Academy, Assin Fosu, Ghana

Physical conditioning enables athletes to meet all the physical requirements of their sport, perform well, and minimize their risk of injury. This study aims to determine the effects of eight (8) weeks conditioning training on the muscular endurance of Female Cadets of the Ghana Immigration Service Academy. The Army Physical Training Fitness Test (APFT) was used to evaluate muscular endurance levels of the Female Cadets. The quasi-experimental pre-test post-test study design was used to conduct the study. A total of 60 female cadets were randomly stratified into two groups based on APFT age categories (22-26) and (27-31) years. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test was used to test the hypothesis. Higher upper body muscular endurance performance as measured by the APFT was observed in the age group (27-31) years compared to age group (22-26) years. Significant difference was found in muscular endurance in the females age groups (22-26) and (27-31) years (P&amp;lt;0.05). Significant positive effect on muscular endurance after conditioning exercises for female Cadets in both age categories, (22-26) and (27-31) years (P&amp;lt;0.05) was observed. Conditioning exercises had a significant impact on APFT upper body muscular endurance performance in the age categories of (22-26) and (27-31) years.

Effect of educational intervention on the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination among female students at a private university in Southern Nigeria

IntroductionIn Nigeria, breast cancer (BC), a disorder marked by the unchecked growth of breast cells, has been the commonest cancer among women in Nigeria. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the suggested methods for screening for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. However, studies have reported inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes and poor practices of BSE among undergraduate female students. The study was designed as an interventional study to examine the effect of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination among female students in a private university in southern Nigeria.MethodsThis pretest posttest design study was carried out on 103 students of Novena University at baseline in 2022, which were chosen through the use of simple random sampling. A validated questionnaire with components on demographics, knowledge, attitude, and BSE practice was used to gather the data. After that, the students participated in three hourly sessions of an educational intervention for two weeks. A month later, the students’ data were once again collected, and SPSS 20 software was used to evaluate the results using the mean, paired t test, and logistic regression at the P < 0.05 level of significance.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 22.37 ± 1.92 years. Only 53 (51.3%) were aware of BSE. The mean knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE at pretest significantly increased at posttest after the educational intervention (1.58 ± 1.48 vs. 4.31 ± 1.15, 2.37 ± 1.27 vs. 4.80 ± 0.49 and 1.97 ± 0.09 vs. 5.81 ± 3.26, respectively). Furthermore, age and family history of BC were predictors of knowledge (OR = 4.00 95% CI = 0.29–41.99, OR = 141, 95% CI = 0.15–13.18), attitude (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 0.28–12.32, OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.24–8.34) and practice of BSE (OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 0.38–18.41, OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 0.24–8.34) respectively.ConclusionThe findings showed that using an educational intervention strategy will improve the knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE among undergraduate students.

A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Informational Booklet on Knowledge regarding Home Care Management of Arteriovenous-Fistula among the patients undergoing Hemodialysis in selected Hospitals of Dharwad District

Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD) causes at least 2.4 million deaths per year and is now the 6th fastest leading cause of death. Over 2 million people worldwide currently receive treatment with dialysis. Hence the use of arteriovenous fistula is increasing day by day along with this the risk of complications are also increasing therefore enhancing the home care management of AV fistula is particularly important for patients undergoing hemodialysis with AV Fistula. An experimental: one group pre-test, post-test design study was conducted among 35 hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula at KLES’ Suchirayu Hospital Nephro Care Health Service Centre, Hubballi. The samples were selected using non-probability; convenient Sampling Technique. Data was collected by structure knowledge questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Overall results of the study revealed that out of 35 subjects, distribution of level of knowledge regarding home care management of AV fistula in the pre-test 23(65.72%) had average knowledge, 07(20%) had poor knowledge and 05(14.28%) had good knowledge. Whereas, in post-test after administration of informational booklet 31(88.58%) had good knowledge and 04(11.42%) had average knowledge and none of them had poor knowledge regarding home care management of arteriovenous fistula. The study concluded that, informational booklet was effective in improving the knowledge regarding home care management of arteriovenous fistula among patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Effect of complementary prana therapy on serotonin levels, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Scores and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores in psoriasis vulgaris patients

Introduction: Psoriasis vulgaris is a skin problem that has become a global concern with an increase in new cases reaching around 150,000 cases each year. This condition certainly reduces the quality of life and increases the patient's anxiety regarding the disease they are experiencing. This research was conducted to examine the effect of pranic complementary therapy on serotonin levels, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores in psoriasis vulgaris patients. Method: Experimental research using a single group pre-test and post-test study design approach was carried out on 17 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. The resulting data was then analyzed using SPSS. Results: This study showed that there was a significant decrease between pre and post-therapy serotonin levels with a mean difference of 44.69 ng/ml (p=0.002). Providing pranic therapy can also reduce the severity of psoriasis through (PASI) by 2.92 ± 3.82 (p = 0.006; 95% CI = 0.95-4.89). Meanwhile, prana was also found to reduce the stress index (PSS) by 3.88 ± 4.54 (p = 0.003; 95% CI = 1.10-6.21). Conclusion: Complementary pranic therapy affects serotonin levels, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores in psoriasis vulgaris patients.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Pilot Narrative Medicine Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents.

