Review Sessions Research Articles

Charting App Developers’ Journey Through Privacy Regulation Features in Ad Networks

Mobile apps enable ad networks to collect and track users. App developers are given “configurations” on these platforms to limit data collection and adhere to privacy regulations; however, the prevalence of apps that violate privacy regulations because of third parties, including ad networks, begs the question of how developers work through these configurations and how easy they are to utilize. We study privacy regulations-related interfaces on three widely used ad networks using two empirical studies, a systematic review and think-aloud sessions with eleven developers, to shed light on how ad networks present privacy regulations and how usable the provided configurations are for developers. We find that information about privacy regulations is scattered in several pages, buried under multiple layers, and uses terms and language developers do not understand. While ad networks put the burden of complying with the regulations on developers, our participants, on the other hand, see ad networks responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations. To assist developers in building privacy regulations-compliant apps, we suggest dedicating a section to privacy, offering easily accessible configurations (both in graphical and code level), building testing systems for privacy regulations, and creating multimedia materials such as videos to promote privacy values in the ad networks’ documentation.

Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an App-Based Program for Mothers of Toddlers.

BackgroundFamilies have faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased maternal mental health problems and barriers to accessing care. Innovative programs are needed to support both maternal mental health and parenting, and to buffer the long-term impacts of stress on young children. Using a patient-oriented approach, our research team aimed to co-develop and pilot test an App-based psychoeducation and social-connection platform: Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM).MethodsThe co-development process involved a parent advisory board from conceptualization and design, through to direct participation in the program delivery. The BEAM program includes weekly videos and activities based on Unified Protocol therapy modules and emotion-focused parenting strategies, a weekly telehealth group review session, and access to a private online forum for support from other mothers and clinical coaches. A parallel randomized control trial was conducted across two provinces in Canada. Mothers of preschool children (aged 18–36 months old), with moderate-to-severe depression (Patient Health Questionaire-9 ≥ 10), were recruited online and randomized to either the 10-week BEAM intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) control group. Online surveys (ensuring researcher blinding) included questions about feasibility and acceptability of the program and pre/post self-report measures of mental health, parenting, positive coping and child behavior outcomes. The primary outcome measures were symptoms of depression and parenting stress. Data were analyzed using mixed models and an intention-to-treat approach.Results65 participants were randomized, by an online allocation tool, to the BEAM (n = 33) and TAU (n = 32) groups. Engagement was relatively high at the beginning of the program, with 78.8% starting the BEAM App and 70.6% attending ≥1 telehealth session. Most respondents felt socially supported, satisfied with the App, and found it easy to use. Pre-post results indicated interaction effects with greater reductions in overall mental health problems, and specifically anxiety and sleep symptoms, among BEAM vs. control participants. There were also time effects with reductions in depression symptoms across both groups. No significant treatment effects emerged for the other mental health symptoms, parenting problems, positive coping, or child behavior outcomes. Descriptive data are included to highlight possible areas of promise for future large efficacy trials. Technological difficulties and other challenges that may have led to attrition and impacted outcomes are discussed. There were no adverse events related to study participation.ConclusionsThe BEAM program has promise as a novel, feasible and acceptable intervention for improving mental health among mothers of young children.Clinical Trial Registration[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04772677].

Effects of prenatal group program in rural Tanzania: A quasi-experimental study.

