Young people with complex emerging mental health problems: Packages of care and peri-pandemic experiences

The PRODIGY trial found that for young people with complex emerging mental health problems in the UK (N = 270), Social Recovery Therapy did not confer additional benefits above and beyond treatment as usual. Treatment as usual in the trial was, however, surprisingly comprehensive. A study was conducted to evaluate the provision of 'packages' of standard youth mental health care, and the association of provision with trial outcomes. In a subsequent study individuals who participated in the PRODIGY trial (N = 13) were interviewed about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have had significant and wide-ranging impacts on young people due to social isolation, disruption to education and employment opportunities, and young people with pre-existing mental health difficulties were considered to have been disproportionality affected. The results of this study indicated a reciprocal relationship between participants' mental health and their response to the pandemic. Participants told stories of both how the pandemic exacerbated their difficulties, but equally told stories of how their long-standing experiences of managing adversity supported them to cope during pandemic-related social restrictions.

Cilta-Cel Efficacy and Safety in Patients with Progressive Multiple Myeloma after Exposure to Non-Cellular Anti-BCMA Immunotherapy

Introduction: CARTITUDE-2 (NCT04133636) is a phase 2, multicohort study evaluating cilta-cel, an anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy, in several multiple myeloma (MM) patient (pt) populations. Objective(s): To report updated results with longer follow-up on cohort C pts with previous exposure to a non-cellular anti- BCMA immunotherapy. Method(s): Cohort C pts had progressive MM after treatment (tx) with a proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory drug, anti-CD38 antibody, and non-cellular BCMA-targeting agent. A single cilta-cel infusion (target dose 0.75x106 CAR+ viable T cells/kg) was administered 5-7 days post lymphodepletion. Primary endpoint was minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity at 10-5. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and adverse events (AEs). Result(s): As of June 1, 2022, 20 pts (13 ADC exposed;7 BsAb exposed) were treated with cilta-cel;4 pts did not receive cilta-cel due to either low cellular yield (n=2, 1 in each group) or death due to progressive disease (PD) prior to dosing (n=2, 1 in each group) and 6 pts received anti-BCMA tx as their last line of therapy (n=4 ADC, n=2 BsAb). During prior anti-BCMA tx, best responses included VGPR (ADC: 2 pts;BsAb: 1 pt), sCR (ADC: 1 pt), and CR (BsAb: 1 pt);the rest had best response of stable disease or PD (1 pt not evaluable). Baseline characteristics are presented in Figure 1A. Median time from last anti- BCMA agent to cilta-cel infusion was 195 d;median administered dose of cilta-cel was 0.65x106 CAR+ viable T cells/kg. At a median follow-up of 18.0 mo, 7/10 evaluable pts (70%) were MRD negative at 10-5 (ADC: 5/7 [71.4%], BsAb: 2/3 [66.7%]). ORR: full cohort, 60%;ADC, 61.5%;BsAb, 57.1% (Figure 1B). Median DOR: full cohort, 12.8 mo;ADC, 12.8 mo;BsAb, 8.2 mo. Median PFS: full cohort, 9.1 mo;ADC, 9.5 mo;BsAb, 5.3 mo. Cilta-cel responders had a shorter median duration of last anti- BCMA agent exposure (29.5 d) compared with non-responders (63.5 d). Responders also had a longer median time from last anti-BCMA tx exposure to apheresis (161.0 d) than non-responders (56.5 d). Most common AEs were hematologic. CRS: n=12 (60%;all Gr1/2), median time to onset 7.5 d, median duration 6.0 d. ICANS: n=4 (20%, 2 Gr3/4), median time to onset 9.0 d, median duration 7.0 d. No patient had movement or neurocognitive tx emergent AE/parkinsonism. There were 12 deaths (PD: 8;COVID-19 pneumonia: 2 [not tx related];subarachnoid hemorrhage: 1 [not tx related];C. difficile colitis: 1 [tx related]). (Figure Presented)(Figure Presented)Conclusions: Pts with heavily pretreated MM and previous exposure to a non-cellular anti-BCMA therapy had favorable responses to cilta-cel. However, depth and DOR appear lower than that seen in anti-BCMA-naive pts treated with cilta-cel (at 27.7 mo, median DOR was not reached in heavily pre-treated but anti-BCMA naive CARTITUDE-1 pts). These data may inform tx plans, including sequencing and washout period between BCMA-targeting agentsCopyright © 2023 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

