Training Program Research Articles

A pre and post evaluation of the communication and interaction training programme for professionals in dementia care.

NICE guidelines advocate that healthcare professionals should aim to use non-pharmacological and person-centred approaches as primary strategies to reduce or prevent distress in people living with dementia who reside within care settings. However, despite these recommendations, recent studies have illustrated that there is still a requirement for healthcare professionals to have adequate opportunities to access training programmes and guidance on how to effectively use non-pharmacological approaches in dementia care settings. Communication and Interaction Training (CAIT) was developed to train healthcare professionals in dementia care on how to apply person-centred principles to effectively reduce or negate distress in people living with dementia in a non-invasive manner. This paper provides an overview of current debates regarding the use of non-pharmacological approaches in dementia care, as initial care strategies, to reduce the primary use of pharmacological interventions that may have deleterious side effects for people living with dementia. Furthermore, this paper provides a summary of an evaluation that assessed the extent to which a 2-day CAIT programme could enhance healthcare professionals in their perceived ability to communicate therapeutically with and provide care for people living with dementia. In this evaluation, 35 healthcare professionals in dementia care engaged with the 2-day CAIT programme. The Confidence in Dementia Scale, Knowledge in Dementia Scale and Compassionate Competence Scale were administered for participants to complete pre and post training. A series of parametric paired samples t-tests were completed, and the results indicated that the 2-day CAIT course was effective in enhancing healthcare professionals' perceived confidence, communication skills, sensitivity, and ability to meet the care needs of people living with dementia. However, staff' knowledge of dementia did not significantly increase following the CAIT course, which could be due to participants already having high levels of knowledge on dementia prior to training. These results indicated that engaging in CAIT could be beneficial in enhancing healthcare professionals' perceived ability to use therapeutic communication strategies in their interactions with people living with dementia. Discussion is provided on how the delivery of training programmes, such as CAIT, may assist in re-enforcing guidelines that advocate for the use of non-pharmacological and non-invasive approaches in dementia care.

A Strategic Approach to Empowerment and Improving Educational Quality: Women's Leadership in Higher Education Institutions

The growing global recognition of leadership diversity and the acknowledgment of women's contributions to higher education necessitate the appointment of women to leadership positions within academic institutions, which is essential for promoting inclusivity and improving educational outcomes. This study employed a qualitative descriptive research methodology to examine the role of women in leadership positions within higher education institutions, with the objective of empowering women and improving the quality of education offered. The results demonstrate that women in leadership positions adeptly tackle institutional difficulties through inventive and adaptable solutions, enhancing academic quality significantly. The findings highlight the importance of robust policies and organizational backing in facilitating women's achievement of quality goals via leadership. The report suggests that universities, colleges, and departments should implement quotas to ensure women's presence and active participation on their boards, as well as training programs to support female leaders in improving academic achievement. These ideas seek to improve the quality of higher education by creating more sustainable and progressive classroom environments.

Effect of goal-directed perceptual-motor exercise on children with specific learning difficulties: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAlthough perceptual interventions focus on sensory and cognitive skills, they significantly enhance the effectiveness of motor interventions by improving coordination, decision-making, and overall engagement in physical activities. A comprehensive literature review has demonstrated that incorporating perceptual interventions into motor exercises is beneficial. While there are several treatment strategies for SLD-diagnosed children, the potential role of goal-directed perceptual-motor exercises has not been studied. This study examined the effectiveness of goal-directed perceptual-motor training on attention, motor skills, and quality of life in children with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD).MethodsThis was a randomized clinical study with 38 children diagnosed with SLD between September 2021 and April 2022. The control group (n = 19) received a standard intervention protocol, and the intervention group (n = 19) additionally received a perceptual-motor training program. Bourdon Attention Test, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test 2–Short Form (BOT2- SF), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDSQL) were used as outcome measures.ResultsThe intervention significantly improved attention, fine and gross motor skills, and life quality as evidenced by the within- and between-group comparisons at the end of therapy.ConclusionsGoal-directed perceptual-motor physical training with cognitive aspects may enhance academic performance, social participation, and life quality for children with SLD by improving basic motor skills. Therefore, the inclusion of physical and task-specific perceptual-motor exercises in educational programs may offer several avenues for cognitive skill development in SLD children.Trial registrationThe protocol is retrospectively registered with http://clinicaltrials.gov/ (16/August/2023, Clinical Trial, NCT05998083).

