RESUMO
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns which happened worldwide made it imperative for everyone to explore newer methods of teaching and learning. Problem Based Learning (PBL) which is a student-centric method of teaching learning can be conducted using virtual platforms like Microsoft team and WhatsApp. This study was done to understand the perception, acceptance, and challenges in the implementation of PBL in a virtual format (Online PBL). Methodology: This is an institution based cross sectional study conducted over one year (1st December 2020 to 1st December 2021). All 150 first-year Medical students were included in the study. Four sessions of Online PBL were conducted using Microsoft team and WhatsApp. The assessment was done using Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and concept maps after each session. The student’s feedback was collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed. Convenience sampling was used. The results were tabulated and SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 130 students attended the sessions. Amongst these, were 75 (62.5%) male and 45 (37.5%) female students. There was a significant improvement in the post-test score in all the sessions. 97 (80.8%) students agreed that the Problem based learning strategy is interesting. 102 (85%) of the students opined that PBL improved their reasoning skills. Students felt that virtual mode is feasible, interesting, and convenient. Conclusion: Students found PBL using virtual platforms to be interesting. Overall feedback and perception of the students were good. Online PBL encouraged the students towards self-directed learning and critical thinking without time constraints and geographical barriers.
RESUMO
Introduction: Continuous monitoring is the most vital aspect in the management of patients in non-ICU settings. Continuous monitoring systems have revolutionized the management of vulnerable patients which alerts the doctors to identify the critical events and intervene timely. In this study, we present our experience of using cloud connected continuous monitoring systems at our hospital. Objectives: To study the efficacy and safety of continuous monitoring systems in the management of patients in a non-ICU setting. Material and methods: A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted in the Acute Medicine ward (AMW) of Ramaiah teaching Hospital, Bangalore. Patients were connected to a cloud based continuous monitoring system for automatic collection and documentation of vital signs. All patients admitted in AMW between September 2017 and January 2018 was included in the study. For comparison, data were collected from September 2016 to January 2017 when the continuous monitoring systems were not implemented. We compared the number of admissions, code blue events. Results: Total of 470 patients in the pre- ICU settings were connected to a continuous monitoring system. There was 88% reduction in the ICU admissions as compared to the previous year. About 11.2% of patients were transferred to ICU and in these patients, continuous monitoring helped the doctors to identify the critical event. There was a significant reduction in code blue events using a continuous monitoring system. There was a significant reduction in medical expenses also. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring reduced the clinical burden on ICU due to the availability of remote monitoring capabilities, and continuous monitoring of reduced medical expenses for patients with improved clinical outcomes.