SARS-CoV-2 IN CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS LIVING WITH HIV IN EUROPE & SOUTH AFRICA

Background: Adults living with HIV may have higher risk of SARS-CoV- 2 infection than HIV negative adults. There are no published data on seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents living with HIV (CALWHIV). Method(s): We did a repeat SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study in 7 paediatric HIV observational cohorts in 5 countries in the European Pregnancy & Paediatric Infections Cohort Collaboration (EPPICC;Belgium, Greece, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom (UK)) and also the Cape Town Adolescent Antiretroviral Cohort (CTAAC), South Africa (SA) (CALWHIV and HIV negative adolescents). Participants gave 2 blood samples for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing ~6 months apart during routine visits between May 2020 and July 2022, and completed questionnaires on SARS-CoV-2 exposure/infection and vaccine status. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from clinic records. Result(s): Of 906 participants, 53%(477) were female, 89%(803) CALWHIV, median [IQR] age at first visit 17[15-19] years. Most were enrolled in SA (45%, 410/906), UK (23%, 205/906) or Ukraine (18%, 160/906). 85%(767/906) had 2 blood samples and the rest a single sample. For CALWHIV, at time of first sample, 99%(761/765) were on antiretroviral therapy, median CD4 count was 666[478-858] cells/mL, 70%(535/764) had HIV-1 viral load < 50c/mL. Of those with known SARS-CoV-2 vaccine status, 23%(181/773) CALWHIV and 22% (22/100) HIV negative participants received >=1 vaccine dose. 6%(43/762) of CALWHIV had a documented prior SARS-CoV-2 positive PCR (including 2 hospitalised for COVID, neither severe), and 16%(124/762) self-reported previous positive test and/or COVID-19 symptoms, giving a total of 17%(128/762) with any previous infection. Based on serum testing, 63%(562/898) of participants overall were seropositive on at least one sample (55% (269/488) Europe, 67% (205/307) SA CALWHIV, 85% (88/103) SA HIV negative group), and among the unvaccinated subgroup, 53%(408/765) were seropositive (41% (167/412) Europe, 64% (168/263) SA CALWHIV, 81% (73/90) SA HIV negative). Among samples taken prior to or in absence of vaccination, the proportion testing antibody positive increased over time (Figure). Of unvaccinated CALWHIV with >=1 positive result, 17%(52/299) reported any previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion(s): Most CALWHIV were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive by mid-2022 despite low vaccine coverage. Fewer had documented or self-reported COVID-19 infection or disease, suggesting most infections were mild or asymptomatic. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Europe and South Africa, by HIV status and calendar quarter of sampling. Colours indicate dominant variant based on GISAID data for adults and children.

CRT-200.01 Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on STEMI Activation Incidence, Characteristics, and Outcomes

