ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen the rapid but sometimes controversial take-up of ‘online examination proctoring' systems by universities keen to maintain their assessment schedules during times of campus closure. Following the theoretical tradition of media ‘domestication', this article examines the mainstream adoption of different online proctoring systems in Australian higher education during the first year of the pandemic. Through analysis of interviews, documents, news, social media and marketing materials, the article examines the ‘appropriation', ‘objectification', incorporation' and ‘conversion' of proctoring technology from the perspective of commercial providers, university authorities, university staff and student groups. This raises a number of critical issues underpinning the adoption of this exam surveillance technology – not least the surrender of control to commercial providers, the hidden labour required to sustain ‘automated' systems and the increased vulnerabilities of ‘remote' studying. © The Author(s) 2021.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 infection is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis including venous thromboembolism (VTE). We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of scans performed to investigate suspected VTE and the positivity rate in a large health trust. Aim(s): Compare number of scans performed to investigate suspected VTE in 2020 and 2021 with the number performed in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We then looked at the rate of positive results to determine if our local experience reflects the global picture. We also calculated the rate of hospital acquired thrombosis during the same time frame to determine if this rate was impacted by the pandemic. Method(s): We searched all radiology systems for number of CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA), ventilation perfusion (V/Q) scan, ultrasound (USS) Doppler (lower and upper limbs) performed and number positive for VTE. We then cross referenced with hospital admission in preceding 90 days to determine number of hospital acquired thrombosis (HAT). Result(s): Despite the onset of COVID-19 pandemic there was a 15% reduction in number of scans performed in 2020 reflecting initial public health campaign and down turn of all routine services. However by 2021 there was a 25% increase in scans compared to pre-pandemic levels. Positivity rate was similar between years (11-14%). As was the proportion of hospital acquired thrombosis (40-43%). Incidence of VTE events rose by 31% -with 30.4% of all PEs diagnosed in 2021 associated with COVID (Table 1). Conclusion(s): Incidence of confirmed VTE has risen markedly compared to pre-pandemic levels reflecting global experience. Our study highlights this rise in potentially avoidable morbidity and significant resource implications for our local healthcare infrastructure. (Table Presented).
ABSTRACT
Introduction Increased demand for endoscopy has created a need to increase the number of Clinical Endoscopists (CEs) contributing to service delivery. From April 2019 CEs were recruited to an accelerated programme of blended training interventions (Core teaching;Masters level modules;Simulation;JAG courses;online lesion recognition (SLATE) courses;Training lists;and Online Tutorials) - providing a pathway from novice to JAG certification within 12 months for Upper GI endoscopy, and 2 years for Colonoscopy. Methods We conducted quantitative and qualitative evaluation mapped to a logic model of the impact and effectiveness of two CE cohorts using triangulated evidence sources - literature review;workplace observation, surveys and interviews with trainees;interviews with stakeholders - trainers and mentors;discussions with course leaders;Data from the Cognitive Load Inventory for Colonoscopy (CLIC) survey;and Programme outcome data. Results Of ten trainees evaluated, one resigned (lack of local support). COVID adversely affected time taken to complete training - six completed all elements of training in time (3 JAG Certified, 3 in process of certification);three still in training were all redeployed. All trainees and trainers agreed the programme supports the development of technical skills required for the CE role. Endoscopic non-technical skills (ENTS) were highlighted as important - lesion recognition, decision-making, report writing & patient management - and take time to develop. All trainees reported positive impact on them personally, their career prospects and on their Units. They enjoyed peer learning and developed new skills in negotiating with colleagues and advocating for patients. Prior experience in an endoscopy unit correlated with better progress through the course and older trainees reported less extrinsic cognitive