Skills Of Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

AI in the Health Sector: Systematic Review of Key Skills for Future Health Professionals.

Technological advancements have significantly reshaped health care, introducing digital solutions that enhance diagnostics and patient care. Artificial intelligence (AI) stands out, offering unprecedented capabilities in data analysis, diagnostic support, and personalized medicine. However, effectively integrating AI into health care necessitates specialized competencies among professionals, an area still in its infancy in terms of comprehensive literature and formalized training programs. This systematic review aims to consolidate the essential skills and knowledge health care professionals need to integrate AI into their clinical practice effectively, according to the published literature. We conducted a systematic review, across databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, of peer-reviewed literature that directly explored the required skills for health care professionals to integrate AI into their practice, published in English or Spanish from 2018 onward. Studies that did not refer to specific skills or training in digital health were not included, discarding those that did not directly contribute to understanding the competencies necessary to integrate AI into health care practice. Bias in the examined works was evaluated following Cochrane's domain-based recommendations. The initial database search yielded a total of 2457 articles. After deleting duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 37 articles were selected for full-text review. Out of these, only 7 met all the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The review identified a diverse range of skills and competencies, that we categorized into 14 key areas classified based on their frequency of appearance in the selected studies, including AI fundamentals, data analytics and management, and ethical considerations. Despite the broadening of search criteria to capture the evolving nature of AI in health care, the review underscores a significant gap in focused studies on the required competencies. Moreover, the review highlights the critical role of regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration in facilitating the adoption of AI technologies by establishing trust and standardizing algorithms. Key areas were identified for developing competencies among health care professionals for the implementation of AI, including: AI fundamentals knowledge (more focused on assessing the accuracy, reliability, and validity of AI algorithms than on more technical abilities such as programming or mathematics), data analysis skills (including data acquisition, cleaning, visualization, management, and governance), and ethical and legal considerations. In an AI-enhanced health care landscape, the ability to humanize patient care through effective communication is paramount. This balance ensures that while AI streamlines tasks and potentially increases patient interaction time, health care professionals maintain a focus on compassionate care, thereby leveraging AI to enhance, rather than detract from, the patient experience. .

Artificial intelligence in epilepsy education

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the landscape of epilepsy education and management by providing innovative solutions to the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. This review evaluates the multifaceted role of AI in epilepsy, focusing on its impact on early diagnosis, seizure prediction, and the development of personalized treatment plans. AI tools, including machine learning algorithms and neural networks, have demonstrated significant promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and identifying epileptic patterns. This study explores various AI-driven educational platforms designed to improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers in managing epilepsy. Moreover, AI applications in wearable devices and mobile health platforms facilitate real-time monitoring and patient engagement, ultimately improving quality of life. However, integrating AI into clinical practice presents several challenges, including the need for large and high-quality datasets, interdisciplinary collaboration, data privacy, and ethical considerations. This review highlights these barriers while suggesting uniform protocols and frameworks for efficiently translating AI technologies into clinical practice. It underscores AI’s transformative potential in epilepsy care and education, advocating for ongoing research and collaborative efforts among technologists, clinicians, and educators, while emphasizing the importance of user-friendly design, regular assessments, and ethical considerations to maximize AI’s impact in this critical field.

Enhancing resilience: the impact of a near-peer mentoring program on medical students

IntroductionEmerging adulthood is a vulnerable period and can be a crisis for many youth, leading to serious mental health problems. Medical students are especially vulnerable due to their high exposure to stressors, requiring enhanced resilience to cope with academic challenges. This study measured the effectiveness of a near-peer mentoring program in terms of resilience.MethodsA non-randomised controlled trial was conducted at Semmelweis University involving 133 medical students. The case group (n = 94) comprised students who participated in a mentoring program as mentors or mentees. The control group (n = 39) did not participate in mentoring. Data was collected at two points, 5 months apart, at the semester’s start (August 2022) and end (February 2023). Self-report measures included sociodemographics, resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), and depression (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale). Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and mixed linear models for repeated-measures ANOVA.ResultsResults showed a significant increase in resilience for the case group compared to the control group (F (1, 129) = 5.578, p = 0.020), with no significant main effect of time. There was a significant interaction effect between intervention and time on resilience (F (1.000, 129.000) = 4.915, p = 0.028). Depression scores showed no significant group difference but a significant main effect of time (F (1.000, 129.000) = 4.725, p = 0.032) and the interaction effect between intervention and time on depression (F (1.000, 129.000) = 4.018, p = 0.047).DiscussionThis mentoring program effectively increased resilience and helped maintain mental health, contributing to developing skilled healthcare professionals—where resilience remains a key strength for 21st-century doctors.

