Training Program Research Articles

Effects of exercise on bone density and physical performance in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Postmenopausal bone loss and decreased physical performance are commonly presented issues. This study aimed through systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the benefits of adding exercise to medicine/supplements in postmenopausal women. A systematic search was conducted of four electronic databases for articles published from inception to December 2023. Clinical controlled trials comparing the effect of additional exercise and medicine/supplements alone in postmenopausal women were included. The outcomes studied were bone mineral density (BMD) and physical performance. The quality of evidence was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Nineteen articles with 1249 participants were included in this study for systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that additional exercise was not associated with significantly improved BMD at the lumbar spine and hip joint compared with medicine/supplements only. However, results of subgroup analysis of exercise types showed a significant improvement in lumbar spine BMD by combining multiple types of exercise training (SMD = 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01-0.72; p = .04). Furthermore, additional exercise significantly improved lower extremity muscle strength (Standard Mean Difference [SMD] = 1.77; 95% CI = 0.56-2.98; p = .004), Berg's Balance Scale (SMD = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.12-1.32; p = .02), Timed Up and Go (SMD = -1.07; 95% CI = -1.35--0.78; p < .001), fear of falling (SMD = 1.32; 95% CI = 0.89-1.75; p < .001), and the quality of life (SMD = 1.39; 95% CI = 0.74-2.05; p < .001). The quality level of the evidence was between low to very low. The significant value of the exercise was demonstrated through enhancing physical performance and quality of life. Moreover, combining various exercise training programs has shown a positive effect on BMD at the lumbar spine. Therefore, for postmenopausal women, combining exercise with medicine/supplements is recommended to further improve physical function and specific areas of BMD. (PROSPERO: CRD42023390633).

AI'S Impact on Vocational Training and Employability: Innovation, Challenges, and Perspectives

This integrative literature review (ILR) examines the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on vocational training, specifically focusing on unequal access to AI-powered resources and the ensuing inequities in education. The study seeks to analyze the impact of AI on vocational training and employability, offering insights into the advantages and difficulties related to integrating AI technology into educational institutions. The study's conceptual framework is grounded in three primary pillars: AI-driven innovation, challenges, and perspectives. This research is essential for providing valuable insights that can guide strategic planning and policy-making to improve vocational training programs and ensure that they remain effective in preparing students for the changing job market. The ILR methodology entailed integrating theoretical and empirical literature and collecting and evaluating relevant scholarly materials to provide a thorough comprehension of AI's function in vocational training. The results emphasize the capacity of AI to enhance educational achievements using tailored learning, adaptable platforms, immediate feedback, and simulations. However, there is a risk of widening educational inequalities due to biased algorithms. The study highlights the necessity of making significant investments in infrastructure and providing ongoing professional development for educators to incorporate AI successfully. It also suggests the establishment of distinct positions inside vocational training institutions, such as Vocational AI Curriculum Developer (VACD), Vocational AI Data Protection Specialist (VAIDPS), and Vocational AI Sustainability Facilitator (VAISF), to tackle these difficulties effectively. The conclusions highlight the revolutionary capacity of AI in vocational training, soliciting strategic investments and evoking the creation of specialized positions to promote fair and efficient deployment of AI. The study's findings underscore the significance of continuous research and improvements in practice to promote positive societal change and better educational fairness.

Resuscitation following trauma &amp; role of trauma training programmes in emergency settings: A literature review &amp; survey

Background &amp; objectives Traumatic injuries, especially in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), present significant challenges in patient resuscitation and healthcare delivery. This study explores the role of trauma training programmes in improving patient outcomes and reducing preventable trauma-related deaths. Methods A dual approach was adopted, first a literature review of trauma training in LMICs over the past decade, along with a situational assessment survey. For the review of literature, we searched the PubMed database to identify key challenges and innovative practices in trauma training programmes in LMIC’s. The survey, conducted among healthcare professionals in various LMICs, collected direct insights into the challenges and the status of trauma training programmes in these countries. Results The literature review analysed 68 articles, with a significant focus on the African subcontinent (36 studies), underscoring the region’s emphasis on research on trauma training programmes. These studies mainly targeted physicians, clinicians, postgraduate trainees in surgical or anaesthesia fields and medical students (86.8%), highlighting innovations like simulation-based training and the cascading training model. In our survey, we received 34 responses from healthcare professionals in India, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Nepal and Pakistan. Around 52.9 per cent reported the absence of established trauma training programmes in their settings. The majority of respondents advocated for hands-on, simulation-based training (94.1%) and emphasised the need for structured training programmes (85.3%), feedback sessions (70.6%) and updated protocols (61.8%). This combined data underlined the critical gaps and potential improvements in trauma training programmes and resuscitation practices in LMICs. Interpretation &amp; conclusions Effective trauma care in LMICs requires the establishment of comprehensive, tailored training programmes. Key interventions should include subsidization of pre-existing trauma courses and the adoption of World Health Organization Guidelines for essential trauma care, implementation of trauma quality improvement and review processes and the incorporation of focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) in emergency departments. These steps are crucial for equipping healthcare workers with vital skills and knowledge, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement in the realm of trauma care.

