Evaluation of animal biosafety webinar series for professionals working in animal facilities across Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic

Experimental research with animals can help the prevention, cure, and alleviation of human ailments. Animal research facilities are critical for scientific advancement, but they can also pose a higher risk than other biomedical laboratories. Zoonosis, allergic reactions, bites, cuts, and scratches by animals are all substantial concerns that can occur in animal facilities. Furthermore, human error and unexpected animal behavior pose a risk not just to humans, but also to the environment and the animals themselves. The majority of biosafety and biosecurity training programs focus on clinical and biomedical laboratories dealing with human safety factors, with little emphasis on animal biosafety. The current virtual training was designed to improve biosafety and biosecurity capabilities of animal laboratory personnel, researchers, and veterinarians from different regions of Pakistan. The results revealed that understanding was improved regarding triggers for risk assessment in addition to annual and regular reviews (56% to 69%), biosecurity (21% to 50%), decontamination (17% to 35%), safe handling of sharps (21% to 35%), Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) (17% to 40%), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage by waste handlers (60.9% to 75%), waste management (56% to 85%), animal biosafety levels (40.57% to 45%), and good microbiological practices and procedures (17% to 35%). To bring human and animal laboratories up to the same level in terms of biosafety and biosecurity, it is critical to focus on areas that have been overlooked in the past. Training programs focusing on animal biosafety should be conducted more frequently to strengthen bio risk management systems in animal research facilities.Copyright © 2021

Global survey to assess preferences for attending virtual orthodontic learning sessions: Pre-webinar settings.

OBJECTIVES: To assess technical factors and audience preferences before attending orthodontic online learning activity, the demand for which increased dramatically in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Online survey. PARTICIPANTS: Global orthodontic residents and specialists. METHODS: A validated and anonymous survey comprising 17 online questions was sent to 3000 individuals. The data were collected three months later. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were applied. RESULTS: The participants' response rate was 19.9%, with almost equal gender participation. Most of the responders were based in Asia (51.4%). Almost half of the participants were aged 25-35 years with less than 5 years of clinical experience. Regardless of the age, gender or global distribution, 57.3% of respondents opted to share limited personal information with the host. One-third of the respondents preferred receiving webinar reminders via email, ideally a day and/or one hour before the webinar, especially being exportable to their calendars. Age played a major role in shaping this trend, as young participants favoured the one hour (1-h) pre-webinar reminder more than other age groups (P=0.02). Receiving information about the speaker, learning outcomes and pre-webinar reading material (WRM) were preferable, particularly among young participants in comparison with the older age groups (P<0.05). Male participants from Asia and Africa preferred to attend online lectures during the mid-evening on weekends compared with women who were in favour of early evening sessions (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It must be borne in mind during the interpretation of the results that the data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to take into consideration the gender, age, cultural background and level of experience while setting up virtual orthodontic learning sessions. Organisers need to tailor their events to meet the needs of the attendees.

Webinars applauded by the chicken meat industry during the pandemic

The AgriFutures Chicken Meat RD&E program funded Training and extension for the chicken meat industry project quickly pivoted to delivering online webinars in response to the global human health pandemic in 2020 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). The change to an online format was met with enthusiasm by all sectors of the industry. Between July 2020 and April 2022, 14 webinars have attracted 927 participants from 1622 registrationsan average attendance rate of 57%. Key topics such as litter management, environmental sustainability, nutrition, health, biosecurity and bird behaviour have been discussed with 27 researchers, encompassing 34 individual research projects. The positive feedback from industry participants in an independent mid-term project review, where 99% are interested in attending more webinars, coupled with high attendance and registration rates, indicate that this delivery format has an important role to play alongside face-to-face activities into the future.

Developing Multidisciplinary Models of Care in Rheumatology at University College London Hospital: 18 Months of Learning from Conception to Delivery and Beyond