This study conducted in rural Tanzania examined the effects of a midwife-led prenatal group program on: (1) improvement of knowledge of the physiological symptoms of pregnancy; (2) promotion of pregnancy-related empowerment; (3) enhancement of intention to self-care behaviors for safer childbirth; and (4) gaining satisfaction with antenatal care visits. This work was a quasi-experimental study with a control group using a pre-post study design conducted in two district hospitals in Tanzania. Data were collected from 108 analyzed pregnant women from the prenatal group program (n=54) and control program (n=54) using questionnaires before (baseline) and after (endline) the program. The program consisted of lecture, sharing, and review sessions. The control program consisted of the same lectures. The contents of both programs included physiological symptoms of pregnancy and self-care behaviors. The primary outcome was knowledge of common symptoms of pregnancy. The secondary outcomes were Pregnancy-Related Empowerment Scale score, intention to self-care behaviors, and satisfaction. The primary outcome of knowledge of common symptoms of pregnancy was significantly increased in the intervention group compared with the control group (t=2.677, p=.009). The secondary outcome of one of the Pregnancy-Related Empowerment Scale statements about midwife's respectful attitude toward women's decision was significantly increased in the intervention group compared with the control group (U=2.076, p=.038). The interventional prenatal group program during pregnancy was effective in increasing knowledge of common symptoms of pregnancy and in identifying favorable midwife connectedness.

A Human Rights-Based Approach To Acute Mental Health Crisis Care

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as the new guidance on community mental health services recently published by the World Health Organization formulate clear goals for the future of psychiatry and psychosocial support. Innovative concepts of psychiatric care that focus on full participation, recovery-orientation and the prevention of coercion play an important role in achieving these goals. Implementing and scientifically evaluating the effects of such models in mental health services needs to be prioritized in national mental health planning and budgeting decisions. In this lecture, Dr. Lieselotte Mahler will address the requirements of psychiatric concepts, specifically on acute psychiatric wards, to enable participation and prevent coercion. Using practical examples and evaluated models (e.g. Weddinger Modell, standardized post-coercion review sessions), she will make suggestions on how a psychiatry oriented towards human rights can also be implemented within existing clinical structures. Dr. Lieselotte Mahler will discuss, based on the current state of research as well as practical experience, which challenges exist with regard to patient autonomy and prevention of coercion in clinical practice and how these can be addressed from a human rights perspective.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

0502 Harmony in the Sleep Lab: A Focus on Recognition of Hypoventilation and Direct Feedback Improves Quality of Pediatric Titrations

Abstract Introduction Over 350 pediatric polysomnogram titrations (T-PSGs) are performed each year at the Sleep Laboratory at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in three locations by 24 different polysomnography technologists (PSGTs) on a diverse patient population, typically performed as outpatient procedures and occasionally at the bedside as inpatients. PSGTs are responsible for titration of continuous or bilevel positive airway pressure based on flow, work of breathing, arousals, and/or gas exchange. PSGTs have varying degrees of experience; thus, maintaining quality of T-PSGs is challenging. We hypothesized that a quality improvement (QI) approach to reviewing T-PSGs with interdisciplinary education and regular feedback would improve T-PSGs. Our goal was to have >/= 80% of titrations of optimal quality. Methods Each T-PSG record was reviewed by a sleep physician for optimal quality, defined as appropriate signal integrity, titration, and documentation to permit definitive interpretation. Exclusion: RAM cannula use, illness, or external signal interference. Titration QI (T-QI) comments were reviewed by the sleep lab QI team bi-weekly to plan feedback. Improvement interventions for PSGTs included didactic education: lectures, presentations, and cases focusing on recognition of hypoventilation; direct feedback with teaching points by sleep physician and small group sessions with clinical supervisors to review areas for improvement; and communication of specific titration goals. Satisfaction surveys regarding recognition/titration for OSA/hypoventilation, transcutaneous CO2 signal integrity, and documentation were administered to sleep physicians. Results From September 2020-November 2021, PSGT education included: 1 synchronous and 2 asynchronous didactic presentations; 1:1 review of didactics with each night PSGT (n=24); T-QI feedback (2/week); and small group review sessions (4/week). 408 titrations were completed; 42 (10.3%, 2.8/month) were excluded; 366 (89.7%, 24.4/month) were reviewed for T-QI. 54.8% [50,71%] were deemed optimal during the first three months (pre-intervention) vs. 80.1% [63,96%] during the intervention period. QI satisfaction survey showed improvement in 3 of 4 domains. Conclusion Quality of T-PSG is enhanced by QI review of each titration, highlighting teaching points and areas for improvement via direct feedback and small group review. Education and communication among physicians, supervisors and technologists are important to support development which can result in better titrations and satisfaction. Support (If Any) none

Assessment of the maternal death surveillance and response implementation process in Burkina Faso.