Background: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is characterized by acute coronary artery occlusion warranting emergent intervention. We aim to investigate the incidence, patient characteristics, hospital course and outcomes of STEMI patients as the pandemic continues to evolve. Method(s): STEMI alert data was obtained from an institutional database from 2009 to 2022. Patient characteristics, outcomes, and hospital course were obtained via chart review. True STEMI was determined by classic clinical presentation, ST elevation on EKG, troponin elevation, and acute vessel occlusion on coronary angiogram. We defined the pre-pandemic time frame as prior to 3/18/2020 (n=1002), and pandemic activations from 3/19/2020 - 10/2022 (n=113). Result(s): True STEMI incidence was significantly higher during the pandemic when compared to the pre-pandemic period (85.9% vs. 52.6%;p<0.05). 30- and 90-day mortality rate was significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic (12.1% vs. 6.8%;p<0.05 and 15.5 vs. 8.0%;p=0.01). There was a higher use of temporary mechanical support use in STEMI patients during the pandemic (19.5% vs. 10.3%;p=0.003). Interestingly, despite a higher percentage of true STEMIs and higher mortality rate during the pandemic, initial troponin (7.8 vs. 17.46;p=0.09) and peak troponin (18.1 vs. 52.8;p<0.001) were significantly lower. Conclusion(s): STEMI activations dipped during the pandemic and are still below pre-pandemic levels. During the pandemic, there were higher rates of true STEMIs, utilization of temporary mechanical support, and complicated hospitalizations with higher mortality. Despite poorer outcomes and complicated hospital course, patients presenting during the pandemic had lower initial and peak troponin levels, possibly indicating delayed presentation. [Formula presented]Copyright © 2023

An Impulsive Suicide Attempt in a Patient with No Psychiatric History and a Recent COVID-19 Diagnosis: A case report

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted concerns regarding increased suicide rates and exacerbation of underlying mental illness symptoms. *There is evidence suggesting neurocognitive changes as well as immune response in COVID-19 infection may increase a patient's propensity for suicidal ideation. * Patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19 may be affected by psychological factors of anxiety, stress related to having this novel virus as well as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and sleep disorders throughout treatment and post-treatment of continued concerns. *The combination of psychiatric, neurological, and physical symptoms associated with COVID-19 may elevate suicide risk Objectives: We present a case of a female with no prior psychiatric history who impulsively attempted suicide after a recent COVID-19 diagnosis and subsequent quarantine. Will explore possible link between increase of suicidal ideation and COVID-19 infection. Method(s): A case report. Result(s): Link between increase of suicidal ideation and COVID-19 infection has not been clearly established but there have been reports, as in our case, of the possible vulnerability to mental illness and new onset suicidal ideation that COVID-19 survivors may experience. It may be useful to screen all patients for depressive symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. Early identification and treatment of depression in recovered COVID-19 patients will help to improve psychological impact on COVID-19 survivors and potentially reduce suicide rates. Conclusion(s): As COVID-19 infectionmay trigger new onset mental illness, exacerbate symptoms of underlying mental illness, and may increase suicidal ideation, further research is needed to evaluate links between COVID-19 infection and depression with suicidal ideation.

Repair of acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19 by stromal cells (REALIST-COVID trial): 1 year follow up for safety and pulmonary dysfunction

S44 Table 1Summary of significant medical events, thoracic computed tomography (CT) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in ORBCEL-C and placebo groups at 1 year follow upORBCEL-C Placebo Number of patients followed up 20 21 Significant medical events Number of patients with SMEs 6/20 9/21 Total SME events 7 11 Classification Respiratory,thoracic and mediastinal disorders 4 6 Neoplasm - benign, malignant, unspecified 1 0 Infections and infestations 1 1 Cardiac disorders 1 0 Metabolism and nutrition disorders 0 1 Injury, poisoning and procedural complications 0 1 Renal and urinary disorders 0 1 Gastrointestinal disorders 0 1 Thoracic CT Number of CTs available 5 8 Time to CT (Median, IQR) 181 (157–198) 203 (95–233) Evidence of ILD on CT 4 6 PFTs Number of PFTs available 10 8 Time to PFTs (Median, IQR) 184.5 (117.5–292.75) 203.5 (118.25–242.5) FEV1 (Mean, SD) 84.9 (13.6) 80.5 (13.3) FEV1 <80% predicted (n,%) 4/10 (44%) 4/8 (50%) FVC (Mean, SD) 78.4 (13.2) 79.3 (16.5) FVC <80% predicted (n,%) 5/10 (55%) 5/8 (62.5%) FEV1/FVC ratio (Mean, SD, n) 0.88 (0.12) N=8 0.76 (0.05) N=5 FEV1/FVC <0.7 (n,%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) TLCO (Mean, SD, n) 78.9 (14.8) N=9 61.9 (13.4) N=7 TLCO <80% (n,%) 6/9 (66.7%) 7/7 (100%) ConclusionsOne year follow up supports the safety of ORBCEL-C MSCs in patients with moderate to severe ARDS due to COVID-19. A similar incidence of pulmonary dysfunction is reported in both groups at long term follow up.Please refer to page A?? for declarations of interest related to this .

