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Introduction: While programmatic and institutional accreditation remain the vital components of a quality education, the associated costs of a site visit can be excessive, especially when the technology is available to accomplish this process virtually. In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, it also became evident that a virtual site visit was the only viable means to accredit diagnostic medical sonography programs, given safety concerns for site visitors. Method(s): The study followed a mixed method, quasi-experimental design. This virtual site visits includes all learning concentrations (e.g. general sonography, adult cardiac sonography, and vascular technology) along with programs offering a multi-concentration educational program (i.e. combinations of any the listed learning concentrations). This research was based on the three quantitative questions and a fourth qualitative question. Result(s): The data analyses confirmed the McEwan and Walsh theory that the virtual accreditation site visit is a viable option given the many possibilities of communication technologies available today. This cost-saving alternative has the potential to reshape the rigorous accreditation process while saving educational institutions the expense of the on-site visit which was noted by the program directors. Conclusion(s): A future study of this kind could be enhanced by using a larger sample size than 28 programs that participated in this study. Take home message: In an era of cutting costs and maximising efficiency while still upholding the integrity of the programmatic accreditation, the virtual site visit does maintain the effectiveness and efficiency of the accrediting process.
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Introduction: There is a distinct unmet need in structured, curriculum based, unbiased education in neuromodulation. Current teaching is through sporadic industry workshops, cadaver courses and peer proctorship. The COVID pandemic has created a unique opportunity where online platforms have enabled education to be delivered remotely in both synchronous and asynchronously. The William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London, UK have initiated University based accreditation- Post Graduate Certificate in neuromodulation (PGCert) that provides candidate a qualification in one academic year through part-time study. Method(s): The program underwent rigorous staged university approval process (figure 1). To ensure market feasibility, two short proof of concept CPD programs "Executive Education in Neuromodulation (EEPIN)" were delivered in 2021. These courses attracted 87 candidates across Australia, Singapore, India, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Ireland, and UK. The faculty includes key opinion leaders that will deliver the program ensuring the candidates gain academic background and specialist skills to understand safe practice of neuromodulation. The PGCert advisory board has been established to ensure strict governance in terms of content and unbiased delivery confirming ACCME guidance. In order to obtain PGCert, candidates are required to complete 4 x 15 credit modules (60 credits). The four modules include Anatomy & Neurophysiology;Patient care and Procedurals skills;Devices and available technology;Intrathecal drug delivery for cancer and non-cancer pain. The modular nature of the program is designed to provide cumulative knowledge, from basic science to clinical application in line with the best available evidence. The modules comprise nine lectures, spreading over three consecutive days, followed by a written assignment with 40 direct contact hours in each module. The webpage can be accessed at Results: The anonymous data from EEPIN reported on Likert scale 1-5: Objectives defined 30.6% - 4 and 69.4% -5;Relevance of topics 10.2%- 4 and 89.8% -5;Content of presentations 22.4%- 4 and 77.6% -5;Organization 24.5% -4 and 69.4% -5;Candidate faculty interaction 14.3% -4 and 81.6% -5. 97% of the EEPIN candidates recommended the program to others whilst 81.8% expressed their strong interest to enroll for university-based post graduate qualification if offered. Conclusion(s): This PGcert Neuromodulation is a unique, university accredited program that provides qualification in neuromodulation with access to a flexible online e-learning platform to discuss and exchange ideas, share knowledge in candidate's own time. This will support the ongoing need for formal curriculum-based education in neuromodulation. Disclosure: Kavita Poply, PHD: None, Phillippe Rigoard: None, Jan Kallewaard, MD/PhD: None, FRANK J.P.M. HUYGEN, MD PhD: ABBOTT: Speakers Bureau:, Saluda: Consulting Fee:, Boston Scientific: Consulting Fee:, Grunenthal: Speakers Bureau:, Pfizer: Speakers Bureau:, Ashish Gulve, FRCA, FFPMRCA, FFPMCAI, DPMed, FCARCSI, MD, MBBS: None, Ganesan Baranidharan, FRCA: None, Sam ELDABE, MD, FRCA, FFPMRCA: Medtronic: Consulting Fee:, Medtronic: Contracted Research:, Mainstay Medical: Consulting Fee:, Saluda Medical: Consulting Fee:, Boston Scientific: Contracted Research:, Saluda Medical: Contracted Research:, James Fitzgerald, MA,PhD: St Jude Medical: Consultant: Self, Medtronic: Consulting Fee:, UCB: Contracted Research:, Merck: Contracted Research:, Serge Nikolic, MD: None, Stana Bojanic, BSc MBBS FRCS (SN): Abbott: Contracted Research:, Habib Ellamushi: None, Paresh Doshi, MS MCh: None, Preeti Doshi, MBBS, MD, FRCA: None, Babita Ghai, MBBS, MD, DNB: None, Marc Russo, MD: Presidio Medical: Ownership Interest:, Saluda Medical: Ownership Interest:, Boston Scientific: Contracted Research: Self, Mainstay Medical: Contracted Research: Self, Medtronic: Contracted Research: Self, Nevro: Contracted Research: Self, Saluda Medical: Contracted Research: Self, Presidio Medical: Contracted Research: Self, Freedom Ne ro: Ownership Interest - Own Stocks: Self, Lungpacer: Ownership Interest - Own Stocks: Self, SPR Therapeutics: Ownership Interest - Own Stocks: Self, Lawrence Poree, MD,MPH,PHD: Medtronic: Consulting Fee: Self, Saluda Medical: Contracted Research: Family, Nalu Medical: Contracted Research: Family, Gimer Medical: Consulting Fee: Self, Nalu Medical: Consulting Fee: Self, Saluda Medical: Consulting Fee: Self, Nalu: Ownership Interest:, Saluda Inc: Ownership Interest:, Alia Ahmad: None, Alaa Abd Sayed, MD: Medtronic, Abbott, SPR and StimWave: Consulting Fee:, Salim Hayek, MD,PhD: None, CHRISTOPHER GILLIGAN, MD MBA: Persica: Consulting Fee: Self, Saluda: Consulting Fee: Self, Mainstay Medical: Contracted Research: Self, Sollis Therapeutics: Contracted Research: Self, Iliad Lifesciences, LLC: Owner: individuals with legal ownership in a company:, Vivek Mehta: NoneCopyright © 2023
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[...]this critical step is receiving the attention it deserves, maybe even an overhaul, as the wave of clinical trial decentralization surges on. With this regulatory foundation, the site feasibility process involves choosing sites that not only conform to these requirements, but can also offer the best fit for specific studies, based on past performance, access to a database of appropriate patients, and the bandwidth to perform the study at hand. A recent article by Kurbegov et al. of the American Society of Cancer Oncology (ASCO) describes a Task Force that was convened to evaluate the burdens and challenges of site feasibility, which often lead to delayed study start-up and act as a barrier to site participation.6 With input from sites, sponsors, and CROs in the form of surveys and in-person meetings, the Task Force developed three recommendations for improvement, with a goal of speeding patient access to clinical trial participation, and ultimately, much needed new treatments, as shown in Table 1 on the facing page. According to Comis, "We now have 146,000 users of SIP, which represents 125,000 site researchers.
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Aim: A structured education group for adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has been offered in a face-to- face (F2F) format in the health board since 2009. The suspension of in-person groups due to Covid-19 catalysed redevelopment of the group in a virtual, interactive format. Method(s): The aims and objectives of the virtual group were extended from the original F2F format, and the teaching resources were diversified to include film, animations and a workbook. Patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, were contacted using a standardised engagement protocol and offered the opportunity to join the virtual group. A series of pilot groups were delivered. The Plan-Do- Study- Act (PDSA) model was used. Each pilot group was studied using mixed method data collection and critiqued by patients, the educator and the team, to improve the delivery methods and patient experience. Result(s): Over six months, eight groups were conducted. Forty-six patients were invited and 30 attended. Engagement was higher in the virtual option compared to usual care prior to the pandemic (65% compared to 55%). Results from feedback forms showed that the majority of respondents either agreed (13%) or strongly agreed (80%) that the group had improved their understanding of type 2 diabetes. The group was given a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 100. Conclusion(s): The digital option provides a feasible model to deliver an alternative interactive, structured group education programme at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The next step involves developing an engagement programme with primary care and application for QISMET accreditation.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) describes interprofessional practice (IPP) as "...multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds working] together with patients, families, caregivers, and communities to deliver the highest quality of care" (WHO. 2010. The WHO deemed that interprofessional education and practice (IPEP) is vital to attain a workforce that Is ready and able to care for local health needs through teamwork and collaboration (WHO. 201 Oh Interprofessional teams are critical in the care of acute, chronic, and complex health and social support needs of COVID-19 patients (Michalec & Lamb. 20201.1 PE and IPP are so essential to care that accreditation bodies have come together to provide guidance about how to embed these activities throughout all health professions programs (Health Professions Accreditors Collaborative. 2019). When delivered Intentionally, IPEP has the potential to achieve the Quadruple Aim (i.e., Improved quality, Increased population health, reduced costs, and improved clinician experience), with teamwork playing a large part In the achievement of the fourth aim: addressing the needs of healthcare workers, and reducing stressors experienced by the past, current, and future healthcare workforce, including nurses (Bachvnskv. 2020: Nurses have demonstrated that they are In an ideal position on the healthcare team to meet the additional demands placed on health services (e.g., contact tracing, testing, vaccine administration) and increased demand for staff, resources, policies, and supplies by the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which threaten an already overtaxed system (Diabv et al„ 2021).
