Self-reported Confidence Levels Research Articles

Reducing the Gap in Knowledge and Expectations between Clinicians and People with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Adrenal Conditions: Simulation via Instant Messaging—Birmingham Advance: Patient and Public Involvement (SIMBA-PPI) Study

BackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy of SIMBA as an educational intervention for both HCPs and people with either PCOS or adrenal conditions and to study the change in knowledge of people with PCOS or adrenal conditions about the conditions and expectations from the HCPs involved in their care following SIMBA-PPI sessions.MethodsTwo SIMBA-PPI sessions (SIMBA-PPI Polycystic ovary syndrome (SIMBA-PCOS) and SIMBA-PPI Adrenal conditions (SIMBA-Adrenal conditions)) were conducted in September 2021 and March 2022. In both sessions, HCPs interacted with moderators on patient management through WhatsApp. Patients with respective conditions underwent workshop-style learning in the same cases. SIMBA-PCOS transcripts were also translated into Brazilian Portuguese and workshops were held in both Brazilian Portuguese and English. The two groups (HCPs and patients) were then brought together to discuss exploring gaps in knowledge and expectations. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test compared differences in pre- and post-SIMBA self-reported confidence levels in HCPs and patients. Qualitative data from the online recordings were transcribed and analysed with inductive thematic analysis to identify gaps in knowledge and expectations from managing the cases.Results48 HCPs and 25 patients participated in our study. When compared to pre-SIMBA confidence levels, SIMBA-PPI sessions effectively improved clinicians’ confidence in managing PCOS (40.5%, p < .001) and adrenal conditions (23.0%, p < .001) post-SIMBA. Patient participants’ confidence in HCPs significantly increased in the PCOS session (SIMBA-PCOS: 6.25%, p = 0.01).ConclusionsIntegration of PPI into SIMBA improved HCPs' confidence in managing PCOS and adrenal conditions. SIMBA-PPI also improved patients’ confidence in HCPs. Our findings suggest that participating in SIMBA-PPI sessions can reduce the gap in knowledge and expectations between patients and HCPs involved in their care.

(025) DEVELOPING AND TESTING AN ONLINE PRIMARY CARE TOOLKIT FOR COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT OF VULVODYNIA

Abstract Introduction Vulvodynia is a chronic vulvar pain condition that affects 8-10% of women and people with vulvas. Despite its prevalence, healthcare providers (HCPs) often lack awareness, knowledge, and confidence in managing vulvodynia. This knowledge gap can lead to diagnostic delays, misdiagnoses, and reflex referrals to specialists. Moreover, research shows that patients feel invalidated in healthcare settings and perceive that their HCPs’ lack of vulvodynia awareness negatively impacts their care. Thus, there is a need for educational resources about vulvodynia that can be applied in healthcare settings. Specifically, community-based primary care providers could greatly benefit from vulvodynia resources because they are often a point of entry into the healthcare system. Objective To develop and test a new, online toolkit tailored to supporting community-based primary care providers with the assessment, diagnosis, and management of vulvodynia. In this pilot study, we sought to evaluate the adoption, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the vulvodynia toolkit in a pilot sample of community-based family physicians. Methods A working group of HCPs (family physicians, gynecologists, physiotherapist, psychologists) and patient partners with vulvodynia expertise developed the toolkit. The toolkit was designed in an online, modular format that could be integrated into short healthcare visits. A sample of 19 family physicians completed online surveys before and after piloting the toolkit in their community practice for 6 months. Adoption was measured in the post-toolkit survey by assessing the frequency and timing of toolkit use during the pilot period. Acceptability was measured in the post-toolkit survey by assessing physicians’ satisfaction with the toolkit content and quality. Preliminary efficacy was assessed by comparing physicians’ self-reported level of confidence with diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients with vulvodynia before and after the pilot period. Results Adoption. During the pilot period, physicians used the toolkit in advance of patient appointments (52.6%), during patient appointments (5.3%), or used a combination of both timepoints (42.1%). Over the 6-month pilot period, physicians used the toolkit an average of 2.61 times (SD = 1.50) in advance of seeing patients and 1.63 times (SD = 2.19) during patient appointments. Acceptability. Most physicians reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the toolkit overall (79.0%) and that it contained the right amount of information (68.4%). On average, the physicians rated their likelihood of recommending the toolkit to a colleague as 8/10 (SD = 1.75). Preliminary efficacy. Using repeated-measures MANOVAs, we found significant pre-toolkit to post-toolkit increases in physician’s confidence for diagnosing vulvodynia, p = .003, ηp 2 = .59, treating vulvodynia, p &amp;lt; .001, ηp2 = .72, and supporting patients with vulvodynia, p &amp;lt; .001, ηp2 = .73. Conclusions In this pilot study, we developed and tested an online vulvodynia toolkit tailored to educating community-based primary care providers. The toolkit demonstrated high acceptability and preliminary efficacy amongst a pilot group of family physicians, with large effect sizes. The results of this study exemplify the value of tailored education for improving physicians’ confidence with managing vulvodynia in community practice and lay the foundation for upscaling this tool to a wider population of HCPs. Disclosure No.

