Training Program Research Articles

Is primary biliary cholangitis still a challenge? Experience of Hassan II University Hospital FES Morocco

Introduction: Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic autoimmune hepatopathy and the leading cause of intrahepatic cholestasis. Treatment is mainly based on ursodesoxycholic acid. The aim of our work is to study the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary profile of PBC, and to determine the factors predictive of a poor response to UDCA in our context. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective descriptive and analytical study of all cases of PBC followed in our training program from June 2012 to February 2023. Results: We recorded all clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of 70 cases of PBC. Ninety-two percent ( n= 65) were women. The mean age was 57.3 [24-83] years. The circumstances of discovery were dominated by pruritus, and jaundice. M2-type anti-mitochondrial antibodies were positive in 91.4% of cases. 52.14% of cases had associated autoimmune diseases. Treatment was based on UDCA in all cases, combined with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for patients with overlap syndrome. A biochemical response after one year of treatment according to Paris II criteria was found in 62.85% (44 cases). In univariate analysis, the factors associated with poor response to treatment were : Discovery of cirrhosis at diagnosis , Decompensated cirrhosis , presence of overlap syndrome , poor compliance with UDCA due to non-availability of medication , initial bilirubin level above 30 mg/l , hypoalbuminemia below 35 g/l. Conclusion: Our study shows the frequency of cirrhosis in PBC, which may explain the low response rate to UDCA, a drug that remains difficult to obtain in our Moroccan context, making prognosis poor and management difficult.

Knowledge and awareness among dental and life science students towards research: A questionnaire based cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards research and explore career interests among dental and life science students following their participation in an internship training program in bioresearch. The materials and methods involved a questionnaire-based survey conducted among CRI (Compulsory rotatory internship) dental students, postgraduate MDS students, and life science students who took part in the internship program organized by the Central Research Laboratory. Prior to the internship, participants were administered the questionnaire. The results revealed an overall research knowledge rate of 66% among participants, with CRI dental students demonstrating a higher rate at 72%. Additionally, 72% of the participants expressed positive views regarding research as a viable career option in their respective fields. This study primarily aimed to analyse research knowledge and attitudes among dental and life science students. Findings indicated a strong interest in research among students, highlighting the importance of targeted training in biomedicine and statistics. In conclusion, the study suggests that tailored training programs focusing on research methodology and statistics would be beneficial for medical and dental students entering the field.

Effects of pilates exercise on quality of life and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women: A quasi experimental study

Background: Menopause is an unspoken, unattended, reality of life, the cause of which is still undeciphered completely by human. Women can enjoy good quality of life after menopause even without hormones as exercise works by improving muscle mass, strength, flexibility and coordination. Pilates exercise has grown in popularity as a result of profound effects that it has had on both healthy and injured bodies. Nowadays Pilates exercise more formally into rehabilitation from more medical perspective. Aim: To assess the effect of Pilates exercises on quality of life and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women. Materials and Methods: A Study was performed on a total of 30 women. Subjects matching the inclusion criteria with age group 45-55 years were included for the study. They performed pilates exercise, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Menopause Rating Scale and Menopause-specific Quality of Life were used as outcome measures to assess the pre and post effect of exercises. Data was analyzed using SPSS software 28. Results and Discussion: There is a statistically significant difference in the outcomes of pre and post intervention. Paired t test was performed. Conclusion: It is concluded that the Pilates training program in menopausal women helps to improve their quality of life and also beneficial in reducing the symptoms of menopause.

Fostering Global Citizenship: A Qualitative Study on Civic Education for Pakistani Students on the Palestine-Israel Conflict through Innovative Pedagogical Approaches

This research endeavors to delve into the effectiveness of civic education in shaping Pakistani students' understanding of the Palestine-Israel conflict, recognizing the imperative role of global citizenship in today's interconnected world. The study aims to go beyond traditional approaches, focusing on innovative pedagogical methods to enhance critical thinking and empathy among students. The complexity of the Palestine-Israel conflict and its global implications underline the necessity of informed perspectives. Pakistani students, like many others globally, often lack a comprehensive understanding of the conflict's historical, political, and cultural dimensions. The qualitative study focuses specifically on the Palestine-Israel conflict, aiming to uncover insights that enhance the educational experience and contribute to the broader dialogue on global citizenship. The research methodology involves a diverse sample, qualitative research methods, and thematic analysis of data. Expected contributions extend to informing curriculum development and teacher training programs, fostering a generation of Pakistani students with a deeper understanding of the Palestine-Israel conflict, and a commitment to global peace and justice. In conclusion, this research endeavors to contribute valuable insights into the realm of civic education, addressing the gaps in understanding of the Palestine-Israel conflict among Pakistani students. The findings may have broader implications for global citizenship education and similar initiatives in comparable contexts.

