Post-program Data Research Articles

Inspiring and Preparing Our Future Leaders: Evaluating the Impact of the Early Career Women's Leadership Program.

The number of women in high-level leadership in academic medicine remains disproportionately low. Early career programs may help increase women's representation in leadership. We evaluated the Early Career Women's Leadership Program (ECWLP). We hypothesized that participants would rate themselves as having increased confidence in their leadership potential, improved leadership skills, and greater alignment between their goals for well-being and leading after the program. We also explored the participants' aspirations and confidence around pursuing high-level leadership before and after the program. We surveyed women physicians and scientists before and after they participated in the 2023 ECWLP, consisting of 11 seminars over six months. We analyzed pre- and post-program data using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. We analyzed answers to open-ended questions with a content analysis approach. 47/51 (92%) participants responded, and 74% answered pre- and post-program questionnaires. Several metrics increased after the program, including women's confidence in their ability to lead (p<0.001), negotiate (p<0.001), articulate their career vision (p<0.001), reframe obstacles (p<0.001), challenge their assumptions (p<0.001), and align their personal and professional values (p=0.002). Perceptions of conflict between aspiring to lead and having family responsibilities (p=0.003) and achieving physical well-being (p=0.002) decreased. Perceived barriers to advancement included not being part of influential networks, a lack of transparency in leadership, and a competitive and individualistic culture. In the qualitative analysis, women described balancing internal factors such as self-doubt with external factors like competing professional demands when considering leadership. Many believed that becoming a leader would be detrimental to their well-being. Beneficial ECWLP components included support for self-reflection, tactical planning to pursue leadership, and creating a safe environment. The ECWLP improved women's confidence and strategic plans to pursue leadership in a way that supported their work-life integration. Early career leadership programs may encourage and prepare women for high-level leadership.

Immersive Leadership Training for Physicians: Comparing Retrospective Pre- and Post-Test Virtual vs in-Person 6-Month Follow-Up of Learning.

Little is known about the long-term efficacy of virtual leadership training for physicians. This study compares two highly similar groups of Obstetricians-Gynecologists' (OB-GYN) 6-month post-program changes in competency and skills after experiencing equity-centered leadership training in a virtual or in-person format. Using a retrospective pre- and post-test method, we collected 6-month post-program data on 14 competencies for knowledge gains and skills use, comparing the virtual cohort (2021, n = 22) to the in-person cohort (2022, n = 33) in 55 total participants. Qualitative data from open-ended feedback questions informed on skills relevancy and professional impact since program participation. Data indicate strong, statistically significant knowledge and skills retention in both cohorts, with 63% of the virtual and 85% of the in-person participants responding. Data indicate participants report the course having a positive impact on their healthcare provision and nearly all report they made changes to their communication and leadership approaches in the 6-months after the program. 59% of the virtual and 55% of the in-person cohorts report new leadership opportunities since their participation and that the course helped prepare them for those roles. Qualitative data support the need for the training, specific elements of the training these physicians found particularly helpful, and that the learning was "sticky", in that it stayed with them in the months post-program. There was a clear stated preference for in-person experiences. Either virtual or in-person leadership training can result in long-term (6-month) significant retention and application of knowledge and skills in physicians. While limited in size, this study suggests that in-person experiences seem to foster more effective bonds and also greater willingness to participate in post-program follow-up. Physicians find equity-centered leadership training to impact their subsequent communication and leadership practices and they report career benefits even in 6-month follow-up.

