Specialist Training Research Articles

A nationwide survey of dysphagia as a complication of deep neck infection with abscess in Japan.

Deep neck infection with abscess (DNI) may cause dysphagia as a late complication. This study aimed to determine the rate of DNI related dysphagia (DNIRD) and the effectiveness of rehabilitation and surgery for DNIRD. As a multicenter retrospective study, we conducted a nationwide survey by sending questionnaires to specialist training institutions certified by the Japan Broncho-esophagological Society (JBES). The questionnaire was sent to 227 facilities. This survey targeted patients with DNI aged 20 years or older who were hospitalized after April 1, 2011 and discharged by March 31, 2021. Of the 1058 cases of DNI included in this study, DNIRD was observed in 161 of 1058 patients (15.2 %). Of the 1058 cases of DNI, 139 cases showed descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) (13.1 %), and DNIRD was observed in 64 of the DNM cases (46 %). DNIRD cases tended to be older (71 ± 13.5 vs. 64 ± 17.7 years old, p < 0.001), have a higher tracheostomy rate (91.3 % vs. 43.7 %, p < 0.0001), and have a longer hospital stay (51 ± 34.7 vs. 17 ± 15.4 days, p < 0.0001) than non-DNIRD cases. There were 125 cases in which only rehabilitation was performed, 8 cases in which surgery was performed to improve swallowing function, and 28 cases in which the natural course was observed. The improvement rates of DNIRD in the natural history group, rehabilitation group, and surgery group were 78.6 %, 91.8 %, and 100 %, respectively, and the rehabilitation group tended to improve more than the natural course group (p = 0.08). This nationwide survey revealed that 15.2 % of patients with DNI resulted in DNIRD and that 46 % of descending necrotizing mediastinitis patients developed DNIRD. Rehabilitation for DNIRD is generally useful, and that additional surgical treatment can improve outcomes for DNIRD patients where rehabilitation alone is not effective.

Nationwide evaluation of medical training in psychiatry and psychotherapy in Germany

To date there has been no evaluation of further training and working conditions in medical specialist training in psychiatry and psychotherapy in Germany. In order to counteract the lack of young talent and ensure long-term care for patients, quality assurance is essential. The evaluation aims to identify strengths and weaknesses of the further training and to derive measures for improvement. For abetter classification, acomparison is also made with other disciplines with medical specialist further training. The online-based survey took place from 15 May 2023 to 30 June 2023. The results refer to 315 questionnaires from 202 physicians in further training and 113 medical specialists (specialist title for less than 3 years). Of those surveyed 64% were satisfied with the quality and implementation of the general psychiatry part, only 11% were considering changing their specialty and 18% were considering moving their job abroad due to the training conditions. There is aneed for improvement in induction and in the organization of the training. In addition, significant time and financial burdens for mandatory external training events as well as the lack of compatibility between training and research, teaching and care work responsibilities were criticized. Overall, it appears that the working conditions are better than in other disciplines. With respect to the potential for improvement, the creation of financing for further training is essential; certificates for high quality training and the publication of positive examples can also contribute to quality assurance and improvement.

AI and machine learning for detection and management of delirium in care home residents

Background Presently, diagnosing delirium in older people is a challenge. Diagnostic support tools such as the Confusion Assessment Method and 4AT provide structure but require specialist training, resources, and implementation support, while some subjectivity persists in diagnosis. This is particularly the case in people who live with dementia who often experience rapid fluctuation in cognitive abilities and behaviours. This leads to variation in diagnosis between settings and care providers, with consequent harmful impact on those experiencing delirium. These challenges become greater in care homes where dementia is prevalent, daily fluctuation is the norm and where the majority of staff are not trained healthcare professionals. Summary Here we outline the potential for AI-based Human Activity Recognition (HAR) approaches to identify and flag deviations from normal behaviour that may be precursors of a delirium state, enabling earlier detection and management, and better outcomes. We outline how Statistical Process Control (SPC) approaches could form the basis of diagnostic algorithms and the steps required to test the feasibility of this approach in the care home setting. Key Messages Delirium detection and diagnosis, difficult in any setting, is more difficult in care homes because of resident, staff and organisational factors. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and human activity recognition have potential to make diagnosis more reliable because of their ability to recognise changes from normal patterns of behaviour at an individual level.

