Educational Workshops Research Articles

Knowledge and Attitude Towards the Elderly Among Doctors and Medical Students: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

There is a continuous rise in the total number and percentage of elders globally, and as such, they are expected to utilize healthcare services more often. Therefore, this study aimed to determine doctors' and students' current knowledge and attitudes toward elders and compare those findings with other studies worldwide. The specific objectives of this study were to determine and compare the differences in attitudes between medical students and doctors regarding geriatrics. This comparison will focus on the following four key domains: social values, resource distribution, compassion, and medical care. Another objective was to assess the knowledge of medical students and doctors regarding geriatric topics. This assessment will help determine the necessity for interventions such as educational programs and workshops on geriatrics. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted by disseminating a Google Forms survey to medical students and doctors. The survey included the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Geriatrics Attitudes Scale and the UCLA Geriatrics Knowledge Test. Data was analyzed using SPSSversion 29.0.2.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). A total number of 126 medical students and 72 doctors filled out the survey. Both medical students and doctors demonstrated moderate scores on the attitudes scale, with overall average scores of 2.92 out of 5 and 2.93 out of 5, respectively. As for knowledge, medical students achieved an average score of 41%, while doctors attained an average score of 43%. This study provides significant insights regarding the knowledge and attitudes of students and doctors and attitudes towards geriatrics. The moderate attitudes score and poor knowledge score across both groups indicate the need for medical educators in Oman to further emphasize and teach about geriatrics in medical curricula.

Promoting healthful food purchases through in-store interventions: Empirical evidence from rural food deserts

Effective ways to promote healthful food intake in rural areas are understudied. The paper evaluated whether a two-component, in-store intervention designed to encourage healthy food purchases was associated with improved healthfulness scores of food items purchased by shoppers in rural food deserts. One component introduced a point-of-sales label that assigned a single numerical score to each food item facilitating direct comparisons of the product's nutrition with those of other products shelved around it. The other component was a one-day nutrition education workshop promoted within the store. Interventions took place in 2015 at two stores in rural counties in the U.S. Midwest. Four stores in similar communities were selected as the control group. We applied a difference-in-difference model to estimate changes in the healthfulness of food items purchased attributable to the intervention among shoppers at the treatment stores (n = 486) and control stores (n = 10,759) using store transaction data. Healthfulness of food items was measured in terms of food scores published by the Environmental Working Group on a 1–10 scale. Both components had minimal impacts on the scores, although 0.2 and 0.1 points increases in the score per item and score per dollar were statistically significant at the 1% level respectively. A year after the intervention, these small effects of the intervention further diminished compared to the immediately after implementation. Results suggest the average effects of intervention across the study communities had limited practical significance but benefited some rural residents who were exposed to the intervention.

Wildlife Preservation and Public Enlightenment: An In-Depth Analysis of Kanpur Zoological Park's Contribution to Conservation and Education

Sprawling over 76.56 hectares, the Kanpur Zoological Park (KZP) is the largest open green space in Kanpur and the largest zoological park in North India. Housing over 1,400 animals representing nearly 125 species, KZP serves as a crucial sanctuary for endangered wildlife. Notably, they participate in breeding programs for critically endangered species like the white tiger (with a captive population of 3 at KZP) and the Himalayan black bear (currently housing 5 individuals). KZP's rehabilitation efforts have successfully released 23 Indian pangolins back into their natural habitat since 2010, contributing directly to the conservation of this threatened species.In the realm of education, KZP offers a diverse range of programs, reaching over 800,000 students annually. These programs include interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational workshops, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation for biodiversity. However, challenges remain, including ensuring the ethical welfare of animals in captivity and measuring the long-term impact of educational programs on visitor behavior.By embracing new technologies, fostering collaboration with other organisations, and prioritising ethical practices, KZP has the potential to significantly improve its impact. This can include initiatives like utilising VR technology to enhance visitor engagement with animal habitats (studies suggest VR experiences can increase knowledge retention by up to 20%) and developing standardised assessment methods to measure the effectiveness of educational programs. By addressing these challenges and leveraging its strengths as a prominent green space and conservation centre, KZP can become a leading force in inspiring future generations to become stewards of the environment.

Nurses' motivation for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a cross-sectional study.

