Virtual Forum Research Articles

Bringing back the core concepts of physiology in an advanced medical school senior elective.

Integrating physiology core concepts into the clinical years of medical education has been challenging despite efforts. This article describes a fourth-year medical school elective, Advanced Physiology in Critical Care Medicine, that focused on integrating physiology core concepts in a case-based learning approach. The elective used interdisciplinary faculty in a virtual forum. Senior students were asked to generate mechanism of disease (MOD) maps, highlight the physiology core concepts associated with paper cases of critically ill patients, and discuss with faculty the relevance of the underlying basic science. The weekly footprint consisted of a student-led session presenting MOD maps for three cases, which examined aspects of core physiology concepts, and, later in the same week, student presentation of order sets for the management of the cases. Students ended the 4-wk elective with a mini-grand rounds presentation on a topic of their choice incorporating the core concept paradigm. Student perception data and faculty reflections of the elective course are included. Student data and faculty observations suggest that students appreciate and can apply physiological core concepts to patient care. Faculty experience in the course suggests that this senior elective helped them better approach all preclinical teaching with the Core Concepts framework in mind.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article presents an innovative approach to integration of physiology core concepts with clinical management using cases of critically ill patients in an online senior elective for medical students. It uses a multidisciplinary faculty conducting a course primarily using case-based learning led by student presentations and discussions of concept maps and order sets.

LINK Virtual Forum on Authentic Assessment for Early Childhood Intervention: Interdisciplinary & International Consensus

LINK Virtual Forum on Authentic Assessment for Early Childhood Intervention: Interdisciplinary & International Consensus

The art of the seminar and the power of small things

ABSTRACT Jeffrey Goldfarb’s intellectual engagement in the public sphere is rooted in his commitment to the seminar as a unique form of pedagogy, social interaction, and democratic deliberation. His skill around a table is, however, not only a craft that has been honed in the classroom; Goldfarb’s art of the seminar has also travelled geographically and virtually onto various platforms. His commitment to dialogue continues to serve as a way in which individuals can engage with one another across differences. From his early fascination with conversations around kitchen tables in communist Poland to the Democracy and Diversity Summer Schools that he organised with colleagues while teaching at the New School, from the virtual forums of Deliberately Considered, Public Seminar and The Democracy Seminar to his current professorship at the American University of Afghanistan, Goldfarb invites faculty and students to engage with one another to think critically about the pressing problems of our increasingly fractured world.

Impacts of COVID‐19 on social work teaching and learning in Bangladesh

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic had a significant impact on both classroom instruction and practical learning within Social Work Departments in Bangladesh. This research took two state universities in Bangladesh as case studies, using a qualitative methodology. Researchers conducted 10 Key Informant Interviews, with professors and field supervisors, 20 in‐depth interviews with Master of Social Sciences (MSS) students and two Focus Group Discussions with MSS students. During the pandemic, University faculty experimented with virtual classrooms, pre‐recorded lectures, and online chat forums to interact with postgraduate students. However, these approaches were not completely successful due to the limitations of digital infrastructure at the Universities and at students' residences. Shortcomings in virtual education included technological barriers, insufficient access to educational resources, and an unusual mental health situation for many students. Student practica were difficult to organize, due to technological barriers, restricted field placement opportunities, disruption in client interaction, and community outreach, interruptions in fieldwork and data collection, as well as insufficient faculty supervision and support. Universities ought to take proactive measures to integrate technology into teaching and learning in normal times so that both can continue during public health emergencies without adding educational crisis to the general state of emergency.

Sharing lessons learned from COVID-19 vaccine introductions: a global community forum for countries.

To optimize the efficient introduction and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2021 WHO launched a new process and tools for countries to rapidly review the early phase of countries' COVID-19 vaccine introduction. This methodology is called the COVID-19 vaccination intra-action review, also known as mini COVID-19 vaccine post-introduction evaluation (mini-cPIE). As of November 2022, 46 mini-cPIEs had been conducted. In collaboration with Project ECHO, WHO convened and facilitated real-time experience sharing and peer-learning among countries following their mini-cPIEs through a virtual global real-time learning forum. This five-session clinic series was attended by 736 participants from 129 countries. Based on post-session feedback surveys, when asked about the utility of the sessions, half of the participants said that sessions led them to review national guidelines and protocols or make other changes to their health systems. The post-series survey sent following the end of the clinic series showed that at least eight countries subsequently conducted a mini-cPIE after participating in the clinics, and participants from at least nine countries indicated the experience shared by peer countries on the clinic largely benefited their COVID-19 vaccine introduction and deployment. In this article, we highlight the benefits and importance of creating a global experience-sharing forum for countries to connect and share pertinent learnings in real-time during an international public health emergency. Moving forward, it is critical to foster a culture of individual and collective learning within and between countries during public health emergencies, with WHO playing an important convening role.