Cross-cultural competence in global HRD: Strategies for developing an inclusive and diverse workforce

In today's interconnected world, where businesses operate globally, Cross-Cultural Competence (CCC) in Human Resource Development (HRD) has become indispensable. This review explores the significance of CCC in fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, focusing on strategies for its development. Cross-cultural competence refers to the ability of individuals and organizations to navigate and interact across different cultural contexts effectively. In the realm of HRD, cultivating CCC is essential for creating inclusive workplaces that embrace diversity, promote understanding, and harness the potential of all employees. One of the critical strategies for developing CCC in HRD is cultural awareness training. It involves educating employees about cultural norms, values, and communication styles, fostering empathy, and understanding. Organizations can minimize misunderstandings and conflicts by equipping employees with cultural knowledge, leading to enhanced collaboration and productivity. Another crucial aspect is the promotion of cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness within the organizational culture. HRD initiatives should emphasize the value of diversity and inclusion, encouraging employees to appreciate and respect differences. This can be achieved through policies celebrating diversity, such as diversity training programs, affinity groups, and inclusive leadership development. Effective communication is fundamental to CCC in HRD. Organizations must facilitate transparent and open communication channels accommodating diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Encouraging multilingualism, providing translation services, and utilizing cross-cultural communication training can bridge language barriers and facilitate meaningful staff interactions.

Assessing The Effectiveness of Training and Development Programmes on Employee Performance at Tata Steel Ltd.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of training and development programs at Tata Steel Ltd., focusing on their alignment with organizational strategies and their impact on employee performance. The primary objective is to assess how these programs contribute to organizational competitiveness and employee skill enhancement in the 21st century. Using purposive sampling technique, data was gathered from a sample of 100 employees who have participated in the company's training initiatives. The findings reveal that a majority of employees (98%) recognize training as integral to the organization's strategy and effective in enhancing productivity. However, discrepancies in perceptions suggest the need for improved communication and training customization. Keywords: Training, Training effectiveness, Training programmer, Evaluation of Training, development.

Five-Year Treatment Outcomes of Resident-Performed Ahmed Valve Implantation for Glaucoma.

Ahmed Glaucoma valve implantation by residents showed similar complications, success, and failure rates, regardless of their level of expertise. Training programs must encourage ophthalmologists to perform this surgery to enhance competence in their future practices. To describe outcomes of resident-performed Ahmed Valve implantation over a 5-year period. In this cross-sectional observational study we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent resident-performed Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation over a 5-year period. The main outcomes were the number of surgeries performed by first, second, and third-year residents, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and the association of level of training with outcomes and complications. 160 eyes were included, with a mean age of 53.8±15.4 years, 63% were men. The most frequent type of glaucoma was neovascular glaucoma (67.5%). Mean follow-up was 23.2±19.6 months. Residents of higher years performed more surgeries and no relationship was found between the surgeon's level of training and type of glaucoma operated on. After the surgical procedure, significant changes in best-corrected visual acuity were noted in surgeries performed by third-year residents (P=0.04). Intraocular pressure and number of medications were significantly reduced in all groups (P=0.01). Complications were registered in 60 eyes; the most frequent being the presence of a transient flat anterior chamber (27.45%). There were no significant differences in terms of IOP control and the number of complications in the three groups. There was no significant association between the resident's experience and the outcomes of the surgery. The Ahmed valve implant is a procedure that appears to have similar results in surgeons with different levels of training.

Knowledge and perception of cereal farmers and extension agents on fungicide use in northern Ghana.

