Health Sciences Research Research Articles

Exploring how to widen the acceptability of public health interventions: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionHealth interventions that require significant change to individual lifestyles or social norms can pose a challenge for widespread public acceptability and uptake. At the same time, over the last two...

REASSURED evaluation of the Bioline HCV point-of-care testing for diagnosing hepatitis C virus infection in primary healthcare settings of Ghana: a study protocol

IntroductionHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a silent epidemic that needs a comprehensive and contextualised approach to manage. Access to readily available, affordable and acceptable HCV point-of-care (POC) in vitro...

Post-Discharge Growth Among Extremely Preterm Infants With or Without Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

This study aimed to evaluate whether bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and home respiratory care (HRC) after discharge, including home oxygen therapy (HOT) or home mechanical ventilation (HMV), were associated with the growth of extremely preterm infants. This secondary study uses data from a study on the infant and early childhood development survey of low-birth-weight infants in the Health, Labor, and Welfare Science Research. We enrolled 788 singleton extremely preterm infants appropriate for gestational age (GA). BPD was defined as the requirement of supplemental oxygen or respiratory support at 36 weeks corrected GA. We compared trends of anthropometric measurements from age 0 to 5 years among infants with non-BPD, BPD without HRC, and BPD with HRC. We obtained 4113 weight and length measurements. At age 0-5 years, the BPD with the HRC group weighed less and was shorter than the other two groups. Lower GA and BPD status were significantly associated with growth failure of weight at 3 and 5 years after adjustment for potential risk factors. Lower GA was significantly associated with growth failure of length at 3 and 5 years. Conversely, although BPD status was significantly associated with growth failure of length at 3 years, it was not at 5 years. Among extremely preterm infants, BPD with HRC was associated with a significant growth delay at 0-5 years compared with non-BPD and BPD without HRC. However, the effect of different severities of BPD on growth failure of length was attenuated with age.

Improving hospital-based opioid substitution therapy (iHOST): protocol for a mixed-methods evaluation

Background Opioid substitution therapy (also known as ‘opioid agonist therapy’ or ‘medication treatment of opioid use disorder’) is associated with improved health and social outcomes for people who use heroin and other illicit opioids. It is typically managed in the community and is not always continued when people are admitted to hospital. This causes opioid withdrawal, patient-directed discharge, and increased costs. We are establishing a project called iHOST (improving hospital opioid substitution therapy) to address these problems. This is an applied health research project in which we will develop and evaluate an intervention that aims to improve opioid substitution therapy in three acute hospitals in England. The intervention was developed in collaboration with stakeholders including people who use opioids, hospital staff, and other professionals who work with this group. It includes five components: (1) a card that patients can use to help hospital clinicians confirm their opioid substitution therapy, (2) a helpline for patients and staff, (3) an online training module for staff, (4) a clinical guideline for managing opioid withdrawal in hospital, and (5) ‘champion’ roles at each hospital. Methods We will do a mixed-methods study including a quasi-experimental quantitative study and a qualitative process evaluation. The primary outcomes for the quantitative study are patient-directed discharge and emergency readmission within 28 days. We will do a difference-in-difference analysis comparing changes in these outcomes for patients at iHOST sites with changes for patients at control hospitals. The process evaluation will use in-depth interviews, focus groups, and site observations with people who use opioids and staff. We will assess acceptability of the intervention, barriers and facilitators to implementation, and contextual factors impacting outcomes. Impact We anticipate that iHOST will improve care for hospital patients who use illicit opioids and/or are receiving community-based opioid substitution therapy. Depending on the results, we will promote the intervention at hospitals across the UK. Dissemination, including through publication, will inform hospital-based services for people who use drugs both in the UK and other countries.

A study to explore the role of a low threshold, fitness focussed physical rehabilitation intervention with protein supplementation to target physical function and frailty in people with problematic substance use and homelessness: protocol for a single-arm pre-post intervention study.