AI, BlazePod Sensors, and Head Vests Implemented in Assessments on Reaction Time and Gaze Training Program in U10 Football Game

In the context of the development of technologies, every sports club tends to improve its training methods to obtain the best possible results in sports training. The goal of the research is to develop a specialized training program designed to enhance ball-control skills so that children can play soccer with increased confidence, therefore reinforcing their need for constant visual contact with the ball during possession. The study participants are children between the ages of 8 and 10, who have acquired at least one year of consistent and well-structured football practice, divided into two groups, experimental group I and control group II. The T-Blaze test training, the Adams test, and the registration of the degree of head tilt using artificial intelligence and visual recognition were implemented. During the training, the authors used the BlazePod sensors to measure participants’ times more precisely, thus avoiding the inaccuracy of using a classic timer. At the same time, the authors used the Vesta HeadUp to block the child’s view of the ball when he has possession of the ball or is very close to it. The recording of time spent playing head-up and head-down revealed statistically significant differences between the three test sessions in favor of the experimental group. Considering the statistically substantial influence obtained, the authors can conclude that our intervention program based on specific means and using HeadUp vests was a decisive factor in achieving improved performance.

Exploring the varying agendas of principals, teachers, and a university related to mentorship

ABSTRACT Teachers are entering the field with a different set of teaching expectations than existing teachers were held to during their own training programs. As a result of shifts in teacher preparation practices and increasingly diverse student populations, existing teachers may not be equipped to mentor novice and student teachers, perpetuating cycles of inequity and frustration. Employing qualitative methods that examined the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, this study explores factors that inform existing teachers’ willingness and ability to mentor the next generation of teachers. Findings suggest that there needs to be more explicit guidance and coordination on the part of all stakeholders, each of whom presents unique perceptions and agendas regarding mentoring the next wave of teachers.

Evaluation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers on parent behavioral outcomes

BackgroundThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web-based behavioral parent training (BPT) program, Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers (EfP), uses a psychoeducational approach to promote positive parenting and address common parenting challenges. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of EfP on parenting behavior and whether implementation format impacted behavioral outcomes. MethodsA sample of 200 parents of 2- to 4-year-old children were recruited via Internet advertising. Using a repeated single subject, multiple baseline design, parents were randomly assigned to guided navigation (GN; n = 100) or unguided navigation (UN; n = 100) study conditions. Parents were provided secure access to the EfP website and completed 18 weekly surveys. Latent growth curve modeling was used to determine intervention effectiveness on behavioral outcomes. ResultsLatent growth curve modeling indicated both GN and UN study conditions significantly increased use of praise (β = 0.19, p = 0.038) and commands and consequences (β = 0.17, p < 0.001), and decreased corporal punishment use (β = −0.01, p = 0.017) and attitudes promoting corporal punishment (β = −0.01, p < 0.001) over the study period. The UN condition exhibited a significant initial decrease in time-out use that increased over time to match the GN condition. ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for the effectiveness of EfP in promoting non-violent parenting behavior and increasing positive parenting techniques. The format of EfP implementation made no difference in parenting behaviors over time. Digital BPT programs like EfP provide access to evidence-informed parenting resources and can enhance positive parenting.

Facilitating well-being: an examination of an online trauma-informed faculty/staff training designed to support college student resilience

College students report high psychological distress, mental health problems and anxiety. Research indicates that faculty and staff can help support these students in crisis, but there is limited trauma-informed training for higher education professionals who are not mental health counselors. This study explored an evidence-based online training program designed to help faculty/staff members facilitate well-being and resilience among college students. To test the training, a systematic program evaluation was conducted. Prior to completing the training, participants (n = 52) took a pretest. Then, after completing the training, they took a posttest. Results indicated a significant difference between pre and posttest. There were more positive attitudes toward trauma-informed approaches and resilience resources; stronger beliefs about prevalence and effects of psychological trauma; greater self-efficacy to perform trauma-informed approaches; and greater confidence in trauma-informed knowledge. Additionally, participants reported they were likely to use tools learned during the training. Thus, indicating that a self-paced, convenient, and culturally sensitive training may be beneficial for faculty and staff as they aid in student success. Practical implications, participant comments and specific suggestions for colleges are also discussed.

