ABSTRACT
Background: Syncope and related disorders is an important area for training of all health professionals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted the delivery of our annual face-to-face certified program to a 9-month hybrid program. Here, we describe the development, delivery, and evaluation of such new program. Methods: A pre-existing curriculum was modified to incorporate online content, online lecture delivery and interactive group learning, in addition to individual practical placements in a syncope management unit, in line with government and hospital infection control guidance at the time. Monthly content included video consultant case presentations, ECG analysis and interpretation, and instructional videos of diagnostic testing and relevant technologies. A comprehensive online week-long lecture program was developed. Results: The lecture week included 30 clinical lectures, 10 clinical case presentations and 10 ‘how to’ practical videos for testing/monitoring procedures. Further learning over zoom incorporated learner case presentations in a small group format. At the completion of the course the leaners attended a final online half day of lectures and completed the multi choice question examination. Conclusion: “Thank you so much for putting together such a fantastic week of training.” “The quality and expertise of the speakers was outstanding.” “I have taken a huge amount away to incorporate into my practice and local unit.”The above learner feedback is consistent with our aim to deliver a high-quality specialist program for those interested in advancing the management of syncope and related disorders. Over time, this specialist training will aid the development of regional syncope management units across Ireland. The benefits of a hybrid learning model include multiple options to cater for all categories of learners, thus suggesting it is the cornerstone of future learning modalities.
ABSTRACT
Problem: Diagnostic development and validation require consistent availability of well-characterized, high-quality biospecimens. There is a great disconnect between biobanks and industry or developers' needs, leading to slow reaction to outbreaks and missed opportunities for sample access and sharing. Long-term sustainability and fit-for-purpose collections are still unresolved biobank issues, even more relevant when activities are performed in LMICs (low- and middle-income countries) who are often reticent to distribute samples due to legal/ethical barriers and mistrust of research and use of samples. Proposed Solution: Building on its biobank experience focused on infectious diseases in LMICs, FIND has established a strategy for a disease-agnostic, network-based biobank model, adapted to industry needs. The model focuses on: 1) increasing sample visibility and access and 2) empowering research and capacity building in LMICs The two main components of the model are the FIND Integrated Biobanks (FIB) and the Virtual Biobank Directory (VBD). The FIB is a network of biobanks for pandemic preparedness that work under FIND's coordination to conduct collection activities to support diagnostic research, development, and evaluation. Due to the FIB structure, network sites based in LMICs will be able to rapidly scale-up activities to support both outbreaks and local clinical and research needs. FIND serves as the central coordinator, managing sample requests from external users, and ensures standardization among FIB sites in terms of documentation, operating procedures, infrastructure building, training, and study conduct. Local storage of banked samples and data will be managed within the FIB sites, which will also participate in decision making regarding the use of samples collected at their site. To enhance the visibility of existing biological resources, FIND created the VBD, a searchable directory of information on collections either hosted by FIND or by other organizations or networks. The VBD is an open-access, free-of-charge tool allowing users and sample custodians to interact on sample transfers without FIND's intervention. Conclusion: Both the FIB and VBD are currently being piloted to support FIND's COVID-19 work. FIND plans to expand the model to respond to needs within its disease programmes, such as neglected tropical diseases, tuberculosis, malaria, fever, HIV/HCV, and pandemic preparedness.