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With the recent global COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, accreditation delays have become inevitable in lieu of the strict travel restrictions. The usual accreditation inspection process conducted face-To-face was affected. Organizations are shifting to a reliance on technology to adapt to the national emergency. The study aims to bridge the gap by digitalization Professional Regulation Commission's (PRC) monitoring and accreditation system to conduct a virtual inspection and monitoring. With all of these said, the specific objectives of the researchers and developers are to develop an efficient digitized system that captures the original one. In developing the proposed accreditation and monitoring system and document management system (website) for PRC, the group will adapt and take inspiration from the Agile Development Lifecycle methodology, which will help the modification and other functionality of the system by using the iterative style in the development of the system. The proposed digital monitoring system undergoes a cross-browser test, and performance test, i.e., Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM). These tests show that the proposed system passed the compatibility for commonly used browsers like Chrome, Edge, Mozilla, and many more. The Final Test in Performance Testing showed that the system RTM functions had passed all final testing. © 2023 IEEE.
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Introduction: A decrease in operative volume of general surgery chiefs graduating the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) was previously noted using self-reported Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case logs. The purpose of this study is to examine if this trend was captured in self-reported case logs and if those trends were similarly captured in an automated multi-institution artificial intelligence-based case log. Method(s): The ACGME National Data Report of general surgery cases was queried for mean cases performed as surgeon chief for the pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and pandemic (2019-2020 and 2020- 2021) period. A 24-institute HIPAA-compliant, web-based, surgical education management platform using an embedded artificial intelligence algorithm to generate case logs from electronic operative schedules was also queried. Percent change was calculated and statistical significance was calculated with unpaired T-Test. Result(s): Fifty-three ACGME categories were reviewed. A significant (p<0.05) decrease occurred in 19 categories (35.8%) the first pandemic year compared with pre-pandemic. The second pandemic year (2020-2021) 10 categories (18.8%) had a significant increase (p<0.05). The automated case log system did not see the same trend with only 2.7% of categories (9/324) with a significant decrease the first pandemic year. No subsequent significant increases occurred the second pandemic year. Conclusion(s): ACGME case logs reveal a recovery of operative volume for general surgery chiefs during the second year of the pandemic. However, the 24-institution, automatically logged system did not see the same trend. Regional variation or improved accuracy of automated case logs may explain the discrepancy.
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Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread effects on the healthcare system. For trainees, one particular detriment has been the cancellation of elective operations, reducing clinical experience and procedural volumes. Measures instituted to combat the pandemic have resulted in decreased cancellation of elective cases to varying degrees. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ongoing effect of the pandemic on resident operative volume. Method(s): Operative case numbers of general surgical graduates in 2019, 2020, and 2021 were extracted from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs. Data included mean total cases/graduate and means for individual case types. Data was considered by overall number of cases and cases performed as surgeon chief. Analysis of variance was employed to compare groups with p<0.05 considered significant. Result(s): Mean total major cases differed significantly among groups with reduced volume noted for 2020 graduates but no difference in volume between 2019 and 2021 graduates (1070.5+/-150 vs 1054.8+/-155 vs 1074.1+/-164, p=0.0041). This same pattern was noted for surgeon chief total cases (288.6+/-69 vs 264.4+/-67 vs 286.2+/-73, p<0.0001) as well as several major general surgery subcategories including cases involving the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, biliary system, among others. Conclusion(s): Despite continued reduction in and alteration of elective surgery practice, improved pandemic measures have allowed for increased surgical volume. This has translated to increased operative experience for graduating surgical trainees that are comparable to case numbers that preceded the pandemic. Ramifications for the 2020 graduating cohort as well subsequent cohorts require continued evaluation.
