Professional Training Programs Research Articles

The Network of Expertise on Long COVID as a means to synthesise intelligence and improve our response to long COVID at EU level

Abstract To promote international collaboration and strengthen EU and national-level responses to Long COVID, the Commission set up the Network of Expertise on Long COVID (NELC) in 2023. It brings together national institutions involved in Long COVID work, nominated by the Public Health Expert Group (PHEG) representatives of each Member State. The network provides a platform for exchanges of national experiences on diagnosis, treatment, and management of long COVID. The Commission and the NELC agreed on eight specific actions to be implemented to manage Long COVID. The development of a Long COVID definition is complex due to the diverse range of symptoms experienced by patients, and so working towards a unified EU case definition is the first action proposal. This will allow the development and implementation of a surveillance system on national and EU level to foster the knowledge on the actual scale and the symptomatology of Long COVID across the EU leading to a better comparability of health data at Union level. The proposal to develop and implement a training programme for healthcare professionals at EU level will allow for the exchange of expertise/training on Long COVID across Member States. The provision of clinical guidelines based on evidence to Member States will help manage Long COVID, and international collaboration will allow for the sharing of valuable information and data with third countries that have experience with Long COVID. The Commission will use the EU Health Policy Platform to create an open stakeholder group. This group will allow stakeholders and patient groups to express their point of view, and to share experiences. Assessing the far-reaching social and economic consequences of Long COVID across the EU will allow for more targeted social and economic policy responses from Member States. It is important that priority is given to research responding to the most urgent needs of health care systems, which is why the Commission aims to identify research needs.

Needs assessment to design a multidisciplinary training programme within the EU-PROMENS project

Abstract Background Mental health as a public health issue warrants a comprehensive prevention-oriented approach whereby capacity building as well as a multisectoral and life-course approach are crucial. The ‘Capacity-building on mental health: multidisciplinary training programme and exchange programme for health professionals,’ project enhances and improves the capacity of professionals across Europe in the field of mental health. Various professionals are targeted 1) health professionals working in the mental health sector, 2) teachers and educators working in the educational setting, 3) social workers working in various community settings and 4) prison staff. Objectives To understand the needs, gaps, obstacles in capacities, competencies, and to build upon existing programmes a mixed methods study, adopting a convergent parallel design is conducted to design and develop the programme. First, a literature review is conducted complemented with interviews, focus group discussions and a survey among various stakeholders to enrich the data. The training will be piloted in The Netherlands, Spain, Czech Republic, Croatia, Finland and Austria. Thereafter it will be rolled out in the 21 remaining EU countries as well as in Norway, Iceland and Ukraine. Results Various gaps and competencies identified from different perspectives build a solid fundament for a comprehensive multidisciplinary training programme tailored to the needs of various professionals within the mental health arena. Preliminary results show that 98 multidisciplinary training programmes exist, with about half containing training materials and limited reports on evaluation. Conclusions The comprehensive needs assessment will assure a multidisciplinary training programme is suitable and relevant for various professionals to ensure a well-designed capacity-building programme. Key messages • Various gaps and needs among various professionals exist. • A comprehensive study strengthens alignment of training to needs and gaps among various professionals.

A survey to analyze the need of genetic counseling among doctors in Lahore, Pakistan.

Pakistan with a population of approximately 200 million people faces a significant burden of genetic disorders. Higher preference for consanguinity (73%) is one of the significant reasons. Despite being a hub for rare genetic disorders, the country lacks professionally trained genetic counselors due to the absence of postgraduate degree programs or diplomas in genetic counseling. This shortage of specialized personnel results in inadequate and limited genetic counseling practices nationwide. This study aimed to highlight the urgent need for genetic counseling in Pakistan, focusing on the gaps within both society and the healthcare infrastructure. A survey-based study involving n = 101 participants was conducted to assess the demand for genetic counseling among medical professionals in Lahore, Pakistan. The study targeted five categories of medical specialists-gynecologists, oncologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and ultrasonologists-working in both private and public healthcare settings in Lahore. The survey included a questionnaire covering demographic information, 10 general questions, and a case study with follow-up questions. The survey was conducted both online and through in-person visits. Our findings reveal a significant lack of awareness among healthcare providers, with 91.1% of respondents unaware of any genetic counseling services or genetic counselors in Lahore. The research underscores the crucial role of genetic counselors, with the vast majority (99%) of specialists expressing an urgent need for their presence in Pakistan's healthcare system. This study highlights that only qualified genetic counselors can effectively address genetic issues. Furthermore, it advocates for the introduction of specialized professional training programs to address this pressing need in the country.