Background People who are homeless are more likely to experience poor mental health and addiction as well as suffering from non-communicable diseases. There is evidence of frailty and accelerated physical ageing among people experiencing homelessness. Appropriate physical rehabilitation and nutritional supplementation strategies can stabilise or reverse frailty and general physical decline, but it is not known how this type of intervention would work in practice in this population. Aim To evaluate the feasibility and pre-post intervention impact of a low threshold physical rehabilitation intervention with protein supplementation to target physical functioning and frailty in people with problematic substance use who are experiencing homelessness. Methods The intervention will consist of a 12-week low threshold rehabilitation programme with protein supplementation. Participants will be service users of the Ballyfermot Advance Project, a day services centre for people with addiction issues and experiencing homelessness. Primary outcomes will be feasibility including numbers recruited, retention of participants and adherence to the exercise intervention and protein supplement. Any adverse events will be recorded. Secondary outcomes will be strength and muscular mass, physical performance and lower extremity physical function, pain, frailty and nutritional status. Discussion An immediate impact may be simply a distraction from difficult circumstances and potentially an improvement of physical health of participants, which can be a conduit for the emergence of other positive behaviours and recovery. Longer term, this study will generate preliminary data on which to inform the design of a definitive randomised controlled trial of physical rehabilitation and protein supplementation, if indicated. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was granted by the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee in TCD. Study findings will be disseminated through publication into an international peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.

8.Q. Skills building seminar: “The Church of Fail”: Learning from Our Mistakes in Co-Creation

Abstract When delving into the co-creation research literature, it might seem that researchers consistently attain success in their projects without any exceptions. At the extremes, co-creation might even be portrayed as a quasi-moral scientific approach, where the results are inherently positive and beneficial to all participants. Rarely do researchers openly discuss failures or mistakes encountered during co-creation projects, despite the well-established understanding that co-creation presents significant challenges and demands for those involved. Therefore, we aim to use the well-established “Church of Fail” method to underscore the importance of learning from failures, particularly within the dynamic and demanding landscape of co-creation. Therefore, we invite participants to embrace the inevitability of failures, emphasizing that the key lies in deriving valuable lessons from these. Failures present the greatest potential for professional growth and innovation. Reasons for the workshop: Ensuring the professional growth of researchers and practitioners is vital to unlocking the full potential of co-creation and participatory methodologies. It may appear that success in co-creation is guaranteed by applying principles such as building ownership or fostering shared understanding. However, in reality, co-creation demands significant effort, resources, and dedication from everyone involved. One way to avoid mistakes or failures is to embrace them and learn from them, thereby fostering professional growth and innovation. Objectives This workshop will: 1) Increase awareness of co-creation as a methodology within public health, by generating an open and safe learning environment for professional growth; 2) Exchange experiences with failure, to learn and encourage professional growth. The presenters will engage the participants with cases that illustrate different known pitfalls within co-creation, such as power imbalance, participation fatigue, recruitment strategies, and aligning objectives; 3) Discuss important consideration on co-creation approaches, to achieve the best possibility for success in such research projects in public health in the future. Key messages • Failure is not a flaw, but an opportunity to learn and innovate. • Success in co-creation is not a given, even though it sometimes seems so when reading the literature.

A Machine Learning Approach to Identifying Risk Factors for Long COVID-19

Long-term sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection are common and can have debilitating consequences. There is a need to understand risk factors for Long COVID-19 to give impetus to the development of targeted yet holistic clinical and public health interventions to reduce its associated healthcare and economic burden. Given the large number and variety of predictors implicated spanning health-related and sociodemographic factors, machine learning becomes a valuable tool. As such, this study aims to employ machine learning to produce an algorithm to predict Long COVID-19 risk, and thereby identify key predisposing factors. Longitudinal cohort data were sourced from the UK’s “Understanding Society: COVID-19 Study” (n = 601 participants with past symptomatic COVID-19 infection confirmed by serology testing). The random forest classification algorithm demonstrated good overall performance with 97.4% sensitivity and modest specificity (65.4%). Significant risk factors included early timing of acute COVID-19 infection in the pandemic, greater number of hours worked per week, older age and financial insecurity. Loneliness and having uncommon health conditions were associated with lower risk. Sensitivity analysis suggested that COVID-19 vaccination is also associated with lower risk, and asthma with an increased risk. The results are discussed with emphasis on evaluating the value of machine learning; potential clinical utility; and some benefits and limitations of machine learning for health science researchers given its availability in commonly used statistical software.