Nurse motivation can have a significant impact on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the patients' survival. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine nurses' motivation for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This cross-sectional study focused on 217 nurses in a teaching hospital in Iran, in 2023. A random sample of nurses was selected from four hospital departments (emergency, critical care, medical, and surgery). These nurses completed the demographic information and motivation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Spearman coefficients, and Kruskal-Wallis and multiple linear regression tests. The mean score of the dimension of the feeling of achievement (4.10 ± 0.50) was high in the nurses' motivation for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There were more motivational factors in the emergency department compared to the other departments in terms of the feeling of achievement, high chance of success, low chances of success, recognition and appreciation, perceived importance, and beliefs (p < 0.05). The nurses who had participated in cardiopulmonary resuscitation workshops and had a bachelor's degree had a higher mean score in the dimension of perceived importance (p < 0.05). The correlation coefficient showed that there was a significant negative correlation between the nurses' frequency of participation in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and their motivation scores in the dimensions of the feeling of achievement(r=-0.170), low chances of success(r=-0.183), perceived importance (r = -0.302), and beliefs (r = -0.250; p < 0.05). The department variable predicted the motivation score in the dimensions of feeling of achievement, high chance of success, low chance of success, perceived importance, and beliefs. The sex variable predicted the motivation score in the dimensions of facilitator of resuscitation and high chance of success. Besides, the variable of years of membership in the CPR team predicted the motivation score in the feeling of achievement and high chance of success (p < 0.05). Nurses would be more motivated to perform a quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation if they had a feeling of success. The nurses' motivation was affected by certain factors such as their department, sex, education level, years of membership in CPR team, number of participation in CPR, and participation in educational workshops.

Pediatricians’ Awareness and Knowledge of Young Children’s Oral Health: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Most childhood oral diseases can be prevented, and the indispensable role of pediatricians in childcare uniquely positions them to champion standard oral and dental healthcare for children. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of pediatricians regarding early childhood caries (ECC), oral health, and the treatment needs of their young patients. Subject &amp; Methods: A total of 449 pediatricians were randomly shared in an online self-reported cross-sectional survey which covered personal details, their approach to pediatric dentistry, and their knowledge of oral health. Results: Importantly, 67.9% of surveyed pediatricians recognized the significance of pediatric dentistry, and 88.9% reported conducting regular oral examinations. However, only 22.3% demonstrated familiarity with ECC, and a mere 5.6% acknowledged the cariogenic nature of medicated syrups. All pediatricians who participated in this study did not advise bottle feeding, nearly 91.75% of the pediatricians could relate the importance of breastfeeding and oral health, 60.1% of pediatricians reported that health education should be given to mothers about nursing caries starting early in life. Conclusion: The study highlights a notable deficiency in the surveyed pediatricians' knowledge concerning ECC, oral health, and the dental treatment needs of children. The identified knowledge gaps emphasize the imperative for pediatricians to enhance their understanding by staying current with recent recommendations. Continuous education initiatives, workshops, or other professional development avenues are essential for pediatricians to address these deficiencies effectively, enabling them to contribute significantly to the standardization of oral and dental healthcare for children and ultimately promoting improved overall health outcomes.

Improving the Quality and Completeness of Discharge Summaries at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan: A Quality Improvement Project.