Background/Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented pressures on NHS departments, with demand rapidly outstripping capacity. The British Society for Rheumatology 'Rheumatology Workforce: a crisis in numbers (2021)' highlighted the need to provide innovative ways of delivering rheumatology specialist care. At University College London Hospitals (UCLH) we created a rheumatology multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinic to meet rising demands on our service. The aims of the Rheumatology MDT clinic were to: reduce new appointment/follow-up waiting times, increase clinic capacity, incorporate musculoskeletal (MSK) point of care ultrasound, reduce number of hospital visits and add value to each clinic encounter. Methods We ran a 6-month pilot, supported by our outpatient transformation team, incorporating a Rheumatology Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and MSK ultrasound within a Consultant clinic. The success of the pilot helped secure funding for a further 12 months. Over 18 months we have implemented: APP/Consultant enhanced triage - up to 40% of referrals were appropriate for APP assessment, including regional MSK problems and back pain. This increased capacity for consultant-led appointments. Standardisation of time-lapse between CNS and consultant follow-up appointments to ensure appropriate spacing between patient encounters. Facilitated overbooking of urgent cases afforded by additional capacity provided by the APP. MSK ultrasound embedded in the clinic template. 'Zoom' patient education webinars facilitated by MDT members and wider disciplines e.g. dietetics, to empower self-management and reduce the administrative burden of patient emails/phone calls occurring outside the clinic. Patient participation sessions and feedback to help shape the service. Results During the 6-month pilot we reduced our waiting time for follow-up appointments from 9 months to 2. We now have capacity to book 1-2 urgent cases each week. Pre-MDT the average wait from consultant referral to physiotherapist appointment was 55 days. The MDT allows for same day assessment (reducing 2-3 patient journeys a clinic) and where suitable, facilitates discharge or onwards referral to the appropriate service. A dedicated MDT CNS has shortened treatment times, reduced email traffic between CNS and consultant and allows for same day, joint decision-making resulting in fewer appointments. Zoom webinar feedback has been positive. Patients value the broad expertise of allied health professionals which supports self-management. Embedding ultrasound allows for same day diagnostics, decreased referrals to radiology and reduced hospital visits. Conclusion Our MDT model has reduced waiting lists, decreased treatment delays and cut hospital attendances. Point of care ultrasound allows for same day decision making and abolishes the cost and diagnostic delay associated with referrals to radiology or outsourced providers. Shared decision-making adds value to outpatient attendances, which is reflected in patients' positive feedback. The MDT model maximises the existing workforce skill set by enhancing the APP and CNS role, allowing patients immediate access to their expertise.

Training Experience and Outcomes of the First Cohort of the ASGE Diagnostic EUS Training Program

Introduction: Despite the expanding role and need for endoscopic ultrasound, training opportunities for established endoscopists in the USA are limited. ASGE launched a novel competency-based program to address this training need in 2019. It includes an online learning modules, live webinars, a hands-on weekend course, a summative knowledge exam, followed by a customizable preceptorship with an EUS expert. Aim(s): To describe the training experience of a sample from the first cohort of the ASGE Diagnostic EUS training program. Method(s): A total of 26 applicants were chosen for the first cohort of the training program in 2019. We describe the experience of 3 endoscopists (ST at the Swedish Digestive Health Institute, Seattle, WA;BM at the Borland Groover Clinic, Jacksonville, FL and JH at Guthrie, Sayre, PA) who completed their hands-on training. Their case volumes were 160 (4 mentors), 185 (2 mentors) and 185 (3 mentors) respectively over a total of 12 weeks each. While 1 trainee (JH) was able to get trained at the same institute where he was employed, the other 2 (ST, JH) had to seek training in another state due to lack of preceptorship sites within their states of employment. One center tracked TEESAT scores (The EUS and ERCP Skills Assessment Tool) for every 5 procedures for their trainee (ST), and he was noted achieved a global score of 4 by the 150 th procedure. Result(s): All 3 trainees have been credentialed for EUS privileges at their respective institutes, and are performing EUS independently. Conclusion(s): The ASGE EUS diagnostic training program was able to fulfil the training needs of motivated established clinicians in full time practice. The main challenges encountered were identifying willing institutes and expert EUS preceptors, and institutional administrative barriers. COVID restrictions were a unique hurdle to the timely completion of preceptorship. This program's success in the future depends on buy in from EUS experts in the community and their respective institutions.

Ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Ablation includes ethanol injection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), etc. Ablation can be potentially curative, minimally invasive and easily repeatable for recurrence. RFA has been the most widely used ablation technique for liver tumors. The new-generation MWA system incorporating antenna cooling and high-power generation has attracted attention. It can create a more predictable ablation zone and a larger ablation volume in a shorter procedure time. Many high-volume centers have introduced new-generation MWA in Japan. However, many studies failed to show that new-generation MWA is superior to RFA in terms of local control and overall survival. In MWA, clinical data have been insufficient compared with those of RFA. There has been keen competition between surgical resection and ablation for almost 40 years since the era of ethanol injection. In 2021, SURF trial revealed that overall survival and recurrence-free survival were not significantly different between surgical resection and RFA. SURF trial was a multicenter randomized controlled trial in which 49 major centers in Japan enrolled patients with good hepatic function (Child-Pugh scores <= 7) and primary HCC of largest diameter <= 3 cm, and <= 3 nodules during the 6-year period of 2009-2015. The registered patients were followed for at least 5 years. As the result of SURF trial and other comparative studies, the revised Japanese clinical practice guidelines in 2021 treats hepatic resection and ablation equally for patients with <= 3 lesions, <= 3 cm in diameter. Recently, the combination of systemic and locoregional therapies has been attracting much attention. Systemic therapy using molecular targeted agents or immune checkpoint inhibitors is used for advanced HCC which cannot be treated by surgery or ablation. On the other hand, some locoregional therapies, such as hepatectomy and ablation, are potentially curative, but they cannot be indicated for advanced HCC. Combination of both therapies is an approach to improve the prognosis of advanced HCC, which is not indicated for curative treatment. Systemic therapy is used to shrink the tumor, and then locoregional therapies are performed to eradicate it. The combination may build a new strategy for advanced HCC. Ablation is highly operator-dependent. The skills and outcomes are very different from operator to operator. Before the pandemic of COVID-19, we held domestic and international training programs for intermediate and advanced doctors and hands-on seminars for young doctors. These were activities to exchange knowledge and experience and standardize the procedure. During the pandemic, we cannot get together. Since August 2020, we have conducted Japan Ablation Webinar 8 times with a total of 1,566 participants. We have also conducted International Ablation Webinar 4 times with a total of 1,272 participated doctors. Education is important to acquire skills and knowledge for successful ablation. We have established Japan Academy of Tumor Ablation (JATA) this year. There are two triggers. One is that SURF trial revealed that there is no difference between hepatectomy and ablation. The other is that ablation for lung, bone and soft tissue and kidney cancers has become reimbursed with health insurance since this September.