To evaluate the maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) implementation process in two health districts in Burkina Faso and identify factors that have affected implementation. We conducted a case study in two health districts selected by purposive sampling according to location (rural or urban) during the period 2015-2016. Data gathering consisted of semi-structured interviews with several health personnel involved in the implementation process. Identification and notification of deaths varied depending on the facility. Maternal death review sessions were irregular, and the completion rate was lower in urban areas The community component has not yet been implemented and review of newborn deaths is not yet standard practice. Follow-up and implementation of the review recommendations were inadequate. Implementation of the MDSR system in Burkina Faso remains in progress. Improvements are needed in notification of deaths occurring at community level, monitoring and evaluation, and integration of newborn deaths into the process.

App-enhanced transdiagnostic CBT for adolescents with mood or psychotic spectrum disorders

BackgroundAlthough transdiagnostic forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have been evaluated in individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders, few studies have examined their suitability for more severe disorders, such as recurrent or persistent major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or psychotic spectrum disorders. This study examined the acceptability and initial efficacy of an app-enhanced Unified Protocol for Adolescents [UP-A] when including youth with more severe mood disorders or psychotic spectrum disorders. MethodsWe first adapted a mobile application (app), based on user-centered feedback from adolescents and their parents, to assist participants in reviewing session content, practicing skills learned in previous treatment sessions, and monitoring symptomatic progress. A total of 24 adolescents (M age = 15.2 years, SD = 1.6) with mood or psychotic spectrum disorders and their parents then participated in an open trial of the app-enhanced group treatment given over 9 weekly sessions. ResultsAdolescent participants and their parents rated the group treatment and mobile app as acceptable and useful. We observed significant improvements over the 9-week treatment in adolescents' depressive symptoms, attenuated psychotic symptoms, and global functioning. The frequency with which adolescents used the mobile app between sessions was positively related to symptomatic and functional gains. ConclusionsInitial findings suggest the acceptability and feasibility of a mobile app that enabled adolescent participants and their parents to review session content and practice treatment skills. Findings also indicated improvements in psychiatric and functional outcomes among the adolescent participants over the course of the app-enhanced treatment. Randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of app-enhanced CBT in improving symptoms and functioning in adolescents with mood or psychotic spectrum disorders.

Augmented reality in design and construction: thematic analysis and conceptual frameworks