Evaluating the Impact of a Global Cleft Speech Mentorship Program on Expanding Practitioner Competency in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

A primary challenge in global cleft care lies in the limited opportunities for cleft-specific training and mentorship available to speech practitioners worldwide, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). In addition, the limited number of speech therapists with cleft experience in LMICs creates a significant barrier to access to care for individuals with cleft lip and palate globally. The inaccessibility of cleft-specific clinical instruction and cleft-trained speech therapists impacts the effectiveness of intervention and, subsequently, the speech-language development of cleft-affected individuals worldwide. A structured virtual clinical mentorship program targeting speech practitioners of all skill levels in LMICs was established to address this gap in comprehensive cleft care provision. This article will examine the effectiveness of a structured cleft speech mentorship program in expanding practitioner competency in LMIC communities and, as a result, building capacity for cleft speech care globally. The authors will outline various aspects of the development and implementation of this cleft speech mentorship program, including rationale, participant recruitment, program requirements, and impact assessment tools utilized. An analysis of pre-program and post-program data will be conducted to evaluate the degree to which clinical skills were improved, identify persistent areas of weakness, and examine the effectiveness of the program in expanding speech practitioner competency.

Student-led activities of daily living group program in a hospital inpatient rehabilitation setting.

Occupational therapists have vital roles in inpatient rehabilitation to focus on independence in activities of daily living. Occupational therapy interventions are uniquely designed to address goals of service users and can be delivered individually or in group formats. Group interventions promote service users' mutual support and enable therapists to increase frequency and intensity of service provision. Student-led programs have become an attractive model, benefiting students while providing positive treatment outcomes for service users. There is an emerging body of literature that explores service users' and students' satisfaction with student-led group models of practice within inpatient rehabilitation and occupational performance outcomes of service users participating in student-led programs. This study aimed to explore the satisfaction of service users and students in addition to the self-reported occupational performance outcomes of a student-led activities of daily living group program in inpatient rehabilitation. Data from 33 service users and seven students were collected retrospectively. The intervention involved a student-led activities of daily living group program, consisting of three groups: breakfast, morning tea, and home readiness group. All service users and students completed unique satisfaction surveys at the conclusion of their participation in the student-led program. Service users completed a self-reported activities of daily living performance measure pre- and post-program. Findings were reported in descriptive statistics, and pre- and post-program data were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. All students were satisfied with the student-led program. Majority of service users were satisfied with all components of the student-led program. Median scores for self-reported performance increased significantly following the student-led program (P < 0.001). This study highlighted that service users and students were satisfied with the service delivery of a student-led activities of daily living group program. The program was effective in addressing self-reported performance for service users in inpatient rehabilitation. The findings from this study have potential to inform clinical practice on the implementation of student-led programs in occupational therapy settings.

High Intensity Functional Training for People with Parkinson's & Their Care Partners: A Feasibility Study.

Various forms of exercise have proven health benefits for people with Parkinson's (pwPD) yet high intensity functional training (HIFT) has yet to be studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, physical and psychosocial impacts of a HIFT program for pwPD and their care partners (CPs). A single group, pre-post design with assessments before, in the middle (13weeks), and after the 25-week intervention. Community fitness facility. Fourteen pwPD (10 at Hoehn Yahr Stage ≤2, 4 females) and 10 CPs (5 females) were included (mean age = 71.5 (6.1)). A 25-week HIFT program (≤49 exercise sessions, ≤75min long). Recruitment, retention, attendance, safety and exercise intensity (measured via session-Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)) was assessed in addition to cardiovascular endurance, lower extremity strength, walking speed, balance, exercise self-efficacy, balance confidence, social support for exercise and health-related quality of life. Descriptive data was used to describe feasibility measures. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and post-program data. Effect size, r, was calculated. Recruitment rates were ≥40% for pwPD and CPs and retention rates were 80% for pwPD and 62.5% for CPs. Average session attendance was 71.2% with 15 adverse events reported, including 7 non-injurious falls. Median session-RPE was 5 (IQR = 1) out of 10. PwPD demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, self-selected and fast walking speeds, balance and social support for exercise. CPs demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance and lower extremity strength. Exercise self-efficacy, balance confidence and health-related quality of life did not significantly change for pwPD or CPs. High intensity functional training appears feasible for pwPD and their CPs and may lead to health benefits. Healthcare providers should consider HIFT as another option to engage pwPD in community-based exercise.

