Pretreatment Scores Research Articles

Effect of Existential Group Therapy on the Quality of Sexual Life in Infertile Men's Spouses

Background and Objective: Infertility leads to a crisis in people's lives that can have many psychological consequences, and one of these consequences is the reduction of the quality of sexual life. Since the spouses of infertile men are as stressed as infertile women in many aspects, including sexual life, the present research aimed to investigate the effect of existential group therapy on the quality of sexual life of women who have dealt with male factor infertility. Materials and Methods: The present study followed a randomized controlled clinical trial from 2020-2021 on 96 women aged 20-45 with male-caused infertility. The samples were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The data collection tool included a demographic questionnaire and a questionnaire on the quality of sexual life. The intervention was carried out in eight 90-minute sessions per week based on the existential group therapy counseling model. The data were collected before and after the intervention and analyzed using the SPSS (version 25) software. It is noteworthy that the level of significance was lower than 0.05. Results: Following the intervention, the quality of sexual life score in the intervention group was 67.42±17.83, indicating a statistically significant improvement compared to the pre-intervention scores and the control group (P<0.001). The analysis of the mean difference in the quality of sexual life scores between the two time points for the intervention and control groups revealed a significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusion: Existential group therapy counseling is effective in improving the quality of sexual life in women faced with male-factor infertility. Due to the effectiveness of this method, it is recommended to be used in counseling in infertility centers.

Synergy-based motor therapy for post-stroke hemiparetic subjects: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Motor recovery is inclusively based on the severity of abnormal coupling or the abnormal synergistic actions among the post-stroke hemiparetic subjects. The normal synergistic pattern shall be incorporated to inhibit the abnormal synergistic behavior to attain motor control. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled double blinded (assessor and subjects) trial was conducted in a rehabilitation institute. One hundred and thirty-six post-stroke (mean duration, 12.73 ± 9.52 months) hemiparetic subjects were conveniently selected and randomly allocated in two groups (experimental, 68 and control, 68). The experimental group received synergistic-based motor therapy (SBMT) protocol and the control group of the subjects received the conventional occupational therapy intervention. Both of the groups received dose-matched intervention for the period of 3 months, 48 sessions (4/week). Normal synergistic linkage was being exploited to encounter the abnormal synergistic patterns. The main outcome measures were Fugl-Meyer Assessment – upper extremity (FMA-UE), arm (FMA-A), wrist-hand (FMA-WH) for the motor recovery and Finger Breadth Palpation method (FBP) for the shoulder subluxation. Results: In comparison to the control group, the experimental group exhibited highly significant results. The mean score of FMA-UE was changed to 41.32 ± 11.50 from the pre-intervention score of 25.76 ± 15.26 (P < 0.001). Post-intervention, the mean score of FMA-A was increased to 26.89 ± 0.93 from 17.36 ± 1.21 (P < 0.001). The pre-assessment score of FMA-WH was 8.29 ± 0.96 and post-intervention, it was increased to 14.13 ± 0.88 (P < 0.001). The experimental group of subjects was recorded to have a reduction in the shoulder subluxation. The grade of FBP reduced to 0.39 ± 0.11 from the pre-intervention score of 1.23 ± 0.13 (P < 0.001). Conclusion: SBMT was concluded to be superior and highly significant than the conventional intervention for enhancing upper limb motor recovery among post-stroke hemiparetic subjects. Further, the grade of shoulder subluxation was also found to be significantly reduced among the SBMT group participants in comparison to the control subjects.

Age matters when improving symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with continuous positive airway pressure.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder linked to significant daytime sleepiness and mood disturbances. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the standard treatment for OSA, but its effects on mental health outcomes, are not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CPAP on daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms while assessing how improvements vary with age. A total of 98 participants diagnosed with OSA were included in this study. Pretreatment and posttreatment scores for daytime sleepiness [Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)], depression [Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)], and anxiety [Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)] were collected. Improvements were calculated as the difference between pretreatment and posttreatment scores. Age, sex, ethnicity, apnea-hypopnea index, and CPAP compliance, were analyzed. Significant improvements were observed across all age groups after CPAP treatment: ESS scores improved by a mean of 5.6 points (P < 0.001), PHQ scores improved by 6.3 points (P < 0.001), and GAD scores improved by 1.1 points (P = 0.002). CPAP therapy effectively reduced daytime sleepiness, depression, and anxiety in patients with OSA, with significant age-related differences in outcomes. Younger individuals benefited most from treatment.

