Specialty Field Research Articles

Consensus on glycemic management for patients with coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The prevalence of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes mellitus is notably high, posing significant residual cardiovascular risks even after routine interventions such as antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and antithrombotic treatments. Recent studies have demonstrated that certain glucose-lowering medications confer cardiovascular benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes. However, a survey indicates that cardiologists may not be fully acquainted with the optimal screening timing, indicators, and diagnostic criteria for type 2 diabetes, and there is insufficient awareness and a low rate of prescription of novel glucose-lowering medications with proven cardiovascular efficacy, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i). In this context, based on domestic and international guidelines or consensus and the latest evidence-based evidence, this consensus aims to standardize the glycemic management for patients with acute coronary syndrome, chronic coronary syndrome, and perioperative management for percutaneous coronary intervention. It highlights the key points of screening and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and the comprehensive management of cardiovascular risk in patients with CHD. The consensus elaborates on the principles and algorithms of glycemic management for CHD patients, without involving acute complications of diabetes, clarifies the clinical practice of glucose-lowering medications with cardiovascular benefits, and promotes the standardized use of these medications in cardiovascular and other related specialty fields. Additionally, it addresses the glucose-lowering treatment to comprehensively reduce cardiovascular risks.

Scientific Culture Organisational and Professional Identity: A Systemic Game of Contexts and Subjects

In theory, a scientific stratification (branches and disciplines) is frequently associated with the effectiveness of research groups but not professional mobility and other psychosocial factors. The study analyses the relationship among the organisational cultures specific to each field of speciality (human-social sciences versus exact-natural sciences), the satisfaction of researchers and the homogenisation of psychosocial behaviours with the mediation of the professional mobility variable; that is to say, the construction of organisational/disciplinary identities within the scientific system. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were used. Among the first, two questionnaires were used; among the latter, we used non-obstructive observation and interviews. This research concluded that Scientists' psychosocial responses and achievement levels vary according to their speciality areas, highlighting distinct disciplinary and organisational cultures within the scientific community. Dissatisfaction with team leadership is widespread across scientific disciplines, driven by factors such as effort, expectations, and societal influences, necessitating the development of transformative competencies, particularly leadership skills, to address these issues and promote well-being among scientists.

Pearls and pitfalls in letters of recommendation for neurology residency applications

Letters of recommendation are a cornerstone of residency applications. Variability and bias in letters exists across specialties, neurology being no exception. Studies done in other specialty fields assessing nuanced language uncovered key attention points for improvement and mitigation of bias, lessons from which should be applied in the field of neurology. We review common pearls and pitfalls in the letter solicitation, writing and reading process, with suggested best-practices for residency applicants, letter writers, and program faculty reviewers. We advocate for the thoughtful selection of writers, emphasis on highlighting professional skills, and attention to implicit bias. This discussion focuses on recommendations for US advanced or categorical neurology programs, but elements of this guidance may apply more broadly to fellowship and faculty promotion letters as well.

Choosing a nursing specialty: connection to nursing students’ personality traits, clinical self-efficacy, adoption of technology changes, and specialty prestige; a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChoosing a field of specialization within the nursing profession is affected by nurses’ personality traits, self-confidence in performing clinical skills, and the field’s prestige. A successful choice of area of expertise may improve nurses’ job satisfaction and reduce job mobility. This study aims to examine the relationship between personality traits, clinical self-efficacy, perceived prestige, adoption of technological changes, and choice of specialty field among nursing students.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. One-hundred-twenty-seven undergraduate nursing students in their fourth year of studies at a large university in Israel participated in the study. The questionnaire administered was comprised of six parts: demographic data, personality traits, adoption of technological changes, clinical self-efficacy, perceived prestige, and intention to select a field of specialization.ResultsAcute disciplines were rated more prestigious than chronic disciplines, with intensive care and emergency medicine considered the most prestigious, while mental health and geriatrics were the least prestigious. Students’ mean perceived confidence in performing nursing clinical skills was high and more than half considered themselves open to technology changes. Positive correlations were found between prestige and intention to choose a field of expertise (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and the personality trait of openness and the intention to choose an acute care area (r = 0.26, p < 0.01).ConclusionsDespite the gradual aging of the population and the increase in chronic morbidity, which demand a greater nursing focus on older adults, and notwithstanding the mental health reforms, nursing students perceive geriatrics and mental health as less prestigious fields. A career development path can be applied by developing a tool for occupational guidance designed to rank students’ suitability for specialty fields and thus help them choose the area that best suits them.