Antibiotic use in pediatric dental infections: knowledge and awareness levels of dentists

Antibiotics are crucial in treating infections; however, their unnecessary and incorrect use can lead to numerous health issues, notably antibiotic resistance. Evaluating the accuracy and awareness of antibiotic prescription practices among dentists, who play a significant role in antibiotic use, is critical in developing effective health policies and professional training programs. This study assesses dentists’ knowledge levels and practice habits regarding antibiotic use. Using a structured questionnaire, the research employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted with 202 general dentists, 98 pediatric dentists, and 43 oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Data were analyzed using demographic characteristics, antibiotic prescription practices, and scenario-based questions measuring knowledge levels. The results revealed that while most participants were generally knowledgeable about antibiotic use, inconsistencies in prescription practices were evident. Notably, unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions were identified in some cases, contributing to significant health issues such as antibiotic resistance. This study emphasizes the necessity of promoting conscious antibiotic use by evaluating dentists’ practices. Therefore, the urgent need for developing professional training programs and strengthening strategies to combat antibiotic resistance is paramount.

ASSOCIAÇÃO DE PROTEÇÃO ASSISTÊNCIA AOS CONDENADOS: DESAFIOS E PERSPECTIVAS DO MÉTODO COM OS RECUPERANDOS

This study examines the role of social workers in the Associations for the Protection and Assistance to the Convicted (APACs), exploring the challenges and perspectives of the humane method proposed by these institutions within the Brazilian penal context. Historically, the conventional prison system in Brazil has been characterized by overcrowding, violence, and inhumane conditions, reinforcing the need for alternative methods of resocialization. APACs emerge as an innovative alternative, proposing a penal execution model centered on human dignity and the social reintegration of the convicted. The work of social workers in APACs is multifaceted, ranging from psychosocial support to the implementation of educational and professional training programs. However, these professionals face significant challenges, such as a lack of resources, institutional resistance, and the stigmatization of convicts by society. The research employs a mixed methodological approach, including a literature review and interviews with social workers in APACs, to investigate how these professionals contribute to promoting social reintegration and what innovations can be adopted to optimize their practices. The results indicate that despite the difficulties, the role of social workers is crucial to the success of the APAC method, highlighting the importance of a holistic and personalized approach that respects the dignity of the convicted and promotes effective and humane resocialization.

The Role of Professional Training in Developing Leadership Skills Among Information Technology Sector Employees

As technology advances, the professional world is becoming increasingly competitive. Achieving career success and meeting professional goals now requires both new and seasoned employees to continuously develop their skills and expand their knowledge. This necessity highlights the importance for businesses in the IT sector to expose their employees to professional training programs that enhance leadership skills, ultimately benefiting the organization. The main aim of this study is to examine the impact of professional training on leadership skills development among IT sector employees, focusing on the challenges and benefits identified through a qualitative approach. Data was collected via a survey questionnaire, with responses from 200 participants in Malaysia and India. The findings reveal the impact of professional training for IT employees, particularly regarding the role of training activities in fostering leadership development. This study offers insights and guidance for employees on the advantages and obstacles of pursuing professional training, leading to enhanced leadership capabilities

Analysis of Relationships Between Business Domains and Technical-Skill Requirements for Data Analysts

As growth of the data analytics field continues, more and more academic departments and professional training programs are offering skill training to potential data analysts. However, not all business domains require their data analysts to possess the same sets of technical skills. Based on over 2,500 data-analyst job advertisements posted on LinkedIn and utilizing subject analysis, cross-tabulation analysis, heat map, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Kappa test, this study examined relationships between various business domains and the technical skills required for data analysts within the respective business domains. Among many findings, the study discovered noteworthy disparities among the business domains concerning their requirements of technical-skill sets for data analysts. The findings of this study offer valuable insights to educators and potential data analysts.

