Professional Societies Research Articles

A Retrospective Analysis of Leadership, Awardees, and Member Gender Representation of the Canadian Society for Immunology.

The Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) established a formal Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee with the goal of providing EDI advocacy and leadership within the CSI, as well as in the broader scientific community. A first task of this committee was to review the publicly available historical data on gender representation within the CSI's membership, leadership, award recipients, and conference chairs/presenters as a step in establishing a baseline reference point and monitoring the trajectory of future success in achieving true inclusion. We found that, except for overall membership and a specific subset of awards, all categories showed a historical bias toward men, particularly prior to 2010. Bias persists in various categories, evident even in recent years. However, we note an encouraging trend toward greater gender parity, particularly in the roles of President, symposium presenters, and workshop chairs, especially from 2017 onward. We present these findings as well as our recommendations to enhance inclusivity. These include a more comprehensive collection and secure storage of self-identification data, emphasis on EDI as an essential component of all annual meeting activities, and innovative measures of outreach, collaboration, and leadership with the aim of making the CSI a model for improving EDI in other professional research societies.

Oocyte cryopreservation on TikTok and Instagram: Who is teaching whom?

Oocyte cryopreservation (OC) is a medical intervention for reproductive-aged women, a demographic that uses social media heavily. This study characterizes the top TikTok videos and Instagram reels on OC. Five hashtags pertaining to OC were selected: #oocytepreservation, #oocytecryopreservation, #eggfreezing, #oocytefreezing, and #fertilitypreservation. Top videos for each hashtag were evaluated for source, content, impact, and quality on both platforms. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to analyze differences between laypeople and medical professionals. From March to April 2023, 332 posts were reviewed. The most popular hashtags on TikTok and Instagram were #eggfreezing (n = 5.6 million views, n = 68,500 + posts) and #fertilitypreservation (n = 9 million views, n = 20,700 + posts). Laypeople dominated as sources (57.8%, 35.2%), followed by physicians (17.0%, 32.4%). No professional societies videos were found. Educational information (53.1%, 48.6%) was most frequently shared on both platforms respectively, followed by personal experiences (36.1%, 21.6%). Laypersons' posts were dominated by personal experiences (62.0%) with educational content second (33.3%). Educational contentby medical professionalswas more accurate on both TikTokand Instagram thanpatients (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). #Eggfreezing had the greatest impact for both patients and medical professionals based on shares (n = 9653, n = 3093), likes (n = 713,263, n = 120,700), and comments (n = 35,453, n = 1478).Notably, laypersons had a larger follower count than medical professionals (p < 0.001). The majority of available videos are from laypeople, focus on education topics, and are less accurate in comparison to those from medical professionals. Professional societies have an opportunity to enhance their social media presence for better availability and accuracy of OC information.