The Population-Centered Medical Model: a method of practice for public health physicians

Abstract Background Public Health Physicians (PHPs) in Canada occupy a liminal space between medicine and public health. Current practice frameworks for the care of individual patients by physicians do not account for the complexity of working with communities and populations for health. Similarly, frameworks for public health practice do not account for the roles and responsibilities of physicians in public health. A method of practice that outlines how public health physicians care for populations is vital for training and development of practice for this specialty group within medicine and public health. Methods Constructivist Grounded Theory methods were used in this study. Ethics approval was obtained through The Western University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen (18) currently practicing PHPs across Canada. Data was analysed iteratively using constant comparison, multi-level coding, and memo writing. Thick description and reflexivity were employed to enhance rigour. Results The key finding is the elucidation of the Population-Centered Medical Model. In this empirically grounded model, PHPs bring values, knowledge and stances to their practice of Public Health Medicine. PHPs consider the population as patient, along with ethical obligations that flow from the physician to the population as a consequence. The process of caring for populations involves both diagnosis and intervention, with a focus on systems and prevention. It relies on knowledge sharing and relationship building between the physician and the population. Conclusions This is the first empirical model to describe the practice of PHPs. The model firmly grounds PHP practice in both medicine (diagnosis and intervention, the construction of a patient) and public health (focus on populations, systems and prevention). It also presents an opportunity to develop a general model of medical practice for n patients, where n can range between 1 and N. Key messages • The Population-Centered Medical Model is an empirically grounded model that describes the work of Public Health Physicians in Canada and grounds practice firmly in medicine and in public health. • Public Health Physicians consider populations as patients. They diagnose and intervene for health, with a focus on systems and prevention, by building relationships and sharing knowledge.

What to expect when generating data through the use of a mobile health application

Abstract Background Digitalization has significantly expanded the possibilities for collecting health data. Besides options such as online surveys, data can be collected through the use of digital applications (apps). Once users have given their consent, contact information from the app registration can be accessed to invite the relevant target group for further surveys. To generate a sufficient amount of data, a high level of willingness to participate and long-term involvement are required. This study aims to illustrate the willingness to share data and what can be expected from it by means of the Neo-MILK app, which supports mothers during lactation. Methods The willingness to share data and the data resulting from the use of the app is shown by the frequency of consent to the different data use options and the users’ participation. Results While over 68% of the n = 1079 registered app users consented to the use of their app data, 47% agreed to be contacted again for scientific purposes. Data from n = 421 active users were available for analysis. From n = 220 mothers, milk pumping data was available. In 36% of cases, little (<10) or no information on pumping was provided. Of the users who agreed to be contacted again for scientific purposes, n = 300 were invited to participate in another survey and 23% (n = 69) participated. Conclusions In this example, the general willingness to share data and participate in further studies shows great potential for data collection. However, the data collection methods differ primarily in the motivation to participate. When collecting data through app usage, ensuring that the design of the app meets the needs of the user is essential to optimize the user experience and thereby generating complete data. If the use of contact information has been agreed to, incentives may be considered to increase the willingness to participate. Required ethics approvals and data protection regulations should also be ensured for app-based data collection. Key messages • Generating data via app usage as well as the collection of data through the use of users’ contact information shows great potential for health research. • App-based data collection should be considered when planning future health research projects.

Polysomnographic and clinical characteristics of sleep apnea headache patients.

Sleep apnea headache can be defined as a persistent, widespread, throbbing headache that occurs recurrently, is not accompanied by any additional symptoms after waking up, and usually resolves within four hours. Diagnosis of the condition requires confirmation through polysomnography with an apnea-hypopnea index of at least 5, indicating the presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). While sleep apnea headaches are common in 10-15% of individuals with OSAS, morning headaches are experienced by 5% of this population. The aim of this study is to examine both polysomnographic and clinical features associated with sleep apnea headache in individuals confirmed to have OSAS by polysomnography. The study was conducted in the sleep center of University of Health Science, Erenköy Mental and Nervous Disease Training and Research Hospital. We have examined the clinical and polysomnographic data of the patients with sleep apnea headache (SAH) diagnosed according to IHS-3 criteria retrospectively and grouped the patients as mild, moderate and severe OSAS. Patients with morning headache except sleep apnea headache and under PAP titration treatment were excluded. The differences between the sleep macro structures of patients with (WSAH) and without sleep apnea headache (WOSAH) were examined. The WSAH group consisted of 384 participants and the control group (WOSAH) consisted of 294 participants The mean age was 46.29 ± 12.18 and 45.08 ± 12.62 years, respectively. Patients in the WSAH group had significantly higher scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (p = 0.004) and higher periodic limb movement index (PLMI) (p = 0.014) compared to the WOSAH group. WSAH patients exhibited shorter wake times after sleep onset (WASO) and lower scores on the sleep quality index, in contrast to WOSAH patients. Additionally, within the WSAH group, there was a negative correlation between age and several sleep parameters, including total sleep parameters. A positive correlation was observed between sleep duration (p = 0.009), waking up after sleep (p = 0.043), sleep efficiency (p = 0.001) and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (p = 0.018). Additionally, ESS scores were positively correlated with AHI and total awake time (p = 0.000 and p = 0.008, respectively), while negatively correlated with stage N3 sleep percentage and mean minimum oxygen level (p = 0.001 and p = 0.020, respectively) in the WSAH group. The causes and possible mechanisms of sleep apnea headache are not fully clarified and the underlying processes are not fully understood. Sleep apnea headaches appear to be related to disturbances in nocturnal sleep. Dysregulation in regions that modulate sleep and nociception may be one possible mechanism.