Challenges in Hyflex Learning in Zambales, Philippines

The modality of learning in the Philippines became highly revolutionized during the start of the global pandemic that hit the entire economy and education sector, which has negative implications. Universities and Basic Education designed an alternative mode of learning that fits the regulations of the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 (IATF). The researchers used a quantitative research design in collecting and analyzing the numerical data. Because it is the methodology that researchers use to test theories about people’s attitudes and behaviors based on numerical and statistical evidence. Students' preferences in terms of the hybrid learning approach are with the in-person approach because they can easily understand and catch up with the subject being taught. The majority of students are still determined to have limited in-person or face-to-face classroom discussion. The most common challenges experienced by the students, being ranked accordingly, are the lack of appropriate devices and the interaction with teachers and students. According to Kohnke & Moorhouse (2021), the utilization of various features of the video-conferencing software and other digital tools was seen as essential to the effectiveness of the HyFlex Learning Modality. That is why it is important for colleges to strictly monitor and strengthen the conduct of hybrid learning and follow the compliance set by the National Government Agencies. [ FROM AUTHOR]

JOB LOSS, FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, AND SLEEP DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: DIFFERENCES BY SEX/ GENDER AND RACE/ETHNICITY

Introduction: In the United States (US), health and financial consequences of COVID-19 have disproportionately impacted minoritized groups. Yet, few US studies have investigated COVIDrelated financial loss/consequences and sleep health disparities. Methods: To investigate differences by sex/gender and race/ethnicity in cross-sectional associations between both job/business loss and substantial financial hardship (SFH) with sleep health, we used data collected from 12/2020 to 2/2021 among 4,726 men and women in the nationally representative COVID-19 Unequal Racial Burden (CURB) Study (N=5,500 American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, Multiracial, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NH/PI), and non-Hispanic (NH)-White adults). Participants reported job/business loss since the start of the pandemic (yes, no) and SFH (e.g., unable to pay for housing costs). Poor sleep health was defined as concurrence of self-reported fair/poor sleep quality, non-restorative sleep, sleep problems, and difficulty falling asleep in the past week. Adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics and receipt of financial assistance, weighted Poisson regression with robust variance estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) for poor sleep overall, by sex/gender, and by race/ethnicity. Results: Men and women equally reported both job/business loss (20%) and SFH (11% men and 12% women). Minoritized racial/ ethnic groups except Asians most frequently reported job/business loss (20%-25% vs. 16% Asian, 13% NH-White) and SFH (11%-15% vs. 9% NH-White, 5% Asian). Poor sleep health was more prevalent among women (21%) than men (14%) and among AI/AN, NH/PI, and Multiracial adults (each 22% vs. 11%-19% remaining racial/ethnic groups). Both job/business loss and SFH were associated with a higher prevalence of poor sleep health, overall. Compared to women, men had stronger associations for both job/ business loss (PRmen=1.80 [95% CI:1.39,2.33], PRwomen=1.23 [1.01,1.50];pinteraction=0.01) and SFH (PRmen=4.46 [3.18,6.26]), PRwomen= 1.82 [1.45,2.30];pinteraction=0.01). For job/business loss, associations were strongest among Asians (PR=2.07 [1.32,3.23] vs. PR range=0.88-1.89;pinteraction=0.09). Conclusion: COVID-19 related job/business loss and financial hardship were both associated with poorer sleep health, and associations for job/business loss were strongest among men and Asian adults.

