Training Programs For Practitioners Research Articles

A systematic review of shared decision making training programs for general practitioners

BackgroundShared decision making (SDM) has been presented as the preferred approach for decisions where there is more than one acceptable option and has been identified a priority feature of high-quality patient-centered care. Considering the foundation of trust between general practitioners (GPs) and patients and the variety of diseases in primary care, the primary care context can be viewed as roots of SDM. GPs are requesting training programs to improve their SDM skills leading to a more patient-centered care approach. Because of the high number of training programs available, it is important to overview these training interventions specifically for primary care and to explore how these training programs are evaluated.MethodsThis review was reported in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. Eight different databases were used in December 2022 and updated in September 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using ICROMS. Training effectiveness was analyzed using the Kirkpatrick evaluation model and categorized according to training format (online, live or blended learning).ResultsWe identified 29 different SDM training programs for GPs. SDM training has a moderate impact on patient (SMD 0.53 95% CI 0.15–0.90) and observer reported SDM skills (SMD 0.59 95%CI 0.21–0.97). For blended training programs, we found a high impact for quality of life (SMD 1.20 95% CI -0.38-2.78) and patient reported SDM skills (SMD 2.89 95%CI -0.55-6.32).ConclusionSDM training improves patient and observer reported SDM skills in GPs. Blended learning as learning format for SDM appears to show better effects on learning outcomes than online or live learning formats. This suggests that teaching facilities designing SDM training may want to prioritize blended learning formats. More homogeneity in SDM measurement scales and evaluation approaches and direct comparisons of different types of educational formats are needed to develop the most appropriate and effective SDM training format.Trial registrationPROSPERO: A systematic review of shared-decision making training programs in a primary care setting. PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023393385 Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023393385.

Supporting best practice in the management of chronic diseases in primary health care settings: a scoping review of training programs for Indigenous Health Workers and Practitioners.

Background To improve diabetes management in primary health care for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples population, training programs that are culturally and contextually relevant to the local context are required. Using a scoping review methodology, the aim of this review was to describe the characteristics of chronic disease management training programs for Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, their effectiveness on knowledge and skills, and client-related outcomes, and the enablers, barriers to delivery and participation. Methods Following protocol parameters, a systematic search was conducted in relevant databases and grey literature. Two independent reviewers screened the title and abstract of each paper to determine if the study met the inclusion criteria. Results Of the 23 included studies, most were developed with stakeholders, profession facilitated and delivered by cultural facilitators. All training programs included content knowledge, two included a professional support network, four provided on-the-job support and six had follow-up support post-training. Modes of delivery ranged from didactic, storytelling and hands-on learning. Two studies reported significant improvement in participants' knowledge and confidence; one reported improvement in knowledge (12.7% increase pre-post training), and an increase in confidence in both clinical and non-clinical skills. Enablers (relevance, modes of learning, power of networking, improved knowledge, confidence and clinical practice) and barriers (adult learning capabilities, competing work-family commitments) were reported. Few studies reported on knowledge transfer into clinical practice and client-related outcomes. Conclusions Multifaceted training programs for Aboriginal health workers are well received and may improve workforce capability.

Digital transformation under the governance of Palestinian banks

This study aims to understand and evaluate the impact of applying governance principles on digital transformation in Palestinian banks listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange. A questionnaire was distributed to 750 employees from the study population. It included four axes representing governance principles (board of directors’ tasks, board practices and conflicts of interest, disclosure and transparency, and risk management) and a fifth axe representing digital transformation. The study found a strong, statistically significant positive effect of applying governance principles on digital transformation in Palestinian banks. The results also showed the keenness of the boards of directors to discuss the commitment of bank management to implement the provisions and regulations of governance issued by the Palestine Monetary Authority. This helped in developing and approving the necessary policies for risk management and enhanced the effectiveness of oversight of the digital transformation system. This was reflected in increasing customer confidence in the banks’ performance and maintaining the interests of related parties. The study recommended the need to enhance the level of transparency and disclosure regarding governance performance and the progress of digital transformation in banks. It also recommended developing an integrated framework for analyzing and managing risks related to digital transformation. This assists in providing comprehensive training and development programs for practitioners to enhance their capabilities in the field of digital transformation and applying governance principles.