Competency-based Human Resource Development Strategy

Human resources are the key to a nation's prosperity. This study aims to describe the strategy for developing human resources based on competency and how to overcome the gap in developing human resources based on competency. This study uses a qualitative method, exploring phenomena related to developing human resources based on competency. Qualitative methods also aim to understand individuals' or groups' meanings, views, or experiences and the context behind the phenomenon being studied. This study also uses a descriptive approach and a literature study. The results of this study indicate that there are eight steps in formulating a strategy for developing human resources based on competency: identification of organizational core competencies, competency gap analysis, human resource development planning, implementation of training and development programs, competency-based performance assessment and evaluation, talent management and succession planning, utilization of technology in competency development, and a culture of continuous learning. Furthermore, the results of this study also obtained eight strategies to overcome the gap in developing human resources based on competency: competency gap analysis, training and development programs, competency-based career development, use of technology and competency management systems, periodic evaluation and feedback, a culture of continuous learning, awards, and incentives, cooperation with educational institutions. The government can use the competency-based human resource development model to realize the Golden Indonesia Generation 2024.

The effects of two different concurrent training programs on specific performance, physiological and biochemical parameters in soccer players

The study examined the effects of two concurrent training models, one being an eight-week High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and the other, High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) both with additional strength training (S), on physiological parameters (blood lactate concentration and heart rate), athlete's performance (maximal strength, explosive power, aerobic endurance, 20 m sprint), and biochemical outputs. The study involved a total of 21 young males playing with amateur soccer licenses for at least 2 years divided into three groups. One group received S + HIIT training, second group received S + HIFT training and the control group continued their soccer-specific training. Both the experimental and the control groups underwent pre- and post-tests and while only the experimental groups underwent an eight-week training program. Pre- and post-tests of the all the participants included measurements of body composition, adaptation studies, trial measurements, biochemical blood, aerobic endurance measurements, sprint tests, and strength measurements. The Mixed Design ANOVA analysis was utilized to examine the performance, physiological, and biochemical data of the participants before and after the experiment. Concurrent training models were effective in increasing athletic performance (VO2max, CMJ, 1RM bench press and Yo-Yo test) and physiological outcomes during recovery (HR, blood lactate, Borg Scale) compared to the control group with traditional training. There was no significant difference between the biochemical changes in the S + HIIT, S + HIFT and control groups during the trial period. In summary, both concurrent training (CT) models had positive effects on sports performance and physiological outcomes, but not on biochemical outcomes.

Perceptions of a faculty-trainee group mentorship program, the mentorship families program, in a residency training program: results from a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundIn residency programs, the availability of faculty mentors for traditional dyadic mentorship relationships may be limited. Few frameworks exist for mentorship programs with a combined faculty and peer mentorship approach. The authors developed the Mentorship Families Program (MFP), a faculty-resident group mentorship program within a psychiatry residency program to meet the need for mentorship for a large cohort of residents. A cross-sectional survey was used to evaluate the impact of the MFP after its first implementation year.MethodsEleven mentorship families were created with 11 faculty members and 45 residents; each mentorship family consisted of one faculty member and 4–5 residents. A cross-sectional survey characterized the one-year perceived impact (2021–2022) of the MFP on resident and faculty mentoring experiences, with questions about the content, frequency, and quality of the MFP meetings and the strengths and areas of improvement for the MFP. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative feedback; directed content analysis was performed on open-ended feedback.ResultsTwenty-seven residents (60%) and 8 faculty members (73%) responded to the survey. 70% of mentorship families met at least once. The MFP helped foster resident-faculty connections and provided an environment to gain career advice. However, residents and faculty reported challenges with scheduling meetings and a lack of meeting structure as barriers to effective engagement with the MFP. Most residents recommended that other training programs implement a program like the MFP as it offered multidimensional opportunities for connections between residents and faculty.ConclusionsA faculty-resident group mentorship program like the MFP can be implemented in residency training programs when traditional one-to-one faculty mentorship is often limited.