Environmentally sustainable person-centred care: Occupational therapy students' attitudes, perceptions and self-perceived preparedness for practice.

Climate change threatens the environments in which person-centred occupational therapy occurs. Environmental sustainability is directly linked with the health and wellbeing of current and future generations, presenting occupational therapists with a unique advocacy and activist role. As practitioners of the future, there is an urgent need to understand students' attitudes, perceptions of, and self-perceived preparedness for, dealing with environmental determinants of health and intergenerational occupational and climate justice. A cross-sectional exploratory descriptive survey collected United Kingdom (UK) based allied health professional students' attitudes, perceptions, and self-perceived preparedness for advocating for environmental sustainability in the context of person-centred care. The survey was distributed to 48 gatekeepers in UK institutions with approved allied health professional training programmes (44 offered occupational therapy); 62 occupational therapy students responded. Descriptive and non-parametric inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. Text and short answers were analysed qualitatively via inductive content analysis. The study was co-designed and implemented with MSc (pre-registration) occupational therapy students. Participants (94%) expressed concerns for climate change, with 84% feeling responsible for addressing environmental sustainability in health care. While 64.5% identified climate justice as a top priority, a perceived challenge emerged between person-centred care and sustainability, with only 18% of participants feeling prepared for environmental sustainability in occupational therapy practice. Participants requested education on personal and professional sustainability practices, as well as collective action. Sharing personal climate change experiences, advocating with family and friends, and facilitating connections for collective action were highlighted as potentially transformative educational tools in this area. Occupational therapy curricula should address environmental sustainability through pragmatic, critical, and ethical lenses to enhance students' preparedness for this advocacy and activist role. Reflection and continuous professional development for environmentally sustainable practices is recommended. Occupational therapists believe that it is important to support people to participate in occupations that matter to them. However, the activities that some people choose to participate in may have negative effects on the environment and the planet. It is important to ensure that when occupational therapists support people in their choices of activities, this does not lead to unequal access to healthy and meaningful occupations of others, now or in the future. That is because occupational therapists also have a responsibility to prevent occupational injustice. Occupational therapy students are the professionals of the future, so it is important to include them in research about this topic. They need to develop skills that allow them to simultaneously make sure that they are delivering person-centred care, which is not environmentally detrimental and that does not lead to occupational injustice. Making sure that occupational therapists provide person-centred care while also managing risks of occupational injustice may be seen as a profession-specific dilemma. In this study, occupational therapy students in the UK completed a survey about their feelings, views, and readiness for managing this dilemma. Results showed that most respondents are concerned about climate change, but do not feel that their occupational therapy education sufficiently prepared them to practise in an environmentally sustainable way. They were asked to propose ideas for addressing this issue, and the article discusses how occupational therapy curricula might be changed in accordance.

Mental Health of Servicemen, POWs, and Civilians in Ukraine: A Comparative Study

This study aims to investigate the mental health differences among servicemen, POWs, and civilians affected by the war in Ukraine. Data were collected from three samples: (1) 149 servicemen from an elite combat troop of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (all men aged 22–59 years); (2) 217 POWs (209 men and 8 women aged 19–64 years); and (3) 330 civilian men aged 19–60 years. Participants completed self-report scales assessing three positive aspects of mental health (resilience, self-efficacy, and post-traumatic growth) and two negative aspects (PTSD symptoms and physical complaints). We observed significant differences between the three samples. POWs had the highest post-traumatic growth scores and reported the most physical complaints, reflecting the long-term effects of captivity. Civilians exhibited the highest levels of PTSD symptoms, likely due to continuous exposure to war-related stressors, while servicemen displayed the lowest negative mental health indicators. Contrary to expectations, resilience levels were similar between POWs and servicemen. This study expands current knowledge on the impact of modern war on mental health and suggests that targeted interventions should address both the unique challenges faced by POWs and the pervasive psychological distress experienced by civilians. These findings may inform the development of training programs for military personnel, healthcare specialists, and social service professionals to support those affected by war.