Introduction Discharge summaries (DS) allow continued patient care after being discharged from the hospital. Only a few quality improvement projects (QIPs) focused on assessing and improving the quality and completeness of DS at tertiary care hospitals have been undertaken in Pakistan. This QIPaimed to evaluate and enhance the quality and completeness of DS at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan to facilitate seamless healthcare transitions. Methods A QIP was conducted in the medical unit of a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The DS were assessed using the e-discharge summary self-assessment checklist devised by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). This QIP was done by the plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycle. The PDSA cycle comprised two audit cycles and an intervention in between them. The first audit cycle (AC) was conducted on 150 DS. Its duration was from March 2023 to June 2023. An educational workshop was conducted before the re-audit cycle (RAC) to address deficiencies and reinforce the implementation of the guidelines provided by the RCP. The RAC was conductedfrom June 2023 to August 2023. 100 DS were studied and analyzed to assess for improvement in the completeness of DS. Frequencies and percentages were calculated in each audit cycle. The Chi-squared test was applied to compare the statistical difference between the results of both audit cycles. Results A total of 150 DS were analyzed in the first AC and 100 DS in the RAC. The results of the first AC show that the details of any allergies were recorded only in 3% of the DS; this percentage significantly improved to 51% after the RAC (p-value <0.05). Relevant past medical history was included in 52% and 88% of the DS during the first AC and RAC, respectively (p-value <0.05). Secondary diagnoses were written in 54% and 71% of the DS during the firstAC and RAC, respectively (p-value <0.05). Details of relevant investigations were included in 60% and 88% of the DS during the first AC and RAC, respectively (p-value <0.05). The post-discharge management plan was written in 90% and 98% of the DS during the first AC and RAC, respectively (p-value <0.05).The follow-up plan was written clearly in 65% and 93% of the DS during the first AC and RAC, respectively (p-value <0.05). Conclusion The DS was found to be incomplete after analyzing the results of the first AC. The details related to allergies, medications, operations, and procedures were found to be missing in the majority of the cases. No mention of the patient's concerns or expectations was made in the DS. The results of the RAC showed improvement in the level of completeness of DS. The majority of the weak points observed after the first AC seemed to haveimproved after the RAC, which shows that intervention proved to be quite effective in improving the completeness and quality of DS. The RAC showed significant improvement in the completeness of the details relating toinvestigations, allergies, past medical history, secondary diagnoses, and the post-discharge follow-up plan. QIP must be routinely carried out to assess and improve the completeness and quality of DS at hospitals.

Effectiveness of the Pasifika Women's Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP): Protocol for a Pilot Intervention and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

Type 2 diabetes poses public health challenges for Māori and Pasifika communities in Australia. The women of these communities face a greater burden from type 2 diabetes-related mortality and comorbidities. Lifestyle modification behaviors through previous women's wellness programs have been shown to reduce the risk of developing complications in established type 2 diabetes. The Pasifika Women's Diabetes Wellness Program (PWDWP) pilot study, co-designed with Māori and Pasifika communities, was aimed at addressing late hospital presentations from diabetes-related complications. This study (1) examines the efficacy of women with type 2 diabetes in the intervention group for improved glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) clinical levels and diabetes self-management compared with the control group from baseline (T0) to week 12 (T1) and week 24 (T2; postintervention) and (2) assesses the cultural adaptability, acceptability, and feasibility of the pilot intervention for future studies. This study uses a quasiexperimental design that involves a 24-week intervention. We recruited 50 Māori and Pasifika women with type 2 diabetes (25 in the intervention group from the south side of Brisbane and 25 in the control group from the north side of Brisbane) using participatory talanoa methodologies. The intervention group participated in face-to-face and virtual whānau education workshops (5 weeks) and had access to individual coaching and virtual support delivered by trained Māori and Pasifika health professionals and community health workers. The control group received usual care with their identified health provider. Both groups received copies of the PWDWP journal, fact sheets, and a health check passbook with tailored motivational text messages. An advisory committee was set up to oversee the program implementation, including protocols of engagement, health checks, and data collection in community settings. The quantitative data were collected at T0, T1, and T2 with HbA1c as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes measured changes in diabetes self-care and body composition (eg, BMI, waist circumference). Qualitative data will ascertain the program's feasibility and cultural adaptability using talanoa focus groups. This pilot study was approved by the Queensland University of Technology Human Ethic Research Committee (5609) and began in January 2023 after participant recruitment between July 2022 and December 2022. The final data collection including the health check, focus group, and survey data was completed in November 2023, and data analysis and reporting are expected to conclude in 2024. This study provides a blueprint for PWDWP. Collaborative partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders are crucial for program success and suggest a potential model for targeting diabetes management for Māori and Pasifika communities, emphasizing the need for culturally relevant interventions. The findings will have significant implications for policymakers and practitioners when developing and implementing public health initiatives, particularly for communities with unique cultural nuances. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622001100785p; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=384470&isReview=true. DERR1-10.2196/55435.