Agricultural pesticide use in sub-Saharan Africa has doubled over the past three decades, with a greater relative increase for fungicides. As pesticide inputs continue to rise, so does the potential for the development of resistance. Here, we report on a survey conducted to understand pesticide resistance awareness, pesticide-use knowledge and practices of growers and agricultural extension officers (AEOs) in the cereals growing-belt of northern Ghana, with emphasis on fungicides. The results may inform development of strategies for improving pesticide literacy including resistance awareness, extension services and crop protection outcomes. The survey revealed a low level of pesticide-use knowledge for AEOs and growers. This was more so for growers with low education, predominantly women. Education level (and indirectly gender) influenced perceived effectiveness of fungicides and levels of adoption of cultural and agrochemical best practices. Only 28% of growers and 11% of AEOs practiced crop and fungicide rotations, respectively. More than half (53%) of the respondents indicated that fungicides used in northern Ghana are not effective. Given the low level of pesticide literacy of AEOs and growers, training programs on best practice for the use of pesticides, with targeted initiatives for female growers, would improve crop protection outcomes and safety. The limited adoptions of crop rotation and repeated use of fungicides with the same active ingredients, along with >50% of respondents reporting 'fungicides not working' suggest the potential presence of fungicide resistance cases in growers' fields in the Northern region of Ghana. Further work is needed to determine the incidence of resistance in the region. It is recommended that a key policy priority should focus on understanding broader agrochemical-use practices, crop losses and household-level food security in the presence of resistance risks. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

+Ciencia: a training program to increase evidence-based science communication and literacy for Hispanic high school and undergraduate students.

Science misinformation represents a significant challenge for the scientific community. Hispanic communities are particularly vulnerable due to language barriers and the lack of accessible information in Spanish. We identified that a key step toward enhancing the accessibility of information for non-native English-speaking communities involves imparting science communication education and training to Hispanic youth. Our goal was to provide them with the skills to become science ambassadors who can effectively engage with their communities and bridge communication gaps. To address this, we developed the first science communication training program in Spanish for Hispanic high school and undergraduate students in Puerto Rico. The program called +Ciencia aims to provide training and education on science communication for Hispanic minorities through experiential and collaborative learning. In the short term, our multifaceted approach works to counter misinformation and promote science literacy within the broader community. Over the long term, our grassroots efforts with students will evolve into a generation of professionals equipped with strong engagement skills and comprehensive training in science communication with a specific focus on Hispanic audiences. Herein, we describe the components of this educational program and provide open access to educational materials and articles developed by three cohorts.

Accessibility of digital systems in information retrieval by users with visual impairment

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the accessibility of digital information systems as a key usability attribute in information retrieval by users with visual impairment (VI), to inform development of accessible information systems. Design/methodology/approach This study used a cross-sectional survey design based on the quantitative research paradigm. Data was collected from 117 students with visual impairments from selected public universities in Kenya, using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Findings This study revealed that gender did not influence screen reader compatibility, alternative format preferences, perceptions of accessible content or digital library navigability. Instead, type of visual impairment, prior assistive technology (AT) training and digital library use frequency significantly impacted these attributes. Blind students reported positive experiences, favouring alternative formats, and expressed positive views on accessible content while those with low vision faced more challenges. Prior training in assistive technology and frequent digital library use resulted in higher screen reader compatibility and better navigability. Increased digital library use was linked to access to alternative content for those with prior assistive technology training. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the existing literature on accessibility of digital information systems for users with visual impairments. Further research is needed to explore other factors that may influence the accessibility of digital systems, such as the design of user interfaces as well as an evaluation of accessibility of digital systems for other categories of disabilities such as hearing impairment, physical impairment, autism and intellectual disability, among others. Practical implications The findings of this study have practical implications for the design and development of digital systems such as digital libraries. Developers can leverage findings of this study to enhance compatibility of digital platforms with screen readers and provide alternative formats and accessible content. User-centred design principles can be used to create interfaces that are easy to navigate and friendly to users with visual impairments. Training programmes on assistive technology should be provided to users to enhance their skills and confidence in using digital systems. Originality/value This study contributes towards design and creation of navigable systems that are compatible with screen readers. The study also points out the importance of creating more inclusive and usable digital environments for persons with visual impairments.

Poverty and Disability: A State-Level Geospatial Analysis.