Towards Evidence-based Care: Promoting Cognitive Well-being of Older People

The article by Mamayson and Lacanaria 1 in Acta Medica Philippina summarized the available evidence on the effects of cognitively stimulating activities (CSA) on the overall cognitive functioning of older people with mild cognitive impairment(MCI). Aside from the new evidence, it also provided insights on how the findings of study will inform the nursing profession in terms of clinical practice, leadership and policy, research, and education.&#x0D; Utilizing a meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the authors reported that cognitive training using CSA improves overall cognitive function among older people with MCI. 1 Calligraphy, cognitive, and language trainings werethe cognitively stimulating activities included in the reviewed RCTs which were conducted over the past years in Hong Kong, China, and Greece, respectively. The authors acknowledged that such activities are effective and practical, inexpensive, non- pharmacological approaches to slow down cognitive decline. 1 The strength of the paper is the inclusion of good methodical quality studies and only RCTs which are considered gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. However, the authors emphasized that the interpretation of study results requires caution. This is due to the small number of studies reviewed which limits the generalizability of the findings.&#x0D; Older people with mild cognitive impairment are at increased risk of dementia since aging is a primary predictor of MCI progression to dementia. 2 The Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025 outlined the growing consensus on protective measures which can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. These measures include healthy lifestyle (e.g., physical activity, balanced diet, smoking, and alcohol cessation), management of hypertension and diabetes, social engagement, and promotion of cognitively stimulating activities and learning. 3 These are aligned with the recommendations of the Lancet Commission which emphasized that dementia prevention is about policy and individuals. Preventive actions require both public health strategies and individually-tailored interventions. 4&#x0D; In the Philippines and as mandated by the Republic Act No. 9994 or also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, the Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with relevant stakeholders shall institute a national health program andprovide an integrated health service for senior citizens. 5 The DOH developed the Health and Wellness Program for Senior Citizens 6 and several policies on the care of older people 7,8 . Specific policies relevant to cognition include the 2022 Omnibus Health Guidelines for the Elderly. The guidelines contain the conduct of cognitive stimulation therapy by a psychologist or mental health specialist for people with cognitive decline who may benefit from cognitive stimulation. 7 The implementation of this specific guideline is challenging due to the limited number of health workforce. In particular, there are only approximately 1600 psychologists and 500 psychiatrists serving about 110 million Filipinos. 9&#x0D; In the era of and prior to the introduction of evidence-based practice, nurses are one of the major key players in the care of older people. The study of Mamayson and Lacanaria added evidence which will be useful in guiding the current and future professional nursing practice. 1 Nurses can promote cognitive wellness by educating the older patient, family members, and the community on the importance of engaging in appropriate cognitively stimulating activities and the potential benefits of these non-pharmacological approaches. The recommendations on the incorporation of the findings into the gerontology courses, introduction of certification programs for dementia and MCI care specialists, and advocating for policy changes call for action. These recommendations can be put into action in close coordination with the right stakeholders. The involvement of key national government agencies namely Commission on Higher Education, Professional Regulation Commission, Department of Health, National Commission of Senior Citizens, as well as academic institutions, and professional societies such as the Philippine Nurses Association, Gerontology Nurses Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology is crucial.&#x0D; The research recommendations outlined by Mamayson and Lacanaria highlighted the conduct of future studies with larger samples, longer follow ups, less language restrictions, and more rigorous analysis. 1 It is notable that no local study oncognitively stimulating activities that was cited or included in the review. Given this, the country should strengthen local evidence generation to develop age-, gender-, culturally-sensitive, and responsive interventions. The most recent NationalUnified Health Research Agenda of the Philippines included geriatric health and tailoring novel mental health interventions to different life-stages as priority topics. 10 This is an opportunity for professional societies, academe, and research institutions to pursue research, contribute to the local evidence base, promote cognitive well-being, and ultimately, improve the care and quality of life of older Filipinos. 

A Mixed Methods Study Evaluating Public Understanding of “Plastic” and “Cosmetic” Surgery