A Worked Example of Qualitative Descriptive Design: A Step-by-Step Guide for Novice and Early Career Researchers.

To provide a worked example informed by relevant literature and related studies that novice and early career researchers may use to reflect on, prepare and conduct a thoughtful and rigorous qualitative descriptive study. Methodological discussion of qualitative descriptive design. Seminal work and recent related literature were reviewed to situate the discussion and identify the concepts and steps to conduct a qualitative descriptive study. Qualitative descriptive design is widely used in nursing and health science research. This design offers flexible use of qualitative methods, which presents a double-edged sword, posing challenges in preparing a well-developed study and achieving methodological rigour. The design often borrows methods from other qualitative traditions, which may need to be clarified for novice and early career researchers, wherein studies may be conducted using a mix and match of methods without giving justice to the heart of qualitative descriptive design. In this paper, we present a step-by-step guide, using a worked example, to demonstrate how to conduct a qualitative descriptive study. Qualitative descriptive design may be confusing due to its flexibility, which may limit the scope of research and subsequently, the quality and impact of the findings. With the appropriate application of research methods producing high-quality and relevant findings, qualitative descriptive design is a valuable qualitative method in its own right. Novice and early career researchers may increase the impact of their findings through rigorously conducting their studies. Clarifying steps for thoughtful execution may inform novice and early career researchers, allowing for a rigorous application of the method, which, in turn, may contribute to impactful findings. A clear presentation of steps, supported by a worked example and related studies, may support novice and early career researchers in conducting a qualitative descriptive study with methodological rigour. Not applicable. No patient or public contribution.

Metals in Honey from Bees as a Proxy of Environmental Contamination in the United States

This is the first large bio-surveillance study examining the contents and geographic variation of metals of public health concern—arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and cobalt (Co)—in honey samples collected across the United States. Metal concentrations were measured using ICP-MS, and the spatial distribution pattern of these contaminants was evaluated using statistical and GIS tools. The mean (highest) values (in μg/kg) were 3.8 (170) for As, 8.0 (451) for Pb, and 0.75 (8.1) for Cd. These values, as well as the mean (highest) concentrations of 29.5 (516) for Ni, 14.3 (166) for Co, and 19.6 (11) for Cr, were markedly lower than global averages reported in other countries. The study identified distinct geographic patterns of honey contamination; particularly high As levels were found in northwestern states, while high Co was measured in the southeast. Health risk calculations based on the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were below 1 for a daily tablespoon (21g) of honey consumption, indicating no adverse health concerns for children and adults, and all samples fell below the 1.0x10-6 threshold for carcinogenic risk. The variation in metal concentrations found in samples from different states may reflect the influence of air, water, or soil pollution, as well as differential accumulation across plant species, and the distinct geographic clustering of As and Co warrants further investigation to determine the sources of these metals and to assess public health risks, particularly for As, a well-known carcinogen. In sum, this initial study provides baseline values of metal concentrations in honey that can be useful for monitoring future pollution trends, identifying target areas where reductions of emissions or remediation efforts are most critical, and facilitating discovery research in environmental exposure and health sciences.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Genicular Pulse Radiofrequency and Fluoroscopy-Guided Intra-Articular Pulse Radiofrequency for Knee Osteoarthritis-Related Pain.