Characteristics, opportunities, and challenges of osteopathy (COCO) in the perceptions of osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: a metasynthesis

BackgroundThe practice of osteopathy in Europe is not uniformly regulated. Even despite the topographical and cultural proximity, the regulation of the osteopathic profession also differs in the German-speaking countries. In contrast to Germany and Austria, both without any recognized osteopathic profession, Switzerland has already created legal regulations for the practice of osteopathy. The aim of this analysis and the project itself is to gain knowledge about the characteristics, challenges and opportunities of osteopaths in German-speaking countries.MethodsThe COCO project examines osteopaths in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, considering their view on the practice of osteopathy. Within the framework of a metasynthesis, a systematic literature search was conducted first to identify further relevant studies. Subsequently, a qualitative synthesis was followed after having applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria to the literature found.ResultsThis study was able to draw on a total of 30 content-analyzed interviews with osteopaths. It was possible to gain deeper insights into the characteristics, challenges and opportunities of osteopaths in German-speaking countries.Challenges were diagnosed, for example, regarding professional identity, as well as in the intraprofessional conflicts and the question of standards in training and research. The chances were described as leading a fulfilling professional life and meeting a great interest in osteopathy among the population.ConclusionsRegarding the characteristics of osteopathy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it can be said that osteopaths have difficulties to define osteopathy. The resources mentioned most often are manual work on the patient, a holistic treatment approach and generous treatment durations. Lecturers and prominent figures can be seen as role models and greatly influence the perspective of osteopaths. The central challenge is the problem of identity among osteopaths. In addition, different training programs and qualifications exist, which also presents the greatest country-specific differences. The satisfaction of osteopaths in their work and the extreme demand for osteopathy in society should be seen as an opportunity for the field.

Normothermic regional perfusion mobile teams in controlled donation after circulatory death pathway: Evidence and peculiarities.

To facilitate the implementation of controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) programs even in hospitals not equipped with a local Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) team (Spokes), some countries and Italian Regions have launched a local cDCD network with a ECMO mobile team who move from Hub hospitals to Spokes for normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) implantation in the setting of a cDCD pathway. While ECMO teams have been clearly defined by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, regarding composition, responsibilities and training programs, no clear, widely accepted indications are to date available for NRP teams. Although existing NRP mobile networks were developed due to the urgent need to increase the number of cDCDs, there is now the necessity for transplantation medicine to identify the peculiarities and responsibility of a NRP team for all those centers launching a cDCD pathway. Thus, in the present manuscript we summarized the characteristics of an ECMO mobile team, highlighting similarities and differences with the NRP mobile team. We also assessed existing evidence on NRP teams with the goal of identifying the characteristic and essential features of an NRP mobile team for a cDCD program, especially for those centers who are starting the program. Differences were identified between the mobile ECMO team and NRP mobile team. The common essential feature for both mobile teams is high skills and experience to reduce complications and, in the case of cDCD, to reduce the total warm ischemic time. Dedicated training programs should be developed for the launch of de novo NRP teams.