load. A dedicated trainer was critical to success, supported rapid progression and resolved training issues more effectively. Lack of training lists was the biggest barrier to progression. Academic supervision and support was valued. Trainers felt selection of the 'right' trainee was critical and wanted greater involvement in the selection process. A number of areas for programme improvement have been identified - recruitment process, trainer involvement in induction, programme manual, training agreements, developing independent prescribing competency. Conclusions The blended CE training pathway supports the acquisition of technical skills and ENTS from novice to JAG Certification. Qualitative review has highlighted several areas where the programme can be improved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction There is a UK-wide need to increase the number of Clinical Endoscopists (CEs). From April 2019 CEs were recruited to an accelerated programme of training (small group teaching, Masters level modules;simulation;JAG courses;training lists;and on-line courses & tutorial groups) - to achieve JAG accreditation. Methods We conducted quantitative & qualitative evaluation mapped to a logic model (1) of the impact of the training. We combined evidence from literature review, observation, surveys and interviews with trainees, trainers & mentors;discussion with course leaders;data from the Cognitive Load Inventory for Colonoscopy (CLIC) survey (2) and review of programme outcome data. Results Ten trainees in two cohorts were evaluated - six completed all elements of training, three are still in training (redeployed due to COVID). Thematic analysis highlighted eight areas: technical skills, non-technical skills, the programme, academic elements, training units, trainers, personal qualities, and career development. All trainees reported acquiring technical skills enabling them to undertake procedures safely. Trainees reported significant highs and lows. Older trainees and those with experience of working in endoscopy units reported less cognitive load. Non-technical skills took longer but leading the team or writing reports with support from tutors were helpful in overcoming anxieties. Trainees valued the structure the programme provided - structured handbooks and parallel training for independent prescribing would have added value. Good clinical and senior nurse support correlated with good progression. Trainees described barriers of professional jealousy, no identified trainer or training list, or lack of senior support. COVID-19 was a factor. Trainers identified the resilience, resourcefulness and negotiating as key skills and felt they could identify applicants most likely to succeed. Trainees were motivated to take on the role but needed help and support if training had not gone well. Conclusion The journey taken by CEs to acquire the skills required for advanced practice roles tests a wide range of knowledge, motor, and professional skills. Developing the crucial critical thinking and cognitive skills must develop alongside mental resilience, and requires support from course tutors, optimally designed course elements, access to training lists and supportive local teams.
ABSTRACT
Case A 20-year old was seen at the height of the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with a two day history of a first episode of painful genital ulceration. Her last sexual contact was one week previously. She had no other symptoms and no medical or drug history. There was bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy and a unilateral 1cm slightly indurated shallow vulval ulcer with slough. She was treated empirically for secondarily infected primary herpes. Three days later she presented with increased pain and negative HSV PCR and STI/ BBV tests. She had large bilateral genital ulcers (figure 1) and was admitted. Repeat swabs for HSV, VZV and syphilis were negative. She had a neutrophilia, raised CRP and negative EBV and CMV IgM. A routine nasopharyngeal swab identified SARS-CoV-2 and a full respiratory virus PCR panel was otherwise negative. She disclosed a sore throat and fevers the week before the onset of her vulval symptoms but was reassured by negative home antigen tests. She had received the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine four months previously but no booster. She was discharged after five days and treated with a reducing course of oral steroids. At four weeks her ulcers were healing well. Discussion There are few published cases of Lipschütz ulcers associated with COVID-19 and this case adds to the burgeoning evidence of the possible dermatological manifestations of the disease and crucially it illustrates the value of prompt access to sexual health services during the pandemic. (Figure Presented).