A national mental health cascade training programme for practitioners supporting unaccompanied minors in Greece.

Practitioners who support unaccompanied minors (UAMs) come from different professional backgrounds and often are not appropriately trained to address children's complex mental health needs. This gap informed a training programme across all accommodation centres in Greece. The aim of the Train-of-Trainer (ToT) national programme was to upskill trainers from 17 organisations to cascade knowledge. Training was interprofessional, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. A pilot implementation involved 199 practitioners from all disciplines. A sub-sample of 33 practitioners, nine managers and six trainers shared their experiences in focus group discussions, which were analysed through a thematic framework. Participants found that the programme was useful in generating knowledge relevant to children's needs and their roles, addressing the emotional impact of trauma on staff, sharing learning across professional disciplines and being interactive, but systemic support should be put in place for benefits to be sustained. Train-of-Trainer is a resource-effective approach to upskill mixed staff groups across many organisations. This should involve caregivers and staff with limited educational opportunities, while accommodating for different professional needs. Training should be integrated to service budgets, specifications and structures.

Evaluation of Gender-Related Digital Violence Training in Catalonia

This study examines the results of evaluating a Catalan training program for practitioners working with survivors of gender-related violence. Considering the lack of scientific evidence previously shown by studies on this topic, this article aimed to triangulate the participants’ self-perception with their assessment of knowledge and competencies in tackling digital gender-related violence before and after the training. To do so, a pre-test and post-test case-based design was employed to identify and measure the participants’ improvement in self-perceived knowledge and their effective gain in knowledge and skills to address this kind of violence. Considering the contributions of a feminist evaluation approach, we also included in our evaluation the analysis of classroom interactions and the participants’ responses. The results overall demonstrate that the incorporation of assessment criteria from the feminist evaluation methodology increased the reliability of evaluation criteria. In addition, it also enabled us to identify the need to continue developing training programs that empower participants and prevent women and LGBTQI+ people from disengaging from digital spaces.

IoT and AI for Silambam Martial Arts: A Review

Silambam is a traditional martial art from Tamil Nadu, India. It is a stick-fighting art that has been practiced for centuries. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using technology to enhance the practice and promotion of Silambam. One way to do this is to use the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT devices can be used to collect data on Silambam practitioners' movements and performance. This data can then be analysed using artificial intelligence (AI) to provide insights and recommendations to practitioners. For example, IoT sensors could be attached to Silambam sticks to track the number of rotations, speed, and force of each strike. This data could then be used to provide feedback to practitioners on their technique and progress. AI could also be used to develop personalized training programs for Silambam practitioners. For example, AI could analyse a practitioner's data to identify areas where they need improvement and then recommend specific exercises or drills. In addition to enhancing the practice of Silambam, IoT and AI could also be used to promote the art to a wider audience. For example, IoT-enabled Silambam sticks could be used to create interactive training games or simulations. Overall, IoT and AI have the potential to revolutionize the way that Silambam is practiced and promoted. By using these technologies, we can make Silambam more accessible, engaging, and effective for practitioners of all levels.

Assessment of the Need for Training in Clinical Pharmacology Research on Traditional Medicine among Modern Medicine Practitioners: A Questionnaire-based Study