Classifying Inflammation on Intestinal Ultrasound Images and Cineloops - A Learning Curve Study.

Intestinal ultrasound has become a crucial tool for assessing inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, prompting a surge in demand for trained sonographers. While educational programs exist, the length of training needed to reach proficiency in correctly classifying inflammation remains unclear. Our study addresses this gap partly by exploring the learning curves associated with the deliberate practice of sonographic disease assessment, focusing on the key disease activity parameters of bowel wall thickness, bowel wall stratification, color Doppler signal, and inflammatory fat. Twenty-one novices and six certified intestinal ultrasound practitioners engaged in an 80-case deliberate practice online training program. A panel of three experts independently graded ultrasound images representing various degrees of disease activity and agreed upon a consensus score. We used statistical analyses, including mixed-effects regression models, to evaluate learning trajectories. Pass/fail thresholds distinguishing novices from certified practitioners were determined through contrasting-groups analyses. Novices showed significant improvement in interpreting bowel wall thickness, surpassing the pass/fail threshold, and reached mastery level by case 80. For color Doppler signal and inflammatory fat, novices surpassed the pass/fail threshold but did not achieve mastery. Novices did not improve in assessing bowel wall stratification. We found considerable individual and group-level differences in learning curves supporting the concept of competency-based training for assessing bowel wall thickness, color Doppler signal and inflammatory fat. However, despite practice over 80 cases, novices did not improve in their interpretation of bowel wall stratification, suggesting that a different approach is needed for this parameter.

Combined effects of functional task training with electrical stimulation on motor abilities and balance in children with diplegia

BackgroundChildren with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) often demonstrate gluteus medius weakness that causes balance deficits and frequent falling during walking.PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the combined effects of functional task training with electrical stimulation of bilateral hip abductor muscles on motor abilities (standing and walking) and balance in children with spastic diplegic CP.MethodsThirty children with diplegic CP of both sexes whose ages ranged from 7 to 10 years were assigned randomly into two equal groups. For both groups, motor abilities were assessed by gross motor function measure (GMFM), and balance (static and dynamic) was assessed by the humac balance system before and after the study. The control group received a functional training program focusing on standing walking and balance exercises. While children in the study group received the same functional training program with bilateral electrical stimulation of gluteus medius muscles for 50 min. The treatment program for both groups was conducted for 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences between the control and study group post-treatment in GMFM as well as the center of pressure test and weight shift test in favor of the study group (p < 0.05).ConclusionUsing functional task training with electrical stimulation for treatment of children with spastic diplegic CP have significant effects on improving their motor abilities and balance that suggests using it in rehabilitation for these children.

Prioritizing Mental Well-being in Emerging Educational Models: Strategies for Integrating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to Support Student Mental Health

This paper conducts a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of integrating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) practices into emerging educational models to support student mental well-being, with a particular focus on Canadian contexts. Employing a systematic literature review methodology, the study utilized Google Scholar as the primary database, filtering results based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, emphasizing relevance, quality, and recency. The main findings underscore a research gap between acknowledgment of the importance of SEL, and its implementation in Canadian schools. Strategies for integrating SEL into educational settings are reviewed, highlighting ongoing initiatives of British Columbia aimed at advancing SEL within teacher training programs and educational policies. The study also highlights escalating concerns regarding the mental health of Canadian children and youth, impaired by the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for educational policy and practice, including promoting systematic assessment of students’ social-emotional skills and ensuring the appropriate developmental delivery of SEL through content, are emphasized as key considerations for educational policymakers and practitioners. The paper concludes that a holistic approach is advocated for fostering Canadian children and youth's social-emotional skills, crucial for their well-being and success in educational settings.