Effectiveness of menstrual hygiene management training to enhance knowledge, attitude, and practice among adolescents in Sindhupalchowk, Nepal.

Menstrual Health (MH) knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) are highly affected by access to information regarding menstruation. Despite being included in the school curriculum, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) education is often not delivered in practice. School-based educational interventions have been shown to be effective in promoting MH. A school-based study was conducted in Indrawati rural municipality of Sindhupalchowk district in Nepal. 427 participants (175 boys and 252 girls), aged 11-13, completed a questionnaire evaluating MH KAP before receiving a structured training module on MH provided by experienced trainers from Putali Nepal using the Menstrupedia tool. The questionnaire was repeated one month after the training. Pre and post intervention scores were compared to determine the effect of the intervention. Focus group discussions were also conducted to understand the perceptions of participants toward SRH teaching. Association of independent socio-demographic with dependent variables knowledge and attitude towards menstrual health were analyzed using MANOVA test. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the median outcome of the pre and post-test attitude and knowledge. The maximum possible score was 6 for MH knowledge. The total attitude score ranged 14 to 70. The median knowledge score increased by 1 point (p = <0.001) and the median attitude score by 5 points (p = <0.001), one month after delivery of the intervention. Higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with Hindu religion, female gender, higher father's literacy, and mothers in an informal occupation on multivariate analysis. Higher attitude scores were significantly associated with Hindu religion while lower attitude scores were associated with a mother in an informal occupation. The Menstrupedia comic educational intervention improved knowledge and attitude towards menstruation among Nepali adolescents. A scale-up of the Menstrupedia based intervention would significantly change knowledge and attitude towards menstruation in Nepali adolescents.

Comparing the effect of lecture method and cooperative teaching method on the learning, communication skills, and attitudes of students: a quasi-experimental study

IntroductionStudents can enhance their understanding of contemporary scientific developments by acquiring proficiency in the English language. Teaching approaches play a crucial role in language acquisition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the lecture method in comparison to the cooperative learning method, specifically focusing on students’ learning outcomes, communication skills, and attitudes.MethodsThis quasi-experimental interventional study was conducted at Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran in 2023 involving a sample of 30 third-semester students. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups, namely the lecture-based teaching group and the cooperative teaching group, with each group consisting of 15 members. Before and after the intervention, questionnaires were completed to assess learning, communication skills, and attitude in both groups. Data were analyzed by independent t-test to compare the two groups. Also, the Levene’s test was used to check the assumption of the equality of variances. Besides, the paired t-test was applied to compare results within each group. The chi-square test was utilized to compare the qualitative variables, while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test with adjusting the base value of dependent variables was used to compare the mean differences between the two groups after the intervention.ResultsFindings showed a statistically significant improvement in the mean learning score of the cooperative group after the intervention, compared to the score prior to the intervention (p = 0.007). Moreover, the communication skills and attitude scores of students in both the cooperative and lecture groups showed a statistically significant increase after the intervention, as compared to their pre-intervention scores (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, following the intervention, the mean scores for communication skills and attitudes were significantly higher in the cooperative group compared to the lecture group, with statistical significance indicated by p &amp;lt; 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively.ConclusionThis study highlights the effectiveness of cooperative teaching over traditional lecture methods in enhancing students’ learning outcomes, communication skills, and attitudes. The findings indicate that cooperative learning fosters greater engagement, collaboration, and significant interaction among students, ultimately leading to improved academic performance and student satisfaction within the educational framework examined.

