A cross-sectional, questionnaire study to assess the feedback from second year medical students regarding competency based medical education prescribed formative assessment in pharmacology

Background: Formative assessment (FA) is part of the assessment process according to the new competency based medical education curriculum and is believed to improve learning. Feedback from students is an integral part of FA which, if incorporated, may help in optimizing content and application of future FAs. Hence, the current study was conducted to assess feedback from 2nd year medical students regarding FAs in Pharmacology. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the emotional impact of FA on students and to analyze their suggestions regarding FA. Materials and Methods: A well-designed, structured, and pre-validated questionnaire was filled by consenting students who had written the FA. The responses were compiled in an excel sheet and statistically analyzed. Results: Out of 121 students, 115 took FA and of them 100 students filled the questionnaire (Response rate 86.95%). When it comes to emotional impact, 64% students did not find these assessments burdensome and 81% were motivated to study better. When it comes to future suggestions, 100% wanted to be pre-informed. About 88% wanted a written assessment. About 75% wanted only multiple choices questions (MCQs) and 70% wanted MCQs + Essay type questions. About 65% students wanted FAs in practicals but only 36% wanted it in the same paper as theory FA. Conclusion: FA is a good tool to enhance learning which is not a burden on students but a good motivator for better reading. Students prefer a pre-informed, written assessment with MCQs over essay type questions and want these FAs to be conducted in practical’s also but not in the same paper.

A study on impact of stress among higher secondary school teachers in Coimbatore District / 国际药学研究杂志

Success behind any student or any education institution resides with teachers. Thus, it is the duty of the management to keep their faculty satisfied and free from stress. Once the teachers are satisfied they can extend full-support for the development of the institution. Hence, in this study an attempt has been made to ascertain the causes and impact of stress are discussed. The result of the study disclosed that Pressure of Handling Extra Classes/Special Classes, Lack of Appreciation by Seniors/Colleagues, Insufficient Support from the Management and Issues with Spouse /Family Members leads to stress. Further, the result of study disclose that teachers who are suffering stress cry easily, thought to end their life, feeling of being trapped or caught.

Evaluación emocional del impacto del diagnóstico y tratamientos a padres de niños con desórdenes de la diferenciación sexual (DSD) / Emotion-focused evaluation of the impact on parents of diagnosis and treatment of children with disorders of sex development (DSD)

El Hospital Garrahan realiza la atención interdisciplinaria de niños con "Anomalías de la Diferenciación Sexual". Es importante conocer el estado emocional de los padres de los pacientes con diagnóstico de DSD (Disorders of Sex Development).para comprender y acompañar de la mejor manera el proceso por el que deberán atravesar estas familias. El objetivo del trabajo es: Identificar indicadores de vulnerabilidad y/o afectación psicoemocional de los padres, empleando para ello entrevistas semidirigidas e instrumentos científicamente validados .Se aplicaron Escalas de ansiedad, de depresión, Cuestionario de Salud SF-36, el Pediatric Inventory for Parents (PIP), y el Cuestionario de afrontamiento para adultos CAE. Se realizó un estudio Descriptivo de corte transversal. Resultados. Se entrevistaron 53 padres. El promedio de edad 28 años. El 24,5% pertenece al Cono Urbano, 11,3% a CABA, y 22,6% a otras provincias . Nivel educativo: primaria completa 49%, secundaria 24,5%, estudios terciarios y universitarios 5,6%y 3,7%, no terminaron la primaria 9,4%, secundario 7,8%. En cuanto a la información recibida, diagnóstico, estudios, indicaciones, y recomendaciones para la asignación de sexo de sus hijos, y las medidas al respecto; 49% alcanzó una comprensión regular, 13,2% tenía una mala calidad de información, 37% logró una buena información . El CAE describe las estrategias para hacer frente a situaciones estresantes, el refugio en creencias y la religión presentó la mayor cantidad el 64%, los estilos de afrontamiento evaluación emocional abierta y la autofocalización negativa (54% y 52% respectivamente), focalización en la solución del problema (45%), la reevaluación positiva de las situaciones (35%) y la evitación (23%). El recurso menos utilizado es la búsqueda de apoyo social (19%). Otra de las variables estudiadas fue la depresión como indicador de malestar,se utilizó el test de Hamilton, presentando No depresión (38,3%), depresión ligera/menor (25%), depresión mayor (13,3%), depresión moderada y depresión severa (5% cada una), y un porcentaje no contestó (13,3%). En el PIP, perciben que la comunicación de información médica es estresante en un 37,3% y también sienten que debe esforzarse para comprenderla en un 52,9%. Los cuidados médicos que deben asumir representan un factor estresante para el 58,8%, y creen necesitar esforzarse para asumirlos el 70,6%. Por otro lado consideran que tener que manejar las relaciones familiares paralelas a la situación de enfermedad de sus hijos es estresante en un 60,8%, debiendo esforzarse para afrontarlas en un 41,2% de los casos (AU)