Abstract 17020: Education of Children Improves Awareness of Hypertension, a Novel Method to Improve Health Equity

Introduction: Approximately 45% of the U.S. population has hypertension (HTN), with increased prevalence in Black adults in urban areas. HTN is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and renal failure. Increasing awareness of HTN during early education may improve health equity. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that a science-based educational program administered to primary school students can increase knowledge of HTN with the objective of increasing awareness and health equity. Methods: We engaged 95 4th graders in an urban, public school system (44% White, 43% Black, 13% Other) with an innovative, experiential educational program administered across four, one-hour sessions as part of their curriculum. We taught and assessed students’ awareness of HTN across four topics: (1) knowledge of BP &amp; HTN, (2) organ systems impacted by HTN, (3) habits to maintain a healthy BP, and (4) their competence to operate a BP monitor according to AHA recommendations. Assessments were completed via surveys of 21 individual data points and administered pre-and post-program with each child as their own control. Paired t-tests were used to analyze the pre- and post-survey data. Results: Of the 95 students who underwent the program, 71 children had both pre- and post-program results. Comparison of pre-and post-program data showed a statistically significant improvement in students’ knowledge about healthy nutrition, organs affected by HTN, and understanding of blood pressure/HTN (53% to 90%, 20% to 75%, and 40% to 77%, respectively)[p&lt;0.001 for all; Table below] Conclusions: Implementing an educational program focused on knowledge of nutrition, organ systems, and BP to 4th-grade students significantly raised awareness of HTN. This innovative program in an urban public school is feasible and may be the first step to decreasing the morbidity of a highly prevalent and modifiable disease in a community.

Development and Evaluation of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) Program Certification for Low-Resource Settings.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a proven model of secondary prevention, but new sites, providing quality care, are needed in low-resource settings. This study (1) described the development of International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation's (ICCPR) Program Certification and (2a) tested its implementation, considering (b) appropriateness of quality standards for these settings. The Steering Committee finalized 13 standards, requiring 70% be met. They are assessed initially through International CR Registry (ICRR) program survey and patient data; if Certification appears possible, a two-hour virtual site assessment is arranged to corroborate. Standard operating procedures for Assessor training were developed. A multi-method pilot study was then undertaken with a quantitative (description of quality indicators) and qualitative (focus groups on MS Teams) component. ICRR sites with post-program data by April 2022 were invited to participate. Two team members independently analyzed focus group transcripts, using a deductive-thematic approach with NVIVO. Five CR programs from the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asian and American regions participated. Upon application, with some data cleaning, initially four programs were eligible to proceed to virtual site assessment. Ultimately, all five programs were certified, each meeting a minimum of 12/13 standards (peak MET increase and program completion rate were not met by some centres). Four themes resulted from the two focus groups of 13 site data stewards: motivation and benefits (eg, international recognition, additional program resources), logistics (eg, communication, cost, site visit process), the standards and their assessment (eg, balance of rigor and feasibility), and suggestions for improvement (eg, website). ICCPR's Program Certification has been demonstrated to be feasible, rigorous, and acceptable. Standards are attainable in low-resource settings. Certified programs reap benefits including additional resources. This first international Certification is suitable for low-resource settings, to complement that from the American and European CR Societies.

Mindfulness influences the psycho-social dimension of chronic pain: A randomized controlled clinical trial in Indian context.

In India, the awareness about the psycho-social dimension of chronic pain is minimal among physicians and patients. The research with community-based group therapies (like mindfulness) to address the psycho-social aspects in chronic pain patients remains limited. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to see the effects of mindfulness on pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, chronic pain acceptance, perceived stress, well-being, and mindfulness characteristics. In this two-site, parallel group, clinical trial, 170 patients attending pain outdoors of two government hospitals in West Bengal, India, were randomized to attend five weekly in-person mindfulness sessions (cases) or usual care sessions (controls) within the hospital premises. Pre-program and post-program data were collected and analyzed using statistical methods like repeated measures analysis of variance. In participants of the mindfulness group, significant changes post session were noted in pain intensity [F(1,326) = 15.0122; P = 0.0001291], pain acceptance [F(1,326) = 4.5311; P = 0.03403], and perceived stress score [F(1,326) = 13.2788; P = 0.0003122] compared to pre-session. The changes in pain catastrophizing, World Health Organization well-being and Freiburg mindfulness inventory scores were non-specific. Mindfulness had a positive influence on pain intensity, pain acceptance, and perceived stress of Indian chronic pain patients. The effects on pain catastrophizing, mindfulness characteristics, and well-being (non-specific) were also encouraging. Further studies will be required to substantiate these results.