Assessing Concordance in Post-operative Knee Implant Position Analysis Between Automated Image Analysis Algorithm and Human Radiologists

Aim The authors have developed an automated algorithm-based technique to identify implant position based on post-operative CT scans for total knee arthroplasty. To analyse the performance of this algorithm we compared the implant orientation against two trained radiologists. This was an exploratory secondary analysis from CT scans collected as part of an RCT. Methods To assess this algorithm we used Bayesian hierarchical modeling, which has the unique benefits of being able to accept the null hypothesis and allow interpretation of concordance between the radiologists and our algorithm. Results Results show this automated algorithm is effective for deriving post-operative implant locations from CT scans. Lack of concordance in certain parameters are likely driven by the challenges associated with locating certain implant landmarks due to the geometry of the components. Such limitations will not impact the accuracy of our automated algorithm. With the increase in 3D pre-surgical planning and robotic assistance, these techniques can be used in future studies, such as assessing implant alignment philosophies. Conclusion Overall, this automated algorithmic approach for locating post-operative implant position provides good accuracy, valuable insights in surgical execution and saves resources by reducing the time demands on trained medical specialists.

A Survey of the Congenital Glaucoma Surgery Practice Patterns in the Indian Pediatric Glaucoma Society

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the practice patterns among the Indian Pediatric Glaucoma Society (IPGS) members in the management of children with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). Methods An anonymous 74-question survey was administered online via Qualtrics (Qualtrics, Provo, Utah, USA) using a link sent by email to the 88 IPGS members. The questionnaire comprised five sections and was designed to gather information regarding respondent demographics and specialty training, clinic composition and volume, surgical practices and preferences, follow-up practices, and additional services. The survey was closed after 10 weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Results The response rate was 82%. Of the 71 respondents, 49 (69%) reported possessing glaucoma fellowship training that included specialist training in pediatric glaucoma. By comparison, 8 respondents (11%) reported possessing pediatric ophthalmology fellowship training that included specialist training in pediatric glaucoma, and this difference was statistically significant (69% vs. 11%; χ2 = 47.37; p < .0001). The majority of the respondents were in ophthalmic institution-based practice (83%) and were located in South India (58%). In cases of hazy cornea, the most common surgery (95%) performed was combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy while goniotomy was most preferred (49%) in cases of clear cornea. Approximately, one-half of the respondents (56%) preferred to operate on each eye in separate sessions, whereas 46% preferred to operate on both eyes in the same session. One-half of the respondents (51%) preferred to use mitomycin-C in primary surgery. The most common challenges in providing care were patient-related, including delayed presentation, high travel costs, and low socioeconomic status. Conclusions Although a substantial consensus was found in most areas of management, a few areas, for example, use of MMC in primary surgery, showed diversity. The information gathered will enable glaucomatologists to compare their practices with those of their colleagues. In addition, this survey provides a baseline, allowing future trends in management to be determined.

Peculiarities of the use of crossfit in the physical training of cadets of Ukrainian higher educational institutions

Military personnel in combat operations constantly perform tasks in extreme conditions and with great danger to their lives. The main goal in the professional training of specialists of all military specialties is their readiness for combat operations, which will give the opportunity to save the lives of servicemen as much as possible. The most effective acquisition of professional skills by military personnel takes place during their training in higher military educational institutions. It is always necessary to improve the physical training of military personnel of various components of the defense of Ukraine by searching for new and effective directions of its organization, especially for cadets. Scientists believe that one of the effective and popular types of training that combines different types of loads and supports the level of functional condition of military personnel is crossfit, which has gained popularity all over the world, especially among young people. The article analyzes the peculiarities of conducting physical training for cadets of VVNIZ of various components of the defense of Ukraine using crossfit means and methods. The relevance of crossfit as a new training system in which the main physical qualities are developed: strength, agility, endurance, speed, coordination has been proven. In order to improve the professional training of cadets, the need to add it to the physical training program was studied. Analyzing the above, one can see the need to improve the physical fitness of specialists of all military specialties for military-professional activities using crossfit exercises and methods.