At Garrahan Hospital children with "sex differentiation anomalies" are managed in a multidisciplinary team. It is important to know the emotional state of the parents of patients with a diagnosis of disorders of sex development (DSDs) in order to understand and best accompany the family in the process they have to go through. The aim of this study was to identify markers of vulnerability and/or psycho-emotional affectation of the parents, using semistructured interviews and scientifically validated instruments. The Scales of Anxiety, of Depression, the Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey, the Pediatric Inventory for Parents (PIP), and the coping questionnaire for adults (CAE) were used. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Results: 53 parents were interviewed. Mean age was 28 years. Overall, 24.5% was from Greater Buenos Aires, 11.3% from the city of Buenos Aires, and 22.6% from other provinces. Educational level: 49% completed primary school, 24.5% completed secondary school, and 5.6% and 3.7% completed tertiary or university education; 9.4% had not completed primary and 7.8% secondary school. Regarding information received,: 49% had a regular understanding, 13.2% had a poor understanding, and 37% had a good understanding of the information. The CAE describes strategies to cope with stressful situations; beliefs and religion were the most common in 64%, strategies of open emotion-focused coping and self-blame (54% and 52%, respectively), problem-focused coping (45%), a positive reappraisal of the situations (35%), and denial (23%). The least used coping resource was looking for social support (19%). Other variables studied were depression as a marker of discomfort: The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was used, showing No depression (38.3%), mild/minor depression (25%), major depression (13.3%), moderate and severe depression (5% each), and a percentage did not respond (13.3%). Using the PIP it was found that medical communication was found to be stressful in 37.3% and 52.9% felt they had to make an effort to understand the information. The medical care the parents have to assume was a stressing factor for 58.8%, and 70.6% believed they had to make an effort to assume the care. On the other hand, 60.8% believed that having to manage family relationships parallel to the disease situation of their children was stressful, and it was felt by 41.2% they had to make an effort to cope with that situation (AU)

The impact of dialysis-requiring kidney disease on family quality of life: A descriptive study

BACKGROUND: The alarming increase in prevalence of dialysis-requiring kidney disease is a major health concern in the country. With more patients undergoing dialysis, more families are also exposed to the stresses of caregiving. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of dialysis-requiring kidney disease on the quality of life of the patient's family. Information on the magnitude and areas of impact is essential in developing strategies to support the family.METHODS: Data were obtained from pre-tested, structured, close ended questionnaires completed by 60 family members of kidney disease patients on dialysis at Holy Child Hospital from October 16 to November 30, 2015. Analysis was carried out using the GNU PSPP software.RESULTS: Most family members were female (77%), the spouse of the patient (34%) or the child (30%), and living with the patient (70%). Eighty-nine percent were directly involved in patient care; 55% held the role of the main caregiver. Ten key themes were investigated and the areas of negative impact by magnitude are: Emotional Impact (100%) citing worry, stress, and frustration; Financial Impact (100%) citing medical bills as the most burdensome; Family Relationships (82%) citing increased stress and tension; Sleep & Health (64%) citing sleep loss from having to wake to assist the patient; Daily Activities (63%) seeing caregiving as a burden; Social Life (58%) citing guilt feeling as a hindrance to socialization; Time Planning (57%) with the unpredictability of the patient's symptoms being the main cause of not being able to make plans; Holidays (48%) blaming appointments for not being able to go on vacation; Work & Study (43%) citing lack of focus; and Support & Medical Care (42%) citing lack of support from other family members. Positive effects were also identified with 90% reporting strengthened personal relationship with the family, 83% having more awareness of their diet, 80% having strengthened faith, and 77% noting a closer family as a result. Relationships between these themes were discussed.CONCLUSION: As revealed, dialysis-requiring kidney disease has several negative impacts on the quality of life of involved families. If left neglected, the family, instead of being a resource in patient care, may become a barrier. Strategies to employ the positive effects as enablers in managing the areas of negative impact must be developed to provide appropriate support for the patient and the family unit. 