Assessment of performance feedback as a teaching-learning tool in the operating room at the National Referral Hospital, Bhutan: a prospective pre-post interventional study

BackgroundEffective, efficient, and enduring feedback on performance improves and accelerates learning in medical education. Basic teaching methods like providing constructive feedback would enhance educational quality. However, briefing and debriefing culture is almost absent in our operating room. Feedback, if at all given, is traditionally negative, pointing out errors, while wanting to draw attention to strengths and success. This study aimed to examine the current status of performance feedback in the operating room and to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention “SHARP” on the quality of performance feedback.MethodsThis was a prospective, pre-post interventional study conducted at the National Referral Hospital, in Bhutan. Surgeons (trainers) and the surgical residents (trainees) performing elective surgical cases under general anesthesia were assessed for pre-intervention and post-intervention performance feedback using a validated Objective Structured Assessment of Debriefing (OSAD) based questionnaire. A validated SHARP 5-Step Feedback tool for surgery (Setting up learning objectives, How did it go, Address concerns, Review learning points, and Plan ahead) was used as an intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and the paired t-test was used to compare the pre-post OSAD scores, and p < 0.05 is considered statistically significant.ResultsThe existing performance feedback was unacceptably low. With the ‘SHARP’ intervention, the post-intervention OSAD score significantly increased compared to the pre-intervention score (26.7 ± 1.72 vs. 22.0 ± 2.67 for post-intervention and pre-intervention respectively, effect size 1.9, p < 0.001). An educational tool ‘SHARP’ effectively improves the quality of feedback in the operating room.ConclusionThe existing performance feedback is low in the operating room. Performance feedback can be efficient, effective, and enduring if a culture of structured feedback is in place. Educational tools like ‘SHARP’ can facilitate experiential learning in the surgical classroom.

Enhancing Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward Older Adults Through an Artificial Intelligence Virtual Simulation: A Mixed-Method Design.

The projected increase from 58 million older adults in 2022 to 82 million by 2050 in the United States highlights the urgency of preparing nursing students to care for this aging population. However, studies reveal negative attitudes among nursing students toward older adults. A three-phased educational intervention that included an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven virtual simulation was implemented to address this. AI-generated simulations promise to expose marginalized groups and strengthen future nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes. A convergent mixed-method design was used to measure the change in nursing students' attitudes toward older adults, as measured by the UCLA Geriatrics Attitudes Survey and a Guided Reflection survey after participating in an Artificial Intelligence in Education learning event (n = 151). The results indicate that post-intervention scores (M = 35.07, SD = 5.34) increased from pre-intervention scores (M = 34.50, SD = 4.86). This difference was statistically significant at the 0.10 significance level (t = 1.88, p = 0.06). The qualitative analysis indicated that the attitudes impacted were challenging and overcoming ageism, increased empathy and patience, and enhanced communication skills. Utilizing artificial intelligence technology during educational events effectively yields measurable learning outcomes. Cultivating positive attitudes toward older adults is essential for competent care in an aging society. This study was prospectively approved by the university's Institutional Review Board (IRB) on 30 July 2021, IRB-FY22-3.

The Effects of AR-Based Physics Homework on Learning Circular Motion

Abstract In this study, we compared the effectiveness of AR-based homework, traditional homework, and mixed-approach homework in learning about circular motion. To that end, we conducted a pretest-posttest quasi-experiment involving 135 first-year students enrolled in an introductory physics course at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Croatia. The students in the experimental group completed augmented reality (AR)-based homework assignments. In these assignments, their learning about circular motion was supported by a meticulously designed worksheet that included four AR-supported activities. In the mixed-approach group, students were given a homework assignment that included three AR-supported activities and one quantitative textbook problem, whereas the traditional group’s homework consisted of four quantitative textbook problems covering the same content. Findings from our study suggest that the post-treatment scores for all groups were significantly higher than the pretreatment scores, with the largest pre-post gains observed in the mixed-approach group. We conclude that combining carefully selected quantitative problems with key AR activities is the most promising approach.

Enhance Staff Nurses' Proficiency And Knowledge In Wound Assessment And Management Using The NERDS &amp; Stones Technique