Brain Drain in Nigerian Health Sector: An Unsung Epidemic

Brain drain in the Nigerian health sector is a critical issue that has drained Nigeria of skilled and competent healthcare professionals thereby placing a heavy burden on the Nigerian healthcare system. The paper aimed to describe some factors responsible for the increase in brain drain and thereby offer possible solutions to the problem. The theory of push and pull factors was used to describe the phenomenon. Push factors are unfavourable conditions that push people out of their domain country while pull factors are favourable conditions that attract citizens to migrate to developed countries. The consequences of brain drain in the health sector led to the shortage of skilled healthcare workers which places a heavy burden on those who remain leading to increased workload and burnout. The paper also highlighted various efforts the Nigerian government had put in place to mitigate the effects of brain drain in Nigeria such as implementation of the national health policy increased funding for the health sector and strengthening of healthcare institutions. Unfortunately the efforts are yet to yield positive impacts. However this paper has several possible recommendations aimed at reversing brain drain in the health sector which include improvement of working conditions and remuneration development of retention strategies to retain healthcare professionals and addressing socioeconomic factors that contribute to brain drain. The study concluded that brain drain in the Nigerian health sector is a significant challenge that requires urgent attention and a multifaceted approach. Only then can Nigeria hope to alleviate the unsung epidemic of brain drain in its health sector.

Socio-Economic Background of Mothers and Utilization of Antenatal Care Services in Urban Slums of Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha

Introduction: -Antenatal care (ANC) is the care during pregnancy by skilled health care professionals. The main aim of ANC is to ensure best health conditions for both mother and baby during pregnancy. Objective: -To assess the utilization of ANC services provided to mothers during pregnancy and to find out the influence of socio-economic factors on ANC practices in the field practice area of UHTC, Burla. Materials And Methods: -It was a community based cross-sectional study conducted among 202 mothers who delivered their child in last 1 year. The study was carried out from September 2016 to February 2017 in the field practice area of UHTC, Burla. The data regarding socio-demographic variables and utilization of ANCs services were collected through a predesigned pretested semi structured questionnaire after obtaining verbal informed consent. The data obtained were analysed by using simple number and percentage. Results:-100% mothers registered their pregnancy with an early registration of 84.15%, ≥4 ANC checkups 68.32%,minimum 1 dose TT immunisation 94.55%, ≥ 100 IFA tablets consumed 45.05% with full ANC care only 37.63%.The utilization of full ANC services was very low among mothers from lower caste groups SC(35.21%) and ST (25.80%),illiterate(0.0%) and primary standard(2.92%) education ,those with petty business/shop (7.14%) and house hold income from Rs 5000 -10, 000(32.65%) and < Rs 5000(32.60%). Conclusions: - Though the ANC care was more than the state and national level it was inadequate and inequitable. Full ANC was very low among mothers of lower caste groups, low standard of education, petty business and low household income.

Delivery Methods of Radiopharmaceuticals: Exploring Global Strategies to Minimize Occupational Radiation Exposure.