Promoting character through developmental experiences in conservation service youth programs

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to understand the developmental experiences that unfold in youth development contexts, and why they matter for character development. Drawing on pre- and post-program data provided by 846 adolescents (47% female, 63% youth of color), this paper empirically investigated the role of three developmental experiences―developmental relationships, critical reflection, and intrinsic program engagement―in promoting civic, moral, intellectual, and performance character strengths in a conservation context in the United States. Results provide robust evidence of the pervasive power of all three developmental experiences, and especially youth-adult developmental relationships and critical reflection, in promoting key elements of character. Specific suggestions are described for organizational action to invest strategically and systematically in these program features to support young people’s character development.

Authentic Learning Design Failures: The Need for Learner and Contextual Analysis and Participatory Design

This design case examines what program leaders learned from failures in the design of a program of authentic learning about teaching diverse audiences through educational outreach. The program was initiated and then redesigned to develop the teaching and communication skills of graduate students from a wide range of backgrounds by engaging them in authentic experiences with middle school teachers and students. Analysis of post-program data revealed seven design failures related to the lack of upfront analysis to inform the program design. Each design failure was detailed through a fishbone diagram method to identify the corre- sponding contributing factors. The failures in this design case reinforce the need for upfront learner analysis and contextual analysis. A participatory design was also suggested from the post-program data analysis. An instructional design model was recommended for continuous program redesign.

Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of Behavioral Activation for Patients with Cancer and Depression in Japan.

Though the effectiveness of behavioral activation (BA) for patients with cancer and depression were reported, there is no evidence in Japan. This study aimed at examining the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of BA for patients with cancer and depression in Japan. This pre-post study without a control group was conducted in patients with cancer and depression in Japan. The program completion rate was compared with those of previous studies to examine feasibility. To examine the preliminary effectiveness, outcomes were evaluated four times: before and immediately after the program, and two weeks and three months after the program ended. The primary outcome was the remission rate of depression using the 17-item version of the GRID Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD17). Secondary outcomes were self-reported depression, anxiety, quality of life, changes in behavior, values, and perceived reward of activity and environmental factors. Pre- and post-program data were compared using paired-samples t-tests, and data obtained at four time points were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Of the 68 patients recruited from February 2018 to January 2022, 32 were registered. The completion rate was 75% (24/32), which was similar to previous studies. The total HAMD17 score significantly improved after the program. The remission rate of depression was 62.5% (20/32), which was above the defined threshold value (30%). All but two secondary outcomes significantly improved after the program (p < 0.05). The feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of BA for patients with cancer and depression in Japan were suggested.

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of “The Quest,” A Health and Well-Being Intervention for British-Based Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Gay and Bisexual Men

ABSTRACT This article provides an evaluation of a health and well-being workshop-based intervention, “The Quest” for gay and bisexual men from British Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. A quantitative component assessed reported and intended sexual risk, drugs and alcohol use alongside measures of psychological well-being with pre and post-program data collected from 26 men. Fourteen men participated in focus groups that discussed experiences of the intervention. Significant improvements were found on measures of internalized homophobia, self-esteem and self-efficacy but not for health behaviors including safer sex or substance use. Qualitative feedback was generally positive especially around enhanced psychological well-being, identity integration, and enhanced self-awareness. There were some concerns over group size and whether non-BAME gay men were appropriate as facilitators. Theoretically informed, culturally competent interventions can demonstrate significant potential in enhancing the well-being of BAME gay and bisexual men but follow-up data are needed to show longer-term benefits.