PurposeThis study aims to present a comprehensive review, critical analysis and implications of the augmented reality (AR) application and implementation in the construction industry arena and demonstrate the gaps along with the future research agenda.Design/methodology/approachThe construction industry has been under pressure to improve its productivity, quality and sustainability. However, the conventional methods and technologies cannot respond to this industry's ever-growing demands while emerging and innovative technologies such as building information modelling, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and AR have emerged and can be used to address this gap. AR application has been acknowledged as one of the most impactful technologies in the construction digitalization process. However, a comprehensive understanding of the AR application, its areas of effectiveness and overarching implications in a construction project life cycle remain vague. Therefore, this study uses an integration of systematic literature review and thematic analysis techniques to identify the phases of a construction project life cycle in which AR is the most effective, the current issues and problems of the conventional methods, the augmented parameters, the immediate effects of using AR on each phase and, eventually, the overall influence of AR on the entire project. Nvivo qualitative data analysis software was used to code, categorize and create themes from the collected data. The result of data analysis was used to develop four principal frameworks of the AR applications – design and constructability review session; construction operation; construction assembly; and maintenance and defect inspection and management – and the gap analysis along with the future research agenda.FindingsThe findings of this study indicated that the application of AR can be most effective in the following four stages of a project life cycle: design and constructability review session; construction operation; construction assembly; and site management and maintenance, including site management and defect inspection. The results also showed that the application of AR technology in the construction industry can align and address building industry objectives by various elements such as: reducing project costs through the application of digital technologies, saving time, meeting deadlines and reduction in project delays through integrated, live scheduling and increased safety and quality of the construction work and workers.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the main limitations of this study was the lack of materials and resources on the downfalls and shortcomings of using immersive technologies, AR, in the construction project life cycle. In addition, most of the reviewed papers were focused on the experiments with simulations and in the lab environment, rather than real experiments in real construction sites and projects. This may cause limitations and inaccuracy of the collected and reported data.Practical implicationsThe results of this study indicated that the application of AR technology in construction industry can align and address building industry objectives by various elements such as: reducing project costs through the application of digital technologies; saving time; meeting deadlines and reduction in project delays through integrated, live scheduling; and increased safety and quality of the construction work and workers.Social implicationsApplication of AR in the various stages of a project life cycle can increase the safety and quality of the construction work and workers.Originality/valueThe reviewed literature indicated that substantial research and studies are yet to be done, to demonstrate the full capacity and impact of these emerging technologies in the field. The collected data and literature indicate that amongst the digital technologies, AR is one of the least researched topics in the field. Therefore, this study aims to examine the application of AR in construction projects’ life cycle to identify the stages and practices of a project life cycle where AR and its capabilities can be exploited and to identify the respective problems and issues of the conventional methods and the ways in which AR can address those shortcomings. Furthermore, this study focuses on identifying the overall outcome of AR applications in a construction project in terms of cost and time efficiency, process precision and safety.

Letter to the Editor on: "Integrating a Cadaver Review Session into the Existing Regional Anesthesia Training for Anesthesiology Residents: an Initial Experience".

Letter to the Editor on: "Integrating a Cadaver Review Session into the Existing Regional Anesthesia Training for Anesthesiology Residents: an Initial Experience".

Digital Storytelling Review in a Pharmacy Self-Care Course.

Digital storytelling is a type of active learning that allows instructors to simulate real-life situations through a series of connected videos. While this technique has been used in other healthcare education disciplines, its use in pharmacy has not been well documented. A digital storytelling model was incorporated in a required self-care pharmacy course to assess if the technique was helpful to improve the knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction of students. Due to a shift in online learning, the self-care course offered a remote exam review session containing a digital storytelling model, and this approach was compared to an in-person exam review that followed a lecture-based model held earlier in the course. Pre- and post-knowledge assessments were given to determine the impact of the digital storytelling review. There were 50 students involved in both sessions and there was a 70% response rate in the digital storytelling group and a 90% response rate in the lecture-based group. Students’ knowledge numerically improved, but not to a statistically significant level for most questions. Nonetheless, students reported more confidence (p < 0.05) in their ability to pass the upcoming exam following the digital storytelling review. Thematic analysis revealed that the digital storytelling session was engaging and interactive, though time-management and breakout rooms could be further optimized. Based on these results, exam review in a required self-care pharmacy course using a digital storytelling format may be a suitable method for students to apply course content and may particularly be of utility in online or hybrid courses.

Benefits of implementing student-led review and mock examinations in the medical undergraduate gross anatomy curriculum

Anatomy consists of material that continually defines a student's undergraduate medical curriculum, and thus attaining a solid understanding of it is critical for academic success. Student exposure to anatomy prior to matriculation to the United States (US) medical school is highly variable, with some first introduced to the material in medical school. As a result, students without foundation in anatomy can struggle with adapting to the self-directed learning style that is required to excel with a prosection-based (i.e. hands-off analysis of a cadaver previously dissected by a professional) approach. In this study, second-year US medical students who have previously excelled in the first-year courses at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine (in collaboration with faculty advisors) designed and offered a mock practical examination that mirrors the official practical exam specific to each course: a timed practical examination using dissected human cadavers and radiological imaging to assess anatomical knowledge, followed by a review session. Since the mock practical and review session was designed from a student’s perspective, the material could be tailored to specifically address topics that students historically have struggled with. Students who participated in the mock practical and associated review sessions reported feeling more confident than their peers who did not participate. In addition, they significantly outperformed their peers on the official practical examination, independent of any demographic factors or educational background. This study demonstrates the benefits of incorporating peer-assisted learning (PAL) into the anatomical component of the medical school curriculum.