Acceptance of chronic pain in veterans with PTSD based on post-traumatic growth and pain catastrophizing: The mediating role of mindfulness

ObjectiveAcceptance of chronic pain is one factor affecting veterans' quality of life. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between chronic pain acceptance of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, post-traumatic growth, and pain catastrophizing. MethodsIn this descriptive research, 250 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, who were admitted and treated at the Isar Psychiatric Hospital in Ardabil, Iran in 2022, were selected and investigated as a targeted sample. To collect data, the chronic pain acceptance questionnaire (McCracken et al., 2004), the post-traumatic growth questionnaire (Tedeschi and Kallon, 1996), the pain catastrophizing questionnaire (Sullivan et al., 1995), and the mindfulness questionnaire (Brown and Ryan, 2003) were taken advantage of. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. ResultsThe results confirmed the causal relationship between post-traumatic growth, pain catastrophizing, mindfulness, and acceptance of chronic pain in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder based on various fit indices. Posttraumatic growth, pain catastrophizing, and mindfulness had a direct effect on the acceptance of chronic pain in veterans with PTSD. Also, post-traumatic growth and pain catastrophizing through mindfulness indirectly affected the acceptance of chronic pain in veterans with traumatic stress disorder (P < 0.05). ConclusionIt is suggested to hold educational workshops to reduce the catastrophizing effect of pain and increase post-injury growth, and mindfulness and inform veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder about the effects of accepting chronic pain on their quality of life.

THE TEACHERS’ SENTIMENTS OF WORKSHOPS ON INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AS A STRATEGY FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL SCHOOLS OF LIMPOPO PROVINCE

The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ sentiments regarding the use of workshops as a strategy for professional development regarding effective implementation of inclusive education in rural schools. The study followed a qualitative research approach in which a case study design was applied. Eight teachers who attended inclusive education workshops were purposively selected from four primary schools in Lebopo Circuit. Data was collected through semistructured interviews. The data was analysed thematically. Bernstein’s pedagogic discourse was used as the theoretical lens to explore the way in which the Department of Education conducts workshops or teacher-training to provide teachers with pedagogical knowledge and skills to ensure quality implementation of inclusive education in the circuit under the study. The study found the following: workshops or teacher-training do not achieve the desired purpose of equipping teachers with pedagogic knowledge and skills to ensure quality inclusive education. Furthermore, the study showed that the facilitators lack confidence during workshops or teacher-training, which raises the question of whether they have adequate knowledge and skills of inclusive education or not. The study also found that the time allocated for workshops is inconvenient and insufficient. Thus, the study concluded that the use of the cascade model should be reviewed as it limits the time for training and workshops. The study recommended that the Department of Education should consider having few members of the School-Based Support Teams for in-service training (SBSTs in-service Training) and also to conduct workshops or teacher training at the beginning of the year. This will bring about quality in the implementation of inclusive education and also foster enabling school environments.

Chalk Talks for the Clinical Setting: Evaluation of a Medical Education Workshop for Fellows.

Chalk talks are effective teaching tools in the clinical setting. However, data on optimal strategies for teaching medical educators how to develop and deliver them are limited. We designed and implemented two 50-minute workshops to help subspecialty fellows across GME create and deliver a chalk talk. The first workshop comprised a demonstration of an effective chalk talk and a discussion of best practices for creating chalk talks; the second was a practice session where fellows presented their chalk talks and received feedback from faculty and peers. We evaluated pre- and postworkshop confidence in the ability to create and deliver a chalk talk and develop learning objectives. Secondary outcomes were faculty and peer evaluations of the chalk talks. Eighteen of 33 participants (54% response rate) completed both pre- and postsession surveys. Fellows reported improved confidence in their ability to create a chalk talk (22% vs. 83%, p < .001), deliver a chalk talk (17% vs. 83%, p < .001), and develop well-written learning objectives (11% vs. 83%, p < .001). After the workshop, participants were more likely to correctly identify a chalk talk that made use of an advanced organizer (67% vs. 89%, p < .05). Thirty-eight faculty and peers completed feedback evaluations of participants' chalk talks; most rated fellows' chalk talks highly in domains of content, delivery, design, learning objectives, and engagement. The incorporation of these workshop within a course on medical education can effectively develop clinical teaching skills among subspecialty fellows in GME.

Interprofessional education in antimicrobial stewardship, a collaborative effort.