Psychophysiological reserves of the body as a basis for the formation of educational adaptation of higher education students

The article confirms the importance of studying the issue of forming the educational adaptation of students. It is shown that the functional indicators of the cardiovascular (adaptive potential of blood circulation) and nervous (level of situational and personal anxiety) systems are diagnostic markers of students' adaptation to the educational process. The assessment of psychophysiological reserves of the student’s organism (40 full-time students) was conducted on the basis of the Mykhailo Dragomanov Ukrainian State University. The anxiety level was carried out using the test of Ch.D. Spielberger - Yu.L. Khanin. The assessment of compensatory and adaptive mechanisms was carried out using the calculated criterion of the adaptive potential of the circulatory system (AP) proposed by R.M. Baievskyi. It is found that most first- and second-year students have a high level of anxiety, especially during the examination period, which is due to academic stress exacerbated by military events. Instead, the average group level of students' adaptive potential is satisfactory, characterized by sufficient functional capabilities of the body. The results of the study have identified the need for regular monitoring of the functional state of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems of first- and second-year students. It has been established that pedagogical measures aimed at improving the effectiveness of educational adaptation should include rationally organized physical activity. The importance of including the educational component “Physical Education” in the curriculum of training specialists regardless of specialty for 1st and 2nd year students in order to increase the functional capabilities of the body, prevent the development of chronic psycho-emotional stress, especially in martial law conditions, is substantiated.

Methodological Aspects of Ensuring the Formation of Professional Competencies of Applicants for Higher Medical Education in Physical Therapy and Ergotherapy in the Context of the Implementation of Technologies of Health and Recreational Motor Activity

In his article authors highlight the results of scientific research on the state of health of the population of Ukraine and the ever-growing number of people with disabilities as a result of domestic, industrial, sports injuries and injuries caused by the aggressor country, as well as complications after various diseases; indicate the urgent need to train specialists in physical therapy and ergotherapy who are able to provide highly qualified assistance in order to eliminate or maximize the possible restoration of impaired human functions and systems; emphasize the priority of improving the physical training of applicants for higher medical education by means of health and recreational technologies of motor activity.

P0371 Building a Robust Artificial Intelligence Solution for Use in Ulcerative Colitis Clinical Trials

Abstract Background Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to assess Ulcerative Colitis (UC) disease activity in clinical trials, with the goal of matching or exceeding expert performance in a reproducible manner. Certai has been created from previous AI work as a model that conforms to the new definitions within the Modified Mayo Endoscopic Score criteria. Methods Using the self-supervised DINOv2 method, Certai was pre-trained on 845 colonoscopic procedures and then refined with annotations from the proprietary Software for Intelligent Annotation (SIA) platform. This browser-based tool, with advanced playback controls and a UC scoring interface, enabled video annotation by eight global IBD specialists and central readers, and seven additional specialists in training on SIA. Labellers underwent rigorous onboarding to meet minimum thresholds for Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Quadratic Weighted Kappa (QWK). Certai’s architecture features two Vision Transformer models: a Quality Control (QC) model and a Scoring model. The QC model excludes frames with poor clarity, inadequate bowel prep, non-colonic views, chromoendoscopy, or biopsy procedures. The Scoring model uses multi-headed outputs to assess UC severity, grading vascular pattern, bleeding, ulcers/erosions, friability, and erythema. Results A total of 8.9 million frames from 39 videos were labelled across six categories, resulting in 2.17 million merged labels determined by majority vote. For inter-rater agreement on modified MES in the labelling process, the overall ICC among the onboarded labellers was 0.86, and the QWK was 0.88. On a validation set of colonoscopy procedures, Certai achieved 100% agreement with human central readers on modified MES scores. The ICC among three expert labellers was 0.922 and rose to 0.942 with the addition of Certai. There was an additional increase of the ICC to 0.955 when Certai was paired with just one expert labeller. Similarly, QWK scores rose from 0.914 for two expert labellers to 0.961 with Certai and one expert labeller. Conclusion Certai represents an advance in UC disease activity assessment, meeting modified MES requirements. With further specialist labelling of an additional several hundred videos at the detailed frame level, a robust version of Certai will enable new quality standards in speed of central reading and consistency. Future applications may include stand-alone AI reads with human sign-off or a 2 + 1 reader model incorporating AI as one reader.