Effectiveness of a group intervention using pain neuroscience education and exercise in women with fibromyalgia: a pragmatic controlled study in primary care

BackgroundVery positive effects have been described in the application of pain neuroscience education (PNE) to chronic pain and migraine. However, there are few data on the applicability of this therapeutic approach in actual clinical practice in a primary care (PC) setting. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy in fibromyalgia (FM) of an intervention based on PNE and exercise compared to treatment as usual (TAU).MethodsPragmatic nonrandomised controlled trial set in 5 healthcare centres and one physiotherapy centre in PC. Fifty-three women with FM (2010 American College of Rheumatology Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia) were studied, 35 in the intervention group (IG) and 18 in the control group (CG). The women in the IG were interviewed individually and then received 6 weekly sessions plus one review session (1 month later): those in the CG received their TAU. The subject assignation to the CG or the IG was determined according to their availability to attend the sessions. They all filled in several questionnaires (prior to and 1 year after the intervention) to evaluate the impact of FM in their daily lives, catastrophism, anxiety and depression, severity and impact of pain in daily personal performance and functional capacity.ResultsThe reductions (improvements) in the scores of all tests (baseline-final) were greater in the IG (p < 0.05) when adjusted for age and baseline values, with moderate or high effect size. After 1 year, 20% (CI − 1 to 42%) more women in the IG, compared to the CG, had a FIQ score < 39 (mild functional impairment). 17/38 (49%) women in the IG no longer met FM criteria at the end of follow-up.ConclusionsAn intervention based on PNE and exercise in patients with FM is feasible and seems effective in PC.Trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial Registration NCT04539171), on 04/09/2020.

Management of Poisoned Patients: Implementing a Blended Toxicology Curriculum for Emergency Medicine Residents.

Management of Poisoned Patients: Implementing a Blended Toxicology Curriculum for Emergency Medicine Residents.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FIRST TAKERS OF THE LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR TEACHERS (LET): AN ACTION RESEARCH

The analysis of the data shows that there is a significant increase in the performance of the LET takers in the general education component of the LET when the number of sessions was increased in 2018 in-house review sessions. This means that the intervention was effective and impressive to both BSED and BEED programs. In like manner, there was also a slight increase in the performance of the BSED takers in their area of specialization. On the other hand, there was a stable performance in the professional education component of the LET for the two consecutive years. From the results of this study the researchers suggests that the CTE may continually review the curriculum to include varied professional activities and the inclusion of board type tests during the major term exams. More so, the components and competencies to be tested in the LET and the equivalent weights will be explained to the students during their junior and senior years, for them to be prepared when they will take the subject educational synthesis and the in-house review program.

783 Use of Multidisciplinary Collaboration to Establish a Standardized Endotracheal Tube Wiring Guideline

IntroductionPediatric patients with facial burns and advanced airway needs precipitate acute situations requiring multidisciplinary team member collaboration. Significant facial burns, particularly involving considerable edema or smoke inhalation, may warrant dental or circum-mandibular endotracheal tube (ETT) wiring for stabilization. Guidelines were created, trialed, and revised based on patient outcomes and clinician feedback at a pediatric verified burn center.MethodsThe guideline was created by the burn team in 2019. This standard work was utilized with pediatric burn cases presenting to the burn center. Guideline variances, such as prolonged time from door to ETT wiring, prompted a gap analysis need to improve the process. Through two case review sessions held in 2020, a multidisciplinary team consisting of the burn providers, emergency department providers, nursing, and respiratory therapists revealed process knowledge deficits, unclear role expectations, and supply issues. Literature was reviewed and a myAmeriburn listserv inquiry of current practice was made to seek additional guidance.ResultsBased on feedback from the multidisciplinary group and data gathered from the literature and collegial burn community, action plans and guideline modifications were developed in 2021. The respiratory therapy department developed education for their staff highlighting use of twill tape and taping. The use of ETT suturing was removed from the guidelines.ConclusionsMultidisciplinary contribution and engagement was necessary to produce, execute, and evaluate the pediatric endotracheal tube wiring guidelines. Through dialogue, patient trial, and constructive feedback, guidelines were amended to produce a smoother team process and better patient experience. The standard work is currently being evaluated in its modified version.