The Pathways to Participation (P2P) Program: A Pilot Outcomes Study.

Research has consistently found that people with mental illness (known as consumers) experience lower levels of participation in meaningful activities, which can limit their opportunities for recovery support. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of participation in a group program designed to address all stages of activity participation, known as Pathways to Participation (P2P). A descriptive longitudinal design was utilized, collecting data at three time points. Outcomes were measured by the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal (CANSAS), Recovery Assessment Scale—Domains and Stages (RAS-DS), Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-24), Living in the Community Questionnaire (LCQ), and time-use diaries. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square analyses. A total of 17 consumers completed baseline data, 11 contributed post-program data, and 8 provided follow-up data. Most were female (63.64%) and had been living with mental illness for 11.50 (±7.74) years on average. Reductions in unmet needs and improvements in self-rated recovery scores were reported, but no changes were identified in either time use or psychosocial health. The findings indicate that the P2P program may enable consumers to achieve positive activity and participation outcomes as part of their personal recovery.

Improvement in social anxiety following a return-to-work intervention for patients with depression.

Purpose:To retrospectively examine depression and social anxiety improvement in patients on sick leave due to depression who participated in a return-to-work intervention (RTW-I) program.Methods:Patients visited a psychiatric outpatient clinic simulating workplaces to learn recurrence prevention skills through RTW-Is, including group cognitive behavioral therapy, from April 1, 2013, to September 30, 2017. The Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II), Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS), and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) scores of 112 patients were analyzed before and after the intervention program. Missing postprogram data were substituted using the last observation carried forward scores. Next, 45 patients who responded to the work continuity survey 1 year after RTW-I were categorized into Group A (patients who continued working: 37) and Group B (those who did not continue: 8).Results:The mean BDI-II scores significantly decreased from preintervention 19.4 to postintervention 7.9 (t = 13.303, P < .001). The mean SASS scores significantly increased from preintervention 31.9 to postintervention 36.0 (t = −5.953, P < .001). The mean LSAS scores significantly decreased from preintervention 54.7 to postintervention 37.0 (t = 8.682, P < .001), and all scores demonstrated an improvement. Patients who continued working showed improved depressive and social anxiety symptoms. The BDI-II and SASS scores showed no significant differences between the groups, but the postintervention LSAS scores were significantly different (P = .041). LSAS score changes: Group A = −26.2; Group B = −9.8; estimated difference: −17.920, 95% CI: −32.181 to −3.659, P = .015.Conclusions:The RTW-I program improved depressive and social anxiety symptoms. Patients with improved scores continued working for 1 year after the intervention.Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered with the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN-CTR) (ID: UMIN000037662) on August 10, 2019.

Moving minds: Mental health and wellbeing benefits of a 50-day workplace physical activity program.

The aim of this study was to assess changes in mental health and wellbeing measures across a 50-day physical activity workplace program. The secondary aims assessed the relationship between demographic and pre-program physical activity self-reported variables, mental health, wellbeing and program engagement measures. The study utilized a naturalistic longitudinal design with a study population of 2903 people. Participants were engaged in the 10,000 step daily physical activity program for 50-days and measures of engagement were tracked. 1320 participants provided full pre/post-program data across a range of standardized mental health and wellbeing measures alongside demographic and program engagement measures. For individuals providing pre and post program data there was a significant reduction in anxiety (18.2%, p = .008), stress (13.0%, p = .014) and sleep related impairment (6.9%, p < .001) alongside a significant improvement in overall wellbeing (6.7%, p = .001). The data further showed no significant mental health differences were identified between individuals who recorded below versus equal to or above 10,000 steps. Regression analyses indicated numerous group and personal variables impacted mental health, wellbeing and program engagement. The study highlights improvements in a range of mental health and wellbeing scores occurred over the 50-day activity program for people who complete the program. Finally, the study identified a range of protective and risk factors for mental health benefits of these programs and level of engagement. Whilst there were similarities in the pre-program mental health and wellbeing scores of those who completed and those lost to follow-up, further research is required to better characterize and understand this group.