Individuals with disabilities are a growing yet understudied population. Nurses are in a prime position to address social determinants of health (SDOH), which is defined as the conditions in which people work, live, and learn that affect health. SDOH are largely responsible for the health inequities seen among individuals with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between state-level poverty rates and state-level social determinants, such as housing, education, employment, health, and health care for adults with disabilities using geospatial, state-level data. This secondary data analysis used national data from the 2021 American Community Survey. Data on state poverty rates and rates of particular social determinants were used to examine differences between high- and low-poverty states for adults with disabilities. Rates, rather than numbers of adults with disabilities in poverty, were used to control for state size. The median poverty rate (27.8%) for adults with disabilities was used to create a dichotomous variable for low-poverty (n = 26) and high-poverty (n = 25) states. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare geospatial and SDOH data to understand differences between high- and low-poverty states. More adults with disabilities, regardless of race, live in high-poverty states, particularly those with ambulatory and cognitive disabilities. Adults with disabilities residing in low-poverty states have higher employment rates and more private insurance coverage. More adults with disabilities in high-poverty states smoke, live in mobile homes, and are less educated. Using an SDOH lens in caring for individuals with disabilities helps nurses better understand how economic stability, education, health, health care access, the built environment, and the community, rather than individual factors, impact the health of adults with disabilities. To improve the health of disabled persons, nurses must have a greater awareness of the influence that social determinants have on health for individuals with disabilities. Nurse training programs must build disability cultural competence into nursing curricula. Universal screening for SDOH, particularly for individuals with disabilities residing in high-poverty states, is pivotal for the best chance of improving the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among patients with anemia towards disease management

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices among anemia patients toward disease management.MethodsThis web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2023 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine). A self-designed questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of anemia patients, and assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward disease management.ResultsA total of 396 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean age of the participants was 57.44 ± 16.80 years, and 52.02% were female. The mean knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores were 11.47 ± 1.73 (possible range: 0–14), 27.32 ± 2.96 (possible range: 7–35), and 40.49 ± 6.06 (possible range: 10–50), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that bachelor’s degree or above was independently associated with sufficient knowledge (OR = 2.372, 95%CI: 1.160–4.853, p = 0.018). Knowledge (OR = 1.350, 95%CI: 1.166–1.563, p < 0.001) and hemoglobin within 60-90 g/L (OR = 1.782, 95%CI: 1.090–2.912, p = 0.021) were independently associated with positive attitudes. Moreover, attitudes (OR = 1.618, 95%CI: 1.454–1.799, p < 0.001) and diagnosis ≥1 year (OR = 1.949, 95%CI: 1.171–3.243, p = 0.010) were independently associated with proactive practices. The path analysis demonstrated that knowledge was directly and positively correlated with attitudes (β = 0.484, 95% CI: 0.363–0.647, p = 0.008), and attitudes was directly and positively correlated with practices (β = 1.195, 95% CI: 1.062–1.332, p = 0.007). Moreover, knowledge was indirectly and positively correlated with practice (β = 0.579, 95% CI: 0.434–0.805, p = 0.004).ConclusionAnemia patients have sufficient knowledge, negative attitudes, but proactive practices toward the toward disease management Comprehensive training programs are needed to improve anemia patients practices in this area.

Shaping ultrasound in midwifery: towards an evidence-based training framework for enhanced prenatal care.

Academic advancement of the midwifery profession highlights the need to establish standardized qualifications in obstetric ultrasound diagnosis, being a central part of prenatal care. Thus, introduction of an evidence-based training program is warranted. We aimed to reviewed curriculum designs used in midwifery ultrasound education. A systematic literature research was conducted. Embase, PubMed and Google Scholar database was reviewed for publications using the terms "[midwife], [midwives], [midwifery students], [obstetric ultrasound], [midwife sonographer] and [education], [teaching], [program], [course], [curriculum] and [learning]". Papers with full description of curriculum designs or educational programs on obstetrical ultrasound for midwives were included and scrutinized against pre-defined criteria according to the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes) scheme. 29 publications were included. Studies demonstrated a significant disparity according to course concepts being used. Differing parameters included: Duration, structure, learning approaches, course content, examination concepts and target groups (practising midwives vs. midwives in education). An evidence-based ultrasound educational program for midwives remains to be developed, including further educational guidelines. Clinical applications by midwives, as well as the distinctions from medical practise, particularly in terms of legal considerations, needs to be defined.