Remodeling Classroom Management Through Technology Driven Curriculum In Nigeria: A Sociological Analysis

Remodeling the classroom management through technology driven curriculum will assist teachers to the global requirement to replace traditional teaching methods with a technology-based teaching and learning tools and facilities. In Nigeria, Remodeling the classroom management through technology driven curriculum is considered as one of the main elements in transforming the country to the future development. The conceptual clarification utilizes the remodeling of the classroom management, technology, and education as the tools affecting remodeling classroom management through technology driven curriculum in Nigeria. The theoretical perspectives that is used for the paper is Humanist choice theory by William Glasser in the year 1998. The concept of remodeling classroom management and relevance of technology driven curriculum in Nigeria is the basic or fundamental impact to the success of this paper. The Ministry of Education, through the latest Education Blue print (2013-2025), insights the importance of technology-based teaching and learning into the schools’ national curriculum. This study of the paper aims to analyze teachers’ perceptions on effectiveness of upgrading the classroom management through technology driven curriculum to support teaching and learning process in classroom. The results indicate that remodeling the classroom through technology driven curriculum has a great effectiveness for both teachers and the students. Findings indicate that teachers’ well-equipped preparation with technology driven curriculum tools and facilities is one the main factors in success of technology-based in remodeling the classroom management for sound teaching and learning. It was also found that professional development training programs for teachers also played a key role in enhancing students’ quality learning. For the future studies, there is a need for consideration of other aspects of remodeling classroom especially from management point of view in regard to strategic planning and policy making through technology driven curriculum.

Nursing students' knowledge of working with D/deaf and hard of hearing patients: Evaluation of a deaf awareness elearning package

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate a newly developed Deaf awareness e-learning package with nursing students at one university in Wales, UK. BackgroundD/deaf and hard of hearing communities face a multitude of barriers when accessing and receiving healthcare leading to under diagnosis of health conditions and poorer health outcomes in general. Lack of awareness, teaching, and exposure to the D/deaf and hard of hearing populations during health care professional training programmes has been shown to contribute to this health disparity. DesignA descriptive cross-sectional design was used with two cohorts of undergraduate nursing students at one university in Wales, UK who were invited to undertake a Deaf awareness eLearning package developed with D/deaf communities in Wales. MethodsNursing student engagement and course completion were monitored, and evaluation survey questionnaires were implemented. ResultsThe Deaf awareness eLearning package evaluation showed engagement with over 400 nursing students, who scored the package an overall mark (1 to 5 stars) of 4.72 out of 5. In total, 227 nursing students completed the eLearning package and received the certificate. Students reported finding the eLearning package very interactive, easy to navigate, thought the three-hour length was about right. However, we would like to know more about factors that influence student non-engagement and dropout. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that eLearning Deaf awareness programs can be successful in increasing knowledge and confidence around communicating with D/deaf and hard of hearing patients for nursing, with potential benefits for wider rollout across wider health and care student and staff populations. Registration numberGrant number: 101010662\\737073]. Tweetable abstractD/deaf and hard of hearing patients experience barriers in healthcare so health professionals need accessible Deaf awareness training. Our eLearning model shows promise.