Role of surgical simulation on self-reported confidence level on cardiothoracic surgical trainees.

Simulated self-practice using simulation models could improve fine motor skills and self confidence in surgical trainees. The purpose of this study is to evaluate on self-reported confidence level in cardiothoracic surgical trainees by using surgical simulation models. We conducted a cross-sectional study on all surgeons (n=10) involved in MIS simulation training. All surgeons are required to perform on three minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedures (Mitral Valve Repair, Mitral Valve Replacement and Aortic Valve Replacement). A questionnaire was designed based on two existing scales related to self-confidence, the surgical self-efficacy scale [SSES] and the perceived competency scale [PCS]. We assessed their self-confidence (before and after training) in the use of simulation in MIS procedures using rating scales 1-5. The mean score was calculated for each domain and used as the predictor variable. We also developed six questions (PCS) using Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSAT) related to each domain and asked participants how confident they were after performing each MICS procedure. The mean score was 4.7 for all assessed domains, except "knowledge" (3.8). Surgeons who had performed one or more MIS procedures had higher scores (P<0.05). There was no correlation between the number of MIS procedures performed and self-confidence scores. The results indicate that the cardiac surgery training based on MIS simulation improves trainees and consultants in terms of the level of self-confidence. Although surgeons generally have high levels of self-confidence after simulation training in MIS cardiac procedures, there is still room for improvement with respect to technical skills related to the procedure itself and its results.

Patient Perception of Preoperative Nutrition and Recovery After Orthopaedic Surgery

BackgroundMounting evidence supports the use of nutritional supplementation to improve patient outcomes. The intent of this study was to utilize an anonymous questionnaire to determine patients’ baseline knowledge, attitude, and belief regarding nutrition before total hip (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MethodsAfter receiving Institutional Review Board approval, an anonymous questionnaire was administered to 300 patients, comprising 184 women (61.3%) and 116 men (38.6%), averaging 67 years (range, 39 to 89). There were 238 TKAs (79.3%), 12 revision TKAs (4%), 44 THAs (14.6%), and 6 revision THAs (2%). ResultsAlmost all (99.6%) subjects recognized the importance of preoperative nutrition. Most (83.0%) claimed that they knew what to eat preoperatively to optimize their surgical outcomes and expressed high levels of self-reported confidence (98.6%). Women were more likely to report having knowledge of preoperative nutrition (P = .05), and advanced education levels were linked to higher confidence (P = .002). Only 169 (56.3%) subjects reported knowing what supplements to take. When asked, 84% of subjects stated that they would purchase a nutrition program if recommended by their surgeon. Most studies show that an improved diet and appropriate supplementation can optimize nutritional status and potentially improve surgical outcomes. ConclusionsThe results of this study confirm that most patients do not know how to achieve optimal nutrition. Therefore, we believe there is a need for patient education on preoperative nutrition and its benefits.

