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This research aims to develop a technology-driven educational application that will be a platform for providing interesting content to students. In light of the COVID-19 pan-demic, the objective of this redesign is to address the shortcomings of the current teaching strategy. In addition, survey and interview results supported the need for a revision of the current educational strategy. The proposed application employs Bloom's taxonomy quizzes to create a customized learning technique and structure content so that students can comprehend subjects more thoroughly. Visual Studio Code and the Ionic Framework were used for front-end development, while the Angular and PHP frameworks were utilized for the back-end. The program was reviewed using white box testing techniques and received positive feedback from users. In addition, it highlighted the possibility for sophisticated enhancements, such as the incorporation of learning styles, to improve the learning experiences of students. © 2022 IEEE.
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Objectives: Verifying the clinical effectiveness and the impact on quality-of-life parameters, fear of hypoglycaemia and satisfaction with the treatment obtained with a flash glucose monitoring (MFG) devices implantation program that includes a telematic and group educational intervention in adults with type 1 diabetes. Patients and Methods: Prospective quasi-experimental study, carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic period with a 9-month follow-up at the Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Sevilla. Result(s): Eighty-eight participants were included (men: 46.6%;mean age (years) 38.08, SD: 9.38);years of DM1 evolution: 18.4 (SD: 10.49);treatment with multiple doses insulin (MDI) 70.5% vs 29.5% subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy (CSII)). Baseline HbA1c was 7.74% (1.08). After the intervention, the global decrease in HbA1c was -0.45% (95% CI [-0.6, -0.25], P<.01), increasing to -1.08% in the group that started with HbA1c>=8% (P<.01). A mean decrease in the Fear of Hypoglycemia 15 (FH15) test score of -6.5 points was observed (P<.01). In the global score of the spanish version of Diabetes Quality Of Life (DQOL-s) test, the decrease was -8.44 points (P<.01). In Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire test (DTQ-s), global score increased in + 4 points (P<.01). Conclusion(s): The incorporation of an educational program in group and telematic format within the development of MFG devices implantation strategies is an effective option, with associated benefits in quality of life and fear of hypoglycemia in adult patients with DM1. This option can be implemented in usual clinical practice. Copyright © 2021 SEEN y SED
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This article focuses on teacher educators’ reflections on prospective teachers’ cognitive engagement in the teaching and learning of mathematics during the pandemic. Using three interacting aspects that can foster learners’ cognitive engagement as a lens, observations and reflections from two teacher educators and anonymous screenshots of students’ work were gathered and analysed by a mathematics teacher educator. The prospective teachers’ self-regulated learning, engagement in solving tasks, and participation in productive discourse were positively surprising, showing the cognitive presence of the learners during virtual teaching. The influence of digital platforms like Blackboard and digital tools like GeoGebra, Desmos, Padlet, Google Docs, Google Forms and Google Sheets in teaching helped us observe the learners’ cognitive engagement in real time. Contribution: The GeoGebra Class function and the Desmos Teacher feature helped us to observe the prospective teachers’ cognitive engagement during the online teaching. However, continuously and rapidly creating digital content on said digital platforms can be demanding for educators.