Strategizing approach to labor potential enhancement

This article delineates general and specific mechanisms for strategic planning within a complex, multi-factorial context, where Yakutsk serves as a central node for the distribution of intellectual capital to both the surrounding regions of the Republic and the wider Northeastern region. As the capital of Yakutia, Yakutsk also functions as a pivotal hub for the Northeastern region of the country, demonstrating the capacity to provide labor resources not only for the Republic itself but also to train specialists for other constituent entities. The study proposes the establishment of a methodological council under the auspices of the municipal government. This council would operate with consideration of the interests of the population, businesses, and public organizations, with the municipal government acting as a balancing force. Official statistical data pertaining to the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) are examined, and calculations are conducted based on their analysis to explore key strategic pathways for a set of interconnected measures. A strategically significant objective for the city, region, nation, and economic actors is the reproduction of labor potential, achieved through demographic, economic, and social development initiatives within the territory. Based on socio-economic and technological indicators, it is imperative to create conditions that facilitate strategic opportunities for the population. The objective of this work is to identify strategic priorities for the formation and development of labor potential in Yakutsk, as well as to outline a mechanism for strategic planning within the organizational and managerial system of the municipal entity.

Compatibility of care work and specialist training in psychiatry : Position paper of the generation PSY-Next generation initiative of the German Association for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

Compatibility of care work and specialist training in psychiatry : Position paper of the generation PSY-Next generation initiative of the German Association for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

Transformation of Traditional Oriental Medicine in the Modern World

The article examines one of the most important modern issues concerning the development of traditional medicines: their transformation into TMS — traditional medical systems. It is known that in some Asian countries (China, India, Vietnam, etc.) such TMS legitimately exist since the middle or end of the XX century; they are institutionalized and structured similarly to the conventional/biomedical healthcare system. TMS operates there in parallel with and in close interaction with the main medical system, with biomedicine as the primary educational basis for specialist training. Healthcare in these countries includes in its unified system a parallel with a second ministry or department, a complex structure of university training of specialists, specialized hospitals and clinics of various kinds — either separate or organized on the basis of complementarity, different pharmaceutical bases. At the same time, TMS, primarily from India and China, have long since spread to many other countries of the world and, as complementary or alternative forms of medicine, strive to form global forms (for example, the concept of “global Ayurveda” is already being used). The article first of all considers the specifics of the terminological apparatus associated with non-conventional medicine. Further the author analyzes the current situation of TM and TMS as it has developed to date in foreign countries, and compares it with what has been happening in the last three decades in the Russian Federation, primarily in the Republic of Buryatia and the Zabaykalsky Krai. Traditional medicine was initially introduced there with the practice of Buddhist lamas and with written sources from Tibet through Mongolia; later the Buryats on the basis of translated sources developed a relatively independent branch of Buryat-Tibetan medicine, which back in the XIX century spread first to St. Petersburg, and then to other cities and regions of the Russian Empire. Nowadays, in the main centers of traditional medicine in Buryatia and the Zabaykalsky Krai, the institutions of a medical system have been formed, making it possible to create a full-fledged TMS — a parallel, but closely intertwined with biomedicine branch of healthcare, which can easily become an alternative branch of healthcare in the Republic of Buryatia, where the traditional Buryat-Tibetan medicine has been institutionalized within the healthcare system since the 1980s. Currently, the Center for Oriental Medicine and its units are receiving a significant number of combatants for rehabilitation and are actively working in the field of restorative medicine.

Development of a test laboratory stand with a marine hot-water boiler

The article deals with the issues of design and construction of a laboratory stand of a ship boiler plant based on Kiturami TURBO17 boiler, located in the laboratory “Ship Boiler and Steam Generating Plants” of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Astrakhan State Technical University”. The laboratory stand considered in the paper, made in accordance with the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 78), was developed for scientific research and training of students. The article presents a comparative analysis of the laboratories of higher educational institutions, graduating specialists in the specialty 26.05.06 “Operation of ship power plants”. The description of the main components of the stand including its circuit diagram is given. It is noted the importance of laboratory stands, which are close to the ship’s performance, for the training of specialists. It is emphasized that this laboratory installation allows to conduct laboratory and practical classes aimed at providing students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It is noted that graduates should know the basic principles of operation and design elements of ship power plants, including boiler plants and their servicing systems, as well as have theoretical knowledge of thermodynamics, hydromechanics, be able to carry out calculations in thermal cycles, heat transfer processes, heat balance. The developed laboratory test bench can be used in the study of disciplines “Ship Boiler and Steam Generating Units”, “Operation of Ship Boiler and Steam Generating Units”, “Ship Auxiliary Mechanisms, Systems and Devices”, “Automated Control Systems of Ship Power Plants”, as well as for scientific research. The project on creation of the laboratory stand can be implemented for training of specialists in other specialized universities of the country.