In the world of nuclear medicine, health care professionals face the challenge of safeguarding themselves and their patients from occupational radiation exposure. As the field experiences exponential growth, driven by the surge in approvals of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, it becomes vital to delve into the delivery methods of radiopharmaceuticals. Health care professionals take precautions during radiopharmaceutical administration, including maintaining distance from radioactive sources, using shielding, limiting exposure time, and monitoring radiation levels with badges. Regular evaluations provide compliance with recommended exposure limits, yet concerns persist, especially regarding the cumulative radiation exposure from manual injections over time. Understanding the long-term effects of radiation exposure has spurred the development of cutting-edge medical device technologies, such as autoinjectors, designed to administer radiopharmaceuticals accurately while minimizing total radiation dose to health care professionals. The U.S. Pharmacopeia 825 regulation refers to these devices as "direct infusion systems." Nuclear medicine technologists commonly refer to them as "autoinjectors," whereas device manufacturers may use terms such as injection system, radiopharmaceutical injector, or infusion system. Despite variations in terminology, these devices hold a pivotal role in shaping the future of radiopharmaceutical delivery. In an era of escalating demand for PET procedures worldwide, skilled health care professionals ensure the safe and precise dosing of radiopharmaceuticals. This article explores the state-of-the-art medical devices in radiopharmaceutical delivery, spotlighting transformative medical devices currently revolutionizing the nuclear medicine landscape in the global market.

Exploring perceptions of maternity services for pregnant adolescents in Indonesia: a qualitative study

Background/Aims Adolescent pregnancies are prevalent in Indonesia. This study aimed to explore perceptions from healthcare workers and pregnant adolescents of maternity services for pregnant adolescents. Methods This qualitative exploratory study involved two policymakers, 10 midwives, five doctors, and 10 pregnant adolescents. Data were collected through structured interviews in public health centre consultation rooms. The data were analysed thematically to explore factors that promoted or hindered use of maternity services for pregnant adolescents. Results The identified barriers included a lack of tailored directives, challenges in engaging adolescents, insufficient numbers of skilled healthcare professionals, adolescents' fears and compromised confidentiality. Opportunities for improvement included enhancing service quality through strategic planning and specialised training for midwives and psychologists. Conclusions The study underscores the need to improve maternity services offered for pregnant adolescents by creating a conducive working environment and sensitising healthcare workers and the community to adolescent mothers' needs. Implications for practice There is a need for guidelines in Indonesia specifically on providing care for pregnant adolescents. Healthcare professionals require specialised training and facilities should be made adolescent friendly.

Threat Modeling for Enhanced Security in the Healthcare Industry with a Focus on Mobile Health and IoT

The advancement of mobile health and the Internet of Things (IoT) promises to enhance healthcare quality while reducing costs, particularly with the transition from inpatient to home and ambulatory care. This shift, driven by an aging population, financial pressures, and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, presents significant opportunities and challenges. While mobile health improves access and encourages self-management, it also raises serious concerns regarding security and interoperability, especially with wearable devices equipped with sensors in a patient's Body Area Network (BAN). This paper critically analyzes the security and interoperability risks associated with these technologies, emphasizing the need for robust measures such as configuration and asset management. Utilizing recommendations from ENISA (2016) and conducting a risk and vulnerability assessment, this study develops a comprehensive security model tailored for healthcare architectures. Additionally, it applies the STRIDE threat modeling approach to identify and mitigate potential threats, providing valuable insights for securing healthcare systems and prioritizing critical assets vital to organizational operations.

Hearts and minds: a community-based systems diagram exploring mental health following a cardiac event