Teaching of manual cataract extraction in ophthalmic surgical training programmes.

Manual cataract extraction techniques such as extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) or manual small incision cataract (MSICS) surgery have been replaced by phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Surgical training opportunities for manual techniques of cataract extraction are limited in modern surgical training programmes. This study evaluated the current trends of ECCE/MSICS training opportunities amongst trainees and trainers in the Irish Ophthalmic Surgical Training Program. An electronic survey was distributed to all ophthalmic surgical trainees and consultants in the country. It addressed the experience and exposure to ECCE/MSICS. Nineteen of 33 (57%) trainees and 29 of 55 (55%) of consultants completed the survey. Twelve of 19 (63%) trainees viewed an ECCE procedure performed live. Twenty-seven of 29 (93%) consultants performed an ECCE procedure during their surgical career; 8 of 27 (30%) performed an ECCE within the last 1-3 years. Fourteen of 19 (74%) trainees stated they do not feel confident converting from phacoemulsification to ECCE independently. Sixteen of 19 (89%) trainees believe manual cataract extraction training should be included in their surgical training. Nineteen of 29 (65%) consultants believe training in manual cataract extraction should be part of the surgical training programme. There is a paucity of manual cataract extraction being performed in Ireland, limiting live surgical training in this technique. This survey highlights the limited experience of trainees in this valuable skill that is occasionally required for a successful surgical outcome. The authors conclude that wet laboratory simulated training of manual cataract extraction will bridge this gap.

Psychosocial Training Program for Lifeguards: A Pilot Study.

Research has highlighted the need for training lifeguards in psychosocial skills. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effectiveness of a short 10-h training program encompassing dimensions associated with emotional management, focus of attention, interpersonal relationships, and lifeguard behavior, and its effects on their psychosocial skills. A total of 64 lifeguards with experience ranging from 1 to 25 years (M = 5.93, SD = 6.07), randomly divided into experimental and control groups, participated in this study. The d2 Test of Attention, the Social Intelligence Test of O'Sullivan and Guilford, and the MSCEIT Emotional Intelligence Test were used to assess psychosocial skills. A multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures (2 × 3 (Group × Time) MANOVA) was performed to analyze the effects of the training program on psychosocial skills. The results revealed that the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in focus of attention and emotional intelligence compared to the control group. However, it is worth noting that no statistically significant group interactions were observed for measures of social intelligence. Taken together, these results seem to highlight the importance of including psychosocial content in the general training of lifeguards.

Shared Decision-Making Training in Family Medicine Residency: A Scoping Review

Shared decisions, in which physicians and patients share their agendas and make clinical decisions together, are optimal for patient-centered care. Shared decision-making (SDM) training in family medicine residency is always provided, but the best training approach for improving clinical practice is unclear. This review aims to identify the scope of the literature on SDM training in family medicine residency to better understand the opportunities for training in this area. Four databases (Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched from their inception to November 2022. The search was limited to English language and text words for the following four components: (1) family medicine, (2) residency, (3) SDM, and (4) training. Of the 522 unique articles, six studies were included for data extraction and synthesis. Four studies referenced three training programs that included SDM and disease- or condition-specific issues. These programs showed positive effects on family medicine residents’ knowledge, skills, and willingness to engage in SDM. Two studies outlined the requirements for SDM training in postgraduate medical education at the national level, and detailed the educational needs of family medicine residents. Purposeful SDM training during family medicine residency improves residents’ knowledge, skills, and willingness to engage in SDM. Future studies should explore the effects of SDM training on clinical practice and patient care.