Aim: This study aims to enhance the knowledge and proficiency of staff nurses in wound assessment and management using the NERDS &amp; STONES technique through targeted educational interventions and hands-on training. Methods: A quasi-experimental, one-group pre-and post-test design was used. A total of 89 registered nurses from one hospital in Saudi Arabia participated in the study. The intervention consisted of lectures, hands-on workshops, and case study discussions. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using the Wound Care Knowledge Assessment Tool, which measured nurses' knowledge of wound assessment and infection identification. Paired-sample t-tests were conducted to compare pre-and post-intervention scores. Results: The results showed a significant improvement in nurses' wound care knowledge after the educational intervention using the NERDS &amp; STONES technique. The pre-intervention mean score was 4.44 (SD = 1.74), which increased to 5.98 (SD = 2.13) post-intervention, with a mean difference of -1.54 (SD = 3.12). A paired ttest revealed a statistically significant increase in knowledge (t = -4.66, p &lt; 0.001). The effect size, as measured by Cohen’s d, was 0.494, indicating a medium effect of the intervention. Conclusion: The educational intervention using the NERDS &amp; STONES technique significantly improved nurses' wound care knowledge, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted training. These findings highlight the importance of structured educational programs in enhancing clinical skills and promoting better patient care outcomes.

Role of intralesional platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in the treatment of recalcitrant oral ulcers of pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus Vulgaris is a chronic, autoimmune vesiculobullous disorder in which 80-90% of patients develop oral lesions and in 60% of cases, oral lesions are the first sign. The platelet-rich concentrate present in autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has a high concentration of growth factors that promote the synthesis of collagen and extracellular matrix. The wound healing property of PRP can be used to treat recalcitrant oral ulcers of pemphigus as it accelerates the healing process, prevents the patients from side effects of steroids, and reduces the pain and discomfort of the patients. To assess the role of intralesional Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy in the treatment of recalcitrant oral ulcers of pemphigus vulgaris. A total of 15 histo-pathologically proven cases of Pemphigus Vulgaris under treatment, in whom the skin lesions had healed up to 90% but the oral ulcers were still persistent were included in the study. The severity of the ulcers were monitored by calculating the POLIS (Pemphigus Oral Lesion Intensity Score). Autologous intralesional PRP was administered in 3 sittings 7 days apart and the result was evaluated by change in POLIS score after each sitting. The data was analyzed using SPSS IBM version 26.0. Out of the total cases, 12 patients were female and 3 were male. Intralesional PRP was found to accelerate the healing of recalcitrant oral erosions. It was found that POLIS was reduced after every PRP session. The paired t-test was conducted to compare the mean scores of POLIS-0 and POLIS-3. The result indicates a significant difference between the pre-intervention mean score POLIS-0 (M=19, SD=3.25) and post-intervention mean score POLIS-3 (M=6.6, SD=2.97), t(14)=13.33,p&amp;#60;0.001. Intralesional PRP has been found to improve the recalcitrant oral ulcers of pemphigus vulgaris. Hence, it can be a treatment option where oral and topical corticosteroids fail to respond or are contraindicated.

Algofunctional outcome after intra-articular bipolar pulsed radiofrequency ablation for pain in osteoarthritis of the knee: A retrospective study.

There is a paucity of research and evidence, regarding the effectiveness of applying bipolar pulsed radiofrequency (bPRF) in osteoarthritis of the knee. This study aimed to search for the impact of intra-articular bPRF (IA-bPRF) on pain, functionality, and quality of life in individuals with advanced knee osteoarthritis. A total of 35 patients experiencing knee pain were included in the study. IA-bPRF was applied at 42 °C temperature, 45 V, with a pulse-width of 20 ms and a frequency of 2 Hz for 3 cycles of 120 seconds. Pain severity was evaluated using the numeric rating scale. Assessment tools included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Lequesne Algofunctional Index for knee. All measurements were made before the intervention, as well as 2 weeks and 6 months after application of IA-bPRF. Significant improvement was observed in numeric rating scale scores for walking pain from 8.57 ± 0.17 to 4.11 ± 0.35, total WOMAC scores decreased from 75.5 ± 2.71 to 36.7 ± 3.6 and Lequesne Algofunctional Index for knee scores decreased from 18.6 ± 0.70 to 10.4 ± 0.93 by the end of the sixth month (P < .01). WOMAC subgroups for pain, stiffness and functionality, were also significantly lower at the 2nd week and 6th month compared to pre-intervention scores (P < .01). No serious adverse events related to the procedure occurred. IA-bPRF use seems to be safe and effective in relieving pain among individuals with advanced knee osteoarthritis. As a result, with further research, we expect that IA-bPRF may be considered for inclusion in upcoming guidelines for the treatment of chronic pain related to osteoarthritis of the knee.