A new approach to accessing dietetic support in a primary care network (PCN): Does it enhance the care of those living with type 2 diabetes?

Aims: To evaluate the impact a new model of care has on patient experience in three Newcastle PCN's. Background: Historically patients received specialist dietetic support by referral to the Newcastle diabetes centre. Three PCN's chose to employ dietitians via the Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service enabling access to enhanced dietetic support in primary care. Methods: Patients were sent an electronic questionnaire to complete via accuRx following their consultation with the PCN dietitian between February and September 2021. Participants rated their experience including positives aspects and areas for improvement. Crowdsignal was used to collect data. Results: 49 of the 318 patients who had a consultation completed questionnaires. Patients were seen in 14 GP surgeries from three PCN's. It was found 93% of participants strongly agreed or agreed that the dietitian helped them to gain a better understanding of their diabetes and 90% strongly agreed or agreed that the dietitian treated them as an individual and tailored advice to their needs. When asked if they would recommend the service to a family member or a friend 97% answered yes. Participants seen face to face (n = 37), 76% felt it was useful seeing a dietitian closer to home/at their local surgery (12 participants were unable to comment due to telephone consultations linked to covid-19). Conclusions: PCN dietitians provide quality personalised diabetes support to people in their immediate locality. Patients find this a positive option in accessing diabetes care.

COVID-19 COMES TO THE COLORADO SUPREME COURT

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged communities across the United States-and Colorado was no exception. The state government acted quickly to respond to this ongoing public health emergency, and those actions were soon subject to a variety of legal challenges. This Article analyzes the Colorado Supreme Court's decisions resulting from those legal challenges. It argues that the court never sent a clear signal about how much flexibility it would give the government to meet this unprecedented crisis. Still, the court's opinions suggest that a bare majority of justices are willing to take the existence of this international public health emergency into account in their decision-making. © 2022 Denver University Law Review. All rights reserved.

Increased viral load in a hospitalized patient on treatment with crushed bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide: A case report and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of increased viral load in a patient with HIV-1 infection receiving treatment with crushed bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/FTC/TAF). SUMMARY: A 43-year-old man, newly diagnosed with HIV, was hospitalized due to failure to thrive, neurological changes, and hypotension. Before treatment, the HIV viral load (VL) was 769,704 copies/mL and the CD4+ T-cell count was 36 cells/µL. On hospital day (HD) 8, B/FTC/TAF by mouth daily was initiated. During the hospitalization, the patient's course was complicated by opportunistic infections, bilateral pneumothorax, seizure activity, and acute respiratory distress, requiring multiple intubations and extended time in the intensive care unit. A repeat VL measurement on HD 28 was 5,887 copies/mL after the patient had received 14 of 20 scheduled B/FTC/TAF doses. Because of a failed swallow study and continued nutritional deficits, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube was placed on HD 38 and continuous tube feeds via the PEG tube were initiated. Subsequently, the B/FTC/TAF order was modified to be crushed, mixed in 30 mL water, and administered daily via the PEG tube. A repeat VL measurement on HD 65 showed an increase to 8,047 copies/mL, despite receipt of 37 consecutive doses of B/FTC/TAF. B/FTC/TAF was discontinued and dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily, darunavir 800 mg plus ritonavir 100 mg (DRV/r), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/FTC 300 mg/200 mg were started due to virological increase, need for a viable option compatible with PEG tube delivery, and potential for integrase inhibitor resistance. At the time of regimen change (HD 67), a resistance panel showed minor mutations, E157Q and V118I. The regimen was streamlined with discontinuation of DRV/r on HD 92. The patient was discharged on HD 161. The PEG tube was removed 2 months after discharge, oral B/FTC/TAF was reinitiated, and the patient was virologically suppressed at 1 year after discharge. CONCLUSION: Controlled studies are needed to verify acceptable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic metrics for crushed B/FTC/TAF given via tube, with and without tube feeds, before use in this manner.