Background Narrative medicine has been integrated into medical training to enhance competencies such as observation, reflection, and self-care. However, few studies have assessed the impact of a single narrative medicine session using a pre- and post-test study design. The authors of this study sought to implement a pilot narrative medicine curriculum into a large internal medicine residency program and to evaluate its feasibility and impact. Methodology The curriculum consisted of a one-hour reading and writing workshop held during ambulatory academic half-days from 2021 to 2022. Resident participants completed a retrospective pre- and post-workshop survey evaluatingtheir interest and confidence in practicing narrative medicine skills, as well as their beliefs about theimpacts of narrative medicine on patient care and provider well-being. Descriptive statistics evaluated pre- and post-workshop differences using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on postgraduate year, residency track, and workshop setting. Additionally, participants completed open-ended questions that were analyzed qualitatively. Results Of 218 resident participants, 152 (69.7%) completed the post-session survey. Participants noted significantly higher levels of confidence and interest in listening to patient stories, analyzing literary texts, and engaging in reflective writing after the workshop. They also expressed significantly higher levels of agreement that engaging in literary analysis and reflective writing could improve patient care, reduce provider burnout, and strengthen connectedness with colleagues. Qualitative analysis demonstrated that participants found the sessions to be worthwhile and appreciated how narrative medicine could enhance their medical practice. Conclusions Incorporating a brief narrative medicine curriculum into an internal medicine residency program is both feasible and valuable. A single narrative medicine session was practical and well-received by residents, as it promoted self-reflection, observational skills, and connection with colleagues. Future workshops should be customized for different training levels and residency tracks, and additional studies should evaluate whether the outcomespersist over time.

Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy through Telerehabilitation on Upper Extremity Performance in Hemiparetic Stroke Patients: An Experimental Study

Introduction: A major challenge in stroke rehabilitation is the paresis of the Upper Extremity (UE), resulting in limited functional performance. Recently, motor imagery and Mirror Therapy (MT) have been recommended as an additional rehabilitation strategies that could be beneficial for motor rehabilitation after a stroke. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of mirror visual feedback through Telerehabilitation (TR) on UE functional performance in hemiparetic stroke patients. Materials and Methods: An experimental pretest, post-test study design was conducted at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India from January 2021 to June 2021. Total of 60 patients diagnosed with hemiparetic stroke were included in the study through convenience sampling and divided into two groups. The experimental group (n=30) received TR, and the control group (n=30) received face-to-face MT for 12 weeks. A pretest and post-test evaluation were administered using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Within-group analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, while intergroup analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U Test. Results: The study revealed statistical significance between the pretest and post-test scores of the WMFT-FAS (Functional Ability Score), WMFT-Time (Performance Time), and FMA-UE in the control and experimental groups. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the post-test scores of the control and experimental groups in the FMA and WMFTFAS. However, there was a statistically significant distinction in the post-test scores between the control and experimental groups in WMFT-Time. Conclusion: The study concluded that mirror visual feedback through TR was an effective treatment method to improve UE functional performance among hemiparetic stroke patients by offering an alternative service delivery model for occupational therapy

An Experimental Study to Assess Effectiveness of Music Therapy on Level of Depression among IT Employees in Selected IT Companies of Ahmedabad City, Gujarat State

Background: The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of music therapy on the degree of depression experienced by IT workers in a subset of Ahmedabad, Gujarat state, IT organizations.Materials and Methods: Pre-experimental research methodology and a single group pre- and post-test study design were employed. It was conducted with 40 IT workers who met the inclusion requirements. The sampling strategy employed was non-probability purposive sampling. Beck’s Depression Inventory-II was the instrument used to gather data and determine the degree of depression experienced by a subset of IT workers from a subset of IT organizations. Using the test-retest approach, the reliability of the Beck Depression Inventory-II was calculated, and the result was 0.92.Analysis and Interpretation: The mean difference was found to be 5.0, with the mean pre-test score being 22.83 and the mean post-test score being 17.83. It demonstrates that there was a substantial difference between the mean pre-test and post-test scores. At the 0.05 level of significance, the tabulated “t” value is 1.685 and the computed “t” value is 19.949. There is a difference between the computed and tabulated “t” values. As a result, the research hypothesis was supported and the null hypothesis was rejected.Conclusion: The results showed that music therapy is useful in lowering IT workers’ depression levels.