Introduction: Training young doctors is essential for carrying out need-based research. The field of Traditional Medicine (TM) has made significant contributions to modern medicine, and there is unlimited scope for exploring it further in search of improved treatment options. However, there is a lack of systematic research studies on traditional medicines. It was, therefore, considered necessary to assess the interest and awareness among modern medicine practitioners regarding Traditional Medicine Research (TMR). Aim: To assess the need for training in TMR among modern medicine practitioners. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, from March 2020 to September 2020 among modern medicine practitioners from the Western region of India. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data regarding the level of training in research methodology, research experience including TMR, areas for training, attitude towards training in TMR, challenges in TMR, and therapeutic areas to focus TMR efforts. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 109 participants, 96 (88.1%) were trained in research methodology. At least one research project was undertaken by 91 (83.5%) participants. Ninety-seven percent of participants felt that TMR was necessary. TMR was conducted by 19 (17.4%) participants. Approximately 65 (59.6%) participants felt that conducting TMR poses challenges such as lack of funds, infrastructure, lack of belief in TM, unavailability of literature pertaining to TM, lack of expertise, and lack of corporate attention and marketing. Therapeutic areas identified to focus research efforts included lifestyle-related disorders, diabetes mellitus, cancer, ageing, allergic disorders, osteoarthritis, and obesity. Conclusion: All the participants expressed the need to undergo training in TMR. However, the experience of conducting TMR was limited. Lack of funds, infrastructure, and expertise were mentioned as the main hurdles in undertaking TMR. It is essential to conduct systematic and need-based training programs for modern medicine practitioners in basic research methodology and TMR.

Core competencies in critical care for general medical practitioners in South Africa: A Delphi study.

Despite a high burden of disease that requires critical care services, there are a limited number of intensivists in South Africa (SA). Medical practitioners at district and regional public sector hospitals frequently manage critically ill patients in the absence of intensivists, despite these medical practitioners having had minimal exposure to critical care during their undergraduate training. To identify core competencies in critical care for medical practitioners who provide critical care services at public sector hospitals in SA where intensivists are not available to direct patient management. A preliminary list of core competencies in critical care was compiled. Thereafter, 13 national and international experts were requested to achieve consensus on a final list of core competencies that are required for critical care by medical practitioners, using a modified Delphi process. A final list of 153 core competencies in critical care was identified. The core competencies identified by this study could assist in developing training programmes for medical practitioners to improve the quality of critical care services provided at district and regional hospitals in SA. The study provides consensus on a list of core competencies in critical care that non-intensivist medical practitioners managing critically ill patients in healthcare settings in South Africa, especially where intensivists are not readily available, should have. The list can form the core content of training programmes aimed at improving critical care competence of general medical practitioners, and in this way hopefully improve the overall outcomes of critically ill patients in South Africa.

Supporting Clinical Competencies in Men's Mental Health Using the Men in Mind Practitioner Training Program: User Experience Study.

Engaging men in psychotherapy is essential in male suicide prevention efforts, yet to date, efforts to upskill mental health practitioners in delivering gender-sensitized therapy for men have been lacking. To address this, we developed Men in Mind, an e-learning training program designed to upskill mental health practitioners in engaging men in therapy. This study involves an in-depth analysis of the user experience of the Men in Mind intervention, assessed as part of a randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of the intervention. Following completion of the intervention, participants provided qualitative (n=392) and quantitative (n=395) user experience feedback, focused on successes and suggested improvements to the intervention and improvements to their confidence in delivering therapy with specific subpopulations of male clients. We also assessed practitioner learning goals (n=242) and explored the extent to which participants had achieved these goals at follow-up. Participants valued the inclusion of video demonstrations of skills in action alongside the range of evidence-based content dedicated to improving their insight into the engagement of men in therapy. Suggested improvements most commonly reflected the desire for more or more diverse content, alongside the necessary adaptations to improve the learning and user experience. Participants also commonly reported improved confidence in assisting men with difficulty articulating their emotions in therapy and suicidal men. The evidence obtained from this study aids in plans to scale Men in Mind and informs the future development of practitioner training interventions in men's mental health. RR2-10.1186/s40359-022-00875-9.