Neurosurgery Residency Programs on Twitter (X): Current Use and Future Potential

Study DesignCross-sectional study ObjectivesTwitter (X) is increasingly utilized by medical residency programs to boost engagement and potentially enhance ranking. This study aims to evaluate the role of Twitter (X) in neurosurgery residency programs, assessing their online activity, followership, and content to identify current practices and potential improvements. MethodsWe identified 97/123 neurosurgery residency programs in the United States with Twitter accounts. Active accounts, posting in 2022 and 2023, were matched with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Neurosurgical Residency Training Program Directory. Tweets from January 2022 through June 2023 were categorized as original or retweets and further subcategorized based on content. Descriptive and correlation analyses were conducted. ResultsTwitter (X) accounts were found for 78.8% of accredited neurosurgery programs (n=97/123), with 68.3% active as of July 2023 (n=84/123). All active accounts amassed 167,068 followers. Among 5,612 tweets identified, 2,764 were original content and 2,848 were retweets. Tweets primarily focused on resident or program information (64.3%), research publications (32.0%), and conference participation (9.4%). Only 12.3% (n=341) of original tweets contained public medical information. A significant correlation (r = 0.493, p <0.001) was observed between Twitter (X) following and program ranking. ConclusionsThe majority of US neurosurgery residency programs actively use Twitter (X), primarily to showcase academic achievements and aid in recruitment. The correlation between Twitter following and program ranking suggests that online engagement reflects program visibility and impact, underscoring the importance of social media in program outreach and strategic management for maximizing program benefits.

Exploring Metaverse Literacy: Immersive Technologies in Library Environments

This study aims to assess the familiarity, understanding, and perceptions of immersive technologies such as Virtual Environments (VEs), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) among library professionals in India. It seeks to determine the importance of Metaverse literacy for librarians, explore their attitudes toward integrating Metaverse concepts into library services, identify potential benefits, and examine perceived barriers hindering the adoption of Metaverse technologies in libraries. A quantitative research approach was employed, involving a stratified random sampling method to gather data from library professionals across various universities and colleges in India. Familiarity with VEs, AR, and VR technologies was high, with mean scores above 4.0 for most items, indicating respondents’ strong interest and understanding. The importance of Metaverse literacy was emphasized, with high mean scores (above 4.2) on its significance for enhancing library services and user engagement. Critical barriers identified included cost (mean = 4.13), lack of expertise (mean = 4.01), and privacy concerns (mean = 3.51). The results underscore the need for targeted training programs and resource allocation to support adopting immersive library technologies. Adopting Metaverse literacy in libraries can help bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion.

Qualification rate and associated factors regarding COVID-19 clinical skills training based on scenario simulation teaching to medical staffs in China: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has accentuated the need for effective clinical skills training in infectious diseases. This study aimed to explore the influencing factors of infectious disease clinical skills training based on scenario simulation teaching for medical staff in China.MethodsThis hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen between March and December 2022. Scenario simulation teaching was applied, and factors such as gender, educational level, professional background, and previous experience were examined to determine their impact on qualification outcomes.ResultsThe study included participants primarily between the ages of 20–40 years, with a higher proportion of women holding university degrees. Nurses and physicians were more likely to qualify, indicating the significance of professional backgrounds. Women showed a higher likelihood of qualifying than men and higher educational attainment correlated with better qualification rates. Prior experience with protective clothing in isolation wards was a significant determinant of successful qualification. Multivariate analysis underscored the influence of sex, education, and previous experience on training effectiveness.ConclusionScenario simulation is an effective strategy for training clinical skills in treating infectious diseases. This study highlights the importance of considering sex, education, professional background, and prior experience when designing training programs to enhance the efficacy and relevance of infectious disease training.

Влияние тренинговой профилактической программы среди подростков с целью прекращения буллинга: рандомизированное экспериментальное исследование

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;Background: Every child deserves to feel secure and has the right to be free of all forms of bullying. Bullying and prejudice should be opposed and resisted to put an end to this destructive behavior. The aim was to investigate the impact of a training prevention program on reducing bullying and prejudice among adolescents at a specific governmental school (103). Methods: The study employed a randomized experimental design, involving 155 middle-level students who were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. Three assessment tools were utilized, including demographic information, the Bullying Amongst Diverse Populations (BADP) evaluation scale adapted from Ishiyama (2006), and the Basic Empathy Scale (BES) developed by Jolliffe and Farrington (2006). The validity and reliability of these tools were assessed, with reported scores of 83.5 for knowledge, 83.7 for skills, 87.8 for efficacy, 84.8 for intervention, and 7.8 for empathy scales. Results: The mean age of the experimental group was 13.52&amp;plusmn;1.024, while the control group had a mean age of 13.37&amp;plusmn;1.210. Significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups in the pre-and post-test assessments regarding knowledge, attitudes, affective and cognitive domains, as well as total empathy, with a significance level of P&amp;lt;0.05. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of witness communication skills and bullying intervention ability. Conclusion and recommendations: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing bullying and prejudice. It highlights the importance of providing training programs to vulnerable students in schools as a key component for success. Therefore, it is recommended to implement a comprehensive "No Bullying and Prejudice" policy across all schools and establish laws that address harmful behaviors to ensure the safety and well-being of children.&lt;/p&gt;