Multidisciplinary healthcare respiratory education COVID-19 challenges, opportunities, success, a review

Introduction/Aim: Since 1992, the Lung Health Promotion Centre has delivered a broad syllabus of respiratory and sleep medicine topics, respiratory function tests and smoking cessation for multidisciplinary health care professionals (MDHCP) at the Alfred and regional sites. When the COVID-19 pandemic came to Australia in early 2020, there were prolonged and severe restrictions imposed in Melbourne, which greatly affected people's ability to travel and to have gatherings. As a result, the Centre had to rapidly adapt the educational model to be able to continue to offer its courses. As attendees could no longer attend in person, the courses were provided through live webinars, pre-recorded webinars and self-directed learning via an online learning portal. Aim(s): To compare the participation in and satisfaction with the Centre's courses before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): 2019 Course Data is compared with data from courses in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Pre and post questionnaires were provided to participants at each course. Result(s): 2019 2020 2021 2022 Course Streams (Course Presentations) 12 (23) 6 (17) 4 (10) 7 (17) Sessions - On Site 23 4 - 1 Sessions - Live Webinar - 9 6 10 Sessions - Self Directed - 2 4 6 Attendance (Days) 228 204 136 203 On Site 228 84 - 26 Live Webinar (1st Webinar, Assist Required). - 119 (87%, 20%) 134 (75%, 23%) 171 (71%, 12%) Self-Directed - 1 2 6 Domicile - Victoria, Interstate 86% 14% 83% 17% 63% 37% 77% 23% Satisfaction (Rating out of 5) 4.8 4.1 4.5 4.4 Conclusion(s): Lung Health Promotion centre was agile during the pandemic and able to provide ongoing well evaluated programmes responsive to the change in participant needs and educational opportunities. Pivot of presentations to live webinars encouraged attendance of more rural and interstate participants. Educational Support: Nil.

Integrating Bioethics and Neonatal Palliative Care in a Pandemic: The Scope of Advocacy and Online Collaboration for Exceptional Life-Sustaining Medical and Surgical Interventions in a Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Purpose of Study: The regional NICU is an essential healthcare resource for families of newborns with serious life-threatening illnesses. Mechanical ventilation, cardiovascular therapies, therapeutic hypothermia, and neonatal surgeries are common life-sustaining interventions. Our NICU serves an underprivileged population in a resource poor environment and several ethical questions frequently emerge when facing extremes of innovative therapies. The pandemic and rapidly changing institutional protocols accentuated challenges faced by frontline NICU teams caring for newborns at risk for devastating illnesses and death. Concurrently, evolving paradigms in neonatal ethics required urgent and high quality palliative care in a background of racial and socioeconomic inequities, restrictive visitation policies, and limited healthcare resources. The purpose of this study was to ensure that neonates and their families receive ethically sound care, timely referrals for innovative therapies, and specialized palliative care in the strained and uncertain environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Used: The key steps consisted of structured and impromptu discussion forums for specialized palliative care and medical ethics, perinatal case conferences and pediatrics grand rounds on virtual platforms, educational webinars for interdisciplinary teams, and improved electronic communication. Online collaboration and innovative combinations of in-person and virtual meetings were utilized for urgently Incorporating clinical updates. Summary of Results: 1. A neonate with severe HIE and postnatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia required emergent ECMO center referral. NICU providers utilized a structured bioethics and palliative care framework for providing family support and discussing the prognostication challenges of acute illnesses. 2. Many important bioethical questions emerged while caring for infants with life-threatening chromosomal abnormalities. Ethical tension was addressed by teaching tools, quality of life and pediatrics ethics conversations, mitigation of moral distress, contemporary clinical and surgical experience, community engagement, and family perspectives. 3. Ethical conflicts are central in the decision to resuscitate neonates born between 22 and 23 weeks of gestation. To provide urgent prenatal consultations and attend high risk deliveries, we collaborated across geographically distant healthcare systems, unified management strategies and analyzed outcomes data. 4. NEC in several extremely preterm babies had devastating outcomes and the team respected each family's voice with compassionate, shared decision-making for both curative care surgeries and palliative care. Conclusion(s): The new workflows, telephone and video conferences, and redirection to telehealth based family meetings did not change important outcomes during the pandemic. Advocacy and education for integrating bioethics and palliative care were vital facets of neonatal critical care in a resource poor and ever-changing pandemic environment.