Evaluating Knowledge, Self-Reported Confidence Levels, and Prescription Patterns among Dental Practitioners Regarding Analgesics in Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Dental pain is a common problem that often leads to unscheduled dental visits and requires a comprehensive understanding of analgesics, including their indications and contraindications. The aim of this study was to investigate dentists' knowledge, self-reported confidence levels, and prescribing patterns of analgesics in dentistry. Materials and Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted, resulting in 379 responses. Of these, 68.6% were general dentists, and 31.4% were specialists. The collected data included sociodemographic information, levels of knowledge, and prescription patterns. The survey questionnaire explored self-perceived practices, patient information during prescription, and guiding factors. Descriptive statistics and a generalized linear model for regression were used for data analysis. Results: Higher levels of knowledge were observed in specific contexts such as secondary/tertiary healthcare (p = 0.022), specialization in endodontics (p = 0.003), and a higher number of working hours with patients (p = 0.038). Conversely, increased self-confidence was observed among endodontists (p = 0.008), oral surgeons (p = 0.011), and dentists with more than 6 h of patient interaction (p ≤ 0.001). Orthodontists and prosthodontists demonstrated lower knowledge levels, while specialists in family dentistry exhibited lower self-confidence. Self-confidence and knowledge displayed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.039, p < 0.001). The most frequently prescribed medication was ibuprofen (97.9%), primarily for surgical (83.9%) and endodontic procedures (60.9%), with the main indications being pulpal (85.8%), periradicular (57.3%), and postoperative pain (40.1%). Conclusions: This study reveals significant knowledge and confidence gaps among dentists, including limited awareness of the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for odontogenic pain, a lack of time for effective counseling, and perceived deficits in pharmacology education. To address these issues, targeted educational interventions are recommended to improve analgesic prescribing practice, close knowledge gaps, and increase dentists' confidence in more effective pain management.

The improvement and retention of skills in shoulder dystocia management with the use of high-fidelity simulation: The SAFE (SimulAtion high-FidElity) study

BackgroundShoulder dystocia is a relatively uncommon but serious childbirth-related emergency. AimTo explore the improvement and retention of skills in shoulder dystocia management through high-fidelity simulation training. MethodsThe SAFE (SimulAtion high-FidElity) study was a prospective cohort study that utilised a high-fidelity birth simulator. Registered midwives and final year midwifery students were invited to participate in a one-day workshop at 6-monthly intervals. There was a 30-minute initial assessment, a 30-minute theoretical and hands-on training, and a 30-minute post-training assessment on shoulder dystocia management. Pre-training and post-training values for the predetermined outcomes were compared. In each workshop we assessed the proportion of successful simulated births, the performance of manoeuvres to manage shoulder dystocia, the head-to-body birth time, the fetal head traction force, the quality of communication, the perception of time-to-birth, and the self-reported confidence levels. FindingsThe baseline workshop recruited 101 participants that demonstrated a significant increase in the proportion of successful simulated births (8.9% vs 93.1%), and a two-fold to three-fold increase in the score of manoeuvres, communication, and confidence after training. Those with low pre-training levels of competency and confidence improved the most post-training at baseline. There was a retention of manoeuvres, communication skills and confidence at 6 months. There was no reduction in fetal head traction force over time. Those being proficient before initial training retained and performed best at the 6-month follow-up. ConclusionThe SAFE study found a significant improvement in skills and confidence after the initial high-fidelity simulation training that were retained after 6 months.

Training, experience, and perceptions of chest tube insertion by higher speciality trainees: implications for training, patient safety, and service delivery