To compare two different algological intervention technique outcomes with ultrasound-guided genicular pulse radiofrequency (PRF) and fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular pulse radiofrequency for knee osteoarthritis-related pain. Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Izmir Bakircay University, Cigli Training and Research Hospital and Health Science University Tepecik, Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkiye, between March 2022 and May 2023. Patients aged 60 years and above with stage 3 and 4 knee osteoarthritis, experiencing knee pain for more than six months, and non-responsive to conservative treatments were included. Patients with recent knee surgery or intra-articular injections and those ineligible for radiofrequency application were excluded. Ultrasound-guided genicular nerve PRF and fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular PRF were administered to the included patients. Pain and quality of life were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) scores before and after the procedures. The study included 64 patients. Both ultrasound-guided genicular PRF and fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular PRF resulted in significant reductions in VAS and WOMAC scores at 1 and 3 months after the procedures. There was no significant difference in efficacy between the two techniques. Ultrasound-guided genicular PRF and fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular PRF are effective and safe options for managing knee osteoarthritis-related pain. Osteoarthritis, Pulse radiofrequency, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, Pain.

A Self-led Self-management Intervention Supporting Teens with IBD (ASSIST-IBD): protocol for a feasibility study of a novel digital treatment adherence intervention

IntroductionTreatment non-adherence is common in young people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet support is lacking. A self-led self-management intervention supporting teens with IBD (ASSIST-IBD) is a new theory-based digital...

The Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D, Calcium, and Parathyroid Hormone Levels of The Patients With The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Background: Although there is evidence linking vitamin D to many neurochemical processes involved in sleep, the association between the obstructive sleep apnea and vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone is still unknown, as clinical research have shown inconsistent findings. In this study, we aimed to examine the hypothesis that if there is any relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels in order to manage treatment. Methods: 56 patients (32 male, 24 female) admitted to the University of Health Sciences Adana City Training and Research Hospital otorhinolaryngology clinic between January 1st, 2022 and January 1st 2023 without any acute and chronic disease were included in the study. The range of participants was 18-70. In this study we examined the serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels of 32 obstructive sleep apnea patients and compared their serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels with the serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels of 24 normal patients in the control group. Results: When the serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels of obstructive sleep apnea patients and serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels of normal patients were compared we did not find a statistically significant difference which may be due to our patient density. Conclusion: Vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels are not likely related to the presence or absence of obstructive sleep apnea. More intervention studies are needed to better clarify the relation between the obstructive sleep apnea and vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone.

Assessing the built environment through photographs and its association with obesity in 21 countries: the PURE Study

The built environment can influence human health, but the available evidence is modest and almost entirely from urban communities in high-income countries. Here we aimed to analyse built environment characteristics and their associations with obesity in urban and rural communities in 21 countries at different development levels participating in the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) Study. Photographs were acquired with a standardised approach. We used the previously validated Environmental Profile of a Community's Health photo instrument to evaluate photos for safety, walkability, neighbourhood beautification, and community disorder. An integrated built environment score (ie, a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 20) was used to summarise this evaluation across built environment domains. Associations between built environment characteristics, separately and combined in the integrated built environment score, and obesity (ie, a BMI >30kg/m2) were assessed using multilevel regression models, adjusting for individual, household, and community confounding factors. Attenuation in the associations due to walking was examined. Analyses include 143 338 participants from 530 communities. The mean integrated built environment score was higher in high-income countries (13·3, SD 2·8) compared with other regions (10·1, 2·5) and urban communities (11·2, 3·0). More than 60% of high-income country communities had pedestrian safety features (eg, crosswalks, sidewalks, and traffic signals). Urban communities outside high-income countries had higher rates of sidewalks (176 [84%] of 209) than rural communities (59 [28%] of 209). 15 (5%) of 290 urban communities had bike lanes. Litter and graffiti were present in 372 (70%) of 530 communities, and poorly maintained buildings were present in 103 (19%) of 530. The integrated built environment score was significantly associated with reduced obesity overall (relative risk [RR] 0·58, 95% CI 0·35-0·93; p=0·025) for high compared with low scores and for increasing trend (0·85, 0·78-0·91; p<0·0001). The trends were statistically significant in urban (0·85, 0·77-0·93; p=0·0007) and rural (0·87, 0·78-0·97; p=0·015) communities. Some built environment features were associated with a lower prevalence of obesity: community beautification RR 0·75 (95% CI 0·61-0·92; p=0·0066); bike lanes RR 0·58 (0·45-0·73; p<0·0001); pedestrian safety RR 0·75 (0·62-0·90; p=0·0018); and traffic signals RR 0·68 (0·52-0·89; p=0·0055). Community disorder was associated with a higher prevalence of obesity (RR 1·48, 95% CI 1·17-1·86; p=0·0010). Community built environment features recorded in photographs, including bike lanes, pedestrian safety measures, beautification, traffic density, and disorder, were related to obesity after adjusting for confounders, and stronger associations were found in urban than rural communities. The method presents a novel way of assessing the built environment's potential effect on health. Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton Health Sciences Research Institute, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Canadian Institutes of Health Research's Strategy for Patient Oriented Research, Ontario Support Unit, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, AstraZeneca, Sanofi-Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Servier, and GlaxoSmithKline.