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) education and interprofessional collaboration are integral to the success of a stewardship programme. An interactive interprofessional AMS workshop, designed to encourage workplace interprofessional collaboration was piloted in a tertiary hospital. To obtain feedback to determine the suitability and sustainability of the AMS workshop. Feedback was elicited through a predesigned questionnaire containing both open-ended and closed questions on the content and structure of the workshop. The survey had a 70% (n = 16) overall response rate. All participants agreed that the goals of the workshop were met and that the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop would help them in their AMS roles. All participants indicated that the workshop content, and the level at which it was pitched, met their expectations and that it had improved their knowledge and skills. All agreed that they found it advantageous and enjoyed learning as an interprofessional group. Open feedback showed that the workshop was found to be useful and would potentially result in improved patient care, dissemination of knowledge, improved teamwork and organizational culture. The positive feedback and changes made following the workshop demonstrated that a targeted AMS educational workshop adds value to an antimicrobial stewardship programme.

Integrating Cardiovascular Engineering and Biofluid Mechanics in High School Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education: An Experiential Approach.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education workshops and programs play a key role in promoting early exposure to scientific applications and questions. Such early engagement leads to growing not only passion and interest in science, but it also leads to skill development through hands-on learning and critical thinking activities. Integrating physiology and engineering together is necessary especially to promote health technology awareness and introduce the young generation to areas where innovation is needed and where there is no separation between health-related matters and engineering methods and applications. To achieve this, we created a workshop aimed at K-12 (grades 9-11) students as part of the Summer Youth Programs at Michigan Technological University. The aim of this workshop was to expose students to how engineering concepts and methods translate into health- and medicine-related applications and cases. The program consisted of a total of 15 h and was divided into three sections over a period of 2 weeks. It involved a combination of theoretical and hands-on guided activities that we developed. At the end of the workshop, the students were provided a lesson or activity-specific assessment sheet and a whole workshop-specific assessment sheet to complete. They rated the programs along a 1-5 Likert scale and provided comments and feedback on what can be improved in the future. Students rated hands-on activities the highest in comparison with case studies and individual independent research. Conclusively, this STEM summer-youth program was a successful experience with many opportunities that will contribute to the continued improvement of the workshop in the future.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Pediatric Primary Care Physician Training for Anxiety Screening and Evidence-based Intervention.

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent psychological conditions in the pediatric population, and its associated impairments often persist into adulthood. Pediatricians are in a unique position to screen, briefly intervene, and facilitate treatment to prevent long-term impacts. However, they often do not have adequate training to do so. The current study addressed this gap by providing a brief online educational workshop aimed to promote: (1) screening for anxiety and (2) follow-up with appropriate evidence-based interventions. Fifty-three providers participated, and 38 completed surveys pre- and post-training. Findings indicate acceptability of the training to providers, improved knowledge related to anxiety, and increased readiness to manage anxiety during a medical visit. This study supports the utility of a brief, online training on screening and provision of evidence-based treatment for anxiety in pediatric primary care.

Frailty Syndrome in Rural Communities: A Narrative Review and Interviews With Rural Individuals.

Background With the global increase in aging populations, frailty syndrome, characterized by decreased strength, endurance, and physiological function, has become a critical issue. This study focuses on rural Japanese communities, where the prevalence of frailty syndrome can be notably high due to factors such as multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and a significant population of elderly individuals. This research addresses the gap in understanding frailty's manifestations and impacts in rural settings, considering unique challenges such as social isolation, limited healthcare access, and the broader social determinants of health. Methodology The study employs a narrative review with PubMed and a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 21 elderly community workers in Unnan City. The analysis used the framework of frailty syndrome affected by physiological, social, psychological, and economic factors. The analysis focused on identifying themes related to the social determinants of health affecting frailty and potential solutions. Results The following five themes emerged from the analysis: Aging, Rural Contexts, Isolation, Lack of Knowledge of Frailty Syndrome, and Lack of Help-Seeking Behavior for Frailty Syndrome. Four solution-oriented themes were identified, namely, Public Dialogue and Educational Workshops, Frailty Syndrome Health Meetings, Social Engagement Activities, and Political Advocacy for Accessibility to Community Centers. These findings highlight the critical role of community engagement, education, and infrastructure improvements in addressing frailty syndrome in rural areas. Conclusions This study underscores the complexity of frailty syndrome in rural Japanese communities, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by these populations. By fostering public dialogue, improving healthcare access, and enhancing social support, it is possible to mitigate the impacts of frailty syndrome and improve the quality of life for elderly residents in rural settings. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of frailty in aging societies and the importance of considering social determinants of health in developing effective solutions.