BackgroundSeldinger Chest Tube Insertion (CTI) is a high acuity low occurrence procedure and remains a core capability for UK physician higher speciality trainee’s (HST). A multitude of factors have emerged which may affect the opportunity of generalists to perform CTI. In view of which, this paper sought to establish the current experiences, attitudes, training, and knowledge of medical HST performing Seldinger CTI in acute care hospitals in the Peninsula deanery.MethodsA Scoping review was performed to establish the UK medical HST experience of adult seldinger CTI. Synonymous terms for CTI training were searched across Cochrane, ERIC, Pubmed and British education index databases. Following which, a regional survey was constructed and completed by HST and pleural consultants from five hospitals within the Peninsula deanery between April–July 2022. Data collected included participants demographics, attitudes, training, experience, and clinical knowledge. Outcomes were collated and comparisons made across groups using SPSS. A p-value of < 0.05 was defined as significant.ResultsThe scoping review returned six papers. Salient findings included low self-reported procedural confidence levels, poor interventional selection for patient cases, inadequate site selection for CTI and 1 paper reported only 25% of respondents able to achieve 5–10 CTI annually. However, all papers were limited by including grades other than HST in their responses.The regional survey was completed by 87 HST (12 respiratory, 63 non-respiratory medical HST and 12 intensivists/anaesthetists HST). An additional seven questionnaires were completed by pleural consultants. Respiratory HSTs performed significantly more Seldinger CTI than general and ICM/anaesthetic registrars (p < 0.05). The percentage of HST able to achieve a self-imposed annual CTI number were 81.8, 12.9 and 41.7% respectively. Self-reported transthoracic ultrasound competence was 100, 8 and 58% respectively (p < 0.001). The approach to clinical management significantly differed with national guidance with pleural consultants showing an agreement of 89%, respiratory HST 75%, general HST 52% and ICM/anaesthetic HST 54% (p = 0.002).ConclusionCompared to respiratory trainees, non-respiratory trainees perform lower numbers of Seldinger CTI, with lower confidence levels, limited knowledge, and a reduced perceived relevance of the skill set. This represents a significant training and service challenge, with notable patient safety implications.

A blended learning program focusing on comprehensive opioid management in pain (COMP): A pilot program

Introduction In view of the opioid epidemic and increasing caution surrounding prescription of opioids, addressing the competence of opioid management is important. There is minimal structured opioid education in Singapore. Online opioid education modules are available but lack real-time input, concise objectives, and program evaluation. This pilot online, modular, blended program aimed to efficiently instruct novice doctors on safe and appropriate practical opioid prescribing, optimizing its role in multimodal pain management while minimizing risks to patients and public health. Methods The Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model was used. A multidisciplinary team developed the interactive blended program, “Comprehensive Opioid Management in Pain (COMP)”, consisting of three online modules, one case-based discussion (CBD) session, pre- and post-program evaluations. The program was designed to be concise, clinically relevant and engaging to maximize application of knowledge in clinically deficient areas. All junior anesthetists across Singhealth were invited to participate. We analyzed all self-reported and objective scores, as well as program feedback. Results 33 participants completed the online modules. Despite the moderate to high level of baseline self-reported confidence and competency scores, median scores for all variables increased post-program from pre-program. There was unanimous agreement on the relevance and utility of the training program. Conclusion This pilot achieved the aims of improving the knowledge and confidence levels of opioid management in novice doctors. Participants particularly enjoyed the succinct and interactive features of COMP. Further extension with modules focusing on opioid diversion and its use in high-risk populations would benefit intermediate learners.

A20Does the use of simulation enhance the development of registered physiotherapist’s respiratory ‘on-call’ skills – a literature review

On-call respiratory physiotherapy is utilized when an acutely unwell patient could deteriorate without immediate assessment and treatment overnight. Education related to this topic varies greatly and is often of poor quality. Simulation-based education (SBE) has been increasingly used within other areas of healthcare yet, Gough et al. [1] completed a study in 2013, which found only 39% of acute trusts used simulation for respiratory on-call training. To determine from existing research, whether SBE can enhance the development of registered physiotherapists respiratory ‘on-call’ skills in order to impact future practice. A qualitative literature review was completed as part of a PgCert in Health Simulation at Coventry University, in March 2023. Ethical approval was gained from Coventry University (P149952). Studies included were found by searching AMED, CINAHL Embase and Medline databases. PRISMA flow diagram Eleven papers were selected to be reviewed after the removal of duplicates, screening and the exclusion criteria were applied. The main themes identified were the use of high-fidelity simulation, the measure of confidence and/or competence, and findings of positive implications for practice. SBE is widely used for other healthcare professions with positive outcomes; however, its use within respiratory physiotherapy is limited. Most studies chose to measure self-reported levels of competence and confidence, which is an example of Kirkpatrick level-one evaluation. These measures have only casual links to transfer of knowledge and behaviour change, which are key requirements when applying training to clinical settings. Interestingly, the review also demonstrates favourable use of high-fidelity manikins within this population. Although this was not discussed by the researchers, this may be a barrier for further implementation due to cost and technical knowledge required to use the equipment. The use of SBE has been beneficial in other healthcare professions and similar positives were found for its use with respiratory physiotherapists. However, much of the research is of low quality, and further research is required to review other confounding factors that may influence the outcomes and longitudinal staff behaviour. Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.