Diabetes-related social stigma among university students in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Diabetes-related stigma encompasses stereotypes, discrimination, and blame, significantly influencing diabetes management and overall well-being. Despite high diabetes-related stigma prevalence in various contexts, there is limited research in Saudi Arabia, especially that perceived/enacted by non-diabetics, the so-called social stigma. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess diabetes-related social stigma (DRSS) and to identify correlates among university students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A convenience sampling was employed to collect responses from 536 Jazan University students using an online questionnaire. After excluding participants with diabetes mellitus (n = 17), data from 519 individuals were analyzed. The DRSS questionnaire comprised 2 scales: social distancing and negative attitudes and stereotyping. The study found mixed results regarding the student population's attitude toward diabetic patients. Most students displayed favorable answers on social distancing scale statements, with the majority of statements showing willingness to engage in different social aspects with diabetics getting a positive response from at least 96% of respondents. The study identified various types of negative attitudes and stereotyping, for example, 46% of the sample agreed that dealing with a diabetic is upsetting or tiring. Correlates of social distancing included academic year, rural residence, and nonmedical field of specialty, while predictors of negative attitude and stereotyping included female gender and higher family income. The findings indicate a need to improve attitudes related to diabetics among university students in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on negative attitude stereotyping. Raising awareness about DRSS, especially among future healthcare professionals, is essential. Further refinement of the DRSS measurement scales is recommended through broader testing among the general population to enhance our understanding of this important issue.

Perioperative Nursing Shortages: An Integrative Review of Their Impact, Causal Factors, and Mitigation Strategies

Aim. This study aims to explore contributing factors, impacts, and strategies to address perioperative nursing shortages. Background. Health facilities worldwide are experiencing nursing shortages, especially in specialty fields such as perioperative nursing. Evaluation. This integrative review is reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. The title, abstract, and full article screening, as well as the quality appraisal process, were performed by two independent reviewers, with a third for disagreement. This review focused on empirical and theoretical research published from 2013 to 2023 using databases including CINAHL, Embase, Emcare (via OVID), Medline (via EBSCOhost), Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, Overton, and GreyNet. Key Issues. This study thoroughly reviewed 84 articles. The perioperative domain confronts significant staffing challenges due to increased demand, lack of experienced nurses, insufficient new entrants, high turnover, and an aging workforce. Notably significant are the deficiencies in recruiting new nurses and the elevated turnover levels, potentially amendable issues. The shortages negatively impact the remaining nurses, patient care quality, and hospital revenue. Strategies to address perioperative nursing workforce challenges include promoting the specialty to undergraduate nursing students, bolstering recruitment efforts, and retaining experienced perioperative nurses. However, none of the studies examined in this review adopted a comprehensive approach. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these strategies relative to one another remains uncertain due to a lack of reliable measurements. Conclusion. Perioperative nursing faces considerable challenges, including an aging workforce, limited new recruits, and high turnover rates. Present strategies primarily prioritise workforce preparation over supporting current staff. Mitigating the perioperative nursing shortages requires comprehensive approaches integrating preparation, recruitment, retention, and retirement plans. In addition, these strategies must be adapted to the diverse regulatory environments of different countries, recognising the absence of a one‐size‐fits‐all solution to perioperative nursing shortages globally. Implication for Nursing Management. Perioperative nursing managers are vital in reducing shortages.

The growth of social work in palliative and end-of-life care in the United States: how did we get here?

