Search Results (54)

Background/objectives: The effectiveness of emergency medical procedures administered to a patient in a life-threatening condition depends, to a large degree, on the knowledge and skills of medical response team personnel. Their competencies can be developed through participation in training and then verified during emergency medicine championships. Methods: The research was conducted on the basis of one of the tasks carried out during the ‘16th International Winter Championships in Emergency Medicine’. The task was completed by 28 Polish emergency response teams from ambulance stations across the country. The teams carried out a simulated scenario related to procedures with a patient with hypoglycaemia. The teams’ interventions were assessed in accordance with European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines by judges selected from among academic lecturers and ERC instructors. Results: The research showed that 86% of the teams obtained the maximum number of points for adhering to safety procedures. Further, 61% of the teams obtained the maximum of 6 points for the initial assessment, with the average number of points obtained by the teams being 5.54. The average number of points for the physical examination was 21.04, with only one team obtaining the maximum result of 26 points. Additionally, 57% of the teams obtained the maximum number of 6 points for the medical consultation, with the average obtained by the teams being 5.43. The teams obtained, on average, 8.18 points for the correct treatment of hypoglycaemia, with 68% of the teams obtaining the maximum of 9 points. The research demonstrated a positive correlation between the quality of patient examination and the collection of medical data, and the effectiveness of hypoglycaemia treatment. It was also shown that if the team leader had completed an ALS course, they obtained higher scores for the treatment of hypoglycaemia, although this finding is specific to this scenario. Conclusions: The teams demonstrated generally high performance in a simulated hypoglycaemia scenario