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on pathological diagnoses of cancer in Northern Ireland, and assess potential inequalities across subgroups of the population. Methods: Data from the four Northern Ireland pathology labs were used to assess trends in pathological cancer diagnoses from 1st March to 12th September 2020 overall and by cancer site, gender and age. These trends were compared to the same timeframe from 2017-2019. Results: Between 1st March and 12th September 2020 there was a 23% reduction in cancer diagnoses compared to the same time period in the preceding three years. Although some recovery occurred in August and September 2020, this revealed inequalities across certain patient groups. Pathological diagnoses of lung, prostate and gynaecological malignancies remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Males and younger/middle-aged adults, particularly the 50-59 year old patient group, also lagged behind other population demographic groups in terms of returning to expected numbers of pathological cancer diagnoses. Conclusions: There is a critical need to protect cancer diagnostic services in the ongoing pandemic to facilitate timely investigation of potential cancer cases. Targeted public health campaigns may be needed to reduce emerging inequalities in cancer diagnoses as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global issue, posing a great risk and challenge to all facets of sport. Such spontaneous societal restrictions and considerations are posing immense challenges to all, including those conducting laboratory-based coaching science experimental studies. This research report details the necessary amendments applied to a study that was designed prior to the onset of the pandemic. The study, entitled 'The Acute Effects of Selected Time Intervals Following Weighted Football Place-Kicks on Ball Velocity of a Standard Gaelic Football Place-Kick', was designed to be conducted in a human performance laboratory. However, due to the pandemic, a multitude of necessary amendments to the experimental set-up and associated procedures were required following a risk assessment of the original experimental design in respect of local, national and international COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. Amendments included remote participant recruitment and the creation of a COVID-19 health screen form. The participant information sheet was updated to enhance understanding of the health and safety requirements, with the number of participants permitted to attend testing sessions reduced to ensure maintenance of social distancing regulations. Data storage procedures were also updated and additional procedures were implemented to ensure safe arrival and exit of participants to and from the testing laboratory. A post-testing session protocol was developed to ensure laboratory sanitization. The purpose of this report is to (i) detail these procedural and methodological amendments that were applied to the original experimental design, and (ii) provide an overview of the implications of these changes as they pertain to the experimental procedure for the duration of data collection. Ultimately, the aim of this report is to provide researchers conducting laboratory-based coaching science studies with considerations pertaining to experimental design that may be impacted by COVID-19 and future pandemics.
ABSTRACT
In the face of a global pandemic, with the shutdown of the Australian theatre industry and the wholesale shift to online modes of delivery within tertiary institutions, Queensland University of Technology academics in performance production and scenography developed a new pedagogical approach to shift the highly practical, studio-based theatre production program into the online space. This paper will present the teaching model that emerged from the university’s Virtual Theatre Production (VTP) Project, a collaborative project which shifted normal performance processes for five student theatre works online. The VTP Project engaged students, staff, industry experts, designers, directors and partner companies in a new online collaborative process. Constrained by real-world budgets and restrictions, student designers, technicians and managers were guided by a team of expert lighting, vision, sound, set, props and curatorial mentors to combine traditional analogue techniques with digital design processes across a range of software and platforms. This paper will detail the development of the pedagogical approach that underpinned this work;the project’s strengths and weaknesses;and finally, present the tested model for future use in creating online training grounds for undergraduate production students in an unstable educational environment. The pedagogical model builds on the emerging conversations around performance training online during the COVID-19 pandemic (Cervera, Schmidt and Schwadron;Pike, Neideck and Kelly), and expands on the notion of crisis-prompted remote teaching (Gacs, Goetler and Spasova;Hodges, Moore, Lockee, Trust and Bond). © 2021, International Association of Theatre Critics. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic disproportionately affects those with pre-existing conditions and has exacerbated gender inequalities. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among Canadian women. Exercise improves physical and mental health and CVD management. Amid the pandemic, women are experiencing an increase in caregiving responsibilities, job insecurities, and domestic violence creating competing demands for prioritizing their health. Recommendations on how to meet the unique needs of Canadian women with CVD through exercise are provided. Novelty: Exercise recommendations amid the pandemic for women with CVD need to be flexible, feasible, and fun.
ABSTRACT
Survivability and infectivity of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus within complete feed was tested in the presence or absence of a dry lactic acid-based feed acidifier product (Guardicate) at levels of 0.75%, 1.0%, or 1.5%. The virus was inactivated, and contaminated feed did not cause infection at all three inclusion rates.