Integral education and Ubuntu: A participatory action research project in South Africa

Background: South Africa is beset with violent, antisocial practices and ways of life hindering peaceful co-existence and participatory democracy. This makes a targeted early education programme to develop a socially responsible generation imperative.Aim: Based on a larger research project, this study aimed to highlight the value of participatory action research in determining the outcomes of an early childhood development (ECD) Integral Education (IE) and Ubuntu approach for incorporation in the education and training of practitioners.Setting: Three ECD practitioners were selected to participate in this study, which was located in a township in the south of Durban in three preschools (urban, semi-urban and rural).Methods: Lewin’s PAR method was used to explore, develop and evaluate an intervention for change. Data were collected through focus group and participant interviews, observations and journal entries and then analysed thematically.Results: The findings revealed that, personally and professionally, the practitioners experienced positive changes through adopting an integral approach that included becoming more introspective and reflective in their practice.Conclusion: Educating and training early childhood practitioners to develop the appropriate knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to adopt and implement an ECD IE and Ubuntu approach are essential for developing a new generation of socially responsible citizens for participatory democracy in South Africa.Contribution: The findings highlighted key components of an ECD IE practitioner training programme based on the integrality of the mind, body, heart, spirit and community. Thus, the development of a caring, compassionate and humane society in democratic South Africa can be enabled.

ECOSHOT study: Prospective evaluation of a shoulder ultrasound training programme for general practitioners

Background and objectiveThe effectiveness of shoulder ultrasound training programmes in primary care is unknown. This study aims to measure the diagnostic agreement between radiologists and general practitioners in shoulder ultrasound examination after a specific training programme. Materials and methodsWe designed a prospective study with patients who required a shoulder ultrasound examination. Ultrasound examination was performed by general practitioners after receiving specific training, consisting of 50 h of theoretical musculoskeletal ultrasound training online and 8 h of hands-on shoulder ultrasound practice. The findings were compared to those of radiologists using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient. Sociodemographic and quantitative variables were also measured. ResultsWe included 153 patients. Finally, 121 radiologists’ reports were used for analyses. The average age was 61.8 years and 62.1% were women. Main occupations were domestic work/cleaning and administrative jobs. Average Visual Analogue Scale score was 5.25. Patients with previous treatment comprised 88.9% (mostly oral painkillers, rest, and physical measures). Complementary testing was performed in 28.8%, radiography was the most frequent. The most frequent motive for referral for ultrasound examination was unspecific shoulder pain. Our study reveals that the global agreement was moderate (Kappa = .4346) overall, but when measured over time improved from weak (Kappa = .3756) to good (Kappa = .6423). There was a tendency to overdiagnose most lesions and underdiagnose partial tears. ConclusionsWe conclude that shoulder ultrasound examination training is feasible in primary care. The interobserver agreement improved with the number of ultrasound examinations performed over time, suggesting that specific programmes may be effective in training general practitioners in musculoskeletal shoulder ultrasound examination.

Reasons for Encounters and Comorbidities in Adolescents with Intellectual Disability in General Practice: A Retrospective Analysis of Data from the Ask Study.

Adolescents with intellectual disability have substantial health needs. This retrospective analysis of data from the Ask Study describes reasons for primary care encounters and the prevalence and incidence of chronic physical and mental conditions among a cohort of community-dwelling adolescents with intellectual disability. Participants attended secondary schools in southern Queensland, Australia. Primary care data were extracted from primary care records. Demographic and health information was collected using carer-completed questionnaires. Reasons for primary care encounters, disease prevalence at age 16 years, and disease incidence through adolescence were reported. Data were obtained for 432 adolescents with intellectual disability (median follow-up: 4.1 years). Skin problems (29.4 per 100 encounters) were the most common reason patients presented for primary care, followed by psychological and behavioural problems (14.4 per 100 encounters) and musculoskeletal problems (13.8 per 100 encounters). Conditions with the highest prevalence were autism spectrum disorder (18.6%) and asthma (18.1%). The prevalence of epilepsy, visual impairment, and cerebral palsy were 14.7, 11.1, and 8.0%, respectively. Gastroesophageal reflux had the highest incidence (9.4 cases per 1000 person-years). Adolescents with intellectual disability have significant healthcare needs, which general practitioners need to be aware of and address. Study findings should inform the development of training programs for general practitioners.