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Background: The health system is responsible for providing services as well as providing services for everyone to access that are safe and good quality. Currently, health problems are changeable and complex, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, which is also related to health legislation. Therefore, a good quality health system is critical. Methods: This Cross-sectional survey study was conducted from July 2021 - March 2023 using a sample of 384 of 11 community hospitals. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze. Results: The results showed that the samples had an average age of 39 years (S.D.=10.15), an average time of work 13 years (S.D.=10.19), with a bachelor's degree of 73.18%, while 38.80% were a nurse. In addition, samples had knowledge and attitude on the hospital accreditation (HA) at a high level of 68.49%, and 47.92% (=.85 S.D.=.11;= 4.05, S.D.=.40 respectively). But organization, process, and outcomes are at a moderate level of 54.17%,55.47%, and 58.85% (=3.93, S.D.=.55, 3.96 S.D.=.54, =3.85 S.D.=.57 respectively). Most hospitals had HA at level 3 (81.82%). Furthermore, the knowledge factors related to HA level (significance at.01 level;rs=.161). The factors affecting HA development results were attitude, organization, and process factors (p< 0.01). Conclusions: The majority of hospital had moderate levels of HA. Knowledge, attitude, organization, and method with health legislation being the key elements. These elements can be used to get HA information during COVID-19 outbrake.
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Engineering education occurs in an environment of change, which has been especially significant faced with this COVID-19 situation. Continuous improvement is reaffirmed as the basis for quality assurance in an engineering program, and requires compliance with various accreditation criteria, as well as recognition of the context of each program. Six Critical Success Factors (CSF) are proposed: Stakeholders, Processes, Information, Improvement Actions, Participation and Communication and Institution, for the formulation and monitoring of Improvement Plans (IP) in engineering programs. The CSFs are operationalized in 48 metrics. The research is based on a systematic review of the literature, takes the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle as a reference, and uses the Characteristics Analysis method for the evaluation of the CSF and the metrics. The proposal constitutes a technical, participatory and comprehensive approach to support the decision-making in the IP management. © 2023 IEEE.
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Ecuador is a unique case study, where strict evaluation and accreditation processes have been recently established (i.e., early-2010s) mainly based on the experience of their peers and that of developed countries. Interestingly, the development of quality assurance indicators for research output received special attention. The current study systematically explored the research output of the Ecuadorian higher education institutions (HEIs) after only one decade of being subjected to multiple rigorous evaluation and accreditation processes. Peer-reviewed documents in the Scopus Database from 2006 to 2021 were statistically analyzed in terms of the number of documents produced (i.e., books, book chapters, journals, and conference proceedings), citations, H-index, quartiles, and impact factors (i.e., SRJ, SNIP, and Cite Score), at both country and single-university levels. The influence of the multiple evaluation processes and external factors (e.g., relaxation of regulations, COVID) on the research output trends were comprehensively and chronologically discussed. Accordingly, a statistical answer to the following research questions was attempted: where is the Ecuadorian research output currently standing after these evaluation and accreditation measures? Furthermore, where is it heading? This investigation would assist in creating and adjusting policies targeting sustainable research in HEIs in Ecuador and other countries in similar early research development. Copyright © 2023 Gutiérrez, Yaguarema, Ayala, Zambrano R and Gutiérrez.
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During Covid-19 restrictions, electronic information resources have become a prominent source in the library. Most of the university academic activities heavily depend on electronic resources because they are easy to share, refer and communicate to the audience. This study investigates the awareness and usage of electronic information resources subscribed to by the university library. The well-designed online questionnaire helps to collect data from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Integrated engineering programs. A total of 232 filled questionnaires were received for the study. The data analysis shows that 91.38 % of the respondents know that electronic resources are available in the library, and the internet speed (56.90 %) is a significant hindrance in using resources. The detailed analysis of this study was discussed, and suggestions were also given to improve the awareness and usage of electronic information resources.