Assessing Confidence Levels in Endodontic Procedures Among Senior Undergraduate Dental Students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Background This study aimed to determine the confidence of senior dental students in Qassim University's undergraduate dentistry program in Saudi Arabia regarding their capacity to perform endodontic procedures. The study's objective was to pinpoint areas of weakness and offer suggestions for potential improvement of endodontic and clinical training for dental students. Methodology Using anonymous survey forms, 120 senior dental students were surveyed. Students' self-reported levels of confidence in performing various endodontic procedures, such as periapical radiographs, rubber dam placement, endodontically treated tooth restoration, anesthesia, broken instrument removal, and endodontic retreatment, were studied in this survey. A Likert-style rating scale of 1 to 5 was used in the survey, with 1 denoting high confidence and 5 denoting low confidence. Results The majority of senior dental students at Qassim University reported high levels of confidence in taking periapical radiographs, with 64.04% indicating a high level of confidence. The second most assured field was rubber dam installation, with 47.6% of students expressing high levels of assurance. Confidence levels were noticeably lower during more difficult procedures such as endodontic retreatment and the removal of broken instruments. While 12% of students expressed high confidence in endodontic retreatment, only 3.46% of students expressed high confidence in removing broken instruments. According to Pearson's correlation (r = 0.352, p = 0.001), there was a significant and favorable correlation between competency level and confidence in performing various endodontic procedure-related steps. Conclusions The study's findings suggest that senior dentistry students at Qassim University might benefit from additional training and assistance in some endodontic treatment areas. The lack of confidence displayed during more challenging procedures, such as the removal of broken instruments and endodontic retreatment, demonstrates the need for additional training and supervision in such cases. The results of this study may be useful for educators in other dental colleges who wish to consider developing new teaching techniques, utilizing simulators and digital learning tools, and increasing opportunities for hands-on training and supervision to improve dental students' self-confidence and skills.

Knowledge, Practice and Self-Reported Confidence Level of Croatian Dentists in the Use of Local Anesthesia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: To provide safe and effective local anesthesia, dentists must have knowledge of neuroanatomy, anesthesia agents, techniques, equipment, and proper use of local anesthetics. This study aims to explore the knowledge, practices, and confidence regarding local anesthetics and anesthetic techniques in dentistry. Material and Methods: The online cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted via social media, and yielded 441 responses from across the country (69.8% women and 30.2% men; 70.7% general dentists; and 29.3 specialists). The data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and practices pertaining to the usage of local anesthesia. The questionnaire also documents their self-assessed confidence level in applying different local anesthetic techniques and experiences with adverse reactions. The obtained data were processed by description and using a generalized linear model for regression. Results: The respondents had a median knowledge score of 6 out of a possible 14 points regarding local anesthetics in dental medicine, and their median self-confidence level in the successful application of various techniques of local anesthesia was 54 out of a maximum of 85 points. The results showed that a higher knowledge level was associated with the female gender (OR 1.83, CI 1.13-2.98, p = 0.014) and specialization in oral surgery (OR 7.04, CI 1.71-29.07, p = 0.007). In contrast, a lack of confidence in using various local anesthetic techniques was also associated with the female gender (OR 0.63, CI 0.41-0.99, p = 0.047) and specialization in orthodontics (OR 0.16, CI 0.03-0.88, p = 0.035). Of the respondents, 81.4% (n = 371) experienced a local complication, and 42.2% (n = 186) experienced a systemic complication during local anesthesia. The complications experienced cannot be associated with a lack of knowledge or self-confidence (p > 0.05). The majority of respondents (364 of the 441 total-82.5%) expressed interest in receiving further education on the topic of local anesthesia. Conclusions: The research results show that the dentists involved in the study have poor knowledge of local anesthetics and moderate self-reported confidence levels in using various local anesthetic techniques. Moreover, dentists' self-confidence in applying different techniques of local anesthesia is not related to their knowledge. Therefore, it would be necessary for dentists to undergo a continuing dental education program that enables them to enhance their skills and knowledge in local anesthesia.