Abstract Goals/Purpose The aesthetic marketplace has expanded significantly over the past decade. There has been a corresponding expansion in the types of providers offering aesthetic procedures and the organizations certifying these providers. These include the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). Because patients self-pay for aesthetic procedures, they exercise a high degree of autonomy when choosing a provider. Given the need to support patients in making informed decisions, this study aimed to investigate how the public understands the distinction between “plastic” and “cosmetic” surgery using a mixed methods approach. Methods/Technique The study was completed in two parts: qualitative interviews and a survey. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with post-operative aesthetic surgery patients. An interview guide asking about participants’ understanding of “plastic” versus “cosmetic” surgery was developed in collaboration with content and methodology experts, then refined through pilot testing. Purposive sampling of patients maximized representation of demographic characteristics and type of surgery. A codebook was constructed using constant comparative grounded theory, which was then applied to interview transcripts to identify emergent themes. Next, a survey instrument investigating the public’s perception of “plastic” versus “cosmetic” surgery and ABPS versus ABCS was formulated from themes identified in the interviews. Pre-testing by cognitive interviews confirmed item validity, and pilot testing confirmed internal consistency. The survey was distributed on Mechanical Turk, with respondents receiving $1.50 as compensation. Results/Complications To achieve thematic saturation, 24 patients were interviewed. Intercoder reliability was high (κ &amp;gt; 0.8). Most (18/24) participants viewed plastic and cosmetic surgery as the same (Table 1). Almost all (23/24) discussed the aesthetic component of plastic surgery while fewer (16/24) participants mentioned the aesthetic component of cosmetic surgery (Table 1). Furthermore, some participants (7/24) misunderstood the scope of cosmetic surgery, including reconstructive procedures under its umbrella (Table 1). 600 respondents completed the survey. When asked how the scopes of plastic and cosmetic surgery relate to each other, a plurality of respondents believed plastic and cosmetic surgery overlap, but each has unique features (35.4%, Figure 1). 25.9% thought plastic and cosmetic surgery were the same, and only 13.9% correctly selected that plastic surgery is inclusive of all cosmetic surgery (Figure 1). When asked who they would go see for various procedures, a plurality of respondents chose a cosmetic surgeon (44.7-49.0% depending on the procedure, Figure 2). A minority stated they would see a plastic surgeon (23.4-29.9% depending on the procedure, Figure 2) or had no preference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon (23.4-28.8% depending on the procedure, Figure 2). However, when asked who they thought was more qualified to perform aesthetic surgery, a plurality of respondents selected an ABPS-certified physician (ABPS 42.2%, ABCS 25.9%, both equally 26.8%, Figure 3). Conclusion These results demonstrate that despite efforts by professional plastic surgery societies, confusion remains about the difference between “plastic” and “cosmetic” surgery, with a portion of the public conflating the two. Furthermore, the survey results indicate that although the public recognizes ABPS certification as a signifier of legitimacy, they may view these physicians as “cosmetic surgeons”. These gaps in public knowledge demonstrate the need for more robust public education campaigns and legislative initiatives to increase transparency and aid patients in making informed choices about their aesthetic providers.

Relevance of the Get Active Questionnaire for Pre-Participation Exercise Screening in the General Population in a Tropical Environment

The Get Active Questionnaire (GAQ), developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Professionals (CSEP), was recently recommended for pre-participation screening of the general population in Singapore before increasing their exercise levels. This literature review examines the evidence behind the GAQ and its relevance to our tropical environment. Searches were carried out via Pubmed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Resources referenced by the CSEPs were hand searched. The CSEP was also contacted for further information. The evidence behind each GAQ question was compared to international literature and guidelines, where applicable. Out of 273 studies, 49 were suitable for analysis. Two GAQ studies commissioned by the CSEP showed a high negative predictive value but high false negative rate. Of the nine GAQ questions, those on dizziness, joint pains and chronic diseases appear to be justified. Those on heart disease/stroke, hypertension, breathlessness and concussion require modification. The one on syncope can be amalgamated into the dizziness question. The remaining question may be deleted. No long-term studies were available to validate the use of the GAQ. Heat disorders were not considered in the GAQ. Modification of the GAQ, including the inclusion of environmental factors, may make it more suitable for the general population and should be considered.

Prevalence of infertility and barriers to family building among male physicians.

Fertility declines with increasing age and physicians often delay childbearing beyond prime reproductive years for the sake of medical training. However, the risks of infertility in male physicians compared to the general population remain poorly studied. To characterize rates of infertility among male physicians and identify barriers in access to fertility care and family building. Between June 2022 and December 2022, male physicians were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding fertility and family building. Surveys were disseminated electronically via social media and professional medical societies using Qualtrics (Provo, UT). Two hundred thirty-five responses were included in the final analysis. The mean age of respondents was 36.3±7.4 years. Of 151 respondents with children or currently attempting to have children, 66 (43.7%) delayed family building due to their medical training or career. The most influential factors affecting timing of children were lack of flexibility in schedule, lack of time, stress, and financial strain. Forty-three (18.3.%) respondents had seen a doctor for fertility evaluation; an additional 12 (5.1%) said they considered doing so but did not, mostly due to being too busy. Sixty (25.5%) had undergone semen testing in the past. Thirty-one (13.2%) reported a diagnosis of fertility issues in either themselves or their partner. Twenty-seven (11.5%) endorsed either them or their partner having undergone assistive reproductive technologies or other procedures for infertility. A significant proportion of male physicians delayed building their family or seeking fertility evaluation due to their medical career. Around 23.4% of male physicians have either seen or considered seeing a physician for fertility evaluation, suggesting a high prevalence of infertility in this cohort. Our results indicate a need for interventions to support family building and fertility evaluation and treatment among male physicians.