Examining the Effects of HIV Infection on Severity of Outcomes in Those with COVID-19

Background. Throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there have been many questions about how COVID-19 affects patients living with HIV (PLWH). We examined the clinical courses of 45 PLWH who required hospitalization with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study in which ICD-10 codes were used to identify PLWH who were admitted to three large hospital systems in Memphis, TN with COVID-19. We included all patients ≥ 18 years of age with HIV and a documented positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. After manual ion from the electronic health records, chi-squared and T-tests were performed to evaluate associations between patient-level factors and outcomes. Results. A total of 45 patients with HIV who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were admitted to Memphis, TN area hospitals between March 2020 and October 2020. 18 (40%) were female, 43 (95.6%) were Black, and the average age was 50.3 years (SD 12.6). The average BMI was 30.2 (SD 8.6). 40 (88.9%) patients admitted had at least one comorbidity with the most common being hypertension (28 patients, 62.2%) and diabetes (14 patients, 31.1%). 24 (46.7%) patients had a Charlson Comorbidity Index > 3. 15/43 (48.4%) patients had a CD4 count < 200, and 35 (77.8%) were on ART. 30 (66.7%) patients met SIRS criteria within 24 hours of admission, and 27 (60%) required some form of oxygen supplementation during hospitalization, including 4 (8.9%) who required intubation. The average length of stay was 10.4 days (SD 12.5). 9 (20%) patients required an ICU stay, and 3 (6.7%) died. BMI > 30, CD4 count < 200, and viral load > 1000 were not associated with worse outcomes. Both a Charlson Comorbidity Index > 3 and the absence of ART were associated with need for ICU-level care. Conclusion. Viral load, CD4 count, and BMI were not correlated with differences in mortality or oxygen use in our study. Patients with higher Charlson Comorbidity Indices and patients who were not on ART at presentation were significantly more likely to require the ICU. Further study is needed to definitively determine factors affecting the outcomes of PLWH with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Does Education Prevent Job Loss During Downturns? Evidence from Exogenous School Assignments and COVID-19 in Barbados

Canonical human capital theories posit that education, by enhancing worker skills, reduces the likelihood that a worker will be laid-off during times of economic change. Yet, this has not been demonstrated causally. We link administrative education records from 1987 through 2002 to nationally representative surveys conducted before and after COVID-19 onset in Barbados to explore the causal impact of improved education on job loss during this period. Using a regression discontinuity (RD) design, Beuermann and Jackson (2020) show that females (but not males) who score just above the admission threshold for more selective schools in Barbados attain more years of education than those that scored just below (essentially holding initial ability fixed). Here, in follow-up data, we show that these same females (but not males) are much less likely to have lost a job after the onset of COVID-19. We show that these effects are not driven by sectoral changes, or changes in labor supply. Because employers observe incumbent worker productivity, these patterns are inconsistent with pure education signalling, and suggest that education enhances worker skill.

Has the Covid-19 Pandemic increased willingness to engage with remote collection of outcome data?

