ABSTRACT
Background & Purpose: In Ireland, general adult hospitals are often located independently of maternity units. The lack of onsite obstetric input can present a challenge to the general physician due to lack of exposure and training in the management of complex medical conditions in pregnancy. The global CoVid-19 pandemic saw a shift in admission rates across many demographics. Our audit sought to identify whether there was any change in medical admission rates, and subspecialty distributions in pregnant women during the CoVid-19 pandemic at our institution. Method(s): This was a retrospective audit of medical admissions 2016 - 2021. Data was collected from medical charts, and discharge summaries on hospital electronic system. Result(s): From 2019-2021, there were 55 pregnant patients admitted. 30.1% (n=17) were admitted under respiratory services. 64% (n=11) of these patients were admitted with a diagnosis of CoVid-19, with 7% (n=4) requiring ICU admission. Discussion(s): Overall, pregnancy related admissions account for a small percentage of general adult hospital admissions. There was evidence of an increased burden of respiratory admissions during the CoVid-19 pandemic, particularly in the third and fourth quarters of 2021, corresponding with the delta wave in Europe. There was a general shift in admissions during the CoVid era, with a reduction in admissions to non-respiratory services. This is likely secondary to an increased focus on outpatient management during this period. This audit highlights data in line with previous international studies, showing the disproportionate burden of severe CoVid-19 in pregnant patients. Pregnant patients are a vulnerable group when admitted to nonmaternity hospitals. Awareness of medical specialties encountering a higher proportion of patients during pregnancy allows targeting of training, including introduction of specialty-specific diagnostic/therapeutic algorithms, and co-ordination of simulated emergency training.
ABSTRACT
Higher education institutions must recognize the responsibility to support online adult learners as members of a larger global community and technological advancements have made this a reality. COVID-19 restrictions to in-person learning highlighted the need for online learning platforms that promote the benefits of teacher presence, consider the tenets of the Community of Inquiry model, and commit to the principles of andragogy. A need to explore the possibilities for fostering global citizenship among adult learners in online higher education environments has been identified as a problem space and a methodological approach will be used to connect findings from the literature with best practices for practitioners. Global citizenship is not a new concept;however, current and worldwide events have created a renewed dedication to the construct. Discussions based on the literature and established theoretical frameworks will precede practical implications for directors, course designers, and instructors. Online education will be described as ripe with opportunities for higher education institutions to foster global citizenship among adult learners. © 2023, Athens Institute for Education and Research. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Objective: School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic left millions of pupils to continue their education at home. We investigated gender and socioeconomic inequalities in pupils' home learning, and some mechanisms underlying those inequalities. Method: We analysed online survey responses from 3,167 parents collected between May and July 2020 in the UK, when most schools were closed. Results: Boys, pupils who were eligible for free school meals (FSM), pupils from families that were financially struggling, and pupils whose parents had not graduated from university were less engaged and spent less time home learning. Pupils of non-graduate parents found home learning challenging because they were less likely to have someone in their home who could supervise their work. Pupils eligible for FSM and from financially struggling families found home learning challenging because of noise, a lack of space, lack of technology and insufficient internet in their homes. The quality of educational resources schools provided positively predicted engagement and learning for all pupils. Conclusion: Pupils from lower socioeconomic status families and boys were less involved with home learning, although for different reasons. We discuss how these findings can inform policy and practice to reduce educational inequalities resulting from school closures. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the connectivity and mobility of Northern Irish residents to a halt forcing the bike hiring service Belfast Bikes to cease operations. After reintroducing the service in Summer 2020, the usage of the bike hiring service was severely impacted. This paper investigates the usage of Belfast Bikes pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. Research includes how consumer trends for Belfast Bikes customers changed due to the pandemic and predictive modelling is used to predict whether customers hire a Belfast Bike for direct travel from stations or for an indirect, leisurely trip. We will conclude how the connectivity and mobility of Belfast residents have changed due to the pandemic and provide recommendations for Belfast Bikes and Belfast City to recover after the pandemic. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the connectivity and mobility of Northern Irish residents to a halt forcing the bike hiring service Belfast Bikes to cease operations. After reintroducing the service in Summer 2020, the usage of the bike hiring service was severely impacted. This paper investigates the usage of Belfast Bikes pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. Research includes how consumer trends for Belfast Bikes customers changed due to the pandemic and predictive modelling is used to predict whether customers hire a Belfast Bike for direct travel from stations or for an indirect, leisurely trip. We will conclude how the connectivity and mobility of Belfast residents have changed due to the pandemic and provide recommendations for Belfast Bikes and Belfast City to recover after the pandemic. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.