Parkinson's Disease Psychosis and the Marketing of Pimavanserin.

In 2016, Nuplazid (pimavanserin) became the first FDA-approved treatment for Parkinson's Disease Psychosis (PDP). We explored the possibility that PDP was a term created to market Nuplazid. We examined trends in perceptions of psychosis in Parkinson's disease from the 1990s to 2020 through MEDLINE search term frequency, neurology textbooks, guidance from professional societies, Acadia annual reports, sponsored websites, and a sponsored meeting held by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We analyzed continuing medical education (CME) activities on PDP and analyzed the connection between payments by the manufacturer of pimavanserin and prescriptions. Our analysis of nine sponsored CME activities reveals misleading themes, including: PDP is common, progressive, and not always drug-induced; there is no such thing as a benign hallucination, and psychotic symptoms always worsen; PDP increases mortality; and competing treatments are ineffective or dangerous while pimavanserin is safe and effective for treating PDP. Industry-sponsored CME was used to disseminate inaccurate and misleading marketing messages on psychosis related to Parkinson's disease. Some professional societies and some textbooks also resisted the PDP label. Reframing PDP as a unique condition is a typical example of condition branding. The establishment of PDP expanded the use of pimavanserin and is likely to have resulted in many avoidable deaths.

How the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology works in cytopathology practice: Meta-analysis of prospective studies and comparison with retrospective studies.

The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) is widely accepted and endorsed by professional societies. Although several studies focusing on the MSRSGC have been published, few have been prospective studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the MSRSGC in cytopathology practice. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify all prospective studies on the MSRSGC. The risk of malignancy (ROM), risk of neoplasm, and diagnostic accuracy for each diagnostic category were calculated. Data were tabulated in Microsoft Excel, and analyses were performed with the Open Meta-Analyst program. Seven prospective and seven retrospective studies were identified. The total number of fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) was 1587 in the prospective studies and 1764 in the retrospective studies. The ROM values for the nondiagnostic, nonneoplastic, atypia of undetermined significance, benign neoplasm, salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant categories in prospective versus retrospective studies were 21.0% versus 26.6%, 9.4% versus 8.1%, 34.9% versus 39.6%, 2.4% versus 2.1%, 36.6% versus 31.2%, 86.0% versus 66.0%, and 97.0% versus 96.7%, respectively. Sensitivities, specificities, and diagnostic odds ratios were 83.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.1%-90.8%) versus 89.1% (95% CI, 83.6%-92.9%), 98.4% (95% CI, 96.6%-99.3%) versus 94.9% (95% CI, 91.9%-96.9%), and 310.7 (95% CI, 121.2-796.6) versus 218.8 (95% CI, 107.3-438.1). This meta-analysis indicated that the MSRSGC works well in FNA cytopathology practice and improves diagnostic accuracy in all diagnostic categories. The ROMs of prospective studies were in concordance with the MSRSGC reference values.

Validation of the predictive value of BDNF -87 methylation for antidepressant treatment success in severely depressed patients—a randomized rater-blinded trial

BackgroundBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for antidepressant treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Our repeated studies suggest that DNA methylation of a specific CpG site in the promoter region of exon IV of the BDNF gene (CpG -87) might be predictive of the efficacy of monoaminergic antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and others. This trial aims to evaluate whether knowing the biomarker is non-inferior to treatment-as-usual (TAU) regarding remission rates while exhibiting significantly fewer adverse events (AE).MethodsThe BDNF trial is a prospective, randomized, rater-blinded diagnostic study conducted at five university hospitals in Germany. The study’s main hypothesis is that {1} knowing the methylation status of CpG -87 is non-inferior to not knowing it with respect to the remission rate while it significantly reduces the AE rate in patients experiencing at least one AE. The baseline assessment will occur upon hospitalization and a follow-up assessment on day 49 (± 3). A telephone follow-up will be conducted on day 70 (± 3). A total of 256 patients will be recruited, and methylation will be evaluated in all participants. They will be randomly assigned to either the marker or the TAU group. In the marker group, the methylation results will be shared with both the patient and their treating physician. In the TAU group, neither the patients nor their treating physicians will receive the marker status. The primary endpoints include the rate of patients achieving remission on day 49 (± 3), defined as a score of ≤ 10 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-24), and the occurrence of AE.Ethics and disseminationThe trial protocol has received approval from the Institutional Review Boards at the five participating universities. This trial holds significance in generating valuable data on a predictive biomarker for antidepressant treatment in patients with MDD. The findings will be shared with study participants, disseminated through professional society meetings, and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trial Register DRKS00032503. Registered on 17 August 2023.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Look Back, a Look Forward.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a comprehensive approach to the management of patients with chronic lung disease that encompasses exercise, education, and psychosocial support. The development of PR programs began in the mid-20th century with the appreciation that exercise provided real benefit in chronic lung disease and that effective disease management involved patient education focused on medications, lifestyle changes, and lifelong regular exercise. Initially PR was primarily facility-based, but today PR is extending into the home with telemedicine, and this is encouraging a real partnership of patients and professionals supporting self-management. The evidence base supporting PR as a safe and effective modality has grown exponentially over the last 4 decades, and PR is strongly endorsed by virtually all the major professional societies. Importantly, PR has also clearly been shown to be cost-effective. Challenges remain, however. Access is still very limited for a variety of reason (logistics, financial, patient motivation) that need to be addressed. More focused and personalized exercise programs and monitoring strategies that encourage a patient's lifetime commitment to the principles of PR need to be developed and refined. The opportunity to really impact important clinical outcomes exists with PR, and this needs to be exploited.

Tracing the Academic Lineage of Richard J. Goldstein

Abstract Richard J. Goldstein was a distinguished figure in both scientific and engineering research, who served in several important professional societies and was honored with fellowships and appointments to numerous domestic and international academies. His global impact is further felt through the distinguished students he mentored during his highly productive academic career and who have subsequently achieved success in academia, research, and industry. However, to many, Goldstein's most profound and personal impact was as an esteemed educator, thesis advisor, and mentor. The heartfelt gratitude expressed by these students and colleagues attests to his profound influence in their lives. This brief article endeavors to delve into Goldstein's academic genealogy, a history of groundbreaking contributors spanning over six centuries, which also bears witness to the evolution of the present-day fields of thermodynamics and heat and mass transfer. Richard J. Goldstein's academic lineage traces back through two primary branches: (i) an astronomy/physics branch and (ii) a mathematics/physics branch. The astronomy/physics branch commences its journey from the venerable Nicolaus Copernicus, whose revolutionary contributions laid the foundation for seminal research in the field of astronomy. The mathematics/physics branch is anchored by eminent figures such as the Bernoulli brothers, Leonhard Euler, Jean d'Alembert, and Pierre-Simon Laplace. Presented in this article predominantly in the form of a directed graph, this succinct academic lineage illustrates the historical roots of Goldstein's intellectual heritage, a journey incorporating key figures greatly revered by the contemporary thermodynamics and heat transfer research community.