The battle over state lines: Leveraging an interstate compact to ensure continuity of care

Background: As a result of COVID-19-related precautions, states temporarily relaxed certain restrictions on telehealth services during the pandemic, including waiving licensing requirements so physicians could serve patients across state lines, but many states ended this flexibility in 2021. According to two online surveys fielded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) to accredited centers in 2020 and 2021, 65% of programs reported providing care to patients living in another state. Of these, 18.5% reported that some of their out-of-state (OOS) patients were not able to access telehealth services because of licensure-related issues [1]. CFF Compass fielded 20 calls from people with cystic fibrosis (CF) in 15 states requesting assistance in accessing their OOS care center, accounting for more than 25% of all network adequacy inquiries received during that time. CFF recognized the need for policy change to improve access to OOS care for people with CF. Method(s): In 2021, we interviewed five CF care centers about their experiences with telehealth and OOS licensing. The administrative burden of applying for multiple state medical licenses was a key barrier to providing remote OOS care, and CFF identified the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) as one solution. The IMLC streamlines the licensing application process for physicians who want to practice in multiple states. From January 2021 to March 2022, CFF supported legislation in 10 states to join the IMLC by sending letters with 31 care center director co-signers. CFF also hosted a webinar in June 2021 to educate CF care centers about the IMLC as away to pursue multiple medical licenses with one application. We shared follow-up information about the IMLC through CFF COVID-19 digest emails. CFF sent a survey in March 2022 to all CF care centers to understand current use of and barriers to telehealth for CF care teams. Data from this survey are forthcoming. Result(s): Before CFF's engagement in January 2021, 30 states and the District of Columbia were members of the IMLC. As of April 8, 2022, five additional states have passed legislation to join the IMLC, reflecting a 17% increase in state participation from January 2021 to March 2022. Within the 35 participating states at present,126 CF care center programs will have the potential to use the IMLC. CFF has supported legislation in all six states with pending legislation to join the IMLC in 2022. Increased physician awareness of IMLCwas evidenced by physician participation from 20 states in thewebinar, aswell as broad distribution of the recording via the COVID- 19 digest to 288 CF programs in 49 states afater the session. Conclusion(s): Although more states taking action to join the IMLC is an important step, challenges persist. Even in IMLC member states, CF providers express concerns about the cost and administrative burden of maintaining licenses in multiple states. Permanent regulations regarding use of and reimbursement for telehealth remain uncertain. To better understand current challenges and opportunities for telehealth and remote OOS care, CFF is supporting additional research and advocacy.Copyright © 2022, European Cystic Fibrosis Society. All rights reserved

Virtual spirometry training is comparable to face-to-face training learning outcomes

Introduction: In response to COVID-19 restrictions, the Queensland Health Spirometry Training Program initiated virtual (V) workshops, as an alternative to face-to-face (F2F) training. The program included online pre-reading, a practical skills workshop (V or F2F), and a post-workshop workplace portfolio assessment. The aims of this study were to compare F2F and virtual training (1) portfolio assessment outcomes, and (2) post-workshop confidence with spirometry practice. Method(s): (1) Between 2019 and 2022, health practitioners (HP) who attended F2F or virtual workshops submitted a post-workshop workplace portfolio. The portfolio spirometry reports were assessed against the ATS/ERS spirometry standards (Graham et al., 2019). Three spirometry trials in each report were scored for acceptability criteria: fast start of test (SOT 1), start of test sharp peak (SOT 2), middle of test (MOT) and end of forced expiration (EOFE). Repeatability criteria (FEV 1 and FVC), technical comments and interpretation were also assessed. Mean scores for each criterion were compared between F2F and virtual workshop portfolio tests, using univariable linear regression analysis. (2) After F2F or virtual training, participants rated their confidence levels with spirometry performance, understanding the test, and quality assurance, using a 5-point Likert scale (very confident to not confident). Result(s): 138 HPs attended either F2F or virtual workshops and 62 portfolios were assessed. There were no significant differences (all p values >0.05) in the portfolio scores between F2F (n = 30) and virtual (n = 32) training for spirometry acceptability, repeatability, and reporting criteria. Post-workshop confidence levels with spirometry performance, understanding the test, and quality assurance were not significantly different (all p values >0.05) between the two training formats (n = 138). Comparison of scores between F2F (n = 30) versus V (n = 32) Scoring criteria Maximal score Mean difference 95% CI p value Acceptability SOT 1 3 0.014 -0.130 0.158 0.848 SOT 2 3 -0.023 -0.169 0.124 0.758 MOT 3 -0.024 -0.162 0.114 0.731 EOFE 3 0.053 -0.038 0.143 0.250 Repeatability FEV 1 1 0.039 -0.009 0.087 0.111 FVC 1 0.024 -0.035 0.084 0.421 Reporting Comments 2 0.019 -0.175 0.213 0.846 Interpretation 1 0.059 -0.009 0.127 0.087 Conclusion(s): This study provides confidence that the virtual spirometry training did not significantly impact learning outcomes compared with the F2F format.

Medical Education in the Context of the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Professional Development Activity of Health Professionals.