Exploring the potential of Braingame Brian for executive function improvement in Spanish-speaking children with ADHD: A pilot study

ABSTRACT Considering the implications of executive function (EF) in the core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), further research is required on strategies such as therapies, treatments, and rehabilitation programs focused on improving EF. This study aimed to assess the potential of an EF training program called “Braingame Brian” in improving working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility in children with ADHD. The programme was developed in the Netherlands and has been shown to be effective in pilot studies of ADHD populations conducted in this country. However, it has not been used before in the Spanish-speaking population. A total of 41 children (aged 8–12 years) were assigned to the EF training or waitlist control groups. The intervention consisted of a 25-session training programme of approximately 45 min per day for nine consecutive weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed using cognitive tasks of the trained EF, as well as evaluations of EF behaviors by parents and teachers. The initial findings suggest that the implementation of the Braingame Brian programme may be associated with improvements in working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. These preliminary results also indicate the potential for enhancements in parents’ and teachers’ perceptions of EF difficulties in children with ADHD.

Promoting Digital Citizenship in Social Work: Training Students for Inclusive and Accessible Tech-Health Practices.

This article details a pedagogical approach to training graduate social work students in tech-health equity, emphasizing technology access as a fundamental human right. A tech-health training taxonomy was developed for a new social work course, aiming to equip students with macro-level skills to support equitable client access to telehealth. The training program was designed to illuminate and cultivate digital citizenship, an essential competency for advancing health equity and inclusivity among disadvantaged populations. To achieve this, the authors outline four pedagogical strategies to enhance students' understanding and application of digital citizenship, digital self-efficacy, and the empowerment of underserved communities in navigating telehealth. Additionally, the article proposes a research framework to assess the effectiveness of these strategies in supporting students' mastery of digital citizenship competencies and self-efficacy, including both reactive self-efficacy and generative self-efficacy. This novel approach seeks to prepare future social workers to address the digital divide in healthcare services and promote inclusivity.

A physiotherapist-led biopsychosocial education and exercise programme for patients with chronic low back pain in Ghana: a mixed-methods feasibility study

BackgroundLow back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition which causes substantial disability globally. The biopsychosocial model of management has been recommended in national and international guidelines for the management of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, biopsychosocial approaches are predominantly delivered in high income countries (HICs), although the prevalence of LBP is substantially higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) especially in Africa (39%; 95% CI 30–47). Understanding the effectiveness of BPS interventions in LMICs especially in Africa is underexplored, with substantial inequity between research from HICs and LMICs. Ghana is a LMIC where the effectiveness of biopsychosocial interventions has been underexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of delivering a physiotherapist-led BPS programme for the management of patients with CLBP in Ghana.MethodsThis was a mixed-methods, sequential, pretest-posttest feasibility study. Participants involved thirty patients with CLBP. The biopsychosocial intervention involved an exercise and patient education programme based on principles of cognitive behavioural strategies with emphasis on self-management. The biopsychosocial intervention was delivered for six weeks for each participant. Feasibility outcomes regarding management and processes were captured pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-months post intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-intervention to explore participants’ experiences with the biopsychosocial intervention. Patients’ demographics were collected at baseline. Patient reported outcome measures such as intensity of pain, disability, pain catastrophising, kinesiophobia, self-efficacy, and general quality of life, were collected pre-intervention, post-intervention and at three-months follow-up. Qualitative analysis explored participants’ experiences regarding the acceptability of the biopsychosocial intervention.ResultsThe results of this feasibility study demonstrated that the training programme was acceptable to physiotherapists. Recruitment rate (5 patient participants per week − 100% recruitment met), retention rate post-intervention (90%), data completion rate post-intervention (99.8%) and intervention fidelity (83.1%), all met feasibility thresholds. There were no adverse events. Qualitative data also demonstrated that the biopsychosocial intervention was acceptable to participants.ConclusionThis study has established the potential to deliver a biopsychosocial intervention programme in a Ghanaian hospital setting. This biopsychosocial intervention therefore shows promise, and the result of the study provides a platform to develop future clinical studies.