Prerequisites for the training of specialists in the operational phase of the life cycle of buildings, structures, and facilities

To ensure the normative service life of a building, structure, construction and to prevent premature reduction of technical, economic, ergonomic, aesthetic, and other characteristics of real estate objects, a specific set of engineering, organizational, economic, and other measures can be used (inspections, planning, technical regulations for maintenance, upkeep and repair, methods of studying and determining the condition of structural elements and engineering systems of buildings, structures and facilities). From the analysis of knowledge, skills, and abilities fixed in the sectoral professional standards the thesis is substantiated that the service of housing and communal services is derived from the actions of employees of enterprises of this sphere on their operation of buildings, structures, facilities, engineering equipment and networks. This paper provides justification for the formation of a new direction of training specialists to ensure effective functioning of buildings, structures, facilities at the stage of life cycle, i.e. operation. The competencies of a specialist engaged in organizing and carrying out works on maintenance of buildings, structures, and facilities are outlined.

Модель формирования профессиональной надежности курсантов авиационных военных вузов

The purpose of the study is to develop a model for the formation of professional reliability of cadets of aviation military universities. The article considers pedagogical modeling as a means of creating structured ideas about the formation of professional reliability among cadets in the educational process of an aviation military university. In conditions of high responsibility and risk, it is necessary to develop stable qualities in future officers that contribute to their successful professional activities, including in special flight situations, which is an important aspect of training, since flight safety and successful performance of official tasks depend on it. The author suggests a structural and functional model consisting of four components: motivational-predictive, methodological, technological and performance-evaluation, presented in the form of blocks. Each block covers important aspects of the process of forming the professional reliability of cadets. The blocks include planning, selection of strategies and methods, as well as diagnosis and evaluation of results. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that the author has for the first time developed a pedagogical model for the formation of professional reliability of cadets of aviation military universities, which reflects the methodological, structural, technological and evaluative capabilities of the phenomenon under consideration. As a result of the research, the concept of "professional reliability of cadets of aviation military universities" is defined; the potential of the educational environment of a military university is revealed; the essence of the modeling process is determined; the available pedagogical models are analyzed, and a model for the formation of professional reliability of cadets of aviation military universities is presented. The article emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to the training of flight specialists, taking into account modern requirements for military education and the specifics of the aviation field.

Improving Sexual Well‐Being Support for Men With Prostate Cancer: The Health Professional Perspective

Purpose: The provision of evidenced‐based sexual well‐being support is considered a key metric of quality prostate cancer care. However, patients continually report high rates of unmet sexual health needs. To provide insight into the challenges healthcare professionals (HCPs) face in delivering sexual well‐being support, we conducted a qualitative study.Methods: HCPs were recruited via professional organisations/networks and snowballing. Interviews were semistructured, conducted via telephone/video and transcribed verbatim. Interviews explored work experience, sexual support provided, challenges faced and areas of prioritisation to improve care delivery. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The lack of representation from urologists and radiation oncologists was a limitation.Results: Twenty‐one HCPs were interviewed, including nurses, pharmacists, sexologists, a physiotherapist and an oncologist. Eight key themes were identified. Themes 1–5 describe the challenges faced by HCPs in providing sexual well‐being support, such as logistical issues and reliance on other HCPs. The remaining three themes describe areas of change recommended by HCPs to improve delivery of support, including standardisation of penile rehabilitation guidelines, training for specialists and GPs and prioritisation of multidisciplinary sexual well‐being support as part of routine care.Conclusions: HCPs face several challenges in providing sexual well‐being support to prostate cancer patients, which could be ameliorated through greater awareness and education about the importance of sexual well‐being support and through standardising pathways and guidelines. Addressing challenges faced by HCPs in the delivery of sexual well‐being support may ultimately improve patient experiences and reduce unmet sexual health needs following prostate cancer treatment.

University trauma surgery and orthopedics: where is the journey going to?

In the field of tension between generalists and specialists, in modern university trauma and orthopedic surgery the question arises as to which expertise has the greatest importance for the future of clinical care. University medicine consists of three large pillars: Research, teaching and treatment of patients. Each of these pillars is faced with the challenge of increasing specialization; however, generalists are extremely important for the future of university trauma surgery and orthopedics. Generalists promote interdisciplinary collaboration through their broad training and are versatile in acute care situations. Specialists are characterized by in-depth specialist knowledge and technological expertise in specific areas of surgery. This article analyses the changing requirements in trauma surgical and orthopedic care in the context of innovation, technologization, digitalization and increasing specialization. It also examines how structural reforms, such as the Hospital Structure Act and the new licensing regulations, are influencing the role of generalists and specialists in university training and clinical practice. The article provides adifferentiated view of which specialist skills will be necessary in hospitals in the coming years and discusses whether abalance between generalism and specialization is the solution for high-quality patient-centered care.