Tutoria invertida no ensino superior: Satisfação dos alunos em experiência de inovação educacional

Introduction. University tutoring rarely includes innovative contributions that lead to new procedures to generate interest and have an impact on the university community. Objective. This paper analyzes student satisfaction with the experience of educational innovation based on flipped tutoring, focusing on the difference between initial expectations and final perception. Method. The research was based on a quantitative methodological approach and a non-experimental, descriptive, and longitudinal design. The participants in the study, 164 students from an Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, and Pedagogy degree, answered a valid and reliable questionnaire designed ad hoc. Results. The results showed student satisfaction with the employ of the tutoring method and the Kahoot platform. On the contrary, the students expressed dissatisfaction with the use of virtual forums. Conclusions. These digital tools offer pedagogical alternatives that facilitate the work of the tutor. Kahoot is perceived as a success in detecting training needs, while virtual forums require teacher reflection for their incorporation into flipped tutoring processes.

Understanding the patient and supporter journey in cocaine use disorder.

There is a paucity of literature describing experiences and journey of individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD) and supporters who care for them. The aim of this study was to understand and document the journey of individuals with current CUD, those in CUD remission, and supporters. The online bulletin board (OBB) is a qualitative tool where participants engage in an interactive discussion on a virtual forum. After completing a 15-minute screening questionnaire determining eligibility, individuals in CUD remission and supporters participated in an OBB for 60 minutes, split across 8 days over 2 weeks. Individuals with current CUD participated in a one-time virtual focus group discussion for 90 minutes. Individuals in CUD remission (n=35) were from Brazil, France, Spain, the UK, and the US; those with current CUD (n=5) and supporters (n=6) were from the US. Key insights were that individuals with current CUD were seeking a 'euphoric high' that cocaine provides. Those in CUD remission described a 'euphoric high' when they first tried cocaine, but over time it became harder to re-create this feeling. Individuals in CUD remission expressed a 'rollercoaster' of emotions from when they first started using cocaine to when they stopped. Supporters were sad, isolated, and worried about a potential cocaine overdose for their loved ones with CUD. The study provides valuable insights into the experiences and journey of individuals with CUD and their supporters. Data generated from this study gives insights into this under-served and growing population.

A Semiotic Branding Analysis of Borobudur: World Spiritual Tourism Destination

In the context of internationalizing Borobudur as a destination for global Buddhist religious tourism this research aims to address the research questions: how does Borobudur's branding position it as a centre for the world's religions this study focuses on Borobudur’s branding in social media and content, social networks, social news, review sites, and virtual worlds forum. This research also incorporates data obtained through interviews with the managers of Borobudur Temple. This research employs a qualitative approach with a semiotic branding approach related to the declaration of the Borobudur Temple complex designated as one of the world's religious centres. the researcher conducts an analysis within the frameworks of syntagmatic, paradigmatic, and intertextuality. The research highlights Borobudur’s profound significance as a living spiritual and multicultural space, emphasizing its identity as a dynamic product shaped by social media. The study identifies two perceptions: religious tourism and cultural engagement, emphasizing Borobudur's multicultural appeal. The study aligns with the evolving nature of place branding, emphasizing emotional and experiential aspects. In conclusion, Borobudur emerges as a dynamic, spiritually rich destination with multicultural appeal. Social media plays a pivotal role in shaping its brand, emphasizing continuous promotion for global recognition and resonance. The influence of information technology propels globalization, altering the branding terrain. In this dynamic environment, tourists play an active role in shaping destination images, disrupting conventional top-down methodologies

Patient perspectives on current and potential therapies and clinical trial approaches for cocaine use disorder.