Abstract Background/Introduction Following an acute cardiac event, individuals commonly face multiple emotional and mental health challenges. For many people, this change in their mental health will resolve over time. However, one in five will go on to develop major depressive disorder. The development of major depressive disorder is a complex co-morbidity that, if left unchecked, can increase the risk of subsequent cardiac events and mortality. Systems thinking methodology offers a novel approach to investigating factors that contribute to mental health following a cardiovascular event. Purpose This project aims to (1) unravel the complex system influencing mental health after a cardiac event and (2) pinpoint priorities for supporting individuals' mental well-being following a cardiac event. Methods Group model building workshops using Deakin University’s purpose-built STICKE software were conducted over Zoom to explore the interrelationships contributing to mental health following a cardiovascular event. Twelve participants, including consumers (n = 3) and healthcare professionals (n = 9) from across Australia, engaged in two 1.5-hour workshops. Guided by the prompt "Reflect on factors influencing a person’s mental health post-cardiac event", participants worked together to construct a systems diagram. This facilitated exploration, visual mapping, and identification of factors and priority areas influencing mental health post-cardiac event. The diagram was then analysed using the theoretical domains framework. Results The STICKE diagram developed demonstrates the interplay of various factors impacting mental health across the cardiac healthcare journey at both patient and system levels (see Figure 1). Using the theoretical domains framework, eight domains were identified: knowledge, skills of healthcare professionals, environmental context, personal context, emotional response to event and recovery, social influences, behavioural regulation, and beliefs about individual capacity. Knowledge (including health literacy and staff training), environmental context (addressing gaps in care and navigating the system), and social influences (such as social isolation) were domains that were consistently raised in the workshop (see Figure 2). Stakeholders also identified the following key priority areas: highlighting the need for additional support for staff and intervention to increase health literacy and knowledge around mental health. Conclusion(s) Supporting mental health post-cardiac events is a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive community-level intervention, particularly in the initial weeks post-hospitalisation. The insights gained from this study will inform the co-design of an intervention aimed at increasing health literacy and knowledge around mental health following a cardiovascular event.

A Mixed Methods Study on Character Traits of Nursing Students and Faculty Influencing a 100% Passing Rate in the Nursing Licensure Exam in the Philippines.

This study explores the character traits contributing to the 100% passing rate of nursing graduates in the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) in the Philippines over the past decade. Understanding these traits provides insights into the factors driving academic and professional success in nursing. Employing a convergent parallel mixed methods design, this study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected through electronic surveys from 222 nursing alumni and 39 faculty members, focusing on character traits and behaviors linked to NLE success. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 29; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) for descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Additionally, in-depth interviews with 21 alumni and 15 faculty members provided qualitative insights. Data saturation was reached with 11 faculty and 13 alumni, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the participants' experiences. Quantitative results from factor analysis showed that spirituality, love of learning, honesty, and kindness are among the qualities that are necessary for success in NLE. These character traits have a significant impact on both career readiness and academic performance. Qualitative results revealed the importance of resilience, faculty support, and peer relationships in fostering these attributes. It became evident that building a healthy learning environment required the support of peers and professors and that resilience was necessary to manage the stress of tests. Both datasets emphasized the need for a strong character and academic achievement in conjunction with long-term success. The study highlights that obtaining a high NLE passing rate is mostly dependent on academic knowledge in addition to character attributes. Character education techniques such as role-playing, reflective writing, and service-learning can be incorporated into nursing curricula to improve attributes such as empathy and resilience. Continuous faculty development and structured mentorship are also crucial. Character development must be incorporated into academic learning in nursing education. Focusing on qualities such as empathy, resilience, and ethical judgment, along with implementing character education tactics such as service-learning and reflective writing, are crucial to prepare graduates to succeed in professional practice and board exams. A comprehensive approach that blends character development with academic achievement produces skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Migration of Medical Doctors from Nepal: Analyzing Trends and Policy Implications

One way migration of health care professionals especially from low-income countries like Nepal has become a concerning issue where the already fragile health system of the country faces challenges of losing skilled health care professionals to high-income countries. This trend analysis provides insights into the dynamics of Nepal's healthcare workforce migration, it offers a tailored understanding of factors influencing migration patterns, and its impact on the general population of the country and globally. It helps formulate targeted policies for workforce retention, resource planning, and addressing the country's healthcare needs and comparison with the global context. Analyzing the migration trends of medical professionals enhances medical literature by offering a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting healthcare systems, public health, economics, education, and policy development. This knowledge plays a vital role in shaping future policies in the field of medicine in Nepal.