A historical look back at the 'beginnings' of palliative social work in the United States provides a lens through which to view current areas of focus and future trends in hospice and palliative care with the objective of emphasizing the need for equitable practice approaches. The background and formative efforts to establish palliative social work in the United States as a specialty field of practice were scaffolded by the Project on Death in America, Open Society Institute's Social Work Leadership Development Award Program, and two Social Work Leadership Summits on End-of-Life and Palliative Care, which help to explain how we got here. In the development of the social work role in providing palliative and end-of-life care for individuals who are seriously ill and their families, several important functions unfolded naturally as part of our practice repertoire as professionals. Practitioners, researchers, advocates, policy developers, and more have advanced the field and strengthened palliative social work, especially as the profession addresses inequities and promotes quality of life. Social workers' administrative reports, academic literature, professional standards and educational programs, assessment tools, and evidence-informed practice interventions contribute to illuminating the roles that social workers have on interdisciplinary palliative care teams, while emphasizing the importance of leadership development. Social workers in palliative and end-of-life care are on a firm ground from which to move forward into the ever-evolving future of providing essential quality care at such a critical time in life.

Performance Comparison of ChatGPT-4 and Japanese Medical Residents in the General Medicine In-Training Examination: Comparison Study.

The reliability of GPT-4, a state-of-the-art expansive language model specializing in clinical reasoning and medical knowledge, remains largely unverified across non-English languages. This study aims to compare fundamental clinical competencies between Japanese residents and GPT-4 by using the General Medicine In-Training Examination (GM-ITE). We used the GPT-4 model provided by OpenAI and the GM-ITE examination questions for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 to conduct a comparative analysis. This analysis focused on evaluating the performance of individuals who were concluding their second year of residency in comparison to that of GPT-4. Given the current abilities of GPT-4, our study included only single-choice exam questions, excluding those involving audio, video, or image data. The assessment included 4 categories: general theory (professionalism and medical interviewing), symptomatology and clinical reasoning, physical examinations and clinical procedures, and specific diseases. Additionally, we categorized the questions into 7 specialty fields and 3 levels of difficulty, which were determined based on residents' correct response rates. Upon examination of 137 GM-ITE questions in Japanese, GPT-4 scores were significantly higher than the mean scores of residents (residents: 55.8%, GPT-4: 70.1%; P<.001). In terms of specific disciplines, GPT-4 scored 23.5 points higher in the "specific diseases," 30.9 points higher in "obstetrics and gynecology," and 26.1 points higher in "internal medicine." In contrast, GPT-4 scores in "medical interviewing and professionalism," "general practice," and "psychiatry" were lower than those of the residents, although this discrepancy was not statistically significant. Upon analyzing scores based on question difficulty, GPT-4 scores were 17.2 points lower for easy problems (P=.007) but were 25.4 and 24.4 points higher for normal and difficult problems, respectively (P<.001). In year-on-year comparisons, GPT-4 scores were 21.7 and 21.5 points higher in the 2020 (P=.01) and 2022 (P=.003) examinations, respectively, but only 3.5 points higher in the 2021 examinations (no significant difference). In the Japanese language, GPT-4 also outperformed the average medical residents in the GM-ITE test, originally designed for them. Specifically, GPT-4 demonstrated a tendency to score higher on difficult questions with low resident correct response rates and those demanding a more comprehensive understanding of diseases. However, GPT-4 scored comparatively lower on questions that residents could readily answer, such as those testing attitudes toward patients and professionalism, as well as those necessitating an understanding of context and communication. These findings highlight the strengths and limitations of artificial intelligence applications in medical education and practice.

Assessment of Ophthalmology Teaching and its Impact on the Choice of Future Specialties Among Medical Students of Jazan University.

Ophthalmology is essential for primary and specialty care physicians, as eye complaints are common, accounting for a sizable proportion of general practice consultations and emergency department visits. Fundamental ophthalmology knowledge is also relevant to other specialty fields. Thus, medical schools must provide effective undergraduate curricula to teach students about salient points, visual examination skills, emergency recognition, and referral indications. The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) has set guidelines that medical students should imbibe to become proficient in ophthalmology. However, there have been no recent investigationsevaluating undergraduate ophthalmology education at Jazan University's Faculty of Medicine. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the curriculum at Jazan University to the ICO's requirements for undergraduate medical education. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with both male and female student participantsenrolled in an ophthalmology course at Jazan University's Faculty of Medicine. Following IRB approval, the questionnaire was distributed on social media to assess if Jazan University's undergraduate ophthalmology curriculum complies with ICOstandards. The study included a diverse sample of 322 participants, predominantly consisting of female students (n=178, 55.3%). The participants' ages ranged from 22 to 36 years, with the majority falling within the 24-25 year age range (n=173, 53.7%). Regarding academic performance, (n=117, 36.3%) of participants had a GPA of less than 4, while 66 (20.5%) had a GPA between 4.76 and 5.00. Among the respondents, 31 (9.6%) indicated having no exposure to ophthalmology, while 117 (36.3%) felt they had insufficient exposure. A considerable percentage of participants expressed competence in various areas, such as obtaining ocular history (n=113, 35.1%), testing visual acuity (n=201, 62.4%), and examining extraocular motility (n=201, 62.4%). In total, 98participants (30.4%) expressed an interest in ophthalmology, while the majority (n=224, 69.6%) were not interested. Essential improvements include increasing hands-on clinical experience, small-group learning, exposure across academic years, and early mentorship. Developing competency-based curricula aligned with ICO guidelines could significantly strengthen education. Better training quality and exposure will equip students with the necessary skills, boost confidence, and potentially expand the ophthalmology workforce.