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is characterized by the continued use of cocaine despite serious impacts on life. This study focused on understanding the perspective of individuals with current CUD, individuals in CUD remission, and their supporters regarding current therapies, future therapies, and views on clinical trials for CUD. The online bulletin board (OBB) is a qualitative tool where participants engage in an interactive discussion on a virtual forum. Following completion of a screening questionnaire to determine eligibility, individuals in CUD remission and their supporters logged in to the OBB and responded to questions posed by the moderator. Individuals with current CUD participated in a one-time virtual focus group. All individuals with current CUD and 94% of those in CUD remission reported a diagnosis consistent with CUD or substance use disorder during screening. Individuals with current CUD and their supporters were recruited from the United States (US). Individuals in CUD remission were recruited from five countries, including the US. Individuals with current CUD reported hesitation about seeking treatment due to stigma, a lack of privacy, and being labeled as a drug seeker; barriers to therapy included time, cost, and a lack of privacy. Participants wanted a safe therapy to stop cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Seven clinical trial outcomes, including long-term abstinence and craving control, were suggested based on collected insights. This study can help inform the design of clinical trials and emphasize the need for effective, safe, and accessible therapies. Recruiting participants will require significant trust building.

Digitalization Shaping Religious Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract- In the heart of Himachal Pradesh, amidst the towering peaks and whispering pines, lies a tapestry of sacred sites that beckon pilgrims from far and wide. With the advent of digitalization, these ancient pathways have been augmented by virtual guides, mobile applications, and online forums, enriching the pilgrimage experience and deepening cultural understanding. From virtual tours that transcend physical boundaries to social media platforms that foster community engagement, digital technology has become an indispensable companion for modern-day pilgrims in Himachal Pradesh. Keywords: Religious tourism, E-Connect, Digitalization, Technology, Sustainable Pilgrimage Management.

Healthcare Professionals' Perceptions about the Implementation of Shared Decision-Making in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study from a Virtual Community of Practice.

The incorporation of shared decision making (SDM) is a central part of empowerment processes, as it facilitates greater activation on the part of patients, increasing the likelihood of them gaining control over their healthcare and developing skills to solve their health problems. Despite these benefits, there are still difficulties in the implementation of SDM among healthcare professionals due to internal and external factors related to the context and health systems. To explore primary care professionals (PCPs)' perceptions of the SDM model, based on their preconceptions and experience in clinical practice. A framework analysis was conducted on qualitative data derived from a virtual community practice forum, within a cluster-randomized clinical trial developed in the e-MPODERA project. The most important points in the opinions of the PCPs were: exploring the patients' values, preferences and expectations, providing them with and checking their understanding of up-to-date and evidence-based health information. The analysis revealed three themes: determinants of the implementation process of SDM, lack of consistency and dilemmas and benefits of PCP active listening, motivation and positive expectations of SDM. In our initial analysis, we examined the connections between the categories of the TDC model and its application in the primary care context. The categories related to the model reflect the theoretical understanding of professionals, while those related to perceptions of its application and use show certain discrepancies. These discrepancies could indicate a lack of understanding of the model and its real-world implications or insufficient commitment on the part of professionals or the organization to ensure its effective implementation. Specific targeted training that addresses knowledge, attitudes and practice may resolve the aforementioned findings.

Inclusive Education from the Contributions in the Virtual Forums of the Students of the Degree of Pedagogy at the University of Malaga

The study of inclusive education (IE) today has a large body of international research that provides insights into the changes and strategies needed to make it a reality. However, we are witnessing the fact that educational and social changes are happening very slowly. We must continue to engage and delve into the judgments and opinions of the individuals who will make it achievable. We conducted a descriptive, analytical, and qualitative study to analyze the contributions of students in the virtual forums of five subjects over three academic years (2019–2020, 2020–2021, 2021–2022) in the pedagogy degree program (1st and 4th year). The study aimed to gather evidence of students’ commitment, involvement, learning, and knowledge construction in the context of IE. On the one hand, we have found evidence that students’ perceptions of IE are influenced by barriers and facilitators that either enable or restrict the progress of IE. On the other hand, we also present evidence of the level of engagement, reflection, and dedication of the students who have taken part in the online forums of the courses, as well as the knowledge they have gained through their participation. We recognize virtual forums as a space for students to meet, reflect, and collaboratively construct knowledge. It is a valuable tool for gaining insight into how students develop their perceptions, opinions, and learning.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CHILD DECENT QANUN IN EAST ACEH DISTRICT