Rapid cycle training for non-critical care physicians to meet intensive care unit staff shortage at an academic training center in a developing country during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe sudden unexpected increase in critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), resulted in an urgent need for expanding the physician workforce. A COVID-19 critical care crash (5C) course was implemented to introduce physicians without formal critical care training to care for critically ill COVID-19 patients. Upon successful completion of the course, physicians were recruited to work in a COVID-19 ICU under the supervision of a board-certified critical care physician. The aim of this study is to describe the methods of a novel course designed specifically to teach the management critically ill COVID-19 patients, while assessing change in knowledge, skill competency, and self-reported confidence.MethodsThe blended focused 5C course is composed of both virtual and practical components. Candidates may register for the practical component only after successful completion of the virtual component. We assessed knowledge acquisition using a multiple-choice question test (pre- and post-test assessment), skill competency, and self-reported confidence levels during simulated patient settings. Paired T-test was used to compare before and after course results.ResultsSixty-five physicians/trainees from different specialties were included in the analysis. Knowledge significantly increased from 14.92± 3.20 (out of 20 multiple-choice questions) to 18.81± 1.40 (p< 0.01), skill competence during practical stations had a mean minimum of 2 (out of 3), and self-reported confidence during a simulated patient setting increased significantly from 4.98± 1.15 (out of 10) to 8.76± 1.10 (out of 10) (p< 0.01).ConclusionWe describe our initiative in increasing the ICU physician workforce in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The blended 5C course is a valuable educational program designed by experts from different backgrounds. Future research should be directed at examining outcomes of patients associated with graduates of such program.

Child restraint systems: Understanding confidence in proper use and addressing the need for education

ObjectiveTo quantify the extent of proper local child restraint system (CRS) use and to better understand changes to the level of self-reported confidence with increased CRS installations. With the goal being to improve safety for children travelling in personal vehicles across London, ON and the region. MethodsPublic CRS clinics were initiated by Injury Prevention staff after they obtained the Child Passenger Safety Technician certification. Additionally, an online survey was commissioned targeting Ontario parents who had installed at least one CRS in the last five years. ResultsFrom September 2018 to September 2019, 96 comprehensive CRS checks were performed, with 29% of systems found to be installed correctly. Survey results showed a high level of reported confidence with CRS installation (N = 514, 70% female, 43% one child). Parents who had installed only one CRS reported higher confidence in their first install, compared to parents who had installed two or more systems. ConclusionsThe error rate with CRS installation and use seen in London, Ontario and the region, is similar to that reported in previous research. Survey results showed high levels of self-reported confidence in CRS use, especially for parents who have installed only one CRS. There presents a need to better understand the root cause of the discrepancy between level of confidence and proper CRS use and to expand our understanding of CRS knowledge retention and transferability to subsequent systems.

Empowering higher education students to monitor their learning progress: opportunities of computerised classification testing