Use of Peer-Led Web-Based Platforms for Peer-Assisted Learning Among Canadian Anesthesia Residents and Fellows: Cross-Sectional Study.

Peer-assisted learning (PAL) using peer-led web-based platforms (PWPs), including social media, can be a highly effective method of supporting medical trainees. PWPs, such as mobile apps for sharing anesthesia resources and social media groups or discussion forums pertaining to anesthesia training, may play a role in facilitating anesthesia trainee-led web-based education. However, there have been many challenges facing anesthesia trainees when it comes to incorporating PWPs, especially social media and mobile apps for PAL. The primary objective of this survey was to assess the proportion of trainees that use social media and mobile apps. The secondary objective was to identify the trainees' perceptions on the use of social media and mobile apps for educational purposes, including PAL. This cross-sectional study was conducted through a survey administered via email at a single large academic center. The survey tool collected data between 2016 and 2017 on the following: demographic data (year of study, field of specialty), use of technology and web-based resources for medicine, use of social media platforms for anesthesia or training, benefits and barriers to future uses of social media for training, and ideas for trainee-led websites. Descriptive statistics were reported. In total, 80 anesthesia trainees (51 residents and 29 fellows) responded to the survey (response rate of 33% of out 240 trainees contacted). All trainees reported having a mobile device that most (n=61, 76%) reported using multiple times a day to access medical resources. The highest perceived benefits of PWPs according to residents were that the most valuable information was available on-demand (n=27, 53%), they saved time (n=27, 53%), and they improved their overall learning experience within anesthesia (n=24, 47%). In comparison, fellows thought that PWPs were beneficial because they provided multiple perspectives of a single topic (n=13, 45%) and served as an additional platform to discuss ideas with peers (n=13, 45%). The most popular platforms used by both residents and fellows were Facebook (residents: n=44, 86%; fellows: n=26, 90%) followed by LinkedIn (residents: n=21, 42%; fellows: n=9, 29%). Even though most anesthesia trainees used social media for personal reasons, only 26% (n=21) reported having used resident- or fellow-driven PWP resources. Examples of PWPs that trainees used included anesthesia groups and a resident Dropbox resource folder. There was generally an acceptance for using PWPs for PAL as they provided various benefits for trainees at all levels of learning. PWPs have the potential to garner an increased sense of community and sharing within learning experiences throughout all levels of training.The information gained from this survey will help inform the basis for developing an anesthesia trainee-led e-learning platform.

Quality of Life, Job Satisfaction and Sleep Hygiene Pattern in Medical Residents

Background and Objective: Medical residents have a crucial role in the development of the healthcare system and medical services. This study aimed to determine the quality of life, job satisfaction, and sleep hygiene pattern of the medical residents of various specialties working in teaching centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, before and after the beginning of the residency period. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study with a convenience sampling method assessed 162 medical residents who filled out the research questionnaires twice during a six-month period from September 2018 to March 2018. The required data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment, Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Sleep Hygiene Index. Results: The results of the study revealed that the quality of life (P=0.000), job satisfaction (P=0.000), and sleep hygiene pattern (P=0.000) significantly decreased in medical residents six months after starting the residency program. Quality of life was found to be lower in men than in women (P=0.000); however, in the field of specialty, no significant difference was found in terms of the relevant variables six months after starting the residency period (P&gt;0.05). Furthermore, having more than 15 shifts per month was significantly related to decreased quality of life in medical residents (P=0.01). Conclusion: Considering the results of the present study, there is a necessity to provide programs in medical universities to improve the quality of life, job satisfaction, and sleep hygiene pattern among medical residents during their academic period.