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PurposeThis study aims to explore some benefits and challenges of establishing an international accreditation for teacher education institutions (TEIs) by AsTEN Quality Assurance Agency. This specific accreditation agency is expected to improve the quality of teaching, learning and research at TEIs in ASEAN region. Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative study generates data from questionnaires and online semi-structured interviews among ASEAN academics. They work as teacher educators in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. FindingsAs findings show, participating academics from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Brunei Darussalam believe that it is necessary to have a specific international accreditation agency that can properly accommodate particular standards of teacher education. This accommodation is expected to increase the governance of quality teaching, learning and researching to prepare more competent and professional future teachers. Participating academics also acknowledge some potential challenges this specific accreditation agency may have, including local acceptance by national governments in ASEAN region and global acknowledgement from international accrediting agencies, mostly based in Global North countries. Research limitations/implicationsThe study only involves academics in five ASEAN countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines so that it may have less international acceptance. Practical/social implicationsThe study also identifies aspects and mechanisms of blended online-onsite international accreditation application for TEIs, which grows its significance because of technological advancement, efficiency and prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/valueThe study provides a digital accreditation system for TEIs, particularly in ASEAN region. This originality is important in this era of Internet of Things.
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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Given widespread disruptions to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, the objective was to assess the national case logs of graduating Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) fellows for effects on surgical volume. METHOD(S): The nationally aggregated Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs were obtained for graduating FPMRS fellows, both urology and obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN), for available academic years (AYs) 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020- 2021. Standard deviation was derived from percentile data. Case volume differences for tracked index category averages were compared between AYs with one-way analysis of variance. RESULT(S): Graduating fellows logged an average of 517.4 (SD 28.6) and 818.0 (SD 37.9) cases, for urology and OBGYN respectively, over their fellowship training during the examined period. Total surgical procedures were not statistically different between pre-COVID AY 2018- 2019 and COVID-affected AYs 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 for either specialty. For urology fellows, the only index case category with a statistically significant difference was a decrease in AY 2020-2021 compared to 2019-2020 in GI procedures (8.9 vs 4.2, p=0.04). Reclassification of mesh removal cases to genital procedures in 2020- 2021 resulted in a statistical decrease for both specialties of graft/mesh augmentation prolapse cases for that same AY. There were no other statistically significant differences between AYs for OBGYN fellows. CONCLUSION(S): Compared to pre-pandemic case volumes, FPMRS urology and FPMRS OBGYN graduating fellow surgical volume remained stable. Both total surgical procedures and index case categories showed no statistically significant difference between pre-COVID and COVID-affected years. Despite nationwide disruptions in health care, FPMRS trainee case volumes remained consistent.
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Background and aim: During the pandemic phase, many of the Italian centers of endoscopy reduced their activities due to the limitation of the procedures and redistribution of the personnel. Despite these upheavals, the SIED-ANOTE accreditation program continued its activity thanks to the use of Information and Communication Technologies with a remote accreditation program. The present work evaluated whether during the pandemic phase the Endoscopy Units already accredited, maintained the SIED quality standards in terms of organization and management. Material(s) and Method(s): SIED-ANOTE accreditation lasts two years, at the end of which an on site reaccreditation assessment is needed. During Covid-19 pandemic reaccreditation visits, before conducted in person, were held remotely. The fields evaluated in the present work were those areas included in section 7 of SIED-ANOTE accreditation manual and specifically: the centers documentation system, the coherence of the mission and the vision, the methods used to achieve the goals, the methods for assessing the competence of the doctors, leadership, and management of human resources. Result(s): From March 2020 up to now, we remotely reaccredited 15 centers (8 at second reaccreditation visit;7 at first reaccreditation visit). Eight of these centers are in North, six in the Center, and one in the South of Italy. During remote reaccreditation visit a total of 52 quality indicator (median value: 3.0;95% CI: 1.74-5.19) were not satisfied at evaluation versus 89 (median value: 6.0;95% CI: 3.69-10.0) during on site visit (p=0.49). The main unsatisfied issues concerned the section of reprocessing (20 time), in particular the performance of microbiological tests and endoscopic unit staff number (7 times), especially shortage of nursing staff. During pandemic period, we measured a tripling of dissatisfaction with that requirement. Other chapters with not satisfied quality indicators were: compilation of the nursing charts (7 times), periodic assessments of medical and nursing skills (7 times), and compilation of the endoscopy report (3 times), assessment of expected targets (2 times). Conclusion(s): Thanks to the use of Information and Communication Technologies, the SIED-ANOTE accreditation program continues via remote route. The periodic re-accreditation system shows a constant performance's improvement of the Endoscopic Unit, even in such an overwhelming period. Redistribution of the personnel seems not yet been resolved after acute Covid-19 pandemic phases.Copyright © 2023. Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l.
