ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of peer-assisted learning (PAL) and expert-assisted learning (EAL) in terms of knowledge gain in virtual chest x-ray (CXR) interpretations. The secondary objective was to assess students' satisfaction levels between both groups. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, second-year medical students who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the PAL and EAL groups. The study was carried out from December 2020 to February 2021 at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The primary endpoint was the difference in the students' scores, which were determined by an independent reviewer. The secondary endpoint was students' satisfaction levels. RESULTS: A total of 166 second year medical students were included. The standard deviation and mean age of the population were 19.73±0.66 (males: 79 [47.6%]; females: 87 [52.4%]). Participants were allocated equally into two groups (83 in each group). Student scores did not differ significantly between the two groups (p=0.507). Students in the PAL group thought the session was useful (p=0.01), kept on time (p=0.043), and the tutor facilitated their learning process (p=0.011). They also felt that online teaching was as effective as traditional teaching (p=0.03). There was no significant difference in satisfaction scores on the other aspects of the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Peer-assisted learning has equivalent efficacy compared to EAL in a virtual setting. The Students in the PAL group had higher level of satisfaction.
Subject(s)
Education, Medical, Undergraduate , Students, Medical , Female , Humans , Learning , Male , Peer Group , X-RaysABSTRACT
Ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt is one of the most commonly used therapeutic methods for hydrocephalus. And the incidence across the world of VP shunt complications varies from 20% to 45%. One of the rare complications is the catheter perforation of the abdominal viscera and its extrusion through the anal cavity. For the first time in the literature, this report addresses the presentation of iatrogenic perforation of the colon while inserting the peritoneal catheter of VP shunt. Here, we present the case of a 15-year-old boy who is known to have cerebral palsy and congenital hydrocephalus with a VP shunt since birth. He presented to the ER with a history of headache and episodes of vomiting and was diagnosed with VP shunt dysfunction. The patient was taken for an emergency operation for shunt revision and a new shunt was placed. Then the next day he developed signs and symptoms of peritonitis with the distal part of the catheter protruding from the anal cavity, the patient was taken to the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy, the distal catheter was removed and replaced with external ventricular drainage, intra-operatively it was shown that the catheter was inserted directly into the colon causing bowel perforation, This report raises important questions about the nature of VP shunt bowel perforation and discusses management options.