Prevalence of depression among Science students during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression among science students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey-based study was conducted on 521 science students at Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), during the course of the semester. Showed that the Most students were female (62.19%). Sadness symptoms were observed among 59.69% of the students. We found a 77.74% overall prevalence of depression among students. Most individuals reported moderate BDI (25.34%), but extremely severe BDI was also reported in 7.29% of individuals. The BDI scores were highly significantly correlated with gender, education, and field of specialty (< 0.001) based on different statistical tests. BDI scores were significantly associated with number of the demographic and academic variables (p < 0.05). The study found significant symptoms of depression among students who displayed characteristics of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, students should undergo psychological counseling during difficult pandemic periods to prevent depression and mental stress.

Epidemiological, Endoscopic, Clinical, and Pathological Features of Patients with Celiac Diseases in Southern Littoral of Caspian Sea.

Background: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder resulting from gluten consumption in genetically predisposed individuals. The present study investigated the epidemiological, endoscopic, and clinicopathological features of patients with celiac disease in the southern littoral of the Caspian Sea. Methods: 140 patients with celiac disease were interviewed and examined regarding demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, and serologic, endoscopic, and pathological findings. Results: 44 (31.4%) of the patients were male and 68.6% were female. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 27.13±13.4 years (ranging from 2 to 60 years). The most common gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were bloating (47.8%), abdominal pain (47.1%) and diarrhea (30.7%), respectively. Also, 17 (12.1%) patients did not complain of any GI symptoms.18 (12.8%) patients had aphthous stomatitis, 10.7% had dermatitis herpetiformis, 3.6% suffered from itching without a rash, two (1.4%) mentioned psoriasis and one (0.7%) had lichen planus. 19 (19.7%) of the female patients complained of menstrual bleeding disorders, 4% mentioned infertility, and 2% experienced primary amenorrhea. The most common comorbid condition was hypothyroidism in 16 (11.4%) patients. The most common endoscopic finding was duodenal scalloping (37.25%). In addition, 7.8% of the patients had a normal endoscopic appearance. 43 (30.7%) patients were classified as Marsh IIIC, 25.7% Marsh IIIB, 17.8% Marsh IIIA, 12.8% Marsh II and 12.8% were classified as Marsh I. Conclusion: Since celiac disease can present with non-GI manifestations and the majority of our patients had Marsh III classification, it seems that celiac disease must be considered as a routine screening test in GI clinics, and also, it should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in other specialty fields.

Creating the ICU of the future: patient-centred design to optimise recovery

BackgroundIntensive Care survival continues to improve, and the number of ICU services is increasing globally. However, there is a growing awareness of the detrimental impact of the ICU environment on patients, families, and staff. Excessive noise and suboptimal lighting especially have been shown to adversely impact physical and mental recovery during and after an ICU admission. Current ICU designs have not kept up with advances in medical technology and models of care, and there is no current ‘gold-standard’ ICU design. Improvements in ICU designs are needed to optimise care delivery and patient outcomes.MethodsThis manuscript describes a mixed-methods, multi-staged participatory design project aimed at redesigning and implementing two innovative ICU bedspaces. Guided by the action effect method and the consolidated framework for implementation research, the manuscript describes the processes taken to ensure the patient-centred problems were properly understood, the steps taken to develop and integrate solutions to identified problems, and the process of implementation planning and rebuilding in a live ICU.ResultsTwo innovative ICU bedspaces were rebuilt and implemented. They feature solutions to address all identified problems, including noise reduction, optimisation of lighting, access to nature via digital solutions, and patient connectivity and engagement, with solutions developed from various specialty fields, including IT improvements, technological innovations, and design and architectural solutions. Early evaluation demonstrates an improved lighting and acoustic environment.ConclusionsOptimising the ICU bedspace environment and improving the lighting and acoustic environment is possible. The impact on patient outcomes needs to be evaluated.

ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN EXPERIENCE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE PHYSICAL SPECIALISTS CULTURE AND SPORTS IN PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

The article provides a comparative analysis of professional training of sports personnel, organizational conditions of their training and employment opportunities of graduates of sports educational institutions of Ukraine and Slovakia. It is revealed that the concept of «profession» is a type of occupation, work activity that requires a certain training; the main means of subsistence. Accordingly, vocational education provides a certain qualification, knowledge in a certain field of science and allows to work in a profession. It has been established that in Ukraine the training of junior bachelors of physical education and sports can be carried out on the basis of basic secondary education.Students are obliged to complete the educational program of specialized secondary education, corresponding to the field of knowledge and specialty, which is integrated with the educational and professional program of profile junior bachelor. In the professional training of Slovak institutions sports specializations are presented, which allow students to improve their motor and physical abilities, continue to build a sports career. Differences manifest themselves in the more professional orientation of educational programs of Ukrainian educational institutions, which allows graduates to obtain a diploma of thestate standard and to carry out full-fledged professional activity in positions: coach (by sport), instructor-methodologist in physical culture and health and sports and mass work, instructor in therapeutic physical culture, etc. The aim of the training in Slovak educational institutions is to improve physical and intellectual development and improve sports performance. The aim of the training is to improve the physical and intellectual development of the pupils; and to meet the requirements of secondary education; students complete secondary school and at the same time receive training to continue their studies in specialized higher education institutions. Only the most highly deserving representatives of the sports environment can qualify coach of the II category. We consider Ukrainian educational-professional programs more perspective and productive in training specialists of physical culture and sports.

Extreme Schedule Strategies for Blitz Projects: Lessons from Specialty Field Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As global crises such as COVID-19 become more frequent, many projects, which can be called blitz projects, will need to be completed extremely quickly in response. However, there remains a lack of theoretical support for their implementation as well as systematic strategies for managing their schedules. This article examines the responses to COVID-19 by three specialty field hospitals in China. Through reviews and cross-analysis of the influential factors and practices, and their effects on extreme schedule management, this article proposes a systematic strategic framework including the elements of mission, solution and innovation, organization and culture, communication, resources, dynamics, and adaptability.

Evaluation of the Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude Towards Orthodontic Treatment amongst Adult Population in Navi Mumbai: A Cross Sectional Questionnaire based Survey

Introduction: Knowledge about one’s oral health and hygiene is considered to be an essential prerequisite for health-related behaviour. A dentist’s understanding about patients’ awareness and knowledge would be helpful in guiding and assisting potential patients. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, awareness and also the attitude of adult population in Navi Mumbai towards Orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among adult population in Navi Mumbai in the month of April and May 2023. The questionnaire consisting of 17 questions was circulated amongst individuals, fitting the inclusion criteria, via social media and other online platforms. Results: This survey recorded a total of 490 responses. 53.2% of the respondents were females and 46.8% were males. Results showed that nearly 21.8% of the participants had undergone Orthodontic treatment, and all of these responses were eliminated from further consideration. Around &gt;26% of the individuals were unaware about Orthodontics as a field of speciality, indicating a general lack of awareness of the difference between a general dentist and an Orthodontist. Majority of the individuals i.e. 84.4% responded that recognition of BDS/MDS degree holds place in choosing a dentist for their dental treatment. 87% of the participants would like to get their treatment done by a specialist in the field. &gt;75% respondents were aware that certain habits cause malocclusion. When the participants were asked about which habits could cause malocclusion and were presented with certain options, about &gt;54% times the participants chose tongue thrusting and bruxism as the correct option. Most of the respondents were also aware about a few demerits of malocclusion. When respondents were asked in which case would they prefer to approach an Orthodontist, they answered crowded teeth, open bite and proclined teeth most of the times. &gt;80% of the times the ......