Advancing medical laboratory practice in Pakistan: insights from a focus group study on technologists’ training needs

BackgroundThe realm of medical laboratory technology (MLT) training and education is unstructured in Pakistan. The primary challenge currently confronting the workforce in MLT is the absence of standardized curricula and assessments in education and training. This was an exploratory study aiming to inquire experiences of trainees, alumni and teaching coordinators regarding the technologist training program in a single institute at Pakistan.MethodsTo gain an in depth understanding of MLT program, three focus group discussions (FGDs) were held at Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Pakistan during Feb-April 2024. A team of pathologists and educationists developed interview guides for FGDs in English. Interviews were bilingual, transcribed verbatim and coded using thematic analysis. Participants included current trainees, alumni, teaching and learning coordinators and moderators for the interview.ResultsA total of 29 participants were engaged; these included current MLT trainees (n = 10), alumni (n = 10), and teaching/learning coordinators and sectional supervisors (n = 9). Five main themes emerged from the analysis of FGDs: (Scott MG, Rifai N, Smith B, Oellerich M, Panteghini M, Apple F et al. The changing face of laboratory medicine: a more service and less academically oriented profession? 2015;61(2):322-9.) Recognition of key features of the MTT program, (Ferraro S, Braga F, Panteghini MJCC, Medicine L. Lab Med new Healthc Environ. 2016;54(4):523–33.) Evaluating curriculum design, (Waheed U, Ahmad M, Wazeer A, Saeed M, Saba N, Rasheed FJMJMS. Medical laboratory science education; shaping competent and skilled healthcare professionals. 2023;1(1):58–63.) Teaching and learning strategies, (Ned-Sykes R, Johnson C, Ridderhof JC, Perlman E, Pollock A, DeBoy JM. Competency guidelines for public health laboratory professionals. 2015.) Addressing the need to improve assessment methods, and (Linder RJJM, Education B. Educating medical laboratory technologists: revisiting our assumptions in the current economic and health-care environment. 2012;13(2):150-4.) Navigating the transition from a trainee to a competent technologist.ConclusionOur investigation demonstrated its potential as a valuable needs assessment study, highlighting key strengths, drawbacks, and challenges of the existing MTT program. Importantly, these findings at our institute can inform further research efforts to design competency-based MLT education and training programs in Pakistan.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosed in a 19-year-old lady found to have underlying Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

ABSTRACT Background A 19-year-old woman visited a family medicine clinic to obtain her laboratory test results. This case highlights a close call involving a young woman with a potentially serious condition. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is often overlooked during initial assessments in emergency departments or primary care clinics. Case presentation The patient casually mentioned having a cough toward the end of the consultation, revealing she has been using a salbutamol inhaler due to a family history of asthma. Despite appearing well, she had an audible wheezy cough during the examination. Following a chest X-ray (CXR) that indicated a right lung opacity and possible cardiomegaly, an electrocardiogram (ECG) was arranged. The ECG showed an incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB) and STT changes in leads V3-V6 and lead 3, prompting her transfer to the emergency department for suspected Pulmonary embolism (PE). Further evaluation confirmed acute on chronic PE, with a positive lupus screen leading to the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) upon detection of anti-phospholipid antibodies in her serology. Discussion The patient’s case was unique, but a basic CXR was performed to investigate their exertional shortness of breath. This led to appropriate action being taken to ensure the patient’s safety. It is important to note that pulmonary embolism can occur in young individuals, highlighting the need for attentive and skilled healthcare professionals. Basic tests such as CXR and ECG can be crucial in cases of ongoing symptoms where uncertainty exists.

The importance of health literacy to develop communication skills in healthcare professionals

The importance of health literacy to develop communication skills in healthcare professionals

Unmet need for heart transplantation in Africa.