Background: The development and maintenance of a high-quality medical education workforce depend on continuing medical education (CME). Traditionally, CME is delivered face-to-face, but due to COVID-19 and geographical distances, it is challenging to conduct professional development activities for several days. Using a webinar on advancement in medical education in the context of the eastern Mediterranean, we aimed to assess the participants' perspectives towards the professional development activity using a synchronous learning approach. Methods: We used a cross-sectional survey-based study design. We invited faculty members from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) and United Arab Emirates University for Health Sciences (UAEU). We assessed their perspectives on the relevance of the content and effectiveness of the activity on their knowledge and skills after the two days' webinar series. A self-designed questionnaire was administered post-webinar immediately. Open-ended responses were analyzed thematically. Results: One hundred thirty-six registered healthcare professionals attended day 1, and 97 registered participants joined on the second day of the webinar. Most participants appreciated the diversity of the contents, the quality of the presentations, and the expertise of the facilitators. They reported that the content optimized their knowledge and understanding of new concepts such as assessment in simulation teaching, programmatic assessment, insight into the implementation of IPE and EPAs in CBME, and so on. The e-learning platform's user accessibility, online tutor interaction, and the addition of more scenario-based case studies were all recommended for improvement. Conclusion: Overall the two days webinar series presentations were informative and highlighted the transformation in medical practices. Suggestions to improve the quality of the webinars and content were discussed.

Telehealth for Pediatric Gastroenterology Care Now: The Transition to Telehealth and the Impact of Webinar-Based Didactics.

With the coronavirus disease 2019 public health emergency (PHE), telehealth (TH) became essential for continued delivery of care. Members of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) formed the Telehealth for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Care Now (TPGCN) working group and rapidly organized a telemedicine webinar to provide education and guidance. We aim to describe the webinar development and prospectively assess the effectiveness of this webinar-based educational intervention. Methods: NASPGHAN members who registered for the TPGCN webinar received pre- and post-webinar surveys. Outcome measures included a modified Telehealth Acceptance Model (TAM) survey and a Student Evaluation of Educational Quality (SEEQ) standardized instrument. Results: Seven hundred seventy-six NASPGHAN members participated in the webinar, 147 (33%) completed the pre-webinar survey; of these, 25 of 147 (17%) completed a post-webinar survey. Before the PHE, 50.3% of the pre-webinar survey participants had no TH knowledge. Webinar participants trended to have increased acceptance of TH for follow-up visits (pre-webinar, 68% versus post-webinar, 81%; P = 0.15) and chronic disease care (pre-webinar, 57% vs post-webinar, 81%; P = 0.01). The overall acceptance of TH as shown by TAM pre-webinar was 1.74 ± 0.8, which improved to 1.62 ± 0.8 post-webinar (lower scores indicate greater acceptance; P < 0.001). SEEQ results indicate that webinar material was understandable (post-webinar, 95%). Participants found breakout sessions informative and enjoyable (post-webinar, 91%). Conclusion: The TPGCN TH webinar was an effective educational intervention that fostered increased TH usage for follow-up and chronic care visits, improved TAM scores, and was well received by participants as seen by high SEEQ scores. Sustained and expanded pediatric gastrointestinal TH usage beyond the coronavirus disease 2019 PHE is expected.

Evaluating Take 5: Virtual Learning Sessions on Trauma Informed Care forHealthcare Staff During COVID-19

Trauma disproportionately impacts people with HIV. To mitigate these adverse impacts, primary care providers canidentify and address trauma with clients using a trauma informed care (TIC) approach. In 2018, CAI, an organization thatprovides national level training and capacity-building developed a TIC implementation model, now delivered in HIV andprimary care agencies throughout the United States to integrate TIC into their culture, environment, and service delivery.New Jersey Trauma Informed Care (NJTIC) is the organization's longest standing TIC initiative. To respond to the complexchallenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a webinar series, Take 5, to leverage and expand upon the existingknowledge and skills of providers across 15 agencies part of the NJTIC project.This article describes the series' purpose, tosupport staff and sustain and develop their TIC competencies during this unprecedented reality. Results of our evaluationindicated the reaction, satisfaction, and impact described by staff, who enhanced their TIC knowledge and utilized newskills with clients and themselves. Staff and their supervisors reported that the series offered consistency and supportduring an uncertain time. These promising practices can be applied broadly during crises to bolster knowledge, skills,collaboration, and self-care © 2023, Online Journal of Issues in Nursing.All Rights Reserved.