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This paper reports the results of a study on the implementation of a sustainable teaching model based on the OBE (Outcome-Based Education) concept and the TSEM (Teach, Study, Evaluate, and Manage) framework in computer science and technology at NingboTech University, China. In the context of digital education, the OBE concept and the TSEM framework are integrated to explore sustainable teaching and learning models based on "artificial intelligence and education”. Based on the core concept of engineering professional education accreditation, the course is designed by using the PCCM (Professional Competency Correlation Matrix) method to build a model based on big data analysis, deepen the classroom teaching reform of "artificial intelligence and education”, and explore the integrated digital sustainable teaching mode of "teaching, learning, evaluation, and management”. The aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness of the teaching model based on OBE and the TSEM framework on students' sustainable development. The results show that students deepen their learning in computer science while enhancing their own learning initiative, teamwork skills, innovation skills, and awareness of sustainable development. Research shows that our teaching model plays an important role in the development of student sustainable education, enhancing student engineering practice and innovation capabilities and cultivating applied innovative talents. The efficacy of the teaching model based on the OBE concept and the TSEM framework for improving students' competence in sustainable education warrants further investigation.
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Purpose: The main objective of the present research is to depict the experience of challenges and opportunities for virtual accreditation peer review team (PRT) visits. COVID-19 has changed higher education delivery. Higher education accreditation and PRT visits have become online. The lockdown forced schools and accreditation agencies to cancel or change visit arrangements. PRT visits could not be stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic, but accrediting agencies needed to review programme quality to meet standards. Design/methodology/approach: Eight former and present accreditation specialists were interviewed. The researchers described the challenges and opportunities in virtual accreditation visits (VAV). Also, the authors have explained their own experience of coordinating on-site and virtual accreditation visits. Using the NVIVO tool, the experts' replies are transcribed and categorised as challenges and opportunities. Findings: The findings will help the professionals and academicians better prepare for, plan and execute virtual PRT visits for accreditation agencies and schools. The results revealed that the evaluation and accreditation outcomes are similar for virtual and physical accreditation visits. Finally, the findings suggest that accreditation agencies and schools need to adopt a hybrid site visit model for accreditation visits. Practical implications: The school can prepare better for virtual PRT visits by identifying the challenges and opportunities ahead of time. The finding may motivate authorities to schedule meetings in different time zones, prepare document evidence rooms, save money, time, and travel time, and benefit the environment by eliminating paper printing, fuel use, and paper printing. Originality/value: This research is unique and noteworthy since accreditation organisations, PRT members and schools are uncertain about virtual visits. This may be the first paper in this domain to assist accreditation organisations and institutions review accreditation visits online or in hybrid mode. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.
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Digital competencies and confidence are thought to be critical to success in higher education. However, despite learning frequently taking place online through the use of virtual learning environment and tools such as lecture capture, and evidence to counter the idea of digital nativity, these critical skills are often not explicitly taught at university. In the present study, we describe the development and evaluation of our Essential Digital Skills programme, which is a university-wide digital training programme designed and implemented at a large London university, aimed at new students but open to all students at the University. Using Kirkpatrick's evaluation model, we demonstrate that the programme provided effective training in digital skills for all students but that individual differences exist in the training experience, notably around ethnicity and student status, with Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students and international students feeling that the training made a greater contribution to their skill levels and resulted in greater behaviour change and impact, as well as intention to undertake further training.