Common Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) Farming in Bangladesh: Current Status, Reproductive Behavior and Health Management

The research was carried out in a few selected regions of Bangladesh from July 2022 to June 2023 to explore the current status, reproductive behavior, and health management of captive common peafowl (Pavo cristatus). Ten peafowl farmers were interviewed using pre-structured questionnaire to collect primary data. The data were processed, and then illustrated in tabular form employing descriptive statistical analyses. The majority of the farmers were aged between 31 to 50 years, with 50% engaged in business. They became interested in peafowl farming through social media, other farmers, and friends. Notably, most of the farmers reared India Blue variety of common peafowl. They had neither prior experience nor participated in any training programs on peafowl farming. The adult male peafowl (peacock) significantly (P<0.0001) outweighed female peafowl (peahen). The age of first laying for peahens was around 2 years. Majority of the farmers reared 21 to 60 birds with an average egg production of 22.90±1.43 eggs/bird/year. The mean egg weight and clutch size were 95.70±4.54 g and 9.30±0.47 eggs, respectively. The average incubation time was 28.90±0.43 days. Fertility and hatching rates were 87.30±1.40 and 74.30±1.07%, respectively. Majority of the farmers (80%) used poultry feed for feeding peafowls and routinely used drugs and additives in the feed and water. Forty percent of the farmers sought veterinary advice and 60% implemented general biosecurity procedures. The prevalence of Newcastle disease (20.70%) was significantly (P<0.0001) higher compared to other diseases. Despite numerous challenges, peafowl farming in Bangladesh was found to be highly profitable in comparison to the costs. However, effective training programs, research initiatives, and strategic marketing efforts are crucial for the development of peafowl farming as a new income generating venture in the country. Therefore, peafowl farming could flourish with targeted interventions and support from both the government and private enterprises in Bangladesh. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 21-32, 2024

Knowledge and practice of dental professionals regarding vertical teeth preparation techniques

BackgroundVertical preparation techniques (VPTs), particularly the biologically oriented preparation technique (BOPT), have gained prominence in restorative dentistry due to their conservative approach to tooth structure preservation and improved aesthetic outcomes. This study aims to assess the knowledge and clinical practices of VPTs, including BOPT, among dental professionals in Sanaa, Yemen, and explore the barriers to their widespread use.Materials and methodsAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted among general practitioners and specialists in Sanaa, Yemen using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The survey explored the participants’ knowledge, familiarity, and clinical use of VPTs and their perceptions of its advantages and challenges. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to evaluate associations between professional roles and VPT knowledge and practice. P values < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.ResultsOut of 285 participants, 76.8% were familiar with VPTs but only 11.6% reported using these approaches in clinical practice. The primary source of knowledge acquisition was informal, with 26.3% of the participants citing social media as their main resource. Specialists demonstrated significantly higher proficiency and confidence in applying VPTs compared with general practitioners (p < 0.05). Key challenges identified in clinical adoption were controlling gingival bleeding (32.28%) and achieving precise margins during tooth preparation (34.74%). The majority (55.8%) of participants acknowledged the potential of VPTs as the future of restorative dentistry. Despite these benefits, 36.1% of the respondents emphasized the need for further training and educational programs to enhance proficiency and overcome the perceived complexity of these techniques.ConclusionThis study highlights significant gaps in the knowledge and practice of VPTs, particularly BOPT, among the participants. While these techniques offer promising clinical and aesthetic benefits, their adoption is hindered by inadequate training and perceived complexity. Targeted educational interventions and further research are needed to support the broad implementation of VPTs in clinical practice.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Dental students’ perceptions of integrating online learning in the dental curriculum