Feasibility of Implementing Physical Activity Behavior Change Counseling in an Existing Cancer-Exercise Program.

Purpose: This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of implementing research-tested physical activity (PA) behavior change counseling (BCC) sessions in an existing cancer-exercise program, and the preliminary effects on cancer survivor’s self-efficacy and PA. Methods: Participants were cancer survivors undergoing or within six-months of completing cancer treatment(s), and exercise program staff. Cancer survivors were randomized to receive the exercise program plus PABCC, or the standard exercise program. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by recruitment, adherence, satisfaction, and a focus group with program staff. Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis. Self-report questionnaires measured PA and exercise self-efficacy. Results: Recruitment was 33 out of 93 (36.7%), and n = 13 (39%) provided post-program data. Cancer survivors enjoyed PABCC sessions, but reported face-to-face delivery was an added time burden. Program staff expressed desire to implement PABCC, but perceived staff capacity and time as barriers to sustainability. Exercise self-efficacy increased by 21.5% in the PABCC group vs. 4.2% in the control. PA increased by 81.3% in the PABCC group vs. 16.6% in the control group. Conclusions: Implementing PABCC in an existing cancer-exercise program was acceptable and promising for increasing moderate to vigorous PA, but additional research is needed to enhance the feasibility and sustainability of translating efficacious behavioral interventions into existing cancer-exercise programs.

Effectiveness Of A Physician Referred Exercise Is Medicine Program With At-risk Community Members

Lack of adequate daily physical activity contributes to the burden of chronic disease on our health system and reduces quality of life. A clinic to community care program focusing on exercise, nutrition education and behavior change coaching may aid in the prevention and management of chronic disease. PURPOSE: To investigate the outcomes of a physician referred exercise, nutrition and behavior change intervention in preventing and managing chronic disease. METHODS: Eleven subjects (3 males, 8 females, age 56 ± 6.5) volunteered for the 12 week program. To be included subjects did not meet ACSM guidelines for physical activity and presented with symptoms of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. All subjects completed a fitness assessment, received 6 virtual lifestyle coaching sessions, personalized exercise prescriptions and 3 virtual training sessions. Participants completed weekly logs tracking exercise minutes, mood, resting heart rate, blood pressure and weight. Body composition was estimated using an InBody analysis at weeks 1 and 12. Self-efficacy surveys (SES) were administered at weeks 1 and 12. The Psychological General Well-being Index (PGWBI) was administered at weeks 1, 6 and 12. A paired samples t-test was used to analyze the pre and post program data for BMI, exercise minutes, percent body fat, mood, PGWBI and SES. Resting heart rate and blood pressure were not analyzed due to a lack of reporting by the subjects. RESULTS: BMI significantly decreased (36.8 ± 10.5 vs 36.5 ± 10.6, p < .05), exercise minutes significantly increased (46 ± 56 vs 232 ± 88, p < .05) and mood significantly increased (3.2 ± 0.76 vs 4.2 ± .64, p < .05) after 12 weeks. No differences were found for percent body fat, scores on the PGWBI and SES surveys (p > .05). CONCLUSION: This pilot program had positive outcomes for a small first cohort. Increases in physical activity level over 12 weeks is promising since this program was adapted to a virtual format due to the pandemic. Although not significant, an upward trend in scores was seen on the PGWBI and SES surveys, more subjects are needed to detect significant differences. With continued program recruitment, more data will be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of a clinic to community care program for the prevention and management of chronic disease.