This research focuses on community involvement in the formation of Qanun Anak in East Aceh District, Indonesia. East Aceh has strong religious and cultural values, which require the implementation of Qanun Anak to protect children's rights. Community involvement is considered essential to reflect local values and ensure the protection of children's rights. Community participation is not only limited to the establishment of the Child Qanun, but also includes implementation and supervision. The ongoing education program aims to increase public understanding of children's rights and open dialogue between the community and the government. Regular consultation forums serve as a forum for evaluating the impact of Qanun Anak, sharing success stories, identifying challenges, and finding solutions together. The local child welfare center becomes a dynamic hub that connects the community with resources to support children. The involvement of village governments, the private sector, and NGOs has had a positive impact with financial support and knowledge to overcome challenges. The mass media is a strategic partner in voicing children's rights and raising public awareness. The campaign through the media helped maintain the momentum of awareness of children's rights and the importance of implementing Qanun Anak. This study used qualitative methods with primary data from direct interviews and secondary data from local governments, children's forums, youth institutions, and the people of East Aceh. Community participation in the formation of Qanun Anak reflects the spirit of democracy, involving religious leaders, traditional leaders, child activists, parents, teachers, and children. The public consultation mechanism involves multiple voices in the harmony of discussion, ensuring the Child Qanun reflects the values and needs of the community. Children's participation is recognized and encouraged, creating regulations that strengthen their rights. This process involves technology with online surveys and virtual discussion forums. Education increases public understanding of children's rights and the urgency of Qanun Anak. The Qanun of a child-worthy city is not just a legal text, but rather a moral manifesto and a shared commitment to protecting children's rights. The people of East Aceh play an active role in making unique contributions, overcoming conflicts through collaboration, and creating an environment of support for children. The urgency of Qanun Anak includes the protection of children's rights, child development support, child empowerment in decisions, empowerment of parents and communities, as well as relevance to contemporary challenges. It is hoped that with the sustainability of community commitment and the real implementation of Qanun Anak, every child can grow up in an environment full of support and equal opportunities.

A regional virtual case discussion forum in pediatric oncology: Experience of the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean Group.

The Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) group that aims to share expertise among pediatric oncology providers across the Middle East, North Africa, and East Asia region initiated a virtual Case Discussion Forum (CDF) in 2013. Meeting records from September 2013 till June 2021 were reviewed. Detailed minutes were available starting August 2016; case data were analyzed including diagnoses, purpose of presentation and recommendations. A 38-item survey assessing perception of benefits, challenges, and opportunities of the forum was distributed to members of the POEM group and results analyzed. A total of 140 cases were presented from 14 countries. After August 2016, 67 cases were presented, and those were analyzed regarding reasons for discussion, barriers, and recommendations. Details are presented in this report, and the most common challenges identified were related to histopathologic/molecular diagnosis (24%), imaging interpretation (18%), resource limitations (12%), and surgical difficulties (9%). A survey was distributed to all POEM members in 28 countries, and 76 responded. The main benefit reported was the provision of recommendations regarding treatment and evaluation, while the main challenges reported were time zone difference and workload. Recognized opportunities included conducting regionally relevant research studies based on clinical problems identified during discussions, and setting guidelines for resource-adapted treatment regimens. The POEM CDF identified areas for multi-institutional regional studies and led to a twinning project between two centers in the region for improving diagnostic infrastructure. Such forums can identify specific resource limitations in pediatric cancer and direct efforts for targeted capacity building.

Inaugural Editorial

Our intention in launching this journal is to provide a virtual collegial forum in which teachers, researchers, policymakers and others with an interest in teaching can safely document and explore the complexity of teachers

Taking a systems approach to promote posttraumatic growth: A position paper

ABSTRACT As health systems emerge from the pandemic, academic medical centres are motivated to have a healthy and resilient workforce. In the face of the collective traumas of the pandemic, we took a systems approach to infuse wellness into our culture by modelling collective recovery in a non-traditional town hall. Over a dozen senior leaders, faculty, staff, and students shared their personal experiences in a virtual forum, nearly 1000 attendees communally supported one another. Since the town hall, a recording of the experience has been broadly viewed, messaging from leaders proliferated, and smaller versions of the same exercise were implemented. At a time when academic medical centres faced multiple challenges, we chose to first value the well-being of our staff at a system-wide level. It is our hope that other academic medical centres leverage our story to hold space for the experiences of the people who make their work possible.