Escuchar a los migrantes y sus familias. Experiencias desde el Programa Binacional de Educación Migrante

The text explores a series of reflections on the practice of listening within working groups with migrant communities within the framework of the Binational Migrant Education Program. Through educational workshops, there was an opportunity to work with migrant families on various topics such as health, coexistence, or recommendations for school learning. The author suggests some strategies and thematic axes prioritizing communication and mutual understanding. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of making visible the role of girls, boys, and adolescents in the migration process in order to understand their needs and dreams.

Improving HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer Knowledge and HPV Vaccination Rates via Virtual Workshops.

To validate the efficacy of a virtual, interdisciplinary workshop in improving HPV knowledge, and vaccination practices among primary care and dental trainees. A virtual platform was utilized to hold HPV educational workshops with primary care and dental trainees. Online surveys were distributed before and after the 1-h interactive workshop, led by otolaryngology residents. Surveys included the workshop's impact on (a) improving knowledge of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and (b) affecting change in HPV vaccination practices. The vaccination rates of trainees were recorded prior to and after workshop attendance. After the workshop, participants demonstrated significantly improved scores related to knowledge of HPV in the head and neck (p = 0.003) and showed an increased comfort level with counseling on HPV vaccination (p = 0.002). Respondents were also more aware that the HPV vaccine is approved to prevent OPSCC (61% vs. 95%, p < 0.05). Ninety-seven percent of respondents stated that the workshop changed their HPV vaccination practices, and 95% of those not fully vaccinated stated they would now be more likely to receive the vaccine themselves. There was a significant increase in the average number of HPV vaccines administered at the studied trainee clinic, from 16.83 vaccines/month to 37.6 vaccines/month (percent increase = 123%) in 5 months following the workshop (p = 0.002). The present interactive virtual workshop demonstrates efficacy in improving HPV-related knowledge and vaccination practices among trainees. The virtual nature of the course facilitates knowledge transfer and can be used to foster multi-institutional partnerships regarding medical education and vaccination efforts. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:3096-3101, 2024.

Using a coproduced educational workshop to change the focus of verbal instructions delivered by professional youth soccer coaches: a case study

ABSTRACT Background The predominant instructional method utilised by soccer coaches are verbal instructions that occur whilst (during) players are executing soccer-skill. However, little is known on the specificity of the information contained within. These verbal instructions can guide the learner to either the performance characteristics of a movement (internal focus) or the intended movement effects (external), with the latter known to facilitate superior motor performance, retention, and transfer. Purpose The aims in the present study were to quantify the focus of concurrent verbal instructions utilised by professional youth soccer coaches during drill-based (i.e. isolated) practice activities, and to modulate how these instructions are delivered in coaching sessions following the engagement in a coproduced evidence-based educational workshop. Method Systematic observation was used pre and post the workshop to quantify the nature of verbal instructions delivered by 5 male coaches (31–47 years of age with 4–24 years of coaching experience) across 34 sessions with players from 8 to 13 years of age. For instructions provided during (concurrent) action-execution, we further quantified whether these instructions were focused on motor performance characteristics (internal) or the intended movement outcome effects (external) using criteria outlined in the revised Arizona State University Observation Instrument. To facilitate behaviour change, all coaches engaged in an educational workshop led by skill acquisition specialists (SAS). The workshop was designed so that educational material related to the principles of skill acquisition, and motor control and learning, were presented using a pedagogical delivery method containing verbal information, data presented in illustrations, and videos. In addition, the results that quantified coaching behaviour during the pre-workshop systematic observation period were presented to coaches as quantitative feedback. To guide the coaches to appraise the quantitative feedback in relation to the delivered educational material, the SAS built an educational environment that encouraged discussion opportunities for coaches to compare and appraise feedback with other coaches and process the feedback in relation to data and concepts regarding skill acquisition. Results and findings The pre-workshop systematic observation data indicated that coaches delivered significantly more (64%) verbal instructions whilst (concurrently) players were executing motor skills, compared to before (15%) or after (21%). Within concurrent feedback, coaches used instructions that had a more internal, compared to external focus of attention. Post-workshop data indicated the coaches significantly changed the utilisation of instructions using a greater proportion of external focus. The data confirms coaches deliver a greater proportion of concurrent verbal instructions during coaching sessions focused training drill-based activities, but engaging in an educational workshop coaches modulated the focus of these instructions from internal to external, indicating behaviour change and an opportunity to facilitate skill acquisition in soccer academy players.