PurposeThis study aims to focus on providing a computerized classification testing (CCT) system that can easily be embedded as a self-assessment feature into the existing legacy environment of a higher education institution, empowering students with self-assessments to monitor their learning progress and following strict data protection regulations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of two different versions (without dashboard vs with dashboard) of the CCT system during the course of a semester; to examine changes in the intended use and perceived usefulness of two different versions (without dashboard vs with dashboard) of the CCT system; and to compare the self-reported confidence levels of two different versions (without dashboard vs with dashboard) of the CCT system.Design/methodology/approachA total of N = 194 students from a higher education institution in the area of economic and business education participated in the study. The participants were provided access to the CCT system as an opportunity to self-assess their domain knowledge in five areas throughout the semester. An algorithm was implemented to classify learners into master and nonmaster. A total of nine metrics were implemented for classifying the performance of learners. Instruments for collecting co-variates included the study interest questionnaire (Cronbach’s a = 0. 90), the achievement motivation inventory (Cronbach’s a = 0. 94), measures focusing on perceived usefulness and demographic data.FindingsThe findings indicate that the students used the CCT system intensively throughout the semester. Students in a cohort with a dashboard available interacted more with the CCT system than students in a cohort without a dashboard. Further, findings showed that students with a dashboard available reported significantly higher confidence levels in the CCT system than participants without a dashboard.Originality/valueThe design of digitally supported learning environments requires valid formative (self-)assessment data to better support the current needs of the learner. While the findings of the current study are limited concerning one study cohort and a limited number of self-assessment areas, the CCT system is being further developed for seamless integration of self-assessment and related feedback to further reveal unforeseen opportunities for future student cohorts.

Improved self-reported confidence levels to manage transitional endocrine cases following Simulation via Instant Messaging - Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) training

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

An Assessment of Community Pharmacists' Competence and Involvement in Adolescent Sexuality Education and Reproductive Health Services.

Background: Provision of sexuality education and reproductive health (SERH) services for the adolescent population has been inadequate. Increasing access to adolescent SERH through the community pharmacy is a viable option in bridging this gap. Objective: The study objectives were to assess community pharmacists' involvement, self -reported competence, confidence and comfort level regarding provision of adolescent SERH services and explore barriers to service delivery. Method: A pre-tested questionnaire was distributed to 200 community pharmacists by simple random sampling. Self-reported competency and confidence were measured on a Likert scale ranging from 1-5, midpoint 3. Continuous data was expressed as mean and standard deviation while categorical data was expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: Community pharmacist' self-reported competence, confidence and comfort levels were high, 4.09 ± 0.14; 3.2±0.75; 4.17± 0.18 respectively on a Scale of 1-5. Majority of the pharmacists, 130 (81.3%) claimed to have had formal training in sexuality education and nearly three quarters, 105 (65.6%) had recently updated their knowledge. Although product availability was adequate, 118 (73.6%), availability of educational materials was low, 37 (23%). Schools were the most frequent place where pharmacists had distributed sexuality education materials 96 (60%). Lack of time and religious objection were the major barriers to service delivery 99(61.9%); 63(39.4%) respectively. Conclusion: Pharmacist' self-reported comfort, competency and confidence levels in delivering adolescent SERH services were high. The major barriers to service delivery were lack of time and religious objection. These findings suggest that community pharmacists have a potentially major impact on improving access to adolescent SERH service. Therefore, the option of delivering SERH services through pharmacies is worth exploring in order to improve access and service delivery to the adolescent population.

Perceptions of emergency department physicians regarding the management of traumatic dental injuries.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-reported confidence level and education of Atlantic Canada emergency department physicians in the management of traumatic dental injuries and to assess the need for further education surrounding the management of dental trauma. An 18-item survey was developed and distributed electronically to physicians by their respective provincial medical associations. Traumatic dental injuries were reported in the emergency department on a weekly basis (78%). Most respondents reported that they were somewhat confident (51%) or very confident (7%) in managing traumatic dental injuries. Physicians' years in practice correlated positively with self-reported confidence levels in managing dental trauma. Urban and rural emergency department physicians reported similar levels of access to general dentists (38% and 30%, respectively); however, urban emergency department physicians reported greater access to pediatric dental specialists (43%) and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (81%) than rural practicing colleagues (4% and 30%, respectively). Most emergency department physicians (85%) agreed that it was important to receive training on the management of traumatic dental injuries and reported that education on managing traumatic dental injuries during residency (37%) and access to a dental trauma decision-making pathway (30%) would be of most value. This study highlights the role of emergency department physicians as first responders and demonstrates opportunities for improvement in the initial management of traumatic dental injuries. These implications can be achieved through the incorporation of further training in emergency medicine residency programs and through the implementation of decision-making pathways in emergency departments.