Skills for the aspiring surgeon in Australia: A needs assessment

Introduction: The increasing duration of time before the commencement of formal surgical education training (SET) in Australia has emphasised the need for pre-SET “aspiring” surgical trainees to develop greater competency in both generic and specialty-specific skills to fulfil these public hospital positions, however there is no formalised curriculum or guide. This paper investigates current inconsistencies in the training of Australian pre-SET aspiring surgical trainees and attempts to define which skills are required. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with pre-SET supervisors in general and specialty surgery fields at a large tertiary teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia, to assess expectations and competencies of pre-SET surgical trainees. A mixed-method analysis was used with inductive content analysis used for the rich interview data and quantitative analysis of 5-point Likert scale scores for the essential skills syllabus and eligibility requirements. Results: Eighteen interviews were conducted. Three major themes arose from inductive content analysis: participants perceived that pre-SET trainees met basic expectations, significant variability in skill level exists between trainees, and simulation was suggested as a potential solution to address gaps in training. Quantitative analysis of Likert scores suggests that trainee competency was inadequate (or not required) for several skills. For general surgery, trainee competency was deemed inadequate for proctoscopy, rigid sigmoidoscopy and appendicectomy. Conclusions: There is a critical need to clearly define the skills expected of pre-SET trainees and their role within the healthcare system. This study provides insights into the content of that skillset, which could be used to design relevant and useful training programs for pre-SET trainees. The value of simulation training was universally noted by participants. They believed that this could improve competency for pre-SET trainees in technical and non-technical skills.

Comparison Between Surgical Trainee Self-Assessment With Supervisor Scores in Technical and Nontechnical Skills to Identify Underperforming Trainees

This study aims to compare trainee self-assessment with supervisor assessment to identify differences in correlations of the demographic data and evaluate whether the instrument can be utilized to identify underperforming trainees. A novel instrument was designed based off the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons original 9 competencies utilizing the JDocs framework and covers 48-items across all surgical competencies. A multiple regression model using age, gender, postgraduate year, IMG status, and level of training as the variables was performed with backwards elimination, and pairwise comparisons made to identify the degree and direction of influence each variable contributed to trainee and supervisor ratings. Surgical trainees employed in tertiary centers within the Australian Capital Territory and South-East New South Wales health network in Australia. A total of 36 of 59 (61%) trainees responded. Two grossly incomplete responses were excluded from further analysis resulting in 34 completed self-assessments for analysis. There was a total of 68 supervisor assessments provided by 25 different nominated supervisors. Of these assessments, 67 were fully completed and one was partially complete. We identified that for both self-ratings and supervisor ratings, the most significant correlation is with the postgraduate year of the trainee, with correlation identified in 7 out of 9 competencies, although in different competency domains. International Medical Graduate status is associated in 2 of 9 self-ratings, and in 3 of 9 supervisor ratings. Underperforming trainees were able to be identified through supervisor assessment but not self-assessment. The supervisor assessment form was able to identify underperforming trainees. Our findings resonate with existing literature in other specialty fields, and surgical units that employ assessment forms should feel more confident in the interpretation of the data and provision of feedback to trainees.

Current Fundamental Competences - The Specifics of the Teaching Profession

Abstract The design, implementation and evaluation of the initial and continuous training programs for teaching staff are based on the competence approach model, as a way of defining and recognizing training results. Competences are defined as integrative sets of knowledge, skills, motivations and attitudes that mediate professional behaviour and guarantee expert action in specific fields and contexts of activity for the teaching profession. The main fields in which the competences corresponding to the teaching profession are defined and according to which the continuous training programs are designed, realized and evaluated, are: the specialty field, corresponding to the educational disciplines and the teaching position held by the teaching staff; the field of pedagogy and educational psychology; the field of didactics/specialized didactics; the field of educational management and school legislation; the field of information and communication techniques applied in teaching and learning processes, in institutional management and data management. The competence system on which this methodology is based takes over and adapts to the specifics of the teaching profession and to the requirements of Romanian pre-university education the categories and levels of competence with which the European Qualifications Framework and the National Qualifications Framework in higher education operate. The system operates with two fundamental categories of competences: professional competences: cognitive competences; functional-action skills; and transversal skills: role skills; to which the intercultural and interrelationship competence is added, the competence meant to ensure well-being and the competence to support the environment, according to what is stated by the OECD in the PISA Global Competence Framework, The European Sustainability Competence Framework, The Council of Europe Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Cultures. The pedagogic practice internship involves a set of activities of observation, analysis and support of lessons, all under the guidance of a pedagogic practice mentor. The research method used was the survey, the questionnaire instrument being used in order to interview the students of the “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Faculty of Letters and Arts and Faculty of Social and Human Sciences.