Fertility education on instagram: Advertisements vs educational content analysis for posts in bahasa (Indonesian Language)

Background: As one of Indonesia’s major social media platforms, Instagram provides abundant information, including fertility topics. However, fertility information in Bahasa (Indonesian language) had never been mapped before. This study aims to determine the prevalence, authorship, and types of fertility-related information in Bahasa shared on Instagram using hashtag and content analysis. Additional outcomes included a comparison of post content stratified by author type (healthcare providers vs. non-healthcare providers). Materials and Methods: Five hashtags comprising fertility terms in Bahasa (Indonesian language) were derived. Content analysis was performed on the top 100 posts for each hashtag to determine the authorship and content type. The contents posted by healthcare providers were analyzed and compared to those published by non-healthcare providers. Results: Our search yielded 3,883,000 posts for the five most popular hashtags. The three most popular hashtags were ‘promil’, ‘program hamil’ and ‘bayitabung’. Authorship of the top posts for each hashtag was predominantly by for-profit healthcare institutions (27.6%), followed by commercial alternative/herbal medicine (20.2%), patients (20%), physicians (11.8%), allied health professionals (3.2%), professional societies (0.8%), and others (16.4%). Of these posts, 35.4% were advertisements, 28% were related to patient experience, and 18% were educational. Healthcare provider groups were more likely to author educational posts than advertisements, while non-healthcare providers were more likely to post content for commercial purposes (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Fertility-related posts were dominated by for-profit healthcare institutions and alternative/herbal medicines for commercial purposes. The physician group authored more of the educational content. There is plenty of room for optimal utilization of social platforms as educational media.

Implementation of high sensitivity troponin into routine clinical practice - results of the extended CARdiac MArkers guideline uptake in Europe group (CARMAGUE) survey

BackgroundMeasurement of cardiac troponin (cTn) by a high sensitivity method is now the recommended strategy for the detection of myocardial injury. An international survey was undertaken to assess how this has been implemented. MethodsA questionnaire based around 14 domains on cardiac biomarkers was distributed electronically with the aid of professional societies accessed by a web link within the invitation. Results were returned electronically then extracted into a relational database for analysis. ResultsResponses were obtained from 663 laboratories across 76 countries ranging from 1 to 69 largest country. The majority of responses (79.6%) came from the European area. Responses were grouped into broad geographic areas for analysis. Most responses came from hospitals providing a local and regional service of which the majority provided angioplasty. cTn measurement was the dominant biomarker. The majority of laboratories include creatine kinase (CK) in their cardiac profile and approximately 50% also offer the MB isoenzyme of CK. The majority of laboratories (91.9%) measure cTn by a high sensitivity method. Sex specific reference ranges were typically implemented for cardiac troponin I but not for cardiac troponin T. The preferred unit of measurement was nanograms/L. A structured decision-making pathway utilising high sensitivity cTn measurement was used by 83.3% of laboratories who responded. Single sample rule out is common but the majority used serial sampling strategy based on measurement on admission and three hours. ConclusionsMeasurement of cTn by a high sensitivity method is now well established internationally, the use of rapid diagnostic protocols lags behind.

Recruitment and Retention of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Physicians: A Report from the ASTCT Talent Acquisition Task Force

BackgroundA shortage of transplant and cellular therapy (TCT) physicians is expected given the expansion of TCT indications and the scope of practice of TCT programs in recent years. ObjectivesAmerican Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) conducted a survey of early career transplant physicians and trainees to assess the factors that prompted them to pursue to career in TCT. Study DesignThis was a cross sectional survey conducted via emails sent to the ASTCT membership. ResultsFifty-nine respondents completed the survey. The vast majority of respondents decided to pursue a career in TCT during their hematology/oncology fellowship (41%), followed by during residency (25%) or medical school (18%), and a majority of them had some exposure to TCT in their clinical training already. The most common reason for choosing to specialize in TCT was interest in the clinical practice of TCT (81%) closely followed by the scientific allure of the field (75%). Most respondents were extremely committed to remaining in this field of practice. We found that those in the field report high levels of satisfaction despite factors that would otherwise predispose to burnout. ConclusionsA systematic and sustained effort to promote trainee engagement that could result in improved recruitment and retention to the field of TCT is needed. Professional societies in partnership with educational institutions could conduct outreach and help attract trainees from diverse backgrounds.