Creating an inclusive real estate industry: assessing the enrolment, experiences and career prospects of female students in an African higher education institution

PurposeWorkspace equality and inclusivity remain critical in promoting diversity and dynamism across all sectors of the economy. Despite recent progress, gender disparities persist in the real estate sector, including education and training programmes. This study employs a quantitative research design to assess gender diversity of real estate education at Federal Polytechnic Ede in Nigeria. The study focuses on female students' enrolment in real estate programmes, their experiences, perceptions and any potential effect on real estate career prospects.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 138 out of all the 150 female students currently enrolled in the real estate programmes. Descriptive statistics and a one-sample t-test were utilised for the data analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate an increased number of females enrolled in real estate programmes. Female students face a lack of access to mentorship opportunities and perceive gender discrimination and bias in the real estate industry. However, these industry factors would not deter female students' decision to pursue a career in the real estate industry after graduation.Originality/valueThis study to the best knowledge of the researchers is the first to investigate gender dimensions of real estate programmes in the context of African higher education institutions; thereby contributing to the body of knowledge on gender diversity in this field.

PhD Progression: a micro-credentialing program motivates and supports PhD students’ professional development at a US University

Purpose This study aims to present the evaluation of a competency-based online professional development training program, PhD Progression, tied to a digital badge system, created to support PhD students across fields. Design/methodology/approach This study took place at Boston University, a large, nonprofit, Carnegie Classified R1 research-intensive institution located in the northeastern region of the USA. Through internal campus collaborations, the authors developed a PhD core capacities framework. Building from this framework, the authors designed the first learning level of the program and ran a pilot study with PhD students from various fields and at different stages of their PhD. Using surveys and focus groups, the authors collected both quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate this program. Findings The quantitative and qualitative data show that the majority of the PhD student participants found the contents of the competency-based training program useful, appropriate for building skills and knowledge and therefore relevant for both their degree progress and their future job. Gaining digital badges significantly increased their motivation to complete training modules. Practical implications This type of resource is scalable to other institutions that wish to provide self-paced professional development support to their PhD students while rewarding them for investing time in building professional skills and enabling them to showcase these skills to potential employers. Originality/value This study demonstrates, for the first time, that tying a digital badging system to a competency-based professional development program significantly motivates PhD students to set professional development goals and invest time in building skills.

Family Engagement Practices in a Public Pre-Kindergarten Program: Variation by Program, Classroom, and Staff Characteristics

ABSTRACT Family engagement is considered a key component of preschool program quality, and early childhood education teachers and programs are increasingly expected to engage families in their programs. However, there is limited knowledge on what strategies preschool programs use to engage families and how these family engagement practices vary across programs. This study uses survey data collected from public pre-kindergarten program administrators and teachers in a mid-sized, urban school district to describe various types of family engagement practices and to examine associations between family engagement practices and pre-K program, classroom, and staff characteristics. We also conduct thematic analysis of open-ended survey responses to triangulate and complement our quantitative findings and to provide insight into teachers’ and administrators’ perceived barriers and facilitators of family engagement. We find that teachers frequently communicated with parents and provided involvement opportunities. Programs also provided various referrals and family support services. Family engagement practices were associated with staff’s professional training and classroom and program characteristics. Our findings highlight the importance of considering program structure, such as half- versus full-day program, and the importance of teachers’ knowledge and training in family engagement for shaping preschool programs’ family engagement practices.

Development of advanced practice nursing core competencies in Saudi Arabia: A modified Delphi study