IntroductionFollowing the worldwide lockdown due to COVID-19, education globally switched from classroom to online learning. This transition impacted the teaching techniques used in dental education. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes of undergraduate dental students’ experience with online learning. The benefits and drawbacks of integrating online learning into dental teaching were assessed as well as the factors that enhanced the online learning experience.MethodsThis is a cross sectional descriptive study employing a survey design. A web-based survey was distributed to the undergraduate dental students at Jordan University of Science and Technology. All dental undergraduate students of different academic levels were eligible to participate (n = 1500). The responses were collected anonymously through August 2022. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson Chi-square test were utilized.ResultsA total of 984 undergraduate dental students participated in this questionnaire. Females and year four students dominated the study population (64.7%, 31.3%). Internet connection was not a barrier to online learning for most students (61.4%). The preference for online learning over on campus for most students was due to time and money saving, better comprehension, and less social anxiety (n = 421, 45.7%). Drawbacks of online learning for most students (60%) were the difficulty of maintaining focus and the poor design of lectures (76.3%). The low cost of the internet was a factor that significantly encouraged students to favour online learning (P value = 0.01). Active interaction during lectures was a main factor that encouraged students to stay focused during online sessions (P value < 0.001). For a significant number of students, the lecturers demonstrated superior teaching skills during online sessions in comparison to the classroom (P < 0.001).ConclusionDespite the positive attitude of undergraduate dental students towards online learning, many improvements are required. Enhancing online lecture design which can be facilitated by implementing comprehensive training and workshop programs for lecturers. Actively engaging students during lectures is necessary to help students regain focus during online sessions. Finally, decreasing lecture times to match students’ attention spans is fundamental. By focusing on interface design and providing structured training for lecturers, a more effective online learning environment can be achieved.

TEHNOLOGIA BLOCKCHAIN PENTRU ÎMBUNĂTĂȚIREA TRASABILITĂȚII ȘI SUSTENABILITĂȚII ECHIPAMENTELOR INDIVIDUALE DE PROTECȚIE ÎN AGRICULTURA DIN ROMÂNIA

Blockchain technology provides a secure and transparent method to improve the traceability and sustainability of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Romanian agriculture. By enabling comprehensive monitoring of PPE across its lifecycle, blockchain addresses gaps in safety and compliance. It ensures adherence to safety standards while reducing risks of counterfeit or defective products. However, several challenges hinder adoption. High costs, limited digital infrastructure, and low digital literacy among farmers create significant barriers. Overcoming these requires targeted investments in rural digital infrastructure and training programs designed to enhance stakeholders’ skills. Public-private partnerships and pilot projects are essential to demonstrate the technology’s benefits and build trust among users. Gradual implementation, supported by collaboration between public and private sectors, can transform Romanian agriculture. Blockchain’s integration can lead to better productivity, improved safety, and greater sustainability. This study examines blockchain’s potential in PPE management, offering insights into its applications, benefits, and necessary steps for successful adoption in the agricultural sector. Through strategic action, Romanian agriculture can leverage blockchain to achieve safer practices and long-term sustainability.

Current status of vocational delay of gratification among practicing nursing students and its influencing factors: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPracticing nursing students play a critical role in addressing the nursing workforce shortage. Their vocational delay of gratification influences career planning and practice quality. This study aimed to assess the level of vocational delay of gratification among nursing students and identify its influencing factors.MethodsA convenience sample of 250 nursing students practicing in three tertiary hospitals in Anhui Province (February–May 2024) was studied. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, job involvement scale, clinical communication ability scale, and vocational delay of gratification scale. Random forest, independent samples t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression analyses were applied to identify the key influencing factors.ResultsThere were 39 (15.6%) males and 211 (84.4%) females who participated in this study and the mean score for vocational delay of gratification was (2.843 ± 0.513), the mean score for level of job involvement was (2.468 ± 0.923), and the mean score for ability to communicate with patients was (2.830 ± 1.083).Influencing factors included willingness to upgrade education, whether you are willing to work in nursing after graduation, whether a relative works in a medical facility, ability to communicate with patients, intention to study nursing, level of job involvement(P<0.05).ConclusionNursing students demonstrated a moderate-to-high level of vocational delay of gratification. Training programs addressing these factors can enhance students’ capabilities, improve internship quality, and support long-term career development. The study conducted in three hospitals in Anhui Province may limit the generalizability of the results due to regional differences in education and practice. Nonetheless, this study provides important insights for optimizing the career development and retention of nursing interns.Trial registrationNo medical interventions were administered to human participants in this study. Clinical trial number: not applicable.