Training in Transplantation and Cellular Therapy in Latin America: A Cross-Sectional Study of the LABMT

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a complex and resource-intensive procedure that has become a critical treatment for certain hematologic conditions. However, in Latin America, access to HCT is limited compared to high-income countries, in part due to a lack of standardized training programs for HCT professionals. To address this gap, the Latin-American Bone Marrow Transplantation Group conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the current state of training programs in HCT and cellular therapy across the region. This study aimed to describe and analyze the availability, characteristics, and challenges of HCT training programs in Latin America, with a focus on identifying barriers and proposing solutions for improvement. A cross-sectional survey was sent to 127 recognized HCT centers across 14 Latin-American countries in December 2022. The survey collected data on institutional characteristics, training program structure, costs, and barriers to program development. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and comparative analyses were performed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. Of the 127 centers surveyed, 50 (39%) responded, with the majority located in Brazil (34%) and Mexico (30%). Among the respondents, 64% (n = 32) offered formal training programs lasting 6 months or longer. The most significant barriers reported were lack of funding (n = 21), limited number of transplant procedures (n = 15), and a shortage of qualified professors (n = 11). Proposed solutions included increasing student mobility opportunities (n = 28), enhancing program quality (n = 27), and improving access to funding (n = 15). Only 6% of programs offered exposure to CAR-T therapy, and fewer than half of the centers provided international rotations. This study highlights significant disparities in HCT training programs across Latin America, with most countries lacking access to formalized training. While Brazil and Mexico serve as regional hubs, other nations have limited or no training opportunities. Addressing these gaps through increased funding, international collaborations, and standardized curricula is essential to improving HCT training and ultimately patient care in the region.

A Joanna Briggs Institute Framework Approach to Shared Decision Making in End-of-Life.

To implement shared decision-making (SDM) through a patient decision aid (PtDA) for the initiation of palliative care (PC) in end-of-life (EOL) cancer patients. A comprehensive Scoping Review was conducted on SDM in PubMed, CINAHL and PsycInfo. An evidence-based implementation of PtDAs was created using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, which followed rigorous pillars: (1) context, (2) facilitation and (3) evaluation. Fifteen studies were identified and categorised into (1) Implementation characteristics and (2) Strategies for implementing SDM in terminally ill cancer patients. SDM should consider the decision-making location, optimal timing, participants and decision type. Strategies include professional training, PtDAs and implementation programmes. A PtDA implementation protocol in video format for deciding to initiate PC is proposed, following International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG). SDM implementation should be guided by evidence-based methodological models justifying and structuring its execution, especially in complex and interdisciplinary contexts. National or international frameworks facilitate the adoption of health innovations, such as PtDAs, benefiting patients and improving their usage. SDM is not just a concept but an important approach to the Care of cancer patients at EOL, enhancing patient satisfaction and improving care quality. The success and sustainability of SDM hinge on the fundamental aspects of staff training, interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing evaluation. The lack of specific aid in Spanish underscores the immediate need for local development. Further research is needed in this area, as most reviewed studies did not measure SDM effectiveness in diverse hospital settings. This proposal was developed based on the experience and input of the nursing staff from the healthcare service where it is intended to be implemented.

Effects of a Training Program to Improve Co-Teaching and Collaboration Skills for In-Service Teachers of Special and General Education

Although co-teaching is increasingly recognized as a valuable approach in inclusive education, comprehensive studies that examine the impact of targeted professional development on enhancing teachers’ capabilities in this area are lacking. The limited research on this topic fails to provide clear evidence of the effectiveness of such training programs and their potential benefits for special education and general education teachers. Addressing this issue, this study investigates the effectiveness of a proposed professional development training program designed to elevate co-teaching and collaboration skills among in-service teachers. A one-group quasi-experimental design was used, and a convenience sampling of 32 female teachers, comprising 16 special education and 16 general education teachers, participated in the program consisting of 14 intensive sessions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments, comprising a co-teaching test and a collaboration skills scale, were administered. Results demonstrate significant benefits of the training program, with participants showcasing improved performance in the co-teaching post-test and collaboration scale. Special education teachers notably outperformed their general education counterparts in co-teaching skills. However, the analysis did not reveal any statistically significant differences between teachers of students with learning disabilities and teachers of general education regarding their performance on the collaboration skills scale. The study concludes with recommendations and future research directions, offering insights to further advance co-teaching practices and collaboration skills among educators.