BackgroundAdvanced practice nursing requires a diverse set of competencies that define what advanced practice nurses need to know and be able to do to deliver safe, effective, and high-quality healthcare. Given the lack of evidence regarding core competencies and the evolution of advanced practice nursing roles in Saudi Arabia, it is becoming increasingly important to develop core competencies to standardize educational and clinical training programs. ObjectiveTo define the core competencies of advanced practice nursing in Saudi Arabia. DesignUtilizing a modified Delphi design and snowball sampling technique, data were collected between April and July 2023 using an online questionnaire consisting of 28 core competencies that was developed based on an in-depth literature review and a critical analysis of advanced practice nursing core competencies published by leading professional organizations. Two rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted. SettingsThe study was set in clinical and academic settings in Saudi Arabia. ParticipantsNursing experts with graduate degrees as advanced practice nurses. ResultsIn Round 1, 34 advanced practice nursing experts reached full consensus on 24 of the 28 core competencies, and four core competencies reached partial consensus. Based on suggestions and feedback from the experts, the investigators revised ten core competencies to reflect the improvement suggestions and created three new core competencies. A total of 26 core competencies were used in Round 2, which achieved a full consensus among the 34 advanced practice nursing experts, under the following six core competency domains: knowledge of advanced practice nursing, person-centered care, professional improvement, professionalism, communication and interprofessional partnership, and leadership and system-based practice. ConclusionsGiven the need for a standardized competency framework, the 26 core competencies proposed in our study have the potential to guide education and training in academic programs and facilitate the implementation of advanced practice nursing in clinical settings.

Associations Between Sociodemographic Characteristics, eHealth Literacy, and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Among University Students in Taipei: Cross-Sectional Validation Study of the Chinese Version of the eHealth Literacy Scale.

The popularization of the internet and rapid development of mobile devices have led to an increased inclination and opportunities to obtain health-related information online. The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), widely used for measuring eHealth literacy, assesses an individual's ability to search, understand, appraise, and use eHealth information. However, the Chinese version of the eHEALS multiple-factor model remains to be validated, and the correlation between eHEALS and the health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP) among university students is rarely explored in Taiwan. This study aimed to examine the fit, validity, and reliability of the Chinese eHEALS multiple-factor model and to clarify the predictive effects of eHEALS on the HPLP among university students. University students in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, were recruited, and 406 valid questionnaires including sociodemographic characteristics, eHEALS, and HPLP responses were collected. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to validate the Chinese eHEALS. Independent sample t test, 1-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between sociodemographic variables and the HPLP. Pearson product-moment correlation and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to ascertain the predictive effects of eHEALS on the HPLP. The Chinese eHEALS exhibited an optimal fit when delineated into the search, usage, and evaluation 3-factor model (comparative fit index=0.991, Tucker-Lewis index=0.984, root mean square error of approximation=0.062), and its validity and reliability were confirmed. The mean eHEALS score of university students was 3.17/4.00 (SD 0.48) points, and the score for the evaluation subscale was the lowest (mean 3.08, SD 0.56 points). Furthermore, there were significant sex, institution orientation, daily reading time, daily screen time, primary information channel, and perceived health status differences in the HPLP: male participants (t404=2.346, P=.02), participants attending general university (t404=2.564, P=.01), those reading ≥1 hour daily (F2,403=17.618, P<.001), those spending <3 hours on mobile devices or computers daily (F2,403=7.148, P<.001), those acquiring information from others (t404=3.892, P<.001), and those with a good perceived health status (F2,403=24.366, P<.001) had a significantly higher score. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, the eHEALS score remained an independent predictor of the HPLP. Compared to students with relatively high eHEALS scores, those with relatively low eHEALS scores had a 3.37 times risk of a negative HPLP (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=3.37, 95% CI 1.49-7.61), which could explain 14.7%-24.4% of the variance (Cox-Snell R2=0.147, Nagelkerke R2=0.244, P=.004). There is room for improvement in eHealth literacy among university students in Taipei. eHEALS may be used to screen students who require HPLP improvement, thereby providing appropriate eHealth literacy training programs, particularly those targeting evaluation literacy. Additionally, the 3-factor model of the Chinese eHEALS used in this study results in more definite scale content, thus increasing the practicality and applicability of this scale in health-promoting studies.

Setting up a nurse-led 2-week-wait head and neck cancer diagnostic service.

The number of urgent '2-week-wait' referrals to hospital for people with suspected head and neck cancer being sent by primary care is constantly growing and it is becoming increasingly difficult for head and neck cancer services to meet this demand. In order for trusts to meet their Faster Diagnosis Standards, there needs to be an effective and efficient way to ensure there is capacity for patients to receive the appropriate assessments and diagnostic investigations without compromising the quality of care delivered. This article presents the proposal of introducing a nurse-led 2-week-wait clinic to meet the ever-growing demands on the service. There is discussion of the consultant-led training programme used to upskill an advanced nurse practitioner in a single-centre study, as well as explanation of the processes followed to maintain patient safety throughout the pilot project. There will also be consideration of clinical governance and discussion of how patient satisfaction with the novel service will be measured.