Editor’s Introduction

Editor’s Introduction

Electronic Health Record-Embedded, Behavioral Science-Informed System for Smoking Cessation for the Parents of Pediatric Patients.

Helping parents quit smoking is a public health priority. However, parents are rarely, if ever, offered tobacco use treatment through pediatric settings. Clinical decision support (CDS) systems developed for the workflows of pediatric primary care may support consistent screening, treatment, and referral. This study aimed to develop a CDS system by using human-centered design (HCD) that identifies parents who smoke, provides motivational messages to quit smoking (informed by behavioral science), and supports delivery of evidence-based tobacco treatment. Our multidisciplinary team applied a rigorous HCD process involving analysis of the work environment, user involvement in formative design, iterative improvements, and evaluation of the system's use in context with the following three cohorts: (1) parents who smoke, (2) pediatric clinicians, and (3) clinic staff. Participants from each cohort were presented with scenario-based, high-fidelity mockups of system components and then provided input related to their role in using the CDS system. We engaged 70 representative participants including 30 parents, 30 clinicians, and 10 clinic staff. A key theme of the design review sessions across all cohorts was the need to automate functions of the system. Parents emphasized a system that presented information in a simple way, highlighted benefits of quitting smoking, and allowed direct connection to treatment. Pediatric clinicians emphasized automating tobacco treatment. Clinical staff emphasized screening for parent smoking via several modalities prior to the patient's visit. Once the system was developed, most parents (80%) reported that it was easy to use, and the majority of pediatricians reported that they would use the system (97%) and were satisfied with it (97%). A CDS system to support parental tobacco cessation in pediatric primary care, developed through an HCD process, proved easy to use and acceptable to parents, clinicians, and office staff. This preliminary work justifies evaluating the impact of the system on helping parents quit smoking.

Abstract P098: Feasibility Of Training Primary Care Staff To Conduct Weight Maintenance Coaching Through The Electronic Health Record During Routine Clinical Work: Initial Results From The Maintain Prime Study

Introduction: Obesity is a significant health problem in the US. Sustainable interventions are needed to support longer-term maintenance after weight loss. We designed and tested a successful electronic health record (EHR)-based weight maintenance intervention with coaching delivered by research staff. Our next step is to determine whether coaching can be done by primary care staff during routine clinical work. We address 3 feasibility questions for using staff as coaches: coach recruitment, efficiency and effectiveness of coach training, and workflow integration and burden. Methods: MAINTAIN PRIME is an RCT comparing EHR-based coaching plus tracking vs tracking alone for primary care patients with recent weight loss. Implementation in 2 pilot clinics included: 1) approval of clinic leaders; 2) advertising to clinic staff for volunteers; 3) development and delivery of a self-paced coach training program; 4) coaching pilot patients for one month. Training (with a $400 one-time stipend) consisted of: 1) in-person orientation; 2) six core interactive online learning modules; 3) in-person review session; and 4) hands-on EHR tool training. Topics included weight management and behavior change, online communication, and structure of coaching messages. We obtained quantitative and qualitative feedback for both training and pilot coaching experience. Results: Recruitment: All clinical leaders (n=9) agreed to staff participation. Thirteen (10 medical assistants (MAs), 2 nurses, and 1 care manager) volunteered, out of 96 total clinical staff. Training : Six (46%) staff completed training. Reported confidence was very high (4.6/5) after training and the likelihood of recommending training to others was moderate (6.8/10). A common theme to improve training was to consolidate; we eliminated in-person review and added case studies to online modules. Staff found hands-on EHR tool training and research team support most valuable components of training. Coaching Experience: Integration of coaching into routine clinic work varied extensively, with some coaching throughout the day, and others saving it for end of day or once a week. All reported that coaching was easy to do with tools provided and took between 10-20 minutes/day. Most believed that they could coach between 10 to 20 patients at a time. Confidence levels were high (5.8/7) while coaching and belief in usefulness of coaching was very high (6.4/7). Of the 6 coaches trained, 3 elected to continue coaching after pilot conclusion. Conclusions: Coaching by primary care staff appears to be feasible with clinical leaders supporting staff engagement and staff coaching during routine clinical work. The training program was well received and reported to be effective by coaches both right after the training and during coaching. The relatively low volunteer levels and coach attrition may be barriers and further incentives may need to be considered.