Working Group for Myositis within the Swedish Rheumatism Association

The Swedish Rheumatism Association, our umbrella Organization: In Sweden, there are approximately one million people with different rheumatic diseases, and about 1400 of them have a myositis diagnosis. In addition to several local associations, there are 3 nationwide diagnostic groups for systemic inflammatory diseases: Working group for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Working group for Systemic Sclerosis and Working group for Myositis. Goals and vision: We form opinion and influence politicians and decision-makers at all levels in issues that are important to us, such as access to rapid care and opportunities for rehabilitation. Knowledge and Education: We educate: * Representatives who can share knowledge based on their own experience and to provide support and help for people living with rheumatic disease. * Volunteers for patient schools. * Patient Research Partners since 2008. Research and fundings: : * We are the single largest private funder of Swedish rheumatology research. * Patient Research Partners should become obvious members in research projects. Working group for Myositis was established in 2020 and most of our activities have been on-line. The number of members is growing as we spread out the information. We will continue with our on-line events and together with our experts arrange our first patient conference in 2022. We are a member of the Swedish Rare Disease Association and European Network ERN ReCONNET. We have now three Patient Research Partners with myositis and we will continue to participate in international research projects, such as IMACS, Rehabilitation & exercise SIG. Our mission is to give support to myositis patients and their families, share knowledge of their disease, facilitate meeting with others with the same diagnosis for an exchange of experiences or just for fun. Our goals are to: * Inform through newsletters, patient meetings, website and webcasts. * Arrange lectures by myositis experts. * Arrange annual patient conference. * Raise awareness for the disease in society and inform healthcare professionals within primary care units. * Contribute to that all patients receives equally good care all over the country. * Inform about research results, ongoing studies and update information on new treatments and drugs. * Contribute to that all newly diagnosed patients have access to patient education and written information material about myositis. * Contribute for opportunities for rehabilitation, such as training in warm water pools and access to rehabilitation facilities in warm climate. * Collaborate with the Youth organization of the Swedish Rheumatism Association for Juvenile Dermatomyositis and provide support for parents, children and adolescents. * Collaborate with the myositis organizations in other countries. Our Webinars: The experts who have shared their knowledge on our webinars are: Ingrid Lundberg, Professor;Maryam Dastmalchi, MD, Rheumatologist;Helene Alexanderson, PhD, Associate professor, PT;Malin Regardt, PhD, OT;Balsam Hanna, Specialist Rheumatology;Dag Leonard, MD, Rheumatologist;Antonella Notarnicola, MD, Rheumatologist;Fabricio Espinosa, Rheumatologist, PhD candidate;Kristofer Andreasson, PT, PhD candidate;Jonatan Sjogren, OT;Lars Nordelv, CBT Therapist, also a patient;Helena Andersson, MD, Rheumatologist;Hanna Brauner, PhD, Dermatologist. Among the topics our webinars have covered so far are: Diagnostic criteria of myositis, new research findings, existing treatments and ongoing studies, Physical activity and its effects on depression, safety of high-intensity interval training, Occupational therapy, Patient Reported Outcomes, Myositis Associated Antibodies and how to deal with anxiety, cardiac involvement and osteoporosis in myositis, clinical findings and treatments for Antisynthetase syndrome skin involvement in Dermatomyositis, Covid-19 and vaccination.

Dutch Myositis Working Group (Dmwg)