Shades of green: Exploring the fascinating landscape of consumer behavior towards eco-friendly cosmetics in Pakistan

Green cosmetics made from organic ingredients are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmentally friendly nature. However, research on consumer behavior towards green cosmetics is rare, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Previous studies have primarily focused on female consumers, and little is known about the behavior of male consumers. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the behavior of both male and female consumers towards green cosmetic products and analyze the factors that affect their purchase behavior. This study employs a quantitative approach with deductive reasoning and collects data through a questionnaire from major cities in Pakistan. The study finds that eco-awareness, social influence, price-quality instructions, health consciousness, and the need for uniqueness significantly influence consumer purchase behavior when buying green cosmetics. Interestingly, price sensitivity does not significantly affect consumer purchase behavior as consumers are willing to pay for high-quality green cosmetics. Based on the findings, the study recommends promoting eco-awareness and health consciousness among consumers through educational campaigns and workshops launched by the government and the private sector. Future research can explore factors such as age, gender, and specific generations like millennials and Generation Z, as well as packaging, branding, and product design to promote environmentally friendly and health-conscious products. Additionally, comparative studies between countries can identify universal and region-specific factors, and examining the overall impact of green cosmetic products on the environment can highlight areas for improvement in sustainability.

Contrasting stances at the crossroads of debugging learning opportunities.

Moments of failure during learning present a wide range of opportunities for growth. However, experimental research and meta reviews focused on failure and learning tend to target singular valued learning processes, such as efficient fixes or transfer of conceptual understanding. These analytical decisions conflict with research documenting that teachers and students pursue heterogeneous learning processes following impasses, including preparing to curb recurring problems and preparing for novel impasses. This work focuses on weekend and summer computer science education workshops for middle school students (roughly ages 10-14) in a large city in the United States. Drawing on discursive psychology, interaction analysis and portraiture, we examine the selection and prioritization of five valued learning processes in naturalistic discourse around impasses, especially when students and teachers disagree with one another. In three case studies, our approach blends detailed analyses of conversations with longitudinal portraits of students across a year invested in learning coding. We document how moments of failure not only create openings for numerous learning opportunities, but also occasion argumentation between students and instructors about which valued learning process they view as worthy of prioritizing and pursuing in the moment, including their rationale for foregrounding a particular process. We argue that this work throws light on an under-examined, yet central tension around which goals and supports - and whose perspective on those goals and supports - to foreground in research and teaching that pursue productive learning from moments of failure.

Giving voice to the voiceless: Understanding the perceived needs of dementia family carers in Soweto, a South African township.

This qualitative study aimed to provide family caregivers with an independent platform to reflect on and identify their needs in the role of dementia caregiver. Thirty caregivers were interviewed using a semi-structured approach, and data analysis followed a reflective thematic analysis method. The study revealed that Black African caregivers in townships require sufficient information and orientation to dementia-specific services, psychoeducation on dementia as a disease and its behavioural manifestations, as well as practical skills to manage the disease process. Caregivers expressed the need for in-depth, accessible education to boost their confidence and resilience in handling the challenges of dementia caregiving. They also proposed community initiatives to raise awareness, promote knowledge, and facilitate early detection and diagnosis of dementia. Additional needs included informational and educational workshops, resources like transportation services and helplines, day care facilities, media campaigns, and collaboration with the government for funding and policy change. New caregivers were advised to seek comprehensive education, support, and services while preserving the dignity of their family members with dementia. Remarkably, the identified needs and community initiatives aligned with the priority areas outlined by ADI for a National Dementia Plan, which South Africa currently lacks. The study highlights the importance of developing a National Dementia Plan in South Africa through collaboration among stakeholders, including communities, policy-makers, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams, while ensuring that individuals and families affected by dementia have a voice.