Assessment of learning outcomes of first year dental students using an interactive Nearpod educational platform.

The impact of COVID-19 required revisions in curricula, especially among professional programs that have traditionally required hands-on learning of content. This study endeavored to assess the level of effectiveness of the online presentation of material both qualitatively and quantitatively in a 5-week module on cariology for first-year dental students. Quantitative analysis of the assessment data was required to determine if an interactive engagement platform increased student outcomes. Quantitative survey and qualitative student comments were analyzed to determine the students' preferences for supplemental learning opportunities and utilization trends. The purpose of this study was to measure the learning outcomes of online course delivery with the use of an interactive education platform. The dental class of 2023 received the cariology material in a live, in-person lecture format. The class of 2024 received the same material in a combination of synchronous Zoom lectures and asynchronous interactive presentations utilizing the interactive education platform (Nearpod). The identical midterm examination on cariology was administered to both cohorts at the completion of the 5-week module. Quantitatively, the class of 2024 had a significantly higher mean score than the class of 2023 on the midterm examination, collectively and in both female and male cohorts. Qualitatively, the dental students overwhelmingly expressed support for the ease of use and educational value of the Nearpod platform. This study found that student performance on the identical exam was improved through the use of synchronous Zoom lectures and asynchronous Nearpod review sessions. The application of technology to enhance remote learning can be effective in supporting student mastery of core concepts in dental education.

Peer evaluations of group work in different years of medical school and academic achievement: how are they related?

BackgroundTo develop the skills needed in health care teams, training communication and teamwork skills are important in medical education. Small group collaborative learning is one of the methods utilized in such trainings, and peer evaluation is suggested to be useful in reinforcing the effectiveness of group learning activities. In Mie University Faculty of Medicine, group work consisting of book review sessions of liberal arts education in the first grade and problem-based learning (PBL) sessions in preclinical years were conducted using the same peer evaluation system that included three domains: degree of prior learning, contribution to group discussion, and cooperative attitude. This study was conducted to determine the relationships among behaviors during group work and the academic achievement of medical students.MethodsWith the data from a cohort of medical students in three consecutive academic years (n = 340), peer evaluation scores in groupworks of book review sessions, those in PBL sessions and paper test scores of preclinical years were analyzed. The correlations were analyzed with Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and the respective scores were compared by using the Wilcoxon signed-ranked test.ResultsSignificant correlations were observed among the evaluation scores of respective domains in group work and paper test scores. The degree of prior learning had the strongest relationship among the three domains (rs = 0.355, p < 0.001 between book review sessions and PBL; rs = 0.338, p < 0.001 between book review sessions and paper test score; rs = 0.551, p < 0.001 between PBL and paper test score). Peer evaluation scores of respective domains were found to be significantly higher in PBL.ConclusionMedical students maintained their groupwork behaviors to some extent from early school to preclinical years. Those behaviors were positively related to their academic achievement in the later years of the medical education curriculum. Our study highlighted the importance of the early introduction of group work. The results will be useful to motivate medical students to put more effort into group work.