Effects of a horizontal speed deceleration training programme on measures of physical fitness in youth male handball players

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of an 8-week horizontal speed deceleration training (HSDT) programme in combination with regular handball-specific training as compared with handball-specific training only in measures of physical fitness in male youth handball players. Thirty-nine players were randomly assigned to either an HSDT group (n = 18; 15.55 ± 0.24 years) or an active-control group (CG; n = 21; 14.59 ± 0.23 years). The results showed significant and large between-group differences at post-test in countermovement jump, change-of-direction speed, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) (all p < 0.01; d = 2.04 and 1.37, 1.39, 1.53, and 1.53 for the CMJ, 505 CoD, RSAbest, RSAaverage, and RSAtotal performances, respectively). The post-hoc-analysis demonstrated significant and large improvements in all measures of physical fitness in the HSDT group (∆2.49% to 16,25%; d = 1.01 to 1,70; all p < 0,01). The CG, however, failed to reach any significant difference in all measures of physical fitness ((∆0.31% to 1.98%; d = 0.15 to 0.22; p = 0.379; p > 0.05). To summarise, an 8-week in-season HSDT programme alongside regular handball-specific training yielded positive effects on various performance measures including jumping ability, CoD speed, and RSA, when compared to handball-specific training alone. These results highlight the potential benefits of integrating HSDT into the training regimen of youth handball athletes during the competitive season.

Professional activity and experience after a residency training program in ObGyn: A 10-year analysis.

To describe the profile and professional trajectory of the obstetrics and gynecology (ObGyn) graduates over the past decade, at a referral university hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing a survey that targeted graduates of the ObGyn residency program from the last decade, asking about demographics, medical undergraduate, residency details, post-residency trajectory, satisfaction levels, and social media usage. A descriptive analysis was performed. Comparative analyses, including gender-based differences, were assessed using chi-squared or Fisher exact tests (P < 0.05). Among 126 graduates, 84 agreed to participate (66.67%), predominantly comprising females with an average age of 33 years. Most identified themselves as white. The majority had pursued their undergraduate studies at the same institution (78.6%) and subsequently acquired specialized titles in ObGyn from the national society. Most of them were employed in both public and private sectors (71.08%). Male graduates held the majority of medical shifts in obstetrics. A significant gender-based salary discrepancy was noted, favoring males. More than half of the professionals utilized social media for work-related purposes. Many expressed the necessity for supplementary education beyond public health, particularly career management. The findings highlight a predominance of female and white individuals among the graduates. Overall, graduates expressed contentment with their education and professional engagements. A gender-based income disparity was identified, favoring male graduates. Studies like this can provide insights for improving medical residency education.

Validation of a synthetic simulation model of endoscopic rectus sheath plication.

Literature reviews outline minimally invasive approaches for abdominal diastasis in patients without skin excess. However, few surgeons are trained in endoscopic rectus sheath plication, and no simulated training programs exist for this method. This study aimed to develop and validate a synthetic simulation model for the training of skills in this approach under the Messick validity framework. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the participants' previous level of laparoscopic/endoscopic skills by a questionnaire. Participants performed an endoscopic plication on the model and their performance was evaluated by one blinded observer using the global rating scale OSATS and a procedure specific checklist (PSC) scale. A 5-level Likert survey was applied to 5 experts and 4 plastic surgeons to assess Face and Content validity. Fifteen non-experts and 5 experts in abdominal wall endoscopic surgery were recruited. A median OSATS score [25 (range 24-25) vs 14 (range 5-22); p < 0.05 of maximum 25 points] and a median PSC score [11 (range 10-11) vs 8 (range 3-10); p < 0.05 of maximum 11 points] was significantly higher for experts compared with nonexperts. All experts agreed or strongly agreed that the model simulates a real scenario of endoscopic plication of the rectus sheath. Our simulation model met all validation criteria outlined in the Messick framework, demonstrating its ability to differentiate between experts and non-experts based on their baseline endoscopic surgical skills. This model stands as a valuable tool for evaluating skills in endoscopic rectus sheath plication.

Automation risks of vocational training programs and early careers in the Netherlands

In this article, we study the role of automation risks in the school-to-work transition (STWT) of secondary vocational education (VET) graduates in the Netherlands. We use a combination of administrative and survey data, enriched with estimates of automation risks. Using sequence analysis, we find four ideal-type school-to-work trajectories representing the first 10 years in the labor market: employment, further education, further VET, and NEET. Multinomial regressions show that automation risk is not consistently associated with the type of school-to-work trajectory. We also investigate the relation between automation risk and starting wages and wage growth. We find that automation risk is negatively associated with starting wages, but not with wage growth.