Practical approaches to delivering pandemic impacted laboratory teaching

#DryLabsRealScience is a community of practice established to support life science educators with the provision of laboratory-based classes in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and restricted access to facilities. Four key approaches have emerged from the innovative work shared with the network: videos, simulations, virtual/augmented reality, and datasets, with each having strengths and weaknesses. Each strategy was used pre-COVID and has a sound theoretical underpinning;here, we explore how the pandemic has forced their adaptation and highlight novel utilisation to support student learning in the laboratory environment during the challenges faced by remote and blended teaching. © HEAd 2022. All Rights Reserved.

The virtual flow cytometer: A new learning experience and environment for undergraduate teaching

Background: The use of simulations has been steadily rising in popularity in the biosciences, not only due to the COVID-19 pandemic restricting access to physical labs and equipment but also in the face of rising student numbers. In this study, we describe the development and implementation of a novel, open-access interactive simulation used to not only supplement a laboratory class but to enhance the student learning experience. The simulation provides students with the opportunity to interact with a virtual flow cytometer, design a simple experiment and then critically analyse and interpret raw experimental data. Results: Results showed that this highly authentic assessment used a much broader range of the mark scheme acting as an excellent discriminatory for student ability compared to simple recall as assessed by multiple-choice questions. Overall, the student response to the new assessment was positive, highlighting the novelty of the assessment, however, some students did experience technical issues when the simulation was used for the first time. Conclusion: Simulations can play a crucial role in the student learning cycle by providing a rich, engaging learning environment, however, they need to be used to supplement other hands-on experiences to ensure that students acquire the necessary kinematic skills expected of a successful science graduate. Copyright © 2022 Francis, Ruckley and Wilkinson.

Increased tracheostomy rates in head and neck cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Surgical practice during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed significantly, without supporting data. With increasing experience, a dichotomy of practice is emerging, challenging existing consensus guidelines. One such practice is elective tracheostomy. Here, we share our initial experience of head and neck cancer surgery in a COVID-19 tertiary care centre, emphasizing the evolved protocol of perioperative care when compared to pre-COVID-19 times. This was a prospective study of 21 patients with head and neck cancers undergoing surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to 193 historical controls. Changes in anaesthesia, surgery, and operating room practices were evaluated. A strict protocol was followed. One patient tested positive for COVID-19 preoperatively. There was a significant increase in pre-induction tracheostomies (28.6% vs 6.7%, P=0.005), median hospital stay (10 vs 7 days, P=0.001), and postponements of surgery (57.1% vs 27.5%, P=0.01), along with a significant decrease in flap reconstructions (33.3% vs 59.6%, P=0.03). There was no mortality and no difference in postoperative morbidity. No healthcare personnel became symptomatic for COVID-19 during this period. Tracheostomy is safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and rates have increased. Despite increased rescheduling of surgeries and longer hospital stays, definitive cancer care surgery has not been deferred and maximum patient and healthcare worker safety has been ensured.