An international analysis of career assistance programmes for high-performance athletes

ABSTRACT This study aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of Career Assistance Programmes (CAPs) available for high-performance athletes across the globe, addressing the current state of resources for their career development and transitional periods. The authors examined 23 sport organisations spanning five continents, focusing on aspects such as CAPs’ accessibility, objectives, content, delivery personnel, practitioner training, and self-evaluation methods. Utilising web-based data collection and research tours, the study acquired pertinent information to address the research questions. Deductive content analysis was employed, with the research questions and the Holistic Athlete Career (HAC) model serving as the framework for categorisation. This study offers an in-depth exploration of global CAPs and provide empirical insights into their current practices. The results show resources available to high-performance athletes, while identifying service gaps, necessitating policies to support a wider range of athletes. Notably, advancements have been made in developing training programmes for practitioners; however, the study highlights the need to further investigate the specific competencies that practitioners develop or seek to acquire through such initiatives. It is suggested that sport organisations actively exchange best practices to augment the effectiveness of their CAPs. The study highlights a service gap for athletes not meeting the high-performance threshold for CAP eligibility, limiting access to resources. Consequently, this population faces limited opportunities for career development and may struggle to cope with the challenges stemming from their athletic pursuits. The authors advocate for the expansion of services to address this disparity, ensuring equitable access to resources for athletes at varying performance levels.

Patient views of the good doctor in primary care: a qualitative study in six provinces in China

BackgroundChina has been striving to train primary care doctors capable of delivering high-quality service through general practitioner training programs and family doctor team reforms, but these initiatives have not adequately met patient needs and expectations. In order to guide further reform efforts to better meet patient expectations, this study generates a profile of the good doctor in primary care from the patient perspective.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted in six provinces (Shandong, Zhejiang, Henan, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Heilongjiang) in China. A total of 58 interviewees completed the recorded interviews. Tape-based analysis was used to produce narrative summaries. Trained research assistants listened to the recordings of the interviews and summarized them by 30-s segments. Thematic analysis was performed on narrative summaries to identify thematic families.ResultsFive domains and 18 attributes were generated from the analysis of the interview data. The domains of the good doctor in primary care from the patient perspective were: strong Clinical Competency (mentioned by 97% of participants) and Professionalism & Humanism (mentioned by 93% of participants) during service delivery, followed by Service Provision and Information Communication (mentioned by 74% and 62% of participants, respectively). Moreover, Chinese patients expect that primary care doctors have high educational attainment and a good personality (mentioned by 41% of participants).ConclusionsThis five-domain profile of the good doctor in primary care constitutes a foundation for further primary care workforce capacity building. Further primary care reform efforts should reflect the patient views and expectations, especially in the family physician competency framework and primary care performance assessment system development. Meanwhile, frontline primary care organizations also need to create supportive environments to assist competent doctors practice in primary care, especially through facilitating the learning of primary care doctors and improving their well-being.

Neuromuscular control strategies of the lower limb during a typical Tai Chi brush knee and twist step in practitioners with and without knee pain: a pilot study

ABSTRACT As a complex movement, Tai Chi (TC) could be challenging for knee control, and the compensatory changes in TC biomechanics of knee pain patients are unknown. The Brush Knee and Twist Step (BKTS) is a typical TC movement that involves basic leg motion repeated in the whole TC. This pilot study examined electromyography and retro-reflective marker trajectory data to investigate neuromuscular control strategies of the lower extremity during BKTS in TC practitioners with and without knee pain. Twelve experienced TC practitioners with (n = 6) and without knee pain (n = 6) participated. Our results revealed that knee pain practitioners presented muscle imbalance in the vastus medialis-vastus lateralis and vastus lateralis-biceps femoris, and poor alignment of the knee with the toes in TC lunge. Additionally, they adaptively developed rigid coordination strategies, showing higher levels of lower limb muscle co-contraction and activity compared to controls. Training programs for TC practitioners with knee pain should be designed to modify both abnormal muscle synergy patterns and incorrect lunge during TC, which may improve exercise safety.