Purpose or Objective: Remote healthcare applications have been developing over many years, however clinical implementation has been cautious. As society has embraced technology during the Covid-19 pandemic, the question is: have attitudes towards remote healthcare technology also changed? One particular aspect of healthcare that could be addressed remotely is the collection of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) using a digital voice assistant (DVA) such as the Amazon Echo (Alexa). This could improve both the frequency and quality of data collected. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was developed to evaluate patient and carer opinions on using a DVA to report radiotherapy-related side effects. This was distributed to the adult patients in the radiotherapy department in February 2019 and to the Teenager, Young Adult and Paediatric radiotherapy department in mid 2019. It was redistributed in September 2020, allowing a pre/post Covid-19 comparison. To maximise engagement with the questionnaire, it was decided to ask a small number of simple questions. These four questions sought to ascertain whether the respondent was a patient or carer, respondent age (decade grouping), how knowledgeable they were about the Amazon Echo, and how willing they would be to participate in a hypothetical study in which they would use an Amazon Echo to record the side effects they experienced as a result of their cancer treatment. A comments box was included to allow participants to convey additional information. Results: 85 completed questionnaires were collected in 2019 and 43 in 2020. The median age of the initial survey cohort was 60-69 years old whilst for the second cohort was 50-59 years old. The slight difference in median age of the cohorts is likely a reflection on modifications to clinical practice due to Covid-19. 16% of the initial cohort and 19% of the second cohort were carers. 67% of the initial cohort responded that they had some or good knowledge of Amazon Echo, this increased to 84% in the second cohort (fig. 1). Willingness to participate was highest in the group of patients with good knowledge. 44% of the initial cohort were willing to take part in a study using an Amazon Echo to record side effects, increasing to 58% in the subsequent cohort (fig. 2). However, the percentage of respondents who were not willing to take part also increased from 32% to 37% with a reduction in the number of respondents who didn’t know (25% to 5%). Willingness to participate varied with age. Comments were diverse and included concerns about using technology and data security but also positive comments on the potential to reduce hospital visits. (Figure Presented) Conclusion: Overall, the survey results indicate an increased knowledge of DVA. There was also an increased willingness to engage with a DVA for remote collection of radiotherapy outcome data following the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

RAPID DATA COLLECTION FOR THE AUDIT OF MONUMENTS & MEMORIALS IN SOUTH AFRICA

The tradition of memorialising people and events through physical constructions such as statues and monuments like in many countries, has shaped the public space of a modern South Africa. Considering the colonial and apartheid history of South Africa, these physical markers, often uncontextualized, continue to maintain positions of prominence within the modern streetscape.Since the turn of the democratic era in South Africa, a pressing need has existed to assess the impact of the markers on the heritage landscape of the country. An endeavour made more difficult by a lack of a comprehensive inventory of these resources across the country.The National Audit of Monuments and Memorials (NAMM) was designed to address this gap through a full national survey of monuments and memorials, conducted under the auspices of a job creation stimulus package designed to create short term employment in the wake of the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. Undertaking this project under this funding mechanism required that all phases of the project be undertaken within a six-month period.The compressed timeframes associated with this project required an approach that could support a level of fluidity to address the challenges of undertaking a project of this nature, whilst ensuring that the data collected by field surveyors can be monitored and included in the inventory of the national estate in an effective manner.The aim of this paper is to discuss and showcase the tools and workflows used to roll out and manage the large-scale national audit of monuments and memorials across South Africa.

Jamaican high school students satisfaction during the COVID-19 lockdown

Purpose Amid the worldwide lockdown and emergency transition to online classes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper aims to examine high school students' satisfaction in this unique learning environment. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was first used to extract a set of important factors from a number of variables. A logistic regression was subsequently used to access student satisfaction levels during the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition, a small qualitative study was conducted to gain additional insight into student satisfaction ratings. Findings A study sample of 486 usable responses revealed that students were most satisfied with the responsiveness of teaching staff, which included the provision of assignments and feedback on performance. The study also revealed that students experienced a range of emotions;those who experienced positive emotions (joy, pride, hope) were more satisfied than those who experienced negative emotions (frustration, anxiety, boredom). Research limitations/implications Policymakers and educators in high schools could benefit from these findings when formulating policy recommendations to support the manning of operations during crisis situations and justify the introduction of future offerings of blended or online courses. Originality/value The study was conducted in a real and unprecedented crisis which created a unique environment to examine factors influencing Jamaican high school students' satisfaction levels during the lockdown.