Effectiveness of autism training program introduction at primary health care (PHC) level

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a public health issue in many countries especially in developing countries. Family members who have a toddler with ASD face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Early detection is crucial to achieve improvement in children with ASD. Objectives: The aim of the current research is to study the implementation of a training program for Autism in 4 health care facilities and to evaluate its initial outcomes. Methodology: An interventional study conducted among 63 health care workers dealing with children 18-30 months in 4 health care facilities (2 urban health care facilities and 2 rural health care facilities) in Giza governorate. A tailored autism health education message as well as training on using the Arabic validated version of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) were provided to the HCWs. Results: 58.7% of participating primary health care workers (HCWs) had a satisfactory level of awareness about childhood autism prior to the intervention, and 71.4% had a satisfactory level of understanding following it. When comparing the study subjects' pre-intervention knowledge scores to their post-intervention knowledge scores, there was a statistically significant improvement in their knowledge about autism (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The study's findings validate the value of specialized training programs in raising healthcare workers' awareness of childhood autism. Recommendations: Incorporation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the educational curriculum of medical and nursing schools and ongoing education and training in ASD for health care workers.

Quasi-Experimental Study: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Jacobson Relaxation Techniques on Pain Among Post-COVID Geriatrics with Co-morbid Illness

Introduction: Jacobson's progressive muscle has been widely recognized for its potential benefits in pain management, particularly in populations experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety, which are common in post-COVID patients. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Jacobson Relaxation Techniques on pain among post-COVID geriatrics who had co-morbid illness. Methods: Quantitative study was selected for the study. A total of 82 participants were selected using purposive methods allocated to either the intervention group (n=41) or the control group (n=41). Pain levels were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) at baseline and after a week of intervention. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were employed to analyze the data. Results: The study finding revealed that the intervention group had a pre-intervention pain score of 7.2 ± 1.5, which reduced to 4.5 ± 1.2 post-intervention, indicating a noticeable reduction in pain levels following the intervention. In contrast, the control group had a pre-intervention pain score of 7.0 ± 1.4, which showed a minimal reduction to 6.8 ± 1.3 post-intervention, suggesting that the control condition had little to no impact on pain levels. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores compared to the control group post-intervention (p &lt; 0.05), indicating the efficacy of Jacobson Relaxation Techniques in pain management among post-COVID geriatrics with co-morbid illness. Conclusions: Jacobson Relaxation Techniques offer a valuable non-pharmacological approach for alleviating pain in post-COVID geriatrics with co-morbid illness. Further study recommended on the integration of these techniques into clinical practice can improve the quality of life for this vulnerable population, addressing a critical aspect of post-COVID care.

Effect of Health Education on Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention among Female Students of a Medical College in Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Pre and Post Analysis

Objective: To evaluate and compare the knowledge and attitude of future female health care providers regarding pap smear screening for cervical cancer at a medical and dental institution in Pakistan. The quality of knowledge of the students was analysed to measure the efficacy of awareness intervention sessions of the students. This was aimed to highlight their role in public awareness and identify the deficit thereof in their training towards practicing preventive community medicine. Study Design: This was a pre and post analysis comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at Army Medical College Rawalpindi Pakistan, over an 8-months period from Nov 2019 to Jun 2020. Methodology: A total of 754 responses, pre intervention -401- and one-month later post intervention-353 were collected through a validated questionnaire by convenience sampling. Changes in the knowledge and attitude of students using an independent sample t test were determined one month after 20-minute educational intervention detailing cervical cancer and its screening. Association between course and year of study on the knowledge and attitude scores was determined bycomparing means using ANOVA tables. Results: Comparison of pre and post intervention scores revealed a statistically significant difference in knowledge (p&lt; 0.001)and attitude (p=0.002) with a change in mean knowledge scores from 46.31±15.93 to 74.03±15.71 and mean attitude scores from 45.84±14.37 to 48.86±12.54 after the intervention. MBBS students showed a statistically significant improvement in attitude (p&lt;0.001) than their BDS counterparts (p=0.535). Conclusion: Pre-intervention knowledge and attitude was inadequate. The intervention was successful with a significant increase in scores. Emphasis should be on implementing national HPV vaccination and cervical screening awareness campaigns.