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INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the weakness of the internet as a resource for medical information. YouTube is a common source patients search, especially regarding surgeries. YouTube and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) have collaborated to accredit videos from reputable sources to identify them as trustworthy resources. It remains undefined whether high quality resources are available to inform patients pending cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC), In this study, YouTube search results for HIPEC are critically appraised for the quality of information and visual aids presented to patients seeking information online. METHOD(S): The first 100 YouTube search results for HIPEC less than 10 minutes long in English with audio and/or text were transcribed. The Flesch-Kincaid score defined the reading grade level. High content quality videos were accredited by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) or mentioned the standard components necessary for a surgical consent. The Anderson-Lau score is a composite of these criteria ranging from 0-8. The simplicity of videos for patient education was graded from poor to high quality by the DISCERN tool. The quality of audiovisual aids was evaluated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) which is graded from 0-100%. RESULT(S): A total of 96 videos met the inclusion criteria. The threshold of 100 videos was not reached because the remaining videos were all over 10 min or not in English. The median number of views was 798. The most common video publishers were Academic or Research Centers (37.5%) and News or Media Outlets (30.2%). The most common intended audiences were Patients (73%) and Physicians (16.7%). Over half of the videos (53.1%) did not have NAM accreditation. The median Anderson-Lau, PEMAT understandability and DISCERN scores were 2, 56.4%, and Poor respectively. Only 1 video scored as high quality by DISCERN metrics. Only 11.5% of the videos were at a 6-8th grade reading level, which is considered the reading level for average Americans. Higher Anderson-Lau, PEMAT, or DISCERN scores were not associated with NAM accreditation. CONCLUSION(S): CRS/HIPEC is a treatment option for advanced metastatic cancers. Using the Anderson-Lau, DISCERN, and PEMAT scores, most internet videos are poor quality regardless of NAM accreditation. These three tools could be used in a concerted effort to design higher quality resources about CRS/HIPEC to better educate patients on such a consequential operation.
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Background The Higher Specialist Training (HST) Scheme is run by the Royal College of Physicians (RCPI) overseen by the Irish Board for Training in Cardiovascular Medicine (IBTCM). The stated aim of the scheme is to provide doctors upon completion, with the necessary skills and knowledge to practice competently, professionally and independently as cardiology specialists. In order to inform dialogue surrounding improvements to the training scheme, those enrolled have been surveyed annually over the past 4 years to gage their views regarding the following domains - trainer/trainee interaction, access to training, procedural training, service commitments and training, research and audit, training program structure, gender balance, future career planning and location, quality of life and in the past year the impact of the Covid- 19 pandemic on training. Methods For the past 4 years, the second author surveyed trainees in training years 1-4 through the medium of an online questionnaire. Trainees were asked to respond to a range of questions pertaining to the domains of interest listed above, predominantly indicating their level of agreement with a statement in the format of a 5 point Likert scale. Results The response rate to the survey was excellent and averaged at 65% over the four years. Individual years ranged from 52% to a high of 82%. Even in the year with the lowest response (52%) a significant proportion of the trainees were represented. Overall trainees are happy with the training scheme with 88% saying they would recommend the training scheme. When asked if a trainee encountered significant challenges in accessing training - CT/MRI, followed by Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Electrophysiology were most frequently identified. Interest in dual accreditation was low, with 77% of respondents saying they did not intend to purse dual accreditation. Approximately half (47%) of respondents felt that their year spent doing General Internal Medicine (GIM) enhanced their training experience. 46% of respondents felt they have a poor or very poor work-life-balance, but 72% indicated that they had a very good or good quality of life. Future career planning: 83% of trainees indicated definitely or probably when asked if planning to work in Ireland after completion of training. However, when in 2018, a small number of trainees on overseas out of program experience were asked the same question a smaller proportion of respondents indicated that they wished to work in Ireland. In relation to gender - 28% of respondents were female, in keeping with prior work published by the authors in 2017 showing a 7:3 gender ratio overall for trainees between 1998 and 2017. To address the gender balance respondents felt that changes to the training scheme(63%) and work practices (72%) would be needed. Covid-19 had a marked affect on training, with 94% of trainees responding that it adversely affected their training. Conclusion This 4 year study of the Irish cardiology trainees gives important insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the training scheme. It highlights the impact due to the current Covid-19 pandemic on training. It also gives valuable information regarding the future career goals of current trainees. All of the above, should be useful in the framing and shaping of any discussion regarding the future of cardiology training and service delivery in Ireland in the decades to come.