Society of Sensory Professionals

Society of Sensory Professionals

Breakdown of gender representation in leadership of professional gynecologic specialty societies worldwide

Breakdown of gender representation in leadership of professional gynecologic specialty societies worldwide

191 Online Multi-media Teaching Modules are Effective for Surgical Education in Electrodiagnostic Interpretation

INTRODUCTION: Though electrodiagnostic studies are the gold standard for diagnosing nerve injuries, most surgeons are not trained to interpret these studies, and therefore typically rely on interpretation from a non-surgical electrodiagnostician. This discrepancy between interpretation and treatment of nerve injuries can lead to suboptimal surgical planning and patient outcomes. METHODS: Hand surgeons at various stages of training were recruited from professional surgical societies. All surgeons completed an educational module, which consisted of a pre-intervention knowledge assessment, an educational video, and a post-intervention assessment. The educational video was a 45-minute lecture on electrodiagnostic indications for nerve injury and included either traditional PowerPoint or Prezi formatting. Participants were randomized into receiving one of the two video formats. A retention assessment, including surgeon satisfaction and feedback, was administered at three-months after initial evaluation. RESULTS: Sixty-three surgeons completed the pre-intervention knowledge assessment, educational video, and post-intervention assessment, 30 of whom underwent the three-month retention assessment. The average assessment score improved by 2 points between pre- and post-intervention (12-point scale, p &lt; 0.001). The majority of participants responded that the educational video was a “perfect” length (81%), was engaging (86%), improved their knowledge (86%), and that they would incorporate the information into their clinical practice (86%). Seventy-two percent of the surgeons preferred the online teaching module compared to a traditional in-person conference presentation. There was no significant difference in assessment performance and surgeon satisfaction between Prezi and PowerPoint formatting (p &gt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of an online educational module to support continuing professional development in nerve injury surgery, irrespective of the presentation style (i.e., Prezi vs. PowerPoint). This study highlights the potential behind online educational content and provides a framework for future multimedia modules for surgical education.

Application of End-Tidal CO2 Monitoring to ICU Management.

Waveform capnography is a noninvasive measurement of ventilation and perfusion commonly employed in the prehospital setting. It is easy to apply, and modern cardiac monitors are equipped with the necessary ports and capability to display results. Despite its ease of use, end-tidal CO2 monitoring has not yet achieved widespread adoption within the hospital setting. It is routinely used in the emergency department and by anesthesiologists, but its application could support ICU management in critically ill patients. Its use is routinely supported by multiple professional societies, and it has been recommended as a requirement in all cardiac arrests. Careful analysis of the waveform and expired carbon dioxide can guide therapy for patients experiencing respiratory emergencies, hemodynamic compromise, metabolic acidosis, and shock due to trauma, hypovolemia, or sepsis. Use of capnography throughout the hospital could improve patient outcomes and prevent unidentified deterioration.

R WE ready for reimbursement? A round up of developments in real-world evidence relating to health technology assessment: part 15.

In this latest update we discuss real-world evidence (RWE) guidance from the leading oncology professional societies, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the European Society for Medical Oncology, and the PRINCIPLED practical guide on the design and analysis of causal RWE studies.

Providing better support for entrepreneurial activities in the weather, water, and climate community

Abstract There has been an increase in entrepreneurial activity within the weather, water, and climate (WWC) community over the past decade, with the potential for much more as artificial intelligence/machine learning techniques continue to develop and as new opportunities arise across the weather, climate services, and ocean services enterprises. Despite indications of recent growth, this study reports on key challenges that are limiting the community’s ability to achieve the full potential of commercialization of new WWC products and services. Most of these challenges are related to the preparation of those in the WWC community for jobs in the private sector in general, and entrepreneurial activities in particular. These results extend and build upon the work of others who have reported on shortcomings in the preparation of students for positions in the private sector, with this study showing that deficits in preparation and awareness of available resources affect potential entrepreneurs well into their career — most researchers are unaware of the resources available to them. Based on a synthesis of input from successful WWC entrepreneurs, many of the challenges could be greatly reduced by relatively minor adjustments to curriculums at universities and through new programs that could be offered by scientific and professional societies to help potential entrepreneurs better take advantage of existing resources as they spin up a new business.