Innovation and evaluation of vocational pharmaceutical education system under the 1 + X certificate system in China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The 1 + X certificate system, introduced in China in 2019, integrates academic credentials with vocational skill certificates to meet the heightened demand for skilled talents in the growing economy. This study aims to innovate and evaluate the vocational pharmaceutical education system under the 1 + X certificate framework, specifically addressing the gap between theoretical education and workplace requirements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational approach analyzed 490 pharmacy students over two academic years. The 2021 cohort underwent 1 + X integrated education, while the 2020 cohort followed conventional education. We collaborated closely with industry partners to identify and compile typical job competencies, formulating work projects aligned with industry demands. Combining the skill level standards and assessment content of "1+X Pharmaceutical Purchasing and Sales" and "1+X Pharmaceutical Preparation", we revised the course standards, incorporating typical work projects into the 2021 pharmacy professional teaching curriculum. This constituted the fundamental content of the 1 + X education reform. Statistical analysis compared course scores and 1 + X certificate examination performance. RESULTS: The 2021 cohort, under the 1 + X educational model, demonstrated higher average scores in pharmacy courses, with significant improvements in pharmacology (1 + X vs. Traditional education: 58.40 ± 14.20 vs. 53.44 ± 14.67), clinical pharmacotherapy (72.74 ± 10.28 vs. 63.15 ± 11.03), and pharmaceutical distribution and marketing (79.34 ± 10.96 vs. 67.50 ± 15.82). 1 + X certificate pass rates and satisfaction with the model were also higher than the 2020 cohort. CONCLUSION: The 1 + X certificate system is useful for developing talent in Chinese vocational education, effectively integrating assessments with industry standards. Future research should aim at evaluating long-term outcomes and improving quantitative skills assessments for enhanced effectiveness.

Construction Method of Industrial College in Vocational Colleges Based on Cluster Analysis Algorithm.

In the context of the combination of industry and education, the construction of industrial colleges in vocational colleges can drive the scientific development of specialty settings in colleges and universities, and promote the way for colleges to expand students' practical teaching under the teaching of theoretical knowledge, and it is also an effective way for students to stimulate their learning enthusiasm and innovation enthusiasm. Colleges and universities can increase the direction and characteristics of specialist settings in colleges while enhancing instructors' professional level through school-business collaboration, and growing measures of talent training in colleges and universities plays a significant guiding role. The way to set up industrial colleges in vocational colleges reflects the development characteristics of talent training mode in the new era, and it is also an effective way to meet the practical training of students and the actual needs of society. It is a new school running mode of transforming productivity, cooperation, and mutual benefit, which is very worthy of promotion and development. This paper analyzes the problems existing in the construction of industrial colleges in vocational colleges in China and finds out the corresponding solutions. A path method of industrial college construction in vocational colleges based on the cluster analysis algorithm is proposed. The validity of this model is verified by experiments, which lays a foundation for the construction of industrial colleges in vocational colleges.

Impact of organizational culture, occupational commitment and industry-academy cooperation on vocational education in China: Cross-sectional Hierarchical Linear Modeling analysis.

At a time when vocational education is seen as critical for national development, concern grows regarding how weak organizational culture and occupational commitment may threaten the production of quality graduates and teachers within the field. The failure of vocational institutions to effectively create human capital likely threatens the connections between Chinese industry and its educational institutions. This study thus explores how these connections are influenced by organizational and occupational factors. A multi-layer linear model is employed on data collected from 406 teachers from 69 Chinese vocational colleges and universities. Results suggest that organizational cultural positively influences industry-university cooperative behavior through the construction of strong occupational commitment and job involvement. This study not only enriches and expands new knowledge and academic perspectives, but also provides feasible policy suggestions to help guide educational administrators toward the improvement of vocational education.

Pedagogical Content Knowledge of nursing freshman professors in medium-level technical education.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the practice and construction processes of Pedagogical Content Knowledge of freshman professors, in secondary education in nursing. METHODS: a collective case study with a qualitative approach. Data collection with biographical interview, non-participant observation of sessions and group interview. With the results interpreted in the light of Shulman's theoretical framework, content analysis enabled the creation of the category Manifestation of Pedagogical Content Knowledge. RESULTS: predominance of traditional teaching practices, with an attempt at more flexible postures, with pedagogical knowledge and encouragement for student reflection. Final Considerations: the transition from the traditional model to a dialogical teaching (with the student's role) highlights the process of expanding Pedagogical Content Knowledge of, such as learning in and about the practice itself, seeking to strengthen teaching knowledge. A manifestation of reflective thinking was evidenced, with a perception of teaching professionalization.

A National Survey of Health and Safety Knowledge and Beliefs Among Technical Vocational Faculty in Autobody Collision Repair Technology.

OBJECTIVES: Career technical education (CTE) programs prepare new generations of technicians in a variety of trades. Even though occupational safety and health (OSH) ought to be included as an essential part of CTE curricula it is frequently absent or inadequately taught. METHODS: OSH knowledge and beliefs were assessed in a national sample of 125 secondary and post-secondary faculty in autobody collision repair technology. RESULTS: Over 50% of faculty thought at least 75% of OSH knowledge was learned at school, and 9% felt that safety was primarily learned on the job. Knowledge scores ranged from 22% to 78%. Overall knowledge scores were significantly lower high school than post-secondary instructors (42% vs 50%, P ≤ 0.001) and in two categories: hazard recognition (44% vs 54%, P ≤ 0.05) and hazard control and shop equipment (30% vs 37%, P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There are substantial gaps in OSH knowledge among secondary and post-secondary CTE instructors. CTE programs should address these gaps by providing trade-specific safety and health education to their instructors upon hiring.

Pedagogical Content Knowledge of nursing freshman professors in medium-level technical education / Conocimiento Pedagógico del Contenido de docentes de enfermería novatos en la educación técnica de nivel medio / Conhecimento Pedagógico de Conteúdo de docentes de enfermagem novatos na educação técnica de nível médio

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the practice and construction processes of Pedagogical Content Knowledge of freshman professors, in secondary education in nursing. Methods: a collective case study with a qualitative approach. Data collection with biographical interview, non-participant observation of sessions and group interview. With the results interpreted in the light of Shulman's theoretical framework, content analysis enabled the creation of the category Manifestation of Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Results: predominance of traditional teaching practices, with an attempt at more flexible postures, with pedagogical knowledge and encouragement for student reflection. Final Considerations: the transition from the traditional model to a dialogical teaching (with the student's role) highlights the process of expanding Pedagogical Content Knowledge of, such as learning in and about the practice itself, seeking to strengthen teaching knowledge. A manifestation of reflective thinking was evidenced, with a perception of teaching professionalization.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar los procesos de práctica y construcción del Conocimiento Pedagógico del Contenido del profesor novato, en la educación de nivel medio en enfermería. Métodos: estudio de casos colectivos con abordaje cualitativo. Recolección de datos con entrevista biográfica, observación no participante de sesiones y entrevista en grupo. Con los resultados interpretados a la luz del referencial teórico de Shulman, el análisis de contenido posibilitó la creación de la categoría Manifestación del Conocimiento Pedagógico del Contenido. Resultados: predominio de prácticas tradicionales de enseñanza, con intento de posturas más flexibles, con conocimiento pedagógico y estímulo a la reflexión discente. Consideraciones Finales: la transición del modelo tradicional a una enseñanza dialógica (con protagonismo del alumno), evidencia el proceso de expansión del conocimiento pedagógico del contenido; como aprendizaje en la propia práctica, buscando el fortalecimiento de los saberes docentes, se evidenció manifestación de pensamiento reflexivo, con percepción de la profesionalización de la enseñanza.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar os processos de prática e construção do Conhecimento Pedagógico do Conteúdo do professor novato, na educação de nível médio em enfermagem. Métodos: estudo de casos coletivos com abordagem qualitativa. Coleta de dados com entrevista biográfica, observação não participante de sessões e entrevista em grupo. Com os resultados interpretados à luz do referencial teórico de Shulman, a análise de conteúdo possibilitou a criação da categoria Manifestação do Conhecimento Pedagógico do Conteúdo. Resultados: predomínio de práticas tradicionais de ensino, com tentativa de posturas mais flexíveis, com conhecimento pedagógico e estímulo à reflexão discente. Considerações Finais: a transição do modelo tradicional para um ensino dialógico (com protagonismo do aluno) evidencia o processo de expansão do Conhecimento Pedagógico do Conteúdo; como aprendizado na e sobre a própria prática, buscando o fortalecimento dos saberes docentes, evidenciou-se manifestação de pensamento reflexivo, com percepção da profissionalização do ensino.

Development and Validation of the Dutch EBPAS-ve and EBPQ-ve for Nursing Assistants and Nurses with a Vocational Education.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the role of evidence-based practice (EBP) to increase the quality and safety of care. However, EBP implementation research has predominantly taken place in hospitals and hardly in nursing homes or home care. In these care settings, patients are attended by nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses. A good EBP starting point is to assess their current attitude toward and use of EBP. However, current questionnaires are not valid for assistants and nurses with vocational education. AIMS: To adapt the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) and the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ) to a Dutch questionnaire for nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses European Qualification Framework level 3-4 employed in home care or nursing homes. METHODS: Translation, adaptation through cross-cultural validation, pretesting, exploratory factor analysis, and evaluation of psychometric properties among a group of nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses. RESULTS: Cross-cultural validation led to modified items of EBPQ and EBPAS. The sample comprised 273 nurses. Analysis of both instruments showed a robust factor structure. EBPAS-ve: internal consistency: α = 0.76; intra-rater reliability: ICC = 0.52. EBPQ-ve: α = 0.75; ICC = 0.60. Convergent validity (correlation EBPAS-ve and EBPQ-ve's subscale Attitude): r = .300 (p < .01). Construct validity: significantly higher scores (p < .01) in the group with higher education. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Psychometric qualities of both instruments were satisfactory, although we recommend refinement of EBPAS-ve's subscale Divergence and extra instructions for the EBPQ's subscale Attitude. To our knowledge, this is the first adaptation of an EBP measurement instrument for nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses. The questionnaires appeared to be feasible and showed multiple valid and reliable properties, including a satisfactory intra-rater reliability. Both questionnaires may facilitate the implementation of EBP as they contribute to a richer understanding of the attitude toward and use of EBP in nursing homes and home care.

Effectiveness of Food Handler Training and Education Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Improper food handling among those working in retail and food service settings is a frequent contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks. Food safety training and education interventions are important strategies to improve the behaviors and behavioral precursors (e.g., knowledge and attitudes) of food handlers in these settings. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to identify, characterize, and synthesize global studies in this area to determine the overall effectiveness of these interventions. The review focused on experimental studies with an independent control group. Review methods included structured search strategy, relevance screening of identified abstracts, characterization of relevant articles, risk of bias assessment, data extraction, meta-analysis of intervention effectiveness for four outcome categories (attitudes, knowledge, behavior, and food premise inspection scores), and a quality of evidence assessment. We identified 18 relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 29 nonrandomized trials. Among RCTs, 25 (64%) unique outcomes were rated as high risk of bias, primarily owing to concerns about outcome measurement methods, while 45 (98%) nonrandomized trial outcomes were rated as serious risk of bias, primarily because of concerns about confounding bias. High confidence was identified for the effect of training and education interventions to improve food handler knowledge outcomes in eight RCT studies (standardized mean difference = 0.92; 95% confidence interval: 0.03, 1.81; I2 = 86%). For all other outcomes, no significant effect was identified. In contrast, nonrandomized trials identified a statistically significant positive intervention effect for all outcome types, but confidence in these findings was very low due to possible confounding and other biases. Results indicate that food safety training and education interventions are effective to improve food handler knowledge, but more evidence is needed on strategies to improve behavior change.

Health promotion by nursing technicians from the nurses' perspective.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze education and practice of nursing technicians in health promotion, from the perspective of teaching nurses of technical course and Primary Health Care nurses. METHOD: an exploratory study with qualitative data analysis, carried out in the city of São Paulo, through semi-structured interviews with nine public technical professors and 16 nurses from the basic health network. Data thematic analysis was carried out. RESULTS: three thematic categories have emerged: Conceptions and experiences on health promotion; Nursing technician's practice in health promotion; and Nursing technician education on health promotion. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: it is necessary to review the centrality given to technicalism in the education and practice of nursing technicians, contemplating the health promotion and seeking the development of professional competence for the construction of transformative practices aimed at valuing the autonomy and proactivity of the people in health and quality of life production.

Health promotion by nursing technicians from the nurses' perspective / Promoción de la salud por técnicos en enfermería, en la perspectiva de enfermeros / Promoção da saúde por técnicos em enfermagem, na perspectiva de enfermeiros

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze education and practice of nursing technicians in health promotion, from the perspective of teaching nurses of technical course and Primary Health Care nurses. Method: an exploratory study with qualitative data analysis, carried out in the city of São Paulo, through semi-structured interviews with nine public technical professors and 16 nurses from the basic health network. Data thematic analysis was carried out. Results: three thematic categories have emerged: Conceptions and experiences on health promotion; Nursing technician's practice in health promotion; and Nursing technician education on health promotion. Final considerations: it is necessary to review the centrality given to technicalism in the education and practice of nursing technicians, contemplating the health promotion and seeking the development of professional competence for the construction of transformative practices aimed at valuing the autonomy and proactivity of the people in health and quality of life production.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la formación y praxis del técnico en Enfermería en la promoción de la salud, bajo la perspectiva de enfermeros docentes de curso técnico y de la Atención Primaria de Salud. Método: estudio exploratorio con análisis cualitativo de datos, realizado en municipio paulista, por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas con nueve docentes de curso técnico público y 16 enfermeros de la red básica de salud. Se procedió al análisis temático de los datos. Resultados: se configuraron tres categorías temáticas: Concepciones y experiencias sobre promoción de la salud; Práxis del técnico en Enfermería en la promoción de la salud; y Formación del técnico en Enfermería para promoción de la salud. Consideraciones finales: se hace necesario revisar la centralidad dada al tecnicismo en la formación y praxis del técnico en Enfermería, contemplando la promoción de la salud y buscando el desarrollo de la competencia profesional para la construcción de prácticas transformadoras orientadas a la valorización de la autonomía y la proactividad de las personas en la producción de salud y calidad de vida.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a formação e práxis do técnico em enfermagem na promoção da saúde, sob a perspectiva de enfermeiros docentes de curso técnico e da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método: estudo exploratório com análise qualitativa de dados, realizado em município paulista, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com nove docentes de curso técnico público e 16 enfermeiros da rede básica de saúde. Procedeu-se à análise temática dos dados. Resultados: configuraram-se três categorias temáticas: Concepções e experiências sobre promoção da saúde; Práxis do técnico em enfermagem na promoção da saúde; e Formação do técnico em enfermagem para promoção da saúde. Considerações finais: faz-se necessário rever a centralidade dada ao tecnicismo na formação e práxis do técnico em enfermagem, contemplando a promoção da saúde e buscando o desenvolvimento da competência profissional para construção de práticas transformadoras voltadas para valorização da autonomia e proatividade das pessoas na produção de saúde e qualidade de vida.

Career readiness: Finding a place for health and safety education.

BACKGROUND: Studies have identified gaps in health and safety knowledge and work practices of vocational students in the United States and abroad. Little is known about what, how, when, or if health and safety are taught and if the teaching that takes place is effective. Faculty skilled in their technical area may lack knowledge related to health and safety and pedagogy. This knowledge gap is compounded by a deficiency or absence of high-quality safety and health resources for vocational and technical college faculty, the use of outdated and often inaccurate information, and lack of any standardized assessment of knowledge and skills. METHODS: To identify these knowledge gaps, we conducted group interviews with auto body collision technology and machine tool technology faculty at two colleges. RESULTS: Most instructors reported a rapid transition from technical trade worker or business owner into their faculty role, with little support or education related to teaching. No instructor used a defined health and safety curriculum and materials or could describe the breadth safety skills required for their profession. Instructors tested and evaluated health- and safety-related skills on an ad hoc basis and said that workers and employers were ultimately responsible for job health and safety. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized health and safety training is needed nationally and should be progressive and integrated with career-specific educational programs. It should ensure that students obtain knowledge and understanding of how to apply the principles of safety and health and communicate with employers about health- and safety-related issues.

Essential Elements for Effective Safety and Health Education in Postsecondary Construction Career Technical Education.

Because Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at the community/technical college level are among the few places new construction workers receive training or preparation, they are an important vehicle for educating new and young workers about occupational health and safety (OSH). We developed recommendations for (1) OSH "core competencies" that all postsecondary construction students should achieve and (2) "essential elements" for OSH education in construction training programs. Based on a review of the literature, subject matter expert focus groups, and iterative engagement with an expert advisory group, we identified fourteen core competencies and a list of essential supporting elements at the school, program, and instructor levels. Knowledge and recognition of the importance of effective safety and health management systems served as the foundation for elements and competencies. Findings provide an important starting point for systematically improving the preparation of construction CTE students that can help keep them safe on the job.

Health and Safety Education in Auto Body Collision and Machine Tool Technology Programs in Vocational Colleges: Challenges and Opportunities.

Collision repair, machining, and metal manufacturing are industries with a large percentage of small businesses whose owners face unique challenges implementing health and safety regulatory requirements. Previous research found that 72% of collision repair technicians and 47% of machinists attended some classes or graduated from vocational colleges. Although health and safety is a mandatory part of the curricula for post-secondary vocational education, little is known about what, how, and when health and safety is taught and if teaching is effective. Surveys and discussion groups were used to evaluate health and safety education in two vocational colleges in Minnesota. Six instructors and 76 students in collision repair, and 6 instructors and 130 students in machine tool technology programs participated. Instructors had no formal training in health and safety, few teaching materials, and lacked opportunities to learn about safety in their trade. Teaching was unscripted and heavily influenced by each instructor's™ industry experience, knowledge, perceptions and attitude towards safety, with little or no guidance from school administration, or safety professionals. Student survey results show that graduates have significant gaps in safety and health knowledge. Standardized trade-specific curricula and instructor training are needed to ensure students receive adequate health and safety education.

The experiences and perceptions of persons with disabilities regarding work skills development in sheltered and protective workshops.

BACKGROUND: Protective workshops and sheltered employment settings have been instrumental in developing the work skills of people with disabilities, however there has been a void in the literature about its influence on the ability of individuals to find employment in the open labor market. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to explore the experiences and perceptions of people with disabilities about the development of their work skills for transitioning into the open labor market. PARTICIPANTS: Five individuals with various types of disabilities and two key informants participated in the study. METHODS: The research study was positioned within the qualitative paradigm specifically utilizing an exploratory and descriptive research design. In order to gather data from the participants, semi structured interviews were used. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the findings of the study. Theme one, designated as "Reaching a ceiling", reflected the barriers that the participants experienced regarding work skills development. Theme two, designated as "Enablers for growth within the workplace", related to the enabling factors related to development of the work skills of persons with a disability (PWD). The final theme related to the meaning that PWD associated to their worker role and was designated as "A sense of universality". CONCLUSION: The participants highlighted that they felt their coworkers in the workshops were "like family" to them and thoroughly enjoyed the work tasks and work environment, expressing specific support from their fellow workers. Through reaching their goals, engaging in their work tasks and having the sense of universality in the workplace, the workers felt that the work they participated in gave them meaning to their life. The findings of the study indicated that managers of protective workshops and sheltered employment settings should consider selecting work tasks that enable the development of skills needed in the open labour market. A work skills development system whereby PWD in these workshops could determine their own career progression is advocated.

Vocational training and employability: Evaluation evidence from Romania.

This study evaluates the direct effects of vocational training, which is a popular active labour market policy in a European developing country such as Romania. Since the available official statistical microdata were insufficient to conduct reliable impact evaluations, the main findings were obtained through a counterfactual impact evaluation using newly produced micro survey data. Moreover, the research provides a heterogeneity analysis of groups of trainees, in order to identify the categories for which the programme performs best. The main results reveal that the training measure has a positive, but modest impact upon employability in Romania: participation increases employment chances properly controlled by 15%. It is most successful for women and for people living in urban areas. Measures for increasing the impacts of the vocational training programme in Romania are identified in terms of better targeting and profiling the trainees and closer adjustment of the programme to the specific needs of the labour market.

Vocational training of general practitioners in rural locations is critical for the Australian rural medical workforce.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between general practitioner vocational training location and subsequent practice location, including the effect of rural origin. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Annual panel survey of GPs (from the MABEL study) who completed their vocational training and transitioned to independent practice, 2008-2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rural practice location in the 5 years after vocational registration for participants in four primary cohorts: (1) rural origin/rural training; (2) metropolitan origin/rural training; (3) rural origin/metropolitan training; and (4) metropolitan origin/metropolitan training. RESULTS: During the study period, 610 doctors completed GP vocational training and commenced independent practice. 74-91% of rural origin/rural training cohort GPs remained in rural areas during their first 5 years after completing training, with 61-70% remaining in the same community. Conversely, 87-95% of metropolitan origin/metropolitan training cohort GPs remained in metropolitan areas. GPs from the other two cohorts initially remained in their training location type, but gradually moved towards their origin type. Generalised estimating equation logit models identified a highly significant association between rural training pathways and subsequent rural practice that was sustained for 5 years after vocational registration; it was substantially strengthened when combined with rural origin (cohort 2 v cohort 4: odds ratio [OR], 24; 95% CI, 13-43; cohort 1 v cohort 4: OR, 52; 95% CI, 24-111). CONCLUSION: This study provides new quantitative evidence of strong associations between rural GP vocational training location and subsequent rural practice location, which is strengthened when combined with rural origin. This evidence supports current government policy supporting rural GP vocational training and quotas for medical student selection based on rural origin.

Hygiene standards for tattooists.

The following excerpt is taken from the hygiene guidelines written by Deutsche Organisierte Tätowierer (DOT e.V. Germany; German Association of Professional Tattoo Artists) and United European Tattoo Artists e.V. (UETA). It has been published with the intention of creating a standard that is understandable and accomplishable in practice, focusing on a minimum standard level that guarantees the highest possible safety for tattooists and customers at the same time. The DOT and UETA consistently strive to participate in the research of tattoo hygiene and tattoo colours because important insider information can be provided by professional tattoo artists with many years of work experience.

[Quality of vocational education in speech therapy - development and implementation of a quality assurance programme]. / Therapeutenausbildung auf dem Prüfstand - Entwicklung und Umsetzung eines Verfahrens zur Qualitätssicherung der logopädischen Ausbildung.

The provision of high-quality health-services is only possible if it is based on vocational education of corresponding quality. To promote the quality of vocational education in speech therapy, a quality assurance programme was developed in a scientifically supervised multi-step process. The main goals of the quality assurance programme include: (i) external review of the quality of education by means of well-defined criteria, (ii) certification of schools that meet the requirements, and (iii) provision of feedback to schools about their results. A total of 208 quality indicators cover the essential aspects of vocational education in speech therapy, and apply to the structural, process and outcome quality. These indicators are based on a literature survey as well as on expert opinion, and are calibrated by data. The data are collected by using questionnaires (school management, teachers in speech therapy, students, consecutive patient sample) and are validated by specific document analyses and telephone audits. Each school receives an individual quality report of its achieved results benchmarked to other schools. Since the initial implementation in 2008, a total of 50 schools participated in the quality assurance programme and 41 achieved certification. Therefore, the defined set of quality criteria has been disseminated and utilized by about half of all German schools for vocational education in speech therapy. The evaluation of the data on quality collected across all schools highlights the strengths and weaknesses of vocational education as well as the demands for quality improvement.

Orientación y formación vocacional hacia la carrera de Medicina / Vocational counseling and training for medical degrees

Decidir por cuál carrera universitaria optar es, sin dudas, una elección difícil. Esta situación genera miedo al fracaso, a la decepción propia y ajena, sentimiento muchas veces habitual en el joven preuniversitario, que se convierte en fuente de ansiedad y estrés. Esto demuestra la necesidad de una adecuada orientación vocacional y profesional. En Cuba esta temática va tomando gran importancia, ya que un mayor número de jóvenes tienen la posibilidad de optar por mayor cantidad de profesiones, por lo que la decisión sobre una u otra constituye un problema de gran repercusión práctica y social. La orientación y formación vocacional en el contexto educativo cubano tiene como fin reafirmar la inclinación de los jóvenes interesados hacia la carrera de Medicina, donde se desarrollen íntegramente sus potencialidades, sobre la consolidación de los valores y sentimientos y con un elevado compromiso social, moral e incondicional hacia el ejercicio de la profesión. En este trabajo se abordan los diferentes aspectos que influyen actualmente en la orientación vocacional y el papel de cada uno de los protagonistas del proceso en sí(AU)

Deciding on a university degree is undoubtedly a difficult choice. This situation brings about fear of failing and disappointing yourself and others, which is a common feeling among high school students, becoming a source of anxiety and stress. This demonstrates the need for an appropriate vocational and professional guidance. In Cuba, this subject is gaining importance, since a greater number of youngsters have the opportunity to choose from more professions; thus, deciding on one or the other is a problem of great practical and social impact. Vocational guidance and training in the Cuban educational context aims to reaffirm the inclination of youth towards medical studies, where they fully develop their potential, on the basis of consolidating values and feelings, and a high social, moral and unconditional commitment to the practice of the profession. This paper presents various issues that currently affect vocational guidance and the role of each of the major participants in the process itself(AU)

Developing a model to estimate the potential impact of municipal investment on city health.

This article summarizes a process which exemplifies the potential impact of municipal investment on the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in city populations. We report on Developing an evidence-based approach to city public health planning and investment in Europe (DECiPHEr), a project part funded by the European Union. It had twin objectives: first, to develop and validate a vocational educational training package for policy makers and political decision takers; second, to use this opportunity to iterate a robust and user-friendly investment tool for maximizing the public health impact of 'mainstream' municipal policies, programs and investments. There were seven stages in the development process shared by an academic team from Sheffield Hallam University and partners from four cities drawn from the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. There were five iterations of the model resulting from this process. The initial focus was CVD as the biggest cause of death and disability in Europe. Our original prototype 'cost offset' model was confined to proximal determinants of CVD, utilizing modified 'Framingham' equations to estimate the impact of population level cardiovascular risk factor reduction on future demand for acute hospital admissions. The DECiPHEr iterations first extended the scope of the model to distal determinants and then focused progressively on practical interventions. Six key domains of local influence on population health were introduced into the model by the development process: education, housing, environment, public health, economy and security. Deploying a realist synthesis methodology, the model then connected distal with proximal determinants of CVD. Existing scientific evidence and cities' experiential knowledge were 'plugged-in' or 'triangulated' to elaborate the causal pathways from domain interventions to public health impacts. A key product is an enhanced version of the cost offset model, named Sheffield Health Effectiveness Framework Tool, incorporating both proximal and distal determinants in estimating the cost benefits of domain interventions. A key message is that the insights of the policy community are essential in developing and then utilising such a predictive tool.