Professional Doctorate in Primary Care (DPAPS): a legacy for the Rio de Janeiro SUS.

Since 2009, the Municipal Health Secretariat of Rio de Janeiro (SMS-RJ) has encouraged the creation of a Master's degree in primary health care at the National Health School/Fiocruz (ENSP/Fiocruz). In the following decade, this proposal became one of the main lines of the institution's professional stricto sensu postgraduate program, which culminated in CAPES approving the first professional doctorate class in the history of Fiocruz-RJ offered in 2024. The class comprises primary health care (PHC) students from Rio's SUS and Fiocruz employees in science, technology and innovation. Regarding the profile of the PHC students, the highlights were women (61.5%), a degree in medicine (53.8%), a mean of 15 years since graduating, 10 years working in PHC, graduates of a medical or multiprofessional residency course (69.2%) and a Master's degree in primary care from ENSP/Fiocruz or UFRJ (84.6%). The SMS-RJ thus leaves a legacy for Brazilian Public Health as a leader in the promotion of Fiocruz-RJ stricto sensu professional training programs, innovating in the end-of-course work, reviving the presence of doctors in the classes and bringing the contributions of the Portuguese SNS, a source of inspiration for the PHC reform undertaken in Rio de Janeiro, to the Rio de Janeiro SUS debate.

The Power of Thought: The Role of Psychological Attentiveness and Emotional Support in Patient Trajectories.

In modern healthcare, the influence of a patient's mindset on health outcomes is an often neglected yet vital component of holistic care. This review explores the significant impact of positive and negative mindsets on disease progression and recovery, emphasizing the need to integrate mental wellness practices into conventional medical care. Drawing from a wide array of studies, it demonstrates how fostering a positive mindset can enhance patient trajectories across various medical specialties. The article advocates for training healthcare providers to adopt a more empathetic and patient-centered approach, bridging the gap between mind and body. By presenting compelling evidence on the correlation between patient mindset and health outcomes, this review highlights the potential benefits of incorporating psychological support and holistic strategies into standard care protocols. Practical strategies for implementing mindset-focused interventions are also proposed, including training programs for healthcare professionals and the development of interdisciplinary treatment plans. Ultimately, this article underscores the need for a paradigm shift in medical practice, advocating for a comprehensive approach that recognizes the power of thought in promoting patient wellness.

AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES OF ICU NURSES REGARDING POST-EXTUBATION DYSPHAGIA IN TRACHEALLY INTUBATED PATIENTS

Post-extubation dysphagia is a common yet under-recognized condition in intubated patients, which can lead to severe complications. The awareness and attitudes of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses towards post-extubation dysphagia play a critical role in early detection and management of the condition, improving patient outcomes. Objective: To assess the awareness and attitudes of ICU nurses regarding post-extubation dysphagia in intubated patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Intensive Care Unit of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from June 2023 to June 2024. One hundred nurses working full-time in general and specialized ICUs were included. Data were collected using a 28-item questionnaire divided into two sections. The first section collected demographic information, while the second assessed knowledge and attitudes toward post-extubation swallowing disorders using 20 specific questions. Statistical analysis, including multivariate analysis, was performed to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitude scores. Results: The average total standard score was 60.87 ± 14.31. The mean knowledge score was 7.54 ± 2.99, with a standard score of 75.40 ± 29.9. The average attitude score was 8.10 ± 2.01, with a standard score of 81.0 ± 20.1. Multivariate analysis revealed that age group 31-35, job title, and job satisfaction were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores. In contrast, attitude scores were significantly associated with sex, job title, age group, and department. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitudes of ICU nurses regarding post-extubation dysphagia in intubated patients are unsatisfactory. Professional training and educational programs are needed to improve critically ill patients' awareness and management of this condition.