“We have dealt with so much. There’s more coming?”: Improving Knowledge About Brain Health in Adults Living With Congenital Heart Disease

BackgroundSignificant advances in managing congenital heart disease (CHD) have occurred over the past few decades, resulting in a fast-growing adult patient population with distinct needs requiring urgent attention. Research has recently highlighted the prevalence of neurocognitive differences among adults living with CHD. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge about the perspectives of people living with CHD and family members/caregivers on brain health. We sought to explore their perspectives to guide future research and clinical endeavours. MethodsUsing the principles of integrated knowledge translation and qualitative interpretive description, we conducted 2 focus groups with 7 individuals with CHD and their family members as part of a virtual forum on brain health in CHD. Data analysis followed the principles of interpretive description. ResultsA lack of understanding about overall brain health and neurocognitive differences in adult CHD was identified. To increase overall knowledge about brain health, initiatives should (1) focus on the individual living with CHD, involving family members and peers; (2) use social media and health care encounters for knowledge exchange; and (3) ensure a “balancing act” in the information provided to avoid feelings of worry and uncertainty about the future while simultaneously empowering people living with CHD. ConclusionsThere is a pressing need for better education about brain health among individuals living with CHD. Our findings can guide clinicians in developing programmes of care and (re)design health services that address the brain-heart axis and neurocognitive differences in CHD.

Promoting Iranian EFL learners’ intercultural competences in english classrooms: The use of pedagogical intercultural and critical incident tasks

A long-standing concern reverberating over the minds of intercultural scholars is how best to incorporate intercultural issues in English language education, an issue on which there has been little research in the Iranian EFL context. Anchored in Byram’s (1997) intercultural model, this paper explores the efficacy of employing pedagogical intercultural and critical incident tasks to promote Iranian English learners’ intercultural competency in Anzali, Guilan Province, Iran. Twenty-two English learners (12 females and 10 males, ages 21–30) consented to participate in the research. They then enrolled in eighteen sessions of intercultural instruction utilizing intercultural textbooks and accomplished fourteen tasks prior to and during the course to examine the participants’ probable changes as a consequence of course practices. The primary data comprised students’ pedagogical intercultural tasks, critical incident tasks and reflective entries. Adopting qualitative content analysis, the results underscore that the pedagogical intercultural and critical incident tasks as well as the utilization of a virtual forum as a zone for cross-cultural interaction and learning, boosted learners’ intercultural attitudes, knowledge and skills. Furthermore, three themes emerged from the reflective entries analysis. Implications for educational practice are provided for further implementing and practicing pedagogical intercultural and critical incident tasks.

Characteristics of Current Teaching Kitchens: Findings from Recent Surveys of the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative.

Teaching kitchens are physical and virtual forums that foster practical life skills through participation in experiential education. Given the well-supported connection between healthy eating patterns and the prevention and management of chronic diseases, both private and public organizations are building teaching kitchens (TKs) to enhance the health and wellness of patients, staff, youth, and the general community. Although implementation of TKs is becoming more common, best practices for starting and operating programs are limited. The present study aims to describe key components and professionals required for TK operations. Surveys were administered to Teaching Kitchen Collaborative (TKC) members and questions reflected seven primary areas of inquiry: (1) TK setting(s), (2) audiences served, (3) TK model(s), (4) key lines of operations, (5) team member who manages or directs the TK, (6) team member(s) who performs key operations and other professionals or partnerships that may be needed, and (7) the primary funding source(s) to build and operate the TK (among various other topics). Findings were used to articulate recommendations for organizations seeking to establish a successful TK as well as for TKs to expand their collective reach, research capacity, and impact.

A Hybrid Methodology for the Evaluation of Clinical Practice in Final-Year Nursing Students.

(1) Background: Clinical practice constitutes a scenario where the student approaches reality. The pedagogical relationship that is built between the nurse, the tutors and the student becomes important. And this requires intentional and reflective accompaniment. The principal objective was to design a hybrid-learner-centered training model requiring reflection and acquisition of specific skills. (2) Methodology: This was a prospective observational study using an intentional sample of 87 students. A hybrid model based on a dynamic virtual forum and Individual Improvement Plan (IIP) was constructed, evaluated using a self-completed questionnaire with a Likert scale. (3) Results: A model of accompaniment to the practices was built that allows for unifying a work plan. A transversal activity IIP was designed. A discussion forum was incorporated for each subject tutor. The analysis of the questionnaire showed that learning assessment, tutorials, virtual forums, self-assessment and satisfaction statistically differed. (4) Conclusions: The model allows students to be accompanied to acquire skills, knowledge, and attitudes and to develop critical thinking, as well as to improve the teaching quality of the practices of the Curriculum of the Nursing degree and to achieve their own competences through student-centered methodologies. This study was not registered.