Off-line or on-line? – near-рeer assisted anatomy education in the time of Covid-19 рandemic – a single center randomized controlled study

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the way anatomy classes were carried out, depriving students of practical learning using real anatomical specimens. Once COVID restrictions were lifted and students returned to a normal class setting a randomized study was carried out to elevate effectiveness of practical anatomy didactics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an anatomy workshop based on demonstrating anatomical structures delivered in a face-to-face format, and to compare it with a standard course based on online learning. The randomization involved 350 students from whom 80 participants were drawn to form both a study and control group. The study consisted of three parts: exam 1, workshop, exam 2. The study group participated in all parts of the project, while the control group participated only in the exam. The workshop was held by near peer teachers (NPT). Statistical analysis showed that participation in the workshop had an effect on the passing score of exam 2 (p=0.039). It was also shown that the difference in scores was significantly higher (p=0.049) in the study group compared to the control group. The study proved that the workshops which were based on demonstrating anatomical structures by NPT significantly affected the scores obtained by trainees. In conclusion, the project confirmed the importance of student interaction with anatomical specimens and that online teaching is not a substitute for teaching in a dissecting room. Additionally, this study confirmed the high usefulness of NPT as a support for the didactic process conducted by experts. Copyright: © 2022 Jurand Domański, Marta Wanat, Jacek Ciach, Angelika Osuch, Bożena Kurc-Darak, Sławomir Woźniak, Zygmunt Domagała.

Ukraine war refugees - threats and new challenges for healthcare in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Between February 2022, when the war in Ukraine began, and April 1, 2022, the number of refugees to neighboring countries reached 4,137,842 people. The majority have fled to Poland. The main challenge for the health system in Poland in this situation is how to develop effective adaptation measures. AIM: The aim of this study is to describe threats and challenges to public health related in particular to infectious diseases and to identify the resources of the healthcare system that are necessary to meet the needs of the recent war refugees and the Polish population. METHODS: Scientific publications, statistical data from national and international organizations, information obtained from public institutions in Poland and Ukraine, and reliable sources of up-to-date information on the Internet were used. Key data on threats and challenges to public health were collected and presented. FINDINGS: Differences were observed between Poland and Ukraine in terms of immunization programmes and their implementation as well as in relation to the prevalence of selected infectious diseases. The increase in demand for healthcare resources in Poland was estimated on the basis of current indicators. Both the possibilities of counteracting epidemic threats related to the current situation and possible consequences for the availability of services and the health condition of all people currently staying in Poland were presented. CONCLUSION: European countries may experience public health threats due to the influx of war refugees. The data presented could be useful for European countries while developing effective strategies to mitigate public health issues.

[What is the effect of social distancing on the course of COVID-19 epidemic?]

COVID-19 pandemic challenged both public health specialists and authorities to implement non-pharmaceutical interventions aimed at limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The concept of social distancing is about limiting contacts between people, which breaks virus transmission chains, delays the increase in the number of infected people in the population and prevents overloading of health care systems. Many countries, including Poland, implemented a number of interventions aimed at limiting the number of infections and slowing down the tempo of the pandemic's spread. These are, among others, mass-scale testing, isolation of infected individuals, hand hygiene, breath etiquette and wearing mascs. Apart from these, a number of restrictions were enforced to ensure social distancing, such as closing down schools and universities, forbidding organising large parties and mass gatherings, limiting travels and use of public transport, increasing awareness of the public opinion on the necessity to stay at home, up to even introducing full lockdown with only the right to go out to buy food and medication or use the health care system. These interventions were gradually introduced in particular countries, in different ways, to a greater or lesser extent. Their effectiveness is largely influenced by the socio-economic and cultural factors, the nature of political and healthcare systems as well as the operating procedures used during their implementation. The implemented social distancing strategies prove to be effective, especially when combined with such actions as mass-scale testing, tracking contact chains, isolation and quarantine. The current work aims at making an overview of selected social distancing strategies and assessing their effectiveness in slowing down COVID-19 epidemic.