Analysis of the Effect of Bone Cement Distribution Patterns on Surgical Outcomes of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Objective: To evaluate the impact of bone cement distribution patterns on the surgical outcomes of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). Methods: Sixty-four patients with OVCF treated at our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were included and divided into two groups based on bone cement distribution patterns: the clustered group and the diffuse group. Both groups underwent PVP. We compared the incidence of bone cement leakage, operative time, blood loss, changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores before and after treatment between the two groups. Results: The number of cases with bone cement leakage was significantly higher in the diffuse group compared to the clustered group (P &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of volume of bone cement injected, intraoperative blood loss, or surgical time (P &gt; 0.05). Post-treatment, both VAS and ODI scores were lower than pre-treatment scores in both groups, with the diffuse group showing significantly lower scores than the clustered group (P &lt; 0.05). No postoperative adverse complications were observed in either group. Conclusion: PVP is highly effective for treating OVCF. A more uniform distribution of bone cement is associated with a greater reduction in postoperative pain and improved functional outcomes. However, careful attention is needed to prevent bone cement leakage.

Speech Intelligibility Outcomes Associated With Treatment for Acquired Apraxia of Speech: Magnitude of Change and Stability of Measurement.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine single-word speech intelligibility outcomes following sound production treatment in a group of 22 speakers with chronic acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) and aphasia. Also, the stability of repeated posttreatment intelligibility measures was examined for two scoring methods. The Assessment of Intelligibility of Dysarthric Speech was administered twice to each participant at pretreatment and twice at 8 weeks posttreatment. The test-retest reliability of the pretreatment samples was evaluated in a prior study; repeated samples were found to be stable over sampling times. For the current study, the three expert listeners who had rated the pretreatment samples scored the posttreatment samples using transcription and multiple-choice scoring formats. An additional expert listener, blinded to sampling time, scored pre- and posttreatment samples. The posttreatment samples were found to be stable over sampling times for the group. Posttreatment intelligibility scores were statistically significantly higher than the pretreatment scores for both scoring methods (i.e., increases of 9%-10%). Scores derived from the two scoring methods were strongly, positively correlated, with multiple-choice scores being significantly higher than transcription. The scoring methods did not differ significantly in the amount of change found from pre- to posttreatment. There were no statistically significant correlations between AOS severity and changes in pre- to posttreatment intelligibility scores. Performance for most participants was similar to group performance. Stability of posttreatment intelligibility samples supports use of intelligibility scores as outcome measures. This group of speakers demonstrated statistically significant increases in single-word speech intelligibility following sound production treatment. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.26972425.

Resident Performance on the Obstetrics and Gynecology In-Training Examination After Implementation of a New Academic Curriculum.

Background The goals of the annual Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology In-Training Examination (CREOG-ITE) are to provide residents with an assessment of their knowledge and program directors an assessment of their residency programs. Research has shown that a score greater than 200 is correlated with passing the qualifying board examination. We observed a substantial number of our residents were not performing well on the exam, which prompted the implementation of a new academic program aimed at determining the impact of an academic curriculum addition on CREOG-ITE scores in an American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residency program. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study of residents at a single institution to evaluate the effect of a remediation course for residents identified as "at risk." Residents with CREOG-ITE scores of <180 were placed into the experimental group who underwent a year-long remediation programand were compared to the control group (those with scores >180 who did not undergo remediation).Each resident in the experimental group served as their internal control by comparing their pre-intervention score to their post-remediation score. Results Themean improvement of the experimental group of the remediation programwas 23.2 points. After controlling for post-graduate year (PGY), their score improvement remained significant and was not simply a by-product of the inherent academic knowledge of a resident further along in training. Conclusions This scholastic remediation program was associated with a statistically significant improvement in CREOG-ITE scores, even when accounting for PGY level. This program may serve as a model for improving OB/GYN resident education.

Minimal Clinically Important Difference of Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory (VM-PATHI).