Examining Pediatric Resident Electronic Health Records Use During Prerounding: Mixed Methods Observational Study

Electronic health records (EHRs) play a substantial role in modern health care, especially during prerounding, when residents gather patient information to inform daily care decisions of the care team. The effective use of the EHR system is crucial for efficient and frustration-free prerounding. Ideally, the system should be designed to support efficient user interactions by presenting data effectively and providing easy navigation between different pages. Additionally, training on the system should aim to make user interactions more efficient by familiarizing the users with best practices that minimize interaction time while using the full potential of the system's capabilities. However, formal training on EHR systems often falls short of providing residents with all the necessary EHR-related skills, leading to the adoption of inefficient practices and the underuse of the system's full range of capabilities. This study aims to examine the efficiency of EHR use during prerounding among pediatric residents, assess the effect of experience level on EHR use, and identify areas for improvement in EHR design and training. A mixed methods approach was used, involving a self-reported survey and video analysis of prerounding practices of the entire population of pediatric residents from a large teaching hospital in the South Atlantic Region. The residents were stratified by experience level by postgraduate year. Data were collected on the number of pages accessed, duration of prerounding, task completion rates, and effective use of data sources. Observational and qualitative data complemented the quantitative analysis. Our study followed the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) reporting guidelines, ensuring completeness and transparency of reporting. Of the 30 pediatric residents, 20 were included in the analyses; of these, 16 (80%) missed at least 1 step during prerounding. Although more experienced residents on average omitted fewer steps, 4 (57%) of the 7 most experienced residents still omitted at least 1 step. On average, residents took 6.5 minutes to round each patient and accessed 21 pages within the EHR during prerounding; no statistically significant differences were observed between experience levels for prerounding times (P=.48) or number of pages accessed (P=.92). The use of aggregated data pages within the EHR system neither seem to improve prerounding times nor decrease the number of pages accessed. The findings suggest that EHR design should be improved to better support user needs, and hospitals should adopt more effective training programs to familiarize residents with the system's capabilities. We recommend implementing prerounding checklists and providing ongoing EHR training programs for health care practitioners. Despite the generalizability of limitations of our study in terms of sample size and specialization, it offers valuable insights for future research to investigate the impact of EHR use on patient outcomes and satisfaction, as well as identify factors that contribute to efficient and effective EHR usage.

How do the post-graduation outcomes of students from gateway courses compare to those from standard entry medicine courses at the same medical schools?

BackgroundWidening participation (WP) for underrepresented students through six-year gateway courses helps to widen the demographic representation of doctors in the UK. ‘Most students from gateway courses graduate, even though many enter with lower grades than standard entry medicine students.’ This study aims to compare the graduate outcomes of gateway and SEM cohorts from the same universities.MethodsData from 2007–13 from the UK Medical Education Database (UKMED) were available for graduates of gateway and SEM courses at three UK medical schools. Outcome measures were passing an entry exam on the first attempt, Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP) outcome and being offered a level one training position from the first application. The univariate analysis compared the two groups. Logistic regressions, predicting outcomes by course type, controlled for attainment on completion of medical school.ResultsFour thousand four hundred forty-five doctors were included in the analysis. There was no difference found in the ARCP outcome between gateway and SEM graduates. Gateway graduates were less likely to pass their first attempt at any membership exam than graduates of SEM courses (39% vs 63%). Gateway graduates were less likely to be offered a level 1 training position on their first application (75% vs 82%). Graduates of gateway courses were more likely to apply to General Practitioner (GP) training programmes than SEM graduates (56% vs 39%).ConclusionsGateway courses increase the diversity of backgrounds represented within the profession and importantly the number of applications to GP training. However, differences in cohort performance are shown to continue to exist in the postgraduate arena and further research is required to ascertain the reasons for this.