Nutrition learning gaps in the undergraduate curricula of Nursing and Medicine degree and diploma programs in Tanzania Mainland

BackgroundNutrition has been widely ignored in the curricula of many health professional training programs in Sub-Saharan African countries. The present review was conducted to explore the adequacy of medical and nursing curricula in training graduates to treat, educate effectively, and counsel patients/clients with nutritional disorders in Tanzania.MethodsAn assessment of accredited medical and paramedical curricula in mainland Tanzania. The assessment followed Stufflebeam's CIPP model (context, input, process, and product) to enhance methodological rigour and transparency.ResultsOf the twelve curricula studied, only one had a dedicated course for nutrition. In the undergraduate medicine degree curriculum, only 119 out of 6580 hours over five years were allocated for nutrition training, which is merely 1.7% of the total curriculum hours. Similarly, in the undergraduate nursing degree curriculum only 370 hours out of 5280 over four years were allocated for nutrition training, which is equivalent to 0.07% of the total hours. In the paramedical diploma programs of clinical medicine and nursing, nutrition content was scattered among various courses within the curriculum. Most curricula were teacher-centred with limited use of validated methods to assess trainee on skills such as Observed Structured Practical/ Clinical Examination.ConclusionsBased on this assessment of accredited curricula, nutrition receives scant attention in medical and paramedical education in mainland Tanzania. Thus, it is imperative to support integrating stronger nutrition content into medical and paramedical schools focusing on skills and attitudes to enhance the efficient implementation of the nation’s nutrition policies and strategies.

Training status in evidence-based practices among in-service special education teachers and its association with teaching in autism educational settings

The present study investigates the adequacy of training, perceived knowledge, and the frequency of use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) among in-service special education teachers and its association with their teaching practices in autism educational settings in Jordan. Additionally, it analyzes the influence of key variables, including gender, age, level of educational qualification, number of years teaching in special education, number of years teaching students with autism, number of students with autism in the classroom, and number of in-service professional development programs attended. Using an analytical descriptive approach utilizing survey-based research, a convenience sample of 121 teachers from seven specialized autism centers reported on their training adequacy, knowledge, and frequency of use of a set of 23 EBPs. The results showed that the adequacy of in-service training was higher than that of pre-service training. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between in-service training, teachers’ knowledge, and the use of EBPs. The number of in-service professional development training programs emerged as the only variable that significantly influenced the teachers’ responses regarding the adequacy of their in-service training. The multiple regression analysis revealed that in-service training programs and years of teaching students with autism were the only predictors of teachers’ knowledge and use of EBPs. The most reported EBPs were reinforcement, task analysis, and modeling, whereas the least reported were video modeling, social narratives, and functional communication. Further enhancements in teacher training in EBPs are needed to improve teacher training programs in Jordan.

Efficacy of Mixed Model Instruction to Improve English Language Skills of Business Management Students: An Experimental Study

Aim. The current study explored and compared the efficacy of technology-based instructions, specifically web-mediated, blended, and online instructions, on the enhancement of English language skills among students pursuing Business management (BM) in Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Method. A total of two hundred and four participants were chosen randomly and divided into four groups. The control group, comprising 51 individuals, received general English instruction utilizing the communicative language teaching (CLT) approach, and engaged in exercises that focused on developing their general English skills. On the other hand, the web-mediated learning experimental group, also consisting of 51 participants, received general English instruction through the Duolingo educational model. Similarly, the blended experimental group, comprised of 51 individuals, received general English instruction through the Enriched Virtual Blended Learning Model. Lastly, the online learning group, consisting of 51 participants, received general English instruction through the LMS instructional model. Results. Prior to the intervention, all students underwent a pretest, and subsequently, a posttest and a delayed posttest were administered to evaluate their proficiency in standard general English, as measured by the TOEFL exam. The study's results indicated that all groups displayed progress in their English language skills. However, the Duolingo and Enriched Virtual learning models demonstrated superior performance in enhancing English language skills compared to the other groups. Conclusion. These findings hold significant pedagogical implications for curriculum designers, the development of training programs for future HR professionals, material producers, and all stakeholders involved in the field of BM education.