To calculate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory (VM-PATHI). Prospective cohort study. A single tertiary care balance and falls center. Fifty-three subjects meeting Barany Society criteria for vestibular migraine (VM) or probable VM were included and divided into 3 treatment groups. Treatment was not standardized, instead, management was decided individually between each patient and their provider. All subjects completed VM-PATHI before and after intervention. A Global Rating of Change (GRoC) questionnaire was also completed following intervention. Anchor-based methods, using a GRoC questionnaire, were utilized to estimate the MCID that produced the highest sensitivity and specificity on a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Forty-three subjects were classified as responders and 10 were classified as nonresponders. The mean VM-PATHI pretreatment score minus the posttreatment score between the responders (mean = 14, SD 13) and nonresponders (mean = 4 SD = 12) was statistically significant (mean difference = 10, 95% confidence interval, CI [1, 20], P = .03). The VM-PATHI score change cutoff that best differentiated between responders and nonresponders was a VM-PATHI change of 6. Thus, the MCID was defined as a change of 6 points (sensitivity = 72%, specificity = 70%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.89, 95% CI [0.80, 0.98], which demonstrates an excellent ability for the VM-PATHI score change to discriminate between responders and nonresponders. The average change in VM-PATHI scores was 9 points (SD 11) for those with "a little better" rating on the GRoC, 14 points (SD 14) for those with a "moderately better" rating, and 20 points (SD 13) for those with a "very much better" rating. Patients with VM are likely to demonstrate clinical improvement if their VM-PATHI score decreases by 6 or more.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Organizational Skills Training on Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in China

Background: In addition to attention and hyperactivity problems, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have poorer organizational skills needed to manage time and materials. This study examines the improvement of organizational skills in children with ADHD by studying organizational skills training (OST). Methods: This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Between September 2023 and January 2024, 70 children with a diagnosis of ADHD and at least one domain of executive dysfunction (EF) were divided into two groups. The conventional group was treated with medication, biofeedback, and behavioral interventions based on the children’s actual condition. The OST group received OST in addition to the conventional group. Results: The mean age of the children was 8.33 ± 1.62 years. A total of 66 children completed the intervention and follow-up, 32 in the conventional group and 34 in the OST group. There were no differences between the two groups of children in terms of their preintervention scores on the BRIEF, SNAP-IV, or IVA-CPT. Postintervention scores on the behavioral scales decreased (p < .05), and IVA-CPT scores increased (p < .05) in both groups compared with those in the preintervention period. The OST group had a lower BRIEF (p = .019) and SNAP-IV Attention deficit subscale (p = .046) and a higher IVA-CPT Attention deficit Index (p = .032) than the conventional group after the intervention. The percentage of children with a normal BRIEF total score in the OST group was 79.41% (27/34) after the intervention, which was greater than the 37.50% (12/32) in the conventional group (p = .001). Compared with the OST group, children in the conventional group were at greater risk of having BRIEF scores that remained abnormal after the intervention. Analysis of covariance revealed a statistically significant effect of group (p = .008), preintervention BRIEF (p < .001), and participation score (p = .036) on postintervention BRIEF. Conclusion: OST can further improve organizational skills in daily life in children with ADHD while improving core symptoms of attention deficit in addition to conventional treatment. The effect of OST on BRIEF is also influenced by the child’s BRIEF status at the baseline level and the level of cooperation during the intervention. Trial registration: The randomized controlled trial registration number was ChiCTR2300075744.

Improving Social Communication in Autistic Adolescents Through a Clinic-Home-School Collaboration.

Differences in social communication are common in highly verbal autistic adolescents and can interfere with development of friendships as well as lead to other co-occurring challenges. The purpose of this initial study was to assess whether targeted areas of social communication would improve following the implementation of a manualized social communication package with parent participation and school coordination. Autistic adolescents who demonstrated challenges with social communication participated in this study in the context of a rigorous concurrent multiple baseline experimental design. Weekly intervention targeting social communication was implemented over a period of six to seven weeks (depending on preintervention scores). Additionally, parents and participants completed standardized assessments of anxiety and depression and a post-intervention questionnaire was administered to assess their satisfaction with the intervention. This study demonstrated that social communication could be improved with a short-term intervention program with parent and school participation. All participants showed improvements in social communication, which was maintained at follow-up. Also, all participants and their parents reported high satisfaction with the program. These findings corroborate a growing literature base suggesting that support in the area of social communication is needed and can benefit autistic adolescents.