Training General Practitioners in Oncology: Lessons Learned From a Cross-Sectional Survey of GPOs in Canada.

Many countries face a significant shortage of medical oncologists. To mitigate this problem, some countries, including Canada, have established training programs for general practitioners in oncology (GPOs), which train family physicians (FPs) in the fundamentals of cancer care. This type of GPO training model may be useful in other countries facing similar challenges. Therefore, Canadian GPOs were surveyed to learn from their experiences and inform the development of similar programs in other countries. A survey was designed and administered to Canadian GPOs to understand the methods and outcomes of GPO training and practice in the Canadian context. The survey was active from July 2021 to April 2022. Participants were recruited through personal and provincial networks and an email list provided by the Canadian GPO network. The survey received 37 responses for an estimated response rate of 18%. Although only 38% of respondents indicated that family medicine training sufficiently prepared them to care for patients with cancer, 90% indicated that GPO training did. Clinics with oncologists were found to be the most effective mode of learning, followed by small group learning and online education. Critical knowledge domains and skills most relevant for GPO training were identified as the treatment of side effects, symptom management, palliative care, and breaking bad news. Participants in this survey felt that a dedicated GPO training program offered value beyond family medicine residency in preparing providers to adequately care for patients with cancer. GPO training can be done effectively through virtual and hybrid content delivery. Critical knowledge domains and skills identified as the most important in this survey may be valuable for other groups and nations implementing similar training programs to increase their oncology workforce.

The introduction of a Surgical Care Practitioner training programme to an acute National Health Service trust and an exploration of the interrelationships between Surgical Care Practitioners, their trainers and surgical trainees.

This study aimed to explore the impact of the introduction of a Surgical Care Practitioner programme on junior surgical training within an acute National Health Service trust. A qualitative methodology of semi-structured interviews was used to gather information from eight Surgical Care Practitioners, eight surgical trainees and eight consultant grade trainers. The authors found an overall positive and mutually beneficial outcome of the training programme, with surgical trainees unanimous that the presence of the Surgical Care Practitioners freed them up for more time to be spent in theatre, as well as acting as highly experienced surgical assistants when the trainees were operating on their own. This study found significant mutual benefits to surgical trainees and Surgical Care Practitioners, as well as smoother running of the wards, theatres and the clinical firms through the addition of a highly skilled and versatile Surgical Care Practitioner workforce.

New directions in male-tailored psychotherapy for depression.

Societal, cultural, and contextual norms about how men should be and behave (so called traditional masculinity ideologies; TMI) affect men's presentation of depressive disorders, psychotherapy use, and treatment engagement. Only recently, however, male-tailored psychotherapy approaches for depressive disorders have been developed, which aim to systematically soften dysfunctional TMI. In this review, we outline the necessary groundwork as well as recent advances in research on TMI, men's help-seeking, male depression, and their interrelatedness. Subsequently, we discuss the potential value of these findings for male-tailored psychotherapy for depressive disorders. A preliminary evaluation of a male-specific psychoeducation program found that a male-specific psychoeducation text could reduce negative affect as well as state shame and potentially elicit a shift from externalizing depression symptoms toward more prototypical depression symptoms. The James' Place program, a male-tailored community-based service, improved suicidal men's overall well-being, problems, functioning, and suicide risk. The Heads Up Guys! program, an eHealth resource aimed at depressed men, reported a high and increasing global interest in their website, with considerable visitor engagement. The Man Therapy online resource improved depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and help-seeking behavior. Finally, the Men in Mind program, an online training program for clinical practitioners, increased practitioners' capacity to engage and support men in therapy. Male-tailored psychotherapy programs for depressive disorders, which are informed by recent advances in TMI research, may potentially increase therapeutic effectiveness, engagement, and adherence. While recent preliminary analyses of individual male-tailored treatment programs show promising results, extensive and systematic primary studies evaluating these programs are pending but greatly needed.