Emotional impact of halitosis / O impacto emocional da halitose

Objective: To evaluate the emotional impact of halitosis on 18-year-old men using a self-reported questionnaire. Method: A total of 2,224 participants underwent dental and medical examinations in the army medical services in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil, in July 2008. Results: In this sample, 12% of respondents expressed concern about their oral malodor, which had a strong emotional impact on their quality of life. Conclusions: The individuals reporting halitosis showed a higher degree of concern with their oral malodor. Low educational level and low income were associated with psychological impact and halitosis in this population (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da halitose em uma amostra de homens de 18 anos usando um questionário autoaplicável. Métodos: Um total de 2.224 indivíduos foram submetidos a exames dentários e médicos no serviço médico do Exército na cidade de Pelotas, no sul do Brasil, em julho de 2008. Resultados: Nessa amostra, 12% dos respondentes expressaram sua preocupação quanto ao mau hálito, com forte impacto emocional em sua qualidade de vida. Conclusões: Os indivíduos que relataram halitose apresentavam maior grau de preocupação com mau hálito. Nível educacional baixo e baixa renda estiveram associados ao impacto psicológico e à halitose nesta população (AU)

Dining out with Coeliac Disease: An Analysis of online Message Board Postings on the Social Implications and the Challenges to Live A Normal Life.

Background: Strict adherence to a gluten free diet is the only treatment for coeliac disease. Over the past two decades, there has been a societal shift into less home cooking and eating at restaurants has become an important means of social participation [1] creating significant difficulties for people with coeliac disease. This research aimed to explore the issues that people with coeliac disease need to contend with when dining out, their coping mechanisms and the key aspects that facilitate a normal social life through the analysis of online message board postings. Method: A qualitative approach to the research was selected. Data were collected from The Coeliac, DH and Gluten Free Message Board between November 2012 and January 2013. Posts pertaining to the experiences of eating out on a gluten free diet were identified and analysed retrospectively using thematic analysis. Data were anonymised for confidentiality. Results: The emergent themes examined positive and negative dining experiences, coping mechanisms, informational support/expert knowledge, relationships/spouses and emotional stress. The posts suggested an appreciation of the support of Coeliac UK and the ability to dine out now, with mainstream restaurants offering gluten free choices Negative dining experiences occurred when staff demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding gluten intolerance, were inhospitable or where illness had resulted from being served food containing gluten. Partners of people with coeliac disease reported stress from these negative consequences. People with coeliac disease experienced guilt, shame, anxiety and fear of being a social nuisance. Positive coping strategies included calling restaurants in advance to check that they are willing to cater for someone with coeliac disease. Discussion: However, despite the coping strategies that people with coeliac disease deploy, the negative dining experiences may lead to a lack of trust and the belief that they will be unable to dine out safely. In support, Coeliac UK [2] found that 22% of sufferers are unable to trust restaurant staff to prepare safe uncontaminated gluten free food. Restaurants may not prioritise education and training initiatives in safe practices in the provision of gluten free meals to diners with coeliac disease. This can place a greater burden on people with coeliac disease in utilising assertiveness skills to ensure their food is safe. Conclusion: Being able to eat the same food as others promotes feelings of unity, which enables greater social participation and potentially increased wellbeing. Restaurants are becoming more aware and adaptive to diners with coeliac disease but there is a need for an increased focus on ensuring safe practices in the provision of gluten free meals.