Developing and Implementing a Milestone System: Experience of the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology

&lt;p&gt;台灣婦產科醫學會於1961年成立，1987年度辦理第一屆專科醫師考試，建立四年專科訓練規範。由於畢業後一般醫學訓練亦可抵扣專科醫師訓練資格，加上住院醫師工時規範，恐影響住院醫師訓練，故自2017年底開始規劃里程碑制度。參考美國畢業後醫學教育評鑑委員會(Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, ACGME)及美國婦產科醫學會(americancollege of obstetricians and gynecologists, ACOG)聯合修訂、發表訓練內容，完成台灣婦產科醫學會住院醫師訓練里程碑初版，內容依照六大核心能力建立28項勝任能力5個層級。然而2023年透過線性回歸統計方式分析專科醫師考試成績與里程碑分數，發現兩者無顯著相關性。未來將透過即時分析，回饋各醫院，盼透過同儕比較，改善跨院際評核不一致現象，在執行面上，希望導入電子化表單，建立學生的學習歷程及分析。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology(TAOG)was established in 1961 and conducted its first board certification examination in 1987, formally establishing a structured 4-year training program for Taiwanese specialists.To provide postgraduate general medical training, which could be credited toward specialist training qualifications, and address challenges introduced by resident work-hour regulations, the TAOG subsequently developed a milestone-based evaluation system for residents. On the basis of training content collaboratively revised and published by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the TAOG produced the first version of its residency milestone framework in late 2017. This framework comprised6 core competencies segmented into 28 key competencies across five proficiency levels. Nevertheless, the results of a linear regression conducted in 2023 revealed no significant correlation between milestone scores and specialist examination results. In response, the TAOG will provide feedback to training hospitals,using peer comparisons to address discrepancies in interhospital evaluations. Additionally, the TAOG will implement electronic forms to streamline the documentation and analysis of residents’ learning progress.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Developing Research-Oriented Health Professionals: Understanding Students' Perceptions and Needs for Extracurricular Research Opportunities.

Undergraduate training in research principles is often mandated by healthcare profession regulators in Ireland to prepare graduates for higher specialist training. Students can be offered the opportunity to participate in extracurricular research activities, in addition to those embedded in the curricula. This cross-sectional study aims to explore student attitudes towards research and to understand their motivations for engaging in research-related activities and any barriers that might prevent them from doing so. Students participating in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Research Summer School (RSS) 2023 completed a questionnaire at the start of the program to assess research experience as well as attitudes and motivations towards research. Of the 120 participants in the summer research school, only 50 participated in the questionnaire. Of these 50, 42 were medical students. Twenty-nine students were undertaking a supervised research project, while 21 were enrolled in a 4-week taught research skills program. Five students had completed a previous undergraduate or postgraduate degree, and 29 had previously participated in research-related activities. The reasons for participating in the RSS program were to gain experience and skills, followed by having an interest in biomedical research. Twenty-nine students said their motivation was to participate in a more exploratory learning process beyond the syllabus. Thirty students felt the main factor preventing them from gaining research experience was the lack of research opportunities available to them. Undergraduate health professions students recognize the importance of engaging in research-related activities. Gaining research experiences to enhance knowledge and build professional relations is important, but the lack of opportunities is perceived to be a barrier preventing engagement. Given the value undergraduate students place on research experiences, institutions specializing in health professions education should create customized programs to eliminate obstacles and offer undergraduate opportunities that encourage the development of research-focused healthcare professionals.

Mechanisms for encouraging effective initiatives of students in higher educational institutions

Encouraging effective initiatives of students in higher education institutions is one of the most important issues for the development of society today. After all, youth is recognized as the most important resource that shapes the future of any country. The specific development of incentive mechanisms is very relevant in order to increase the efficiency of higher education and strengthen the role of students in the process of training specialists with scientific potential, initiative and innovative outlook. In this regard, this article discusses modern approaches to promoting and supporting student initiatives, scientific and theoretical foundations, foreign experience and technologies for their implementation in practice. Scientific literature, regulatory legal documents and modern scientific and theoretical sources were widely used.