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Background: There is a lack of data on effectiveness of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs for South Asian adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Aim: This formative research was conducted to explore existing practices on the said subject and gather information for planning an enhanced usual care (EUC) intervention program. The suggestions were incorporated for the intervention to be delivered especially during Covid-19. Method: We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with endocrinologists, dieticians, diabetes educators and adults with T1DM for this qualitative formative research. The participants were selected from a mix of public and private health facilities. Thematic analysis using inductive and deductive approach was undertaken. Results: In total, 28 in-depth interviews were conducted, 18 with health care professionals and 10 with adult individuals with T1DM. The results demonstrated deficiencies in the implementation of a structured self-management program for diabetes owing to several patient and healthcare system-related factors in usual practice. A detailed nutritional counselling was provided at all sites by a qualified dietitian, however, carbohydrate counting was not routinely practiced. The content of this formative research revolved around two broad domains hence explored: (a) evaluation of the existing usual care and gaps in implementation of a structured DSMES program, and (b) development of approaches that will help in formulation of an intervention package and its effective delivery to the participants. Principles of FUSED and COM-B models were also reported to be significant components for the success and refinement of such interventions. During the pandemic, the challenges reported in diabetes management were in maintaining monitoring chart of blood glucose levels due to lack of monitoring strips, procurement of insulin, procurement of diabetes supplies and management of disease condition during acute complications with lack of hospital facilities. Blood sampling was reported to be halted due to complete lockdown and restricted red zones. For effective delivery of such EUC interventions, it was suggested to conduct the sessions via video conferencing apps. Similarly, the follow-ups and reinforcement during this period were suggested to continue via telephonic calls, audio clips, video calls, video clips and SMS modes. As a part, it was suggested to relax blood glucose monitoring, the insulin of same type but different brands were suggested to be prescribed among choices available in local area and other mentioned challenges were suggested to be continuously looked after and provide timely advice for the same emphasizing sick day rules. Further, it was suggested to get the blood tests performed from reliable (accredited) labs at the recommended intervals. Discussion: This research study comprehensively investigated the existing practices among diabetes-health care professionals caring for persons living with T1DM, deficiencies in carbohydrate counting meal-planning technique and rendered insights towards development of a scientific DSMES program.
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Study Objectives: Amid the US opioid epidemic, emergency providers and patients are searching for non-opioid or nonpharmacologic pain treatment options. The challenge of managing pain without opioids was escalated by the COVID-19 pandemic with opioid related overdoses and deaths increasing by 20-40%. Most healthcare professionals have limited knowledge, resources or time for pain education, especially in the emergency department (ED). To address these needs a novel pain coaching program was designed including a menu of nonpharmacologic patient discharge toolkit materials. Study objectives were to determine descriptive patient and toolkit utilization data and challenges in the first 4 months of a novel pain program. Methods: Target population consisted of patients ≥14 years of age seen by a new ED Pain Coaching staff from January 4, 2021- April 30, 2021. The two ED sites consisted of an urban, academic center with trauma center, pediatric ED, etc. and an affiliated community ED. Patients were determined by ED rounding, ED census review and consultation by ED staff, physicians, physical therapy, palliative care and pharmacy. Summary statistics for patient demographics, pain type, REALM-SF score, educational topics, toolkit materials, challenges and other data were ed from coaching and patient notes on a daily basis using a REDCap database for analysis. Upon request, there were select inpatient and repeat coaching encounters. Results: During this 4-month pilot, 296 coaching sessions were completed on 276 unique patients;20 screen outs for severe pain, procedures, violent behavior or other obstacles. Average age was 43 with 85% between 20-70 years of age;62% female;60% African American. Pain was 46% acute, 50% acute on chronic and 4% chronic with patients often having multiple pain etiologies: musculoskeletal (74%), inflammatory (71%), post-trauma (15%), headache (14%), post-surgical (4%) and neuropathic (3%). Education topics provided with accompanying toolkit items: hot/cold gel packs (90%), car with 4 flat tires analogy (90%), pain neuroscience education (88%), aromatherapy inhalers (82%), breathing techniques (69%), virtual reality (51%), exercise (38%), stretching (35%), diet (20%), acupressure (11%). The majority of patients were seen in 2 EDs or associated trauma center (87%);however, the coach received referrals for selected inpatients (13%). Seventeen educational brochures were made available to patients with aromatherapy, managing pain, pain and stress, and nonpharmacologic management being most utilized. Challenges to coaching included medical condition (14%), too much pain (11%), time constraints (7%);52% had no challenges. Regarding patient feedback, 61% indicated the session was helpful and 39% were unsure at the time. Conclusion: Results from this novel ED pain coach and discharge toolkit model provide valuable insights for development of a national pain coach model. Coaching scripts, note template, brochures, videos, inventory and other programmatic materials will be published for further implementation. Future plans include longitudinal patient follow-up, staff satisfaction assessment and addition of new modalities.