Heart transplantation is a critical treatment option for end-stage heart failure patients, offering a lifeline for those with severe cardiac conditions. However, in Africa, the unmet need for heart transplantation is a significant issue that poses challenges to the healthcare system and patient outcomes. Africa faces multiple barriers to heart transplantation, including limited infrastructure, a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, a lack of funding, and inadequate organ donation systems. These challenges result in a considerable gap between the demand for heart transplants and the available resources to meet this need. As a result, many patients in Africa do not have access to life-saving heart transplantation procedures, leading to high mortality rates among those awaiting transplants. Addressing the unmet need for heart transplantation in Africa requires a multifaceted approach. The authors recommend that Africa as a continent build up a heart transplantation workforce involving a multidisciplinary team that consists of transplant surgeons, transplant physicians, nurses, anesthetists, pharmacists, etc. Heart transplant education and training programs should be well-constructed to ensure the delivery of safe and effective transplantation services. International collaborations have proven to be effective and should be encouraged between African institutions and transplant centers worldwide to facilitate knowledge transfer. Foreign and local organizations should promote public awareness about organ donation to address the myths about heart transplantation and promote heart donation. With these, African countries can improve access to heart transplantation, enhance patient outcomes, save lives in the region, and ultimately reduce the mortality rate in Africa.

FIGO good practice recommendations on optimizing models of care for the prevention and mitigation of preterm birth.

The global challenge of preterm birth persists with little or no progress being made to reduce its prevalence or mitigate its consequences, especially in low-resource settings where health systems are less well developed. Improved delivery of respectful person-centered care employing effective care models delivered by skilled healthcare professionals is essential for addressing these needs. These FIGO good practice recommendations provide an overview of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of the various care models for preventing and managing preterm birth across global contexts. We also highlight that continuity of care within existing, context-appropriate care models (such as midwifery-led care and group care), in primary as well as secondary care, is pivotal to delivering high quality care across the pregnancy continuum-prior to conception, through pregnancy and birth, and preparation for a subsequent pregnancy-to improve care to prevent and manage preterm birth.

Effective and safe pediatric sedation.

Pediatric sedation is a crucial tool for minimizing pain and anxiety during procedures and examinations in children. However, it is not without risks. This review provides a comprehensive review of pediatric sedation, including both established practices and recent advancements. A thorough pre-procedural evaluation is crucial to mitigate these risks. Skilled healthcare professionals trained in pediatric sedation are paramount to ensure a safe and effective procedure. The choice of sedative medication depends on various factors, such as the type of procedure and the patient's medical condition. Medications, used alone or in combination, offer sedation with varying onset times and durations. Non-pharmacological approaches can complement pharmacological sedation and further reduce potential complications. Preventing sedation-related complications requires a multidisciplinary approach. This includes collaborative decision-making, vigilant monitoring throughout the procedure, and a focus on patient safety. Recovery involves ensuring the child returns to their baseline status before discharge, following established criteria. In conclusion, successful pediatric sedation hinges on a comprehensive strategy. This strategy encompasses a thorough evaluation, skilled personnel, appropriate medication selection, vigilant monitoring, and a focus on patient safety throughout the process. By following these steps, we can minimize risks and achieve successful outcomes.

Factors related to the implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation in Jordan: Perspective of healthcare professionals

Although the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in the management of chronic respiratory disease conditions (CRC) are well-documented, it remains underutilized. In Jordan, the scarcity of PR services denies those with CRC the opportunity to improve their functional capacity, mental health, and quality of life. To explore the factors related to the implementation of PR in Jordan from the perspective of the healthcare professionals (HCPs). This was a qualitative study that utilized semi-structured interviews informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Twenty-one HCPs were interviewed. Interview transcripts were coded against the relevant TDF domain(s) and then domains' summaries were generated. A total of 997 quotes were coded against the TDF domains. Knowledge, environmental context and resources, social influences, and skills domains were the ones most coded. The study identified several barriers to PR implementation such as: limited knowledge and skills pertaining to PR among HCPs, limited public awareness of PR, financial costs, limited legislation related to establishment of PR and role confusion of HCPs in PR. The main facilitators include: HCPs willingness to be involved in new programs such as PR, the perception of the importance and need for PR and HCPs beliefs about capabilities to overcome barriers for a successful implementation of PR. The current study provided information that will inform stakeholders and policymakers about the factors affecting PR implementation in Jordan. Improvements in HCPs skills and knowledge about PR, financial support, improvements in undergraduate syllabi and policies to control PR service provision are considered to be key to a successful implementation of PR.