Introduction. The poster of the Dutch Myositis Working Group (DMWG) aims to inform people about her goals, activities and ambitions. The group is run by seven patients, representing all types of myositis, supported by Spierziekten Nederland, the umbrella patient organization for neuromuscular disorders in The Netherlands and 4 myositis specialists as medical advisors. Chair: Ingrid de Groot. Contact email: myositis@spierziekten.nl Goals and ambitions of the Dutch myositis working group: * I n collaboration with medical advisors to provide information about IIM (idiopathic inflammatory myopathies) or myositis to newly diagnosed patients and their families: IIM types, symptoms, diagnosis, (new) treatment options, prognosis, inform them about the myositis expertise centres etc. * To connect and support people with all types of IIM: dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), Anti Synthetase Syndrome (ASyS), immune mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), overlap myositis. * To raise awareness of myositis among the public, health care professionals and researchers, pharmaceutical companies? * To collaborate with clinicians, researchers and funds on a national and international level with the aim to improve (clinical) care and research. * To stimulate and participate in the development and conducting of clinical trials. * To collaborate with myositis working groups and patient organisations abroad. * To represent the patient perspective within in the Myositis Network Netherlands and (inter)national myositis study groups. * Patient advocacy. Activities and services: * In person or online meetings aiming to offer moral support and an opportunity to share experiences, concerns etc. or just to socialize. Three times a year we organize separate meetings for people with IBM, for people with other IIM and for caregivers. * Website updates on treatment, guidelines, (inter)national research, activities and actualities (e.g. Covid situation). * Supply patients with brochures for GP/ family doctor, physiotherapist etc. * Online (secured) platform for members. * Annual patient conference with diagnosis specific scientific programs. * Monthly newsletters: these are personalized which means they contain mainly news on the receivers type of IIM (e.g. IBM or ASyS) and information on general topics concerning all people with IIM or neuromuscular disorder. * In person meetings and / or online webinars on general topics e.g. living with a chronic condition, work, pain, fatigue. * Annual meetings with medical advisors: the working group pays a visit to all medical advisors in their respective hospitals. * Representation at (inter)national conferences. * Representation in projects such as guidelines development. * Collaboration in (inter)national studies leading to enrolling Dutch patients, researchers and clinicians in multi-centre studies, (co-) authorships in publications and to presentations during conferences (Treat NMD, IMACS, MNN). * To advise and recommend on research proposals from patient perspective. * To advise decision makers on continuation of expert centres from patient perspective. Collaborations: * Myositis Network Netherlands: patient representation on the board. * OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology): Patient Research Partner of the Myositis Working Group. * IMACS (International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group): steering committee member of Exercise & Rehabilitation Group, led by Helene Alexanderson, ass.prof PhD, RPT). * ENMC (European Neuromuscular Centre): patient representation in myositis workshops. * EULAR (European League against Rheumatism): member of PARE and Patient Research Partner. * GCOM. * ERN - NMD (European Reference Network for Neuromuscular Diseases): member of NMD working group led by em. prof. dr. Marianne de Visser. * Patient organizations for people living with myositis . We are in this together Since myositis is a (very) rare disease, the 'myositis community' is a small one although we're happy to say that it is expanding quite rapidly. Through our inte sive involvement in several national and international studies and research projects we now have close contacts with many myositis experts across the globe, which makes it easier to keep up with actualities and developments concerning research, treatment etc. and to disseminate this knowledge to our members. This helps us to inform, support and advocate for the Dutch people living with myositis and their families and at the same time it offers opportunities to give something back: by sharing with the research community and clinicians our experiential knowledge of the consequences of myositis on everyday life. That way we can contribute to more meaningful research. We can only go forward if we do this together! That is why we are very ambitious in our efforts to contribute to myositis research. Here we list our collaborative efforts: * In 2019 the Myositis Network Netherlands of clinicians and researchers with expertise in IIM was established in which the DMWG is representing the patient perspective by a member on the board. * In OMERACT Myositis Working Group a member of the DMWG is one of the two Patient Research Partners and as such an equal partner of this study aiming to define a set of core patient reported domains with regard to the quality of life and respective instruments for use in IIM. The involvement of the DMWG has led to the opportunity for Dutch patients to participate in Delphi surveys and to an opportunity for Dutch myositis clinics to collaborate in the longitudinal study that emerged from this. * The IMACS network is an important part of our international network. One of our DMWG members is member of the Executive Committee of the Exercise & Rehabilitation Group and as such can facilitate for Dutch patients to become involved in the current study with the ultimate objective to develop recommendations for exercise in all types of IIM. * Members of the DMWG participated in several ENMC workshops on IIM as patient representatives and will continue to do so in the future. * Through a PARE membership in EULAR and membership of the study group of 'collaborative research' the DMWG hopes to raise awareness of myositis within the influential EULAR community and to speak up on behalf of the patients in Europe living with IIM. * One of our members is member of the GCOM committee responsible for the patient program of GCOM and shares the ambitions of this GCOM committee to increase the involvement of patients in this very important IIM conference. * One DMWG member joined the ERN- Neuromuscular Disease group and as such represents the people with IIM living throughout Europe. * DMWG has ambitions to empower people living with IIM and to connect with them, crossing borders by doing so. We have close and amicable relationships with patient organisations in Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, UK and USA. * Empowering patients is one of our goals and we accomplished this for instance in Sweden. On invitation by prof. dr. Ingrid Lundberg our chair visited the Karolinska Institute, spent a week with their myositis team and in return was one of the speakers on the annual patient meeting and helped the Swedish patients establish their own myositis working group.

E-learning among 2-year MBBS students in a Government Medical College in South India - A KAP study

Background: E-learning or electronic learning is a popular modality to address the educational needs of a population. In the context of medical education, E-learning is useful but has its limitations. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted among 2-year MBBS students of a Government Medical College in South India to know their knowledge, attitude, and practice of E-learning and also to learn from their experiences during the COVID pandemic. Material(s) and Method(s): After obtaining informed consent, students were asked to fill up a questionnaire containing 15 questions in Google Forms and submit it. Result(s): This study shows that more than 70% of students consider themselves capable of using computers for everyday activities. They also reported using search engines and online animations for updated medical information. However, they preferred their course content to be delivered through blended learning, a combination of classroom and E-learning. The students reported poor internet connectivity as a major limitation in E-learning. They also suggested having a separate website for each college where the teaching material can be uploaded by the faculty and can be accessed by all the students of the institution. Conclusion(s): From this study, it can be concluded that a majority of students have good knowledge and are already using E-learning modalities. They are also open to the idea of blended learning for clinical cases.Copyright © 2023 Jeyasudha J, et al.

Practical anatomy online learning among COVID-19 pandemic era: perceptions of 1 st -year MBBS students

Introduction: With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital learning has been implemented in medical colleges across India to continue the ongoing medical education. Anatomy is the basis of medical science and is best learned through offline classes that allow students to experience the texture of structures and handling of specimens. During this pandemic period, cadaveric dissection was not used to study anatomy. The aim of this study was to learn about students' attitudes regarding virtual teaching and learning in anatomy, as well as the problems they may confront. Material(s) and Method(s): A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of anatomy among the 50 1 st -year MBBS students of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot in April 2021. Google Forms were used to obtain informed consent from students. Prevalidated questionnaires were given online to the students and responses were noted and descriptive statistical data was derived from the analysis. Result(s): About 37 (74%) respondents found traditional classes are better than online teaching. Majority preferred to attend anatomy practicals offline with safety precautions. About 17 (34%) showed interest in prerecorded videos. About 35 (60%) students faced social isolation as an impact of online learning. Technical issues and distractions were the key problems faced while learning anatomy online. Conclusion(s): Prerecorded videos of the practicals are helpful in teaching anatomy practicals, and can be used in future to ensure an unbroken, continuous, and effective delivery of medical education.Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Providing Educational Resources during the Pandemic for Advanced Breast Cancer Patients

Significance and Background: Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) or Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) is multifaceted and requires high levels of support and resource utilization. The ABC Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center began in 2014 with a goal to increase the quantity and quality of life for patients living with MBC. It offers emotional support, personalized visits with a nurse practitioner navigator, access to clinical trials, specialty clinics, tailored patient education and innovative care projects. Prior to COVID-19, the ABC Program held a 90-minute quarterly town hall series featuring 2-3 presenters and topics of patient interest. In response to COVID-19, it pivoted to a weekly virtual 60-minute educational series called "ABCs of Healthy Living in Challenging Times" that is for patients with breast cancer, caregivers, faculty, staff, community members and advocates. Purpose(s): To address COVID-19 social-distancing related isolation and changes to healthcare, build community, empower patients, and educate on diverse topics including patient services, treatment, symptom management and quality of life. Interventions and Evaluation: The series was facilitated by a nurse practitioner navigator via Zoom. A distribution list created from town hall meetings was the basis for the series' notices and has grown by referrals, word of mouth and marketing opportunities;it began with less than 150 people and has grown to more than 550 people. The facilitator offered a format where the attendees and speakers could interact visually and verbally with each other. From 4/2020 to 6/2022, 104 webinars were held for 2,546 attendees for an average of 24 attendees each week. Topics covered were side effect management/quality of life/healthy lifestyle (26%), patient education/empowerment (18%), treatment (19%), clinical trials/research (11%), quality of life related to COVID-19 (8%), COVID-19 (7%), innovation projects (4%), palliative/end of life care (7%), and financial/disability concerns (3%). The series was evaluated using the Qualtrics survey software (n=53). Respondents said that the series has positively influenced their interactions with healthcare providers (65%), how patients with MBC think about their cancer experiences (65%) and provided an opportunity to connect with others like themselves (65%). Respondents stated actions taken based on the series: shared the information with family/friends (77%), joined or remained in a support group (34%), spoke with a provider for information and services (32%), requested an appointment with the ABC Program or other specialty clinics (26%), started a new healthy behavior (21%), joined a clinical trial (11%), or started using a patient reported outcome tool (9%). The series served mostly patients living with MBC (70%), established patients at MD Anderson (38%) or patients at MD Anderson as well as a community cancer center (17%). Most respondents indicated that they attended about half of the time, usually or always (60%) and are very or completely satisfied with the series (92%). Demographics of the respondents were White (77%), Black (13%), Asian (4%) and Hispanic (16%). Discussion(s): The ABC Program pivoted to COVID-19 by offering services virtually. The virtual series has allowed for more digestible patient education, varied presentations, and participation for those living outside of Houston, TX. Peer support and continuing education are imperative dynamics for patients to use their voice to impact their overall quality of life. The series has impacted attendees with a change in behavior when speaking with their clinical team, awareness and utilization of support resources, and starting healthy behaviors. While the series was created in response to demands of COVID-19, it effectively addressed psychosocial and educational needs and overall quality of life of MBC patients. The series was an easy intervention to initiate with lasting changes relative to the effort and resources required.

Use of a webinar series to improve exposure to oral & maxillofacial surgery during a global pandemic

Exposure to OMFS at undergraduate level is rare. Students seeking such exposure often struggle to access important information that would help them decide about a future career in OMFS. The COVID-19 pandemic has made access to such information, for example career workshops and specialty conferences, more difficult. This paper discusses our experiences of setting up an online webinar series aimed at providing practical advice for undergraduates and early trainees interested in the field of OMFS. Clinicians were approached via email and/or social media to deliver a structured programme of key advice and guidance about OMFS. Individual undergraduate and surgical societies were emailed in order to advertise the series which included talks such as 'Week in the Life', 'Subspecialties' and 'Portfolio Building'. An interactive poster containing a Quick Response code was circulated to allow a streamlined registration process. The seminars were held via Zoom videoconferencing software and feedback collated via Typeform using a Likert-scale questionnaire. On average, the webinars were 60 minutes long and each attracted 53 attendees. The series attracted 183 unique participants. The majority of attendees were dental students and 85% were based in the UK. Overall, 94% felt their knowledge of the specialty had improved and 86% were more likely to consider pursuing OMFS as a career as result of the series. This paper shows that videoconferencing is a useful modality to engage with junior trainees and has a wide reach. These benefits must be harnessed going forward to improve access and exposure to OMFS in early trainees.Copyright © 2022 The Authors