Professional Competency Self-Efficacy of Undergraduate Environmental Studies Students: A Case Study of Gender Differences and Longitudinal Change

Business leaders and political leaders have asked institutions of higher education to improve graduates’ cognitive and affective skills, sometimes referred to as “soft skills”, personal competencies, professional competencies, “21st century skills” or 21st century competencies. As a result of their importance, demands for these skills in the workforce, and increased pressure to be accountable, higher education is challenged to assess student achievement and performance related to these competencies. The goal of this paper is to investigate the longitudinal changes in relative self-efficacy of undergraduate environmental students across three domains of professional competencies – cognitive, intrapersonal and interpersonal. More specifically, the objectives are to: 1. Examine the extent to which there are differences in self-efficacy for male and female students in an environmental studies program; 2. Assess the extent to which self-efficacy of the environmental studies students change over the time they are involved in the undergraduate program and their relationship to learning outcomes. An examination of pre-program self-efficacy data indicate statistical differences between males and females that are consistent with social role theory that posits that gender traits are developed as a result of the differential roles that women and men occupy in society. The observed statistical differences between males and females based on effect size are generally maintained between pre- and post-program data for the unpaired data. However, differences in the effect size of five competencies between pre- and post-data suggest that the impact of the educational experiences for male and female students is different. A comparison of the pre- and post-scores for paired female data indicate that overall female self-efficacy showed a general increase for 18 of 23 competencies. Statistically significant increases in female-student confidence in their abilities occurred in continuous learning, employee development, presenting, diplomacy, and written communication. Paired pre-post male data indicate that overall male self-efficacy for 19 of 23 competencies increased. Statistically significant increases in male-student selfefficacy occurred in employee development/coaching and diplomacy. Increases in self-efficacy data supports the contention that development of 21st century competencies is occurring as the students actively engage in activities where they can practice these skills.

EQ Training for Management Cascades Value in the Field: UCB Pharma Case in Italy

In times of rapid change, how can we support managers to meet professional challenges successfully? How can each manager become an effective change agent? How can we promote professional development at all levels and improve communication skills appropriate for the different audiences with whom they must interface? This study explores emotional intelligence (EQ) as a key to unlocking managerial performance in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) corporate environments. Through a graduated and structured process that started in 2017, UCB Pharma Spa, a multinational pharmaceutical company, decided to invest in a pilot to develop the social and emotional skills of organizational members, from senior managers to staff associates. An action learning and change management model was used to design and facilitate the program intervention. Individual EQ and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven team assessments were used to target development efforts, as well as gather pre- and post-program data. The result was significant improvement in the quality of teamwork and people engagement, demonstrated by an increase in relational efficiency in 98% of cases.

A Digital Program (Hope) for People Living With Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 lockdown period in the United Kingdom that began on March 23, 2020, more than a quarter of a million people with cancer reported worsening mental health. Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (Hope) is a self-management program for people with cancer, designed to provide support for distress, unmet needs, and poor psychological health. In light of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, digital delivery of the Hope Programme has become ever more vital for people with cancer. Previous pre-post studies of the digital Hope Programme have found reduced anxiety and depression and improved well-being for people with cancer. However, evaluation of this evidence has been limited by the lack of a control group in these previous studies.ObjectiveWe now present a protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial of the digital Hope Programme for people with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary outcomes will be recruitment, dropout, and adherence rates, and estimations of sample and effect size. To detect signals of efficacy, secondary outcomes will be participant mental health and well-being.MethodsParticipants will be recruited by Macmillan Cancer Support (MCS) through their social media networks. The study will employ a feasibility wait-list randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, with people with cancer being randomized to join the digital Hope Programme immediately (intervention group [IG]) or join a 6-week waiting list (wait-list control group [WLCG]) with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants will complete digital measures of depression, anxiety, mental well-being, and confidence in managing their own health. Online questionnaires will be administered preprogram and 6 weeks postprogram.ResultsAll people who had requested access to the Hope Programme from MCS (N=61) will be invited to participate in the trial. Baseline data collection commenced in April 2020, and the Hope Programme began for the IG in May 2020 and for the WLCG in June 2020. Postprogram data collection was completed by the end of August 2020.ConclusionsThis feasibility study will provide data to inform the design of a future definitive trial. Wider-scale provision of the digital Hope Programme has potential to improve the lives of thousands of people with cancer and reduce the burden on health care providers during these unprecedented times.Trial RegistrationISRCTN Registry ISRCTN79623250; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN79623250International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/24264