Evaluating the impact of distance learning on gender-affirming healthcare competence: knowledge acquisition and satisfaction among healthcare professionals in Italy.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals face significant healthcare barriers, with one of the most critical being the inadequate knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in TGD health. To address this issue, we undertook a project to develop a distance learning course for all healthcare professions, encompassing a comprehensive range of topics related to TGD health issues. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a course on gender-affirming healthcare competence, with a focus on knowledge acquisition and satisfaction levels. The hypothesis was that participating in the course would enhance the participants' knowledge on the covered topics. A distance learning course, designed for all Continuing Medical Education professions, was conducted between March and September 2023. The course was structured according to the Problem-Based Learning methodology. We implemented a pre-test vs. post-test study design to evaluate the enhancement of knowledge, based on a set of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and investigated users' satisfaction through the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire. We examined the pre- and post-course proportions of correct responses to questions, along with the mean score difference, categorized by learners' sex, age, and geographical area. Eventually, a Satisfaction Training Index was created. The maximum capacity was reached, with 29,998 out of 30,000 available spots filled. Of those enrolled, 18,282 HCPs successfully completed the training. Post-test results revealed an increase in correct answers across all MCQs, with overall mean score rising from 48.8 to 68.0 (p < 0.001). Stratified analysis indicated improvements across all participant categories. A higher average increase among female (19.87) compared to male enrollees (17.06) was detected (p < 0.001). Both "over 55" and "46-55" age groups showed the greatest score increases compared to "35-46" and "under 35" groups, despite no significant differences in pre-test scores. Course satisfaction was high, averaging 4.38 out of 5. Top-rated aspects included "learning new concepts" (4.49), "accessibility" (4.46), and "platform functionality" (4.46). Our research hypothesis was confirmed by the significant increase in knowledge going from pre-test to post-test and by the high level of user satisfaction. The obtained results serve as a foundation for planning additional professional education in TGD health.

Prevalence and associated factors of caesarean section among mothers who gave birth across Eastern Africa countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis study

Caesarean section (CS) rate increased dramatically worldwide, exceeding the World Health Organization's benchmark (10-15%) in many countries. This rate varies in different regions of the continent. Using various study designs, researchers from across East African countries investigated the prevalence of caesarean section and the factor associated with it but no study shows a pooled prevalence of caesarean section in the Eastern African region. Therefore, this review aimed to systematically summarize and estimate the pooled prevalence of caesarean section and its associated factors in Eastern Africa, 2023. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus and CINAHL were rigorously searched to find relevant studies. All identified observational studies reporting the prevalence of CS and its associated factors in East Africa published till August 2023 were considered. Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using the I2 test. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Egger's regression test. Finally, a random effect meta-analysis model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of CS and qualitative analysis was employed for associated factors. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO. This review was assessed using twenty-six eligible studies from a total of 2223 articles with a total of 600,431 participants. In this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of caesarean section in Eastern Africa was 24.0% (95%CI: 22-27%). The highest pooled prevalence of caesarean section was in Ethiopia, 28.30% (95%CI; 21.3-35.2%), and the lowest was seen in Uganda, 11.9% (95%CI; 7.9-15.9%). Urban residency, having high level of wealth asset, education level college and above, advanced maternal age, big birth weight, history of previous caesarean section, private institution delivery, multiple pregnancies, pregnancy-induced hypertension, antepartum haemorrhage and fetal malpresentation were linked with a greater likelihood of having CS. and recommendation: The overall pooled prevalence of CS in Eastern Africa was high compared to the WHO proposed recommended range. Therefore, the finding implies that each East African countries Ministry of Health and health care professionals shall be given particular emphasis made on strengthening antenatal care services and ensure more women have access to skilled healthcare professionals during childbirth. This can help in providing appropriate interventions, support to women and reducing the need for emergency and unnecessary CSs. The result of this research are a baseline data for future researchers to conduct further studies to better understand the reasons behind the high rates and identify potential interventions and solutions specific to the African context.PROSPERO protocol number: CRD42023440131.