MRRead—A Novel Approach to Training Residents in Magnetic Resonance Image Temporomandibular Joint Interpretation

The purpose of our study was to create an online, web-based training module that would instruct a group of participants in the interpretation of a magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) scan in a logical, step-wise manner to locate and identify all relevant features of internal derangement. The investigator's hypothesis was that implementing the MRRead TMJ training module would improve the participants' competency in the interpretation of MRI TMJ scans. The investigators designed and implemented a single-group prospective cohort study. The study population was composed of oral and maxillofacial surgery interns, residents, and staff. Subjects eligible for study inclusion were oral and maxillofacial surgeons of any level, between 18 and 50years of age, that completed the MRRead training module to completion. The primary outcome variable was the difference between the pretest and post-test scores of the participants, and the frequency of missing internal derangement findings before and after the course. Secondary outcomes of interest were subjective data gathered from the course, including participant feedback as well as subjective evaluation of the training module and perceived benefit, as well as the learner's self-reported confidence level in interpreting MRI TMJ scans on their own before and after completion of the course. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used. The study sample consisted of 68 subjects, aged 20 to 47 (M=29.1) years. When comparing the results of the exams precourse and post course, the overall frequency of missed features of internal derangement decreased from 19.7 to 5.9, and the total score overall increased from 8.5 to 68.6%. Regarding secondary outcomes, the majority of participants indicated that they agree or strongly agree with a number of positive subjective questions asked. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in the participants' comfort levels in the interpretation of MRI TMJ scans. The results of this study confirm the hypothesis that completing the MRRead training module (www.MRRead.ca) improves competency and comfort among participants in the interpretation of MRI TMJ scans and their identification of features of internal derangement correctly.

The SECURE STAIRS Framework: Preliminary Evaluation of Trauma Informed Training Developments Within the Children and Young People's Secure Estate.

The SECURE STAIRS framework promotes trauma informed understanding and training across the workforce to inform work with children and young people. A component of the framework is the 'Trauma Informed Practice with Children and Young People in Secure Settings' (TIPSS) training programme for multidisciplinary staff. Between November 2020 and May 2021, a total of 123 members of multidisciplinary staff from a Secure Children's Home (SCH) in the North East of England attended five-day TIPSS training. A pre-post repeated measures design was adopted. Paired samples t-tests were used to analyse pre- and post- questionnaires regarding self-reported levels of (i) knowledge, (ii) understanding and (iii) confidence across Attachment and Developmental Trauma, Understanding Complex Behaviour and Trauma Informed Care training modules. Staff reported significant (p ≤ .001) post-training improvements in knowledge, understanding, and confidence across all three training modules. Implications of findings are discussed, and further developments outlined.

Divergence between confidence and knowledge of endodontists regarding non-odontogenic pain.

This study aimed to assess the self-reported levels of confidence and knowledge related to non-odontogenic pain among a group of Brazilian endodontists. A total of one hundred and forty-six endodontists affiliated with the Brazilian Society of Endodontics participated in the survey. The questionnaire, distributed via email or WhatsApp, contained inquiries designed to gauge self-perceived confidence and knowledge concerning non-odontogenic pain. The practitioners were categorized into four groups based on their self-reported familiarity with various orofacial pain types, classified as either sufficient or insufficient, and on their engagement in ongoing educational programs related to orofacial pain. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square Test and Fischer's exact test (p<0.05). Overall, self-reported confidence about non-odontogenic pain was high, especially for endodontists who considered their knowledge about orofacial pain sufficient, regardless of whether they had (71.1% - 97.8%) or not (35.7% - 96.4%) been continuously involved in education courses on orofacial pain. In general, self-reported knowledge about non-odontogenic pain was insufficient (0% - 42%), except in the question about how they would act in cases of pain that persists beyond the normal healing time after an endodontic procedure (70.6% - 81.9%). In general, endodontists are confident in their diagnosis and treatment of non-odontogenic pain. Nonetheless, this confidence did not correlate with a commensurate knowledge depth of. Thus, specialization courses in endodontics should highly consider training and qualifying these professionals in the diagnosis of non-odontogenic pain.