Repercussão emocional diante do diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Emotional impact before the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus / Impacto emocional frente al diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2

O foco deste estudo é a repercussão emocional do diagnóstico de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 na vida de indivíduos investigados por meio da escuta das suas histórias de vida. Objetivou-se identificar a percepção da pessoa que recebe o diagnóstico e discutir a repercussão emocional do diagnóstico na história de vida do sujeito. Estudo qualitativo e descritivo realizado numa unidade de saúde em Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, através da narrativa de história de vida de 10 clientes com diabetes, dos quais surgiram duas temáticas: respostas emocionais no enfrentamento do diagnóstico e repercussão do diagnóstico de Diabetes Mellitus no cotidiano do sujeito. O diagnóstico do diabetes repercutiu nas vidas dos clientes produzindo tristeza, desolação e insegurança, que culmina em uma limitada aceitação da doença e do itinerário terapêutico. Portanto, o profissional de saúde deve reconhecer as repercussões emocionais do diagnóstico de Diabetes Mellitus na vida dos clientes e suas influências no cuidado de saúde.

The focus of this study is the emotional impact of the type 2 Diabetes Mellitus diagnosis in the lives of individuals investigated by listening to their life histories. This study aimed to identify the perception of the person who receives the diagnosis and to discuss the emotional impact of the diagnosis on the subject’s life history. It’s a qualitative and descriptive study conducted in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, through the narrative of life history of 10 patients with diabetes, in which two themesemerged: Emotional responses in addressing the impact of diagnosis and repercussion of Diabetes Mellitus diagnosis in subject’s daily life. The diagnosis of diabetes reflected in the patients’ lives producing sorrow, desolation and insecurity, which culminates in a limited acceptance of the disease and the therapeutic itinerary. Therefore, health professionals should recognize the emotional impact of Diabetes Mellitus diagnosis in the patients’ lives and their influence on health care.

El foco de este estudio es el impacto emocional del diagnóstico de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 en la vida de las personas investigadas mediante de la escucha de sus historias de vida. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar la percepción de la persona que recibe el diagnóstico y discutir el impacto emocional del diagnóstico en la historia de vida del sujeto. Estudio cualitativo y descriptivo, realizado en Niterói, Rio de Janeiro-Brasil, mediante narración de la historia de vida de 10 pacientes con diabetes. De la investigación emergieron dos temas: respuestas emocionales frente al impacto del diagnóstico y repercusión del diagnóstico de Diabetes Mellitus en la vida diaria de los sujetos. Este diagnóstico se reflejó en las vidas de los pacientes, produciendo tristeza, desolación e inseguridad, que culmina en una aceptación limitada de la enfermedad y del itinerario terapéutico. Por lo tanto, los profesionales de salud deben reconocer el impacto emocional del diagnóstico de diabetes en el cuidado de salud.

La escucha de la tortura desde el Estado: la experiencia de los profesionales de la Comisión Nacional sobre Prisión Política y Tortura en Chile / The State's Listening of Torture: The Experience of Professionals in the Chilean National Commission on Political Imprisonment and Torture

Se presenta una investigación cualitativa cuyo objetivo fue comprender el impacto que tuvo escuchar el testimonio de víctimas de tortura sobre los profesionales que trabajaron en la Comisión Nacional sobre Prisión Política y Tortura, realizada en Chile entre 2003 y 2004. Se realizaron relatos de vida con 22 profesionales que trabajaron en esta Comisión, a partir de tres encuentros con cada uno de ellos. Los resultados muestran que el impacto de esta experiencia articula procesos elaborativos desde diferentes dimensiones -emocional, biográfica-narrativa e institucional- entendidas como coordenadas por donde circulan estos procesos, los que se revelan como profundamente influidos por las significaciones y sentidos que los profesionales construyen acerca de sus historias personales y familiares y de su historia social.

This article presents a qualitative study aimed at assessing the impact of the oral testimonies of torture victims on professionals who worked for the Chilean National Commission on Political Imprisonment and Torture in 2003-2004. Life stories were developed with 22 professionals who worked for this Commission based on 3 meetings with each of them. The results reveal that the impact of listening to torture testimonies articulates elaborative processes from different dimensions -emotional, biographical-narrative and institutional- regarded as a background of coordinates which frame their motion. Such processes are heavily influenced by the meanings and senses that the professionals construct about their personal and familial histories and about their social history.