Knowledge, attitude, and beliefs of interns towards brain death diagnosis

Objective. To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of interns regarding brain death diagnosis and organ donation. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 142 interns at Umm Al-Qura University to assess their understanding of the legal definitions, diagnostic criteria, procedures, and attitudes towards organ donation. Results. Significant knowledge gaps were identified, with many interns demonstrating a limited understanding of key aspects of brain death. While some expressed confidence in their diagnostic abilities, concerns about misdiagnosis and premature organ donation were also prevalent. Conclusion. Although limited by its single-center design, this study highlights the need for enhanced education on brain death in medical training programs. Further research, particularly multicenter studies, is necessary to validate these findings and develop targeted educational interventions to improve interns' comprehension and address their concerns.

Communication training program for nurses caring for patients with aphasia: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundNurses are key communication partners for patients with aphasia. Nurses’ skills are vital for improving the patients’ environment and nursing performance. This study develops and evaluates the effectiveness of a communication training program for nurses who care for patients with aphasia.MethodsA program was developed based on the Intervention Mapping Protocol. Then, a simulation using a standardized patient with aphasia and surveys were conducted. Program effectiveness was evaluated using a quasi-experimental framework with a non-equivalent control group and pretest-posttest non-synchronized design.ResultsThe two groups exhibited statistical significant differences in health communication competence, knowledge of aphasia, patient advocacy, clinical decision-making, and compassionate competence.ConclusionThis study developed communication training for nurses who care for patients with aphasia. The effectiveness test showed that this training affected nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and skills. Clearly, communication education for nurses is important to provide comprehensive care for patients with aphasia and can enhance nursing.

The Effects of Flywheel Training with a Portable Device on Physical Performance in Soccer Players

Soccer is a team sport in which players expend high-intensity intermittent efforts that require the production of sprints, accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction, and jumps. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of training with portable and low-cost flywheel devices, using multi-directional exercises over 8 weeks, on the performance of linear sprint, curve sprint, and change of direction in senior soccer players. Thirty-three players participated in the research, divided into a control group and an experimental group. The latter group performed the training protocol in addition to the technical–tactical soccer training. Before and after the application of the training protocol, the linear and curve sprint and change of direction (V-cut) were evaluated. At the end of the training program, significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05) were found in change of direction and in curve sprint with respect to the control group. The results suggested that resistance training with flywheel devices with low training volumes improves performance in change of direction and in curve sprint, which are key performance variables in soccer. Therefore, this type of training could be added to technical–tactical soccer training to enhance the variables that are essential to reach high-performance metrics in soccer.

Academic ICTs training in South Africa, Cameroon, and Nigeria. Strategies for ICT training course design

AbstractThis study examines the effectiveness of ICT training programmes for academics at selected universities in Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Nigeria, and South Africa. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with five ICT trainers and three trainees to better understand their experiences. The findings highlight both the challenges and the strengths that could be used to improve ICT training and make it more effective and relevant to the participants. Four key themes emerge from our analysis: course objectives and content, teaching strategies, implementation challenges, and expectations/impact of the courses. The objectives of the courses vary considerably—some focus on the practical application of ICT, while others aim to improve the participants’ understanding of ICT systems. Teaching methods also differ, ranging from more traditional teaching approaches to collaborative, project-oriented methods. However, we identify significant challenges, particularly poor internet connectivity and a lack of sufficient technological resources, which affect the learning process. In addition, there is often a divergence between trainer expectations and trainee perceptions of the impact of these courses on their professional development. This study aims to contribute to the definition of strategies to improve the effectiveness of ICT training, in the African context, including Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa.