Midwifery and nursing honours programs in Australia and New Zealand: A scoping review of contemporary challenges and opportunities.

PROBLEM: Contemporary resources that identify the challenges and experiences of Midwifery and Nursing honours students and providers within Australia and New Zealand are lacking. BACKGROUND: The establishment and development of accredited, tertiary education for Midwifery and Nursing has enhanced professionalism and opportunity. However, the progression from registration pathway programs to Higher Degrees by Research remain limited. AIM: To undertake a scoping review of Australian and New Zealand honours programs and synthesise student and provider perspectives. METHODS: A scoping review was undertaken. Publicly available grey literature and relevant database searched. English language, peer-reviewed publications were identified from the past 10-years. FINDINGS: Within Australia, 16 universities, and 2 in New Zealand, offer a Midwifery and/or Nursing honours program. Within Australia, the majority of programs were offered in both Midwifery and Nursing streams, however only Nursing in New Zealand. Four studies met inclusion criteria and described strengths and challenges of the current offerings. DISCUSSION: Challenges included: logistical issues related to low/decreasing enrolments and resource. Students identified burdens associated with student driven research and balancing the multiple demands of clinical roles. Opportunities were seen in terms of providers professional interactions between academic and clinical sites. Students viewed honours programs as an opportunity to actively partake in research and determine their commitment to further research training including Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). CONCLUSION: Progressing the professional status of both Midwifery and Nursing is based on discrete professional research and evidence. Honours programs provide a research focused degree to prepare nurses and midwives, but challenges are present.

Addressing Worker Safety and Health Through the Lens of Strategic Enforcement-Part One.

Ensuring the safety and health of workers in this country, who are employed at millions of workplaces that present a dizzying array of hazards, is daunting. Every day, workers are maimed or die from workplace injuries or occupational illnesses. Hence, government agencies must use all available means to ensure the laws intended to keep workers safe and healthy in their workplaces are maximally effective in accomplishing that purpose. This paper addresses this challenge through the lens of strategic enforcement. It examines how federal and state authority are designed to interact to ensure worker protection in this space, and focuses on what tools for deterring violations - many unrecognized or underutilized by worker safety agencies - are available to leverage the limited resources that inevitably constrain the agencies' reach. The forthcoming Part II will, among other things, showcase a number of noteworthy state and local initiatives that exceed the federal standard.

Yoga and Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder Onsite in an Opioid Treatment Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of integrated treatment for chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). Yoga and physical therapy (PT) may improve pain and physical function of people living with (PLW) chronic low back pain (CLBP) and may also reduce opioid craving and use, but PLW with OUD face barriers to accessing these interventions. We hypothesize that compared to treatment as usual (TAU), providing yoga and PT onsite at opioid treatment programs (OTPs) will be effective at improving pain, opioid use, and quality of life among people with CLBP and OUD, and will be cost-effective. METHODS: In this hybrid type-1 effectiveness-implementation study, we will randomly assign 345 PLW CLBP and OUD from OTPs in the Bronx, NY, to 12 weeks of onsite yoga, onsite PT, or TAU. Primary outcomes are pain intensity, opioid use, and cost-effectiveness. Secondary outcomes include physical function and overall well-being. DISCUSSION: This trial tests an innovative, patient-centered approach to combined management for pain and OUD in real-world settings. We rigorously examine the efficacy of yoga and PT onsite at OTPs as nonpharmacologic, cost-effective treatments among people with CLBP and OUD who face barriers to integrated care.

Comparative analysis of FDA approvals by top 20 pharma companies (2014-2023).

This article addresses the research and development (R&D) productivity challenge of the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-related new drug approvals of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies (2014-2023). We evaluated the degree of innovation in new drugs to determine the innovativeness of these leading companies. A key finding of our analysis is the decline in the number of new drugs approved by the FDA for these leading companies over the investigated time period. This trend suggests that some of the leading companies are losing ground in R&D innovation, raising concerns about their ability to sustain competitive advantage, ensure long-term market success, and maintain viable business models.

Programa de actividades físicas adaptadas para la inclusión de estudiantes en estado de gestación, en la clase de Educación Física

El presente estudio investigativo abordó el tema de la inclusión de las gestantes adolescentes en las clases de Educación Física, enfocado al mejoramiento de la salud física y el bienestar de la madre y el feto durante el embarazo. El objetivo principal del trabajo fue proponer un programa de actividades físicas adaptadas para la inclusión de estudiantes en estado de gestación en la clase de Educación Física, en la Unidad educativa fiscal "Pichincha". Se planteó una metodología con enfoque cualitativo, se utilizaron como métodos empíricos la observación científica, la entrevista, la encuesta y la revisión documental que facilitaron la identificación del problema en la parte inicial hasta la realización de la propuesta de ejercicios físicos adaptados, en su etapa final. Se concluye con la aplicación y ejecución de actividades físicas adaptadas, y se obtienen mejoras en la salud cardiovascular, el fortalecimiento de los músculos y las articulaciones, el control del aumento de peso, la reducción del riesgo de complicaciones del embarazo y la mejora del bienestar emocional. Estos resultados fueron comparados con investigaciones de otros autores que corroboran que implementar actividades físicas adaptadas contribuye al mejoramiento de la salud, tanto de la madre como del feto.

A presente pesquisa abordou a questão da inclusão de adolescentes grávidas nas aulas de Educação Física, com foco na melhoria da saúde física e do bem-estar da mãe e do feto durante a gravidez. O objetivo principal do trabalho foi propor um programa de atividades físicas adaptado para a inclusão de estudantes grávidas na aula de Educação Física, na unidade educacional fiscal "Pichincha". Foi proposta uma metodologia com abordagem qualitativa, foram utilizados observação científica, entrevista, levantamento e revisão documental como métodos empíricos que facilitaram a identificação do problema na parte inicial até a realização da proposta de exercícios físicos adaptados, em sua etapa final. . Conclui com a aplicação e execução de atividades físicas adaptadas, obtendo-se melhorias na saúde cardiovascular, fortalecimento de músculos e articulações, controle do ganho de peso, redução do risco de complicações na gravidez e melhora do bem-estar emocional. Esses resultados foram comparados com pesquisas de outros autores que corroboram que a implementação de atividades físicas adaptadas contribui para melhorar a saúde da mãe e do feto.

The present research study addressed the issue of the inclusion of pregnant adolescents in Physical Education classes, focused on improving the physical health and well-being of the mother and fetus during pregnancy. The main objective of the work was to propose a program of physical activities adapted for the inclusion of pregnant students in the Physical Education class, in the "Pichincha" Fiscal Educational Unit. A methodology with a qualitative approach was proposed, scientific observation, interview, survey and documentary review were used as empirical methods that facilitated the identification of the problem in the initial part until the proposal of adapted physical exercises was carried out, in its final stage. It concludes with the application and execution of adapted physical activities, and improvements are obtained in cardiovascular health, strengthening of muscles and joints, control of weight gain, reduction of the risk of pregnancy complications and improvement of well-being. emotional. These results were compared with research by other authors that corroborate that implementing adapted physical activities contributes to improving the health of both the mother and the fetus.

Serotype distribution of invasive pneumococcal disease from countries of the WHO Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions: a systematic literature review from 2010 to 2021.

Background: Most publications on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) serotype distribution are from about 20 countries (Australia, Canada, China, European Union members, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and USA). Here, we reviewed the literature among underrepresented countries in the Americas (AMRO), Africa (AFRO), Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), South-East Asia (SEARO), and Western Pacific (WPRO) WHO regions. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the most recent IPD serotype surveillance publications (from 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2021, Medline/Embase) in those WHO regions. Selection criteria were delineated by contemporality, within-country geographical scope, and number of samples. Reported serotype distributions for each country were stratified by age group, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) serotype category (considering undifferentiated serotypes), and PCV program period (pre-PCV, intermediate, or PCVhv [higher valency PCV formulation]). Pre-PCV period pooled data estimated PCV serotype category distribution by age group across WHO regions, while for the PCVhv period, country-level dataset tables were prepared. Results: Of 2,793 publications screened, 107 were included (58 pediatric, 11 adult, 37 all ages, and one comprising every age group). One-third of eligible countries (51/135) published serotype distribution, ranging from 30 to 43% by WHO region. Considering number of samples per WHO region, a few countries prevailed: AMRO (Brazil), AFRO (South Africa, Malawi, and Burkina Faso), and WPRO (Taiwan). In the pre-PCV period, PCV13 formulation serotypes predominated: ranging from 74 to 85% in children and 58-86% in adults in the different WHO regions. The PCVhv period represented half of the most recent IPD surveillance by countries (26/51). Undifferentiated serotypes represented >20% of IPD from most countries (34/51). Conclusion: Ubiquity of undifferentiated serotypes among the publications could constrain estimates of PCV program impact and of serotype coverage for newer PCVhv formulations; consequently, we recommend that countries favor techniques that identify serotypes specifically and, rather than reporting PCV formulation serotype distributions, provide serotype results individually. Systematic review registration: The protocol has been prospectively registered at PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021278501. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=278501.

CSSP-2.0: A refined consensus method for accurate protein secondary structure prediction.

Studying the relationship between sequences and their corresponding three-dimensional structure assists structural biologists in solving the protein-folding problem. Despite several experimental and in-silico approaches, still understanding or decoding the three-dimensional structures from the sequence remains a mystery. In such cases, the accuracy of the structure prediction plays an indispensable role. To address this issue, an updated web server (CSSP-2.0) has been created to improve the accuracy of our previous version of CSSP by deploying the existing algorithms. It uses input as probabilities and predicts the consensus for the secondary structure as a highly accurate three-state Q3 (helix, strand, and coil). This prediction is achieved using six recent top-performing methods: MUFOLD-SS, RaptorX, PSSpred v4, PSIPRED, JPred v4, and Porter 5.0. CSSP-2.0 validation includes datasets involving various protein classes from the PDB, CullPDB, and AlphaFold databases. Our results indicate a significant improvement in the accuracy of the consensus Q3 prediction. Using CSSP-2.0, crystallographers can sort out the stable regular secondary structures from the entire complex structure, which would aid in inferring the functional annotation of hypothetical proteins. The web server is freely available at https://bioserver3.physics.iisc.ac.in/cgi-bin/cssp-2/.

Evolving Epidemiology and Antibiotic Resistance in Enteric Fever: A Comprehensive Review.

Enteric fever, predominantly caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi, remains a significant global health challenge. This comprehensive review examines the evolving epidemiology and antibiotic resistance associated with enteric fever. We provide an overview of the disease's definition and historical context, highlighting the substantial impact of antibiotic resistance on treatment efficacy. The review details the global burden, incidence trends, and risk factors of enteric fever while elucidating the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the disease. A critical analysis of antibiotic resistance mechanisms reveals the alarming rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, complicating treatment regimens and underscoring the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Current treatment protocols, the role of empirical therapy, and the rational use of antibiotics are discussed in depth. Additionally, we explore prevention and control strategies, emphasizing the importance of vaccination programs, sanitation improvements, and effective public health interventions. The review concludes with recommendations for future actions, including enhanced surveillance, research and development of new antibiotics, expansion of vaccination efforts, and improved public health infrastructure. The findings highlight the necessity for updated clinical guidelines and sustained global efforts to address the challenges of enteric fever and its evolving antibiotic resistance patterns. Through coordinated action and continued innovation, it is possible to mitigate the impact of this enduring public health threat.

Surgical management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors - An EYSAC and E-AHPBA international survey of current practice.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical behavior, which makes their assessment and management quite challenging. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess the existing treatment landscape for patients with pNET. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with the support of the ESSO-EYSAC Research Academy in collaboration with the E-AHPBA. An online survey was distributed via email and social media to surgical networks across Europe and beyond (September 1-30, 2023). RESULTS: Overall, 155 complete responses were obtained. A specialized NET tumor board was present at the institutions of 94 (61 %) of the study participants. The most frequently applied guidelines were from ENETS (n = 97; 63 %), NCCN (n = 74; 48 %), and ESMO (n = 53; 34 %). For resectability, similar criteria as in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were used by 111 (72 %) participants, even though 116 (75 %) participants believed that pNET/pNEC should have their own resectability criteria. Most respondents used somatostatin analogues (n = 126; 81 %) and chemotherapy (n = 85; 55 %) as neoadjuvant treatments, followed by molecularly targeted agents (n = 45; 29 %) and PRRT (n = 37; 24 %). Only 17 (11 %) participants agreed/strongly agreed that the management of pNET/pNEC is sufficiently addressed in surgical education programs. CONCLUSION: This international survey highlighted areas for improvement in the care of pNET, namely the lack of pNET-specific resectability criteria and educational programs addressing pNET management.

Implementing Arts on Prescription at Home for People Living With Dementia: A Hybrid-Effectiveness Feasibility Study.

Arts on prescription at home (AoP@Home) is a participatory art-based approach involving a professional artist engaging a person with dementia (and their family carer) in art-making in their own home. This study evaluated the implementation of AoP@Home within a real-world community aged care context. A hybrid effectiveness-implementation design was used to simultaneously test both the AoP@Home intervention and the implementation process. AoP@Home program outcomes included person with dementia and family carer (dyad) health and wellbeing, and personal goal attainment. Implementation outcomes were evaluated according to feasibility, fidelity, acceptability, uptake, and costs via routinely collected data, artist notes, and interviews with program managers, artists, and participant dyads. Four dyads completed an AoP@Home program during the study period. All participants with dementia reported improvements in their overall health and wellbeing, and wellbeing scores improved for all carers from baseline to post-program. Implementation was feasible using existing government funding mechanisms, and programs were acceptable to all stakeholders. It is possible to deliver participatory arts programs for community-dwelling people with dementia and their family, in their home, using sustainable and available funding models. Programs such as AoP@Home should be made more accessible alongside broader allied health and care services.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infection in pregnancy and their association with adverse birth outcomes: a case-control study at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and their contribution to adverse birth outcomes (ABO) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We performed a case-control study to assess the prevalence of STI and their association with ABO among women attending Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi. METHODS: A composite case definition for ABO included stillborn, preterm and low birthweight infants and infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit within 24 hours of birth. Following recruitment of an infant with an ABO, the next born healthy infant was recruited as a control. Multiplex PCR for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) was performed on maternal vaginal swabs. HIV and syphilis status was determined on maternal and infant serum. For syphilis, we used combined treponemal/non-treponemal rapid point-of-care tests in parallel with rapid plasma reagin tests, PCR for Treponema pallidum and clinical parameters to diagnose and stage the infection. We compared STI positivity between cases and controls. RESULTS: We included 259 cases and 251 controls. Maternal prevalence of STI was 3.1%, 2.7% and 17.1% for NG, CT and TV, respectively. Maternal prevalence of untreated syphilis was 2.0% and 6.1% for early stage and late/unknown stage, respectively; prevalence of treated syphilis was 2.7%. The HIV prevalence was 16.5%. HIV infection significantly increased the odds for ABO (OR=3.31; 95% CI 1.10 to 9.91) as did NG positivity (OR=4.30; 95% CI 1.16 to 15.99). We observed higher rates of ABO among women with untreated maternal syphilis (early: OR=7.13; 95% CI 0.87 to 58.39, late/unknown stage: OR=1.43; 95% CI 0.65 to 3.15). Maternal TV and CT infections were not associated with ABO. CONCLUSION: STI prevalence among pregnant women in Malawi is comparable to other SSA countries. HIV, NG and untreated syphilis prevalence was higher among women with ABO compared with women with healthy infants.

Ohio Health care Professionals' Pandemic-Related Help-Seeking Knowledge, Behaviors, and Concerns.

BACKGROUND: Health care professionals (HCPs) historically exhibit high rates of stress, burnout, and low rates of service utilization from Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and Professional Health Programs (PHPs). New and magnified stressors that accompanied COVID-19 exacerbated HCPs' risk of burnout. PURPOSE: During the pandemic, this study examined Ohio HCP's utilization of EAPs and PHPs, knowledge of available services, barriers to accessing services, and likelihood of future service utilization. Conditions needing to change to increase likelihood of future utilization were also explored. METHODS: A one-time survey was administered in July and August of 2021 to HCPs from 13 licensing boards in Ohio. This study used a subset of data to examine the extent of convergence between quantitative results-analyzed using frequency calculations-and results from thematic analysis of corresponding open-ended survey items. Qualitative results supported and elaborated the quantitative findings. RESULTS: Fewer than 25% of respondents (N = 12,807) utilized EAPs or PHPs to address mental health concerns. Obstacles impeding service utilization included issues around awareness, time commitment, and confidentiality-a concern encompassing issues of stigma and fear of employment repercussions. Noting multiple obstacles to accessing EAPs and PHPs, HCPs in Ohio reported low rates of support service utilization and low likeliness to use services in the future despite their experiences of extreme stress and burnout. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing the time commitment and confidentiality concerns could increase the likelihood of accessing services. Employers of HCPs should explore additional support mechanisms such as comprehensive wellness programs and innovative, brief intervention strategies to combat burnout, especially during viral outbreaks and other high-stress events.

Evaluation of gastroenterology training curriculum in Greece.

Resident Survey of Gastroenterology Training in Greece.

Childhood vaccination among Polish immigrants in Norway: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Confidence in childhood vaccination is high in Norway and the Norwegian Childhood Immunization Programme (NCIP) achieves high overall coverage rates. However, lower coverage has been observed for some immigrant groups, including Polish immigrants who represent the largest immigrant group in Norway. Anti-vaccine sentiments and increased refusal of mandatory childhood vaccination has been on the rise in Poland, but it is unknown whether such attitudes also apply to Polish immigrants in Norway, as they experience a different vaccination policy and perhaps also different attitudes to vaccines. This qualitative study aims to explore attitudes towards childhood vaccination in Norway among Polish immigrants. METHODS: We interviewed 15 Polish parents living in Norway in 2022. We recruited the participants by purposive sampling and analyzed the interviews by reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three themes were identified: views of childhood vaccination, vaccine hesitancy, and differences in childhood vaccination between Poland and Norway. Overall, the participants favored childhood vaccination and viewed most of the vaccines included in the NCIP as safe and reliable. Human papilloma virus, meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines were declined by some of the parents. Comparisons of childhood vaccination in Poland and Norway was evident in many of the interviews, especially among parents whose children had received vaccines in both countries. The participants were well acquainted with the NCIP, favored voluntary childhood vaccination, and the majority expressed a high level of trust in Norwegian health authorities. CONCLUSIONS: Polish immigrants to Norway generally expressed positive views about childhood vaccination. Non-vaccination was related to lack of knowledge and/or unfamiliarity with certain vaccines and not with anti-vaccine sentiments or conspiracy theories. The study highlights how parents' knowledge, in combination with norms and trends from both birth country and country of residence, influence parents' decision making about vaccination.

"Instead, You're Going to a Friend": Evaluation of a Community-Developed, Peer-Delivered Online Crisis Prevention Intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Online communities promote social connection and can be used for formal peer support and crisis intervention. Although some communities have programs to support their members' mental health, few programs have been formally evaluated. The authors present findings from a mixed-methods evaluation of the Stack Up Overwatch Program (StOP), a digital peer support intervention delivered in an online gaming community. METHODS: Data were collected from members of the Stack Up Discord server between June and October 2020 and included chat messages, survey responses, encounter forms (documenting information from private interactions between users and peer supporters), and interviews with peer support team members. The authors analyzed data on demographic characteristics, mental health and crises, use of and experiences with StOP, and chat posts. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were combined in a joint display table, with mixed-methods findings explained in narrative form. RESULTS: The findings show that StOP provides users in crisis with a source of mental health support when other options have been exhausted and that military and veteran users valued the connections and friendships they formed while using it. Participants reported that StOP met needs for support and connection when formal services were inaccessible or did not meet their needs, and volunteer peer supporters detailed how StOP's design facilitates use of the intervention. Volunteering offered members of the peer support team a "family feeling" facilitated by the unique chat room structure. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based crisis prevention programs administered through chat rooms may provide valuable support to both users and peer support providers.

Elevating Residency Match Success: The Potential Impact of a Home Program on the Surgical Match Rate.

INTRODUCTION: Home residency programs can provide medical students with opportunities for networking, mentorship, research, and exposure to surgeries. The goal of this project was to understand the potential impact of home surgical residencies on student match rates into specific surgical specialties. METHODS: This 5-year retrospective study (2019-2023) analyzed 12,916 matched applicants from 155 United States MD programs through publicly available match lists. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to determine the likelihood of students from institutions with home surgical residency programs (home programs) matching into desired surgical specialties compared to students from institutions without home programs. Additional variables included the Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society statuses of the medical school, the number of faculty, and the type of residency program. RESULTS: Of the matched applicants, 11,442 had home programs resulting in a 39.1% match rate into surgical specialties compared to a 22.3% match rate for students without a home program (OR: 1.76) (P < 0.001). Of the applicants with a home program compared to those without a home program, 69.2% matched into an academic residency (OR: 1.06), 7.7% matched into a community residency (OR: 0.90), 13.6% matched into a combined residency (OR: 0.95), and 2.5% matched into a military residency (OR: 1.31). CONCLUSIONS: Medical students graduating from institutions with home programs were 1.76 times more likely to match into a surgical residency program compared to those graduating from institutions without a home program. Future studies should look at how access to certain resources may influence a student's match rate.

Value of automated breast ultrasound in screening: Standalone and as a supplemental to digital breast tomosynthesis.

We aimed to determine the value of standalone and supplemental automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) in detecting cancers in an opportunistic screening setting with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and compare this combined screening method to DBT and ABUS alone in women older than 39 years with BI-RADS B-D density categories. In this prospective opportunistic screening study, 3466 women aged 39 or older with BI-RADS B-D density categories and with a mean age of 50 were included. The screening protocol consisted of DBT mediolateral-oblique views, 2D craniocaudal views, and ABUS with three projections for both breasts. ABUS was evaluated blinded to mammography findings. Statistical analysis evaluated diagnostic performance for DBT, ABUS, and combined workflows. Twenty-nine cancers were screen-detected. ABUS and DBT exhibited the same cancer detection rates (CDR) at 7.5/1000 whereas DBT + ABUS showed 8.4/1000, with ABUS contributing an additional CDR of 0.9/1000. Standalone ABUS outperformed DBT in detecting 12.5% more invasive cancers. DBT displayed better accuracy (95%) compared to ABUS (88%) and combined approach (86%). Sensitivities for DBT and ABUS were the same (84%), with DBT + ABUS showing a higher rate (94%). DBT outperformed ABUS in specificity (95% vs. 88%). DBT + ABUS exhibited a higher recall rate (14.89%) compared to ABUS (12.38%) and DBT (6.03%) (p < .001). Standalone ABUS detected more invasive cancers compared to DBT, with a higher recall rate. The combined approach showed a higher CDR by detecting one additional cancer per thousand.

"I've got yer back": A community art and anatomy project.

This article describes a community collaborative project, "I've got yer back," that utilized the craft of needle felting to raise awareness and develop understanding of the anatomy of the human spine. The project took place in 2023 and engaged with participants from across the United Kingdom and abroad and its completion was timed to coincide with National Back Health Awareness week in October 2023. We describe the process of creating a vertebra using needle felt and examine how the particularities of the process and the use of the sense of touch helped participants notice and understand the complex form of the human vertebra. We consider how the project encompassed creative processes of hands-on learning to enhance knowledge about this aspect of human anatomy. We discuss how the project evolved to include public and academic participation in a shared goal and argue for the effectiveness of seemingly simple and straightforward art or craft workshops in teaching relatively complex science. The article includes detailed feedback from participants who reflect on the process of learning through making and how it went on to affect individuals in very different, and sometimes very personal, ways.