A critical discussion on applying user-generated content to interdisciplinary research in tourism and health science

ABSTRACT The increasing popularity of user-generated content (UGC) as a type of secondary data is evident in many social science disciplines, including tourism. Although tourism research can enjoy numerous advantages from adopting UGC as a data source, relevant limitations must be acknowledged – especially for interdisciplinary studies combining tourism with other domains such as medical science. For example, some methodological caveats should be kept in mind when seeking to understand specific populations’ behaviours, experiences, and the therapeutic efficacy of tourism engagement (e.g. for vulnerable populations with health conditions). UGC data have been critiqued in the hard sciences for not adhering to the fundamental principles of reproducibility, reliability, and relevance; these data are thus typically seen as supplementary rather than a principal knowledge source. This article is meant to open a constructive academic debate on the use of UGC in interdisciplinary research between tourism and health science to ensure study rigour via suitable sampling strategies and data. A framework is also proposed to guide UGC adoption in studies between these disciplines. Research involving tourists with intellectual disabilities is described to illustrate the importance of leveraging UGC effectively.

Understanding the preferences of young women in self-sampling interventions for sexually transmitted infection diagnosis: a discrete choice experimental protocol

IntroductionSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health concern globally, particularly affecting young women. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reducing or stopping the continuous spread of infections...

Using image-reflections to support undergraduate students’ relational employability: A practitioner reflection

This practitioner reflection explores our integration of the Relational Employability Framework within the Health Research Project capstone unit of a Bachelor of Health Science degree. To address the historically low quality of student reflections, we incorporated image-based reflective activities to improve engagement and depth. These activities encouraged students to use visual media to examine their developing relational employability. We developed and implemented a series of tutorial activities designed to scaffold this process, aiming to foster deeper reflective practice and highlight its importance for career development and employability. Our reflections indicate that, while grades did not significantly increase, students showed enhanced critical thinking and engagement with reflective practice, suggesting the framework’s effectiveness in broadening awareness and enriching employability overall. We discuss the need for peer support among educators to sustain and enhance reflective practices in teaching-learning and conclude with thoughts on our ongoing efforts to embed and expand reflective practices in teaching approaches

Linking trial data to ICES: incorporating a prompt in a research ethics protocol submission platform in Southwestern Ontario

IntroductionThe linkage of trial data with large administrative databases can enable long-term passive follow-up of participants at a significantly lower cost than direct participant follow-up in a study. Nonetheless, many researchers are unaware of this opportunity and/or the regulatory requirements to facilitate linkage. ApproachIn 2017, Western University Canada’s Office of Human Research Ethics (OHRE) incorporated a prompt into its online protocol submission platform, asking researchers if they have considered linking their trial data with ICES. ICES is a not-for-profit research and analytics institute in Ontario, Canada with a repository of over 100 data holdings comprised of record-level, coded and linkable health and health-related data. If a researcher selects ‘yes’ to this prompt, they are provided with additional information about ICES, identifiers required for linkage, and language to be included in letters of consent. ResultsThe incorporation of a prompt into the ethics protocol submission platform allowed the OHRE to identify protocols interested in linking trial data with ICES. Over the past 5 years, an average of 2.6% of protocols submitted to the Health Sciences Research Ethics Board included an intent to link data with ICES. The OHRE verified that these protocols had carefully considered regulatory requirements, which helped to streamline the ethical, privacy, and legal processes required for linkage. ConclusionIncorporating a prompt into ethics protocol submission platforms can help to streamline regulatory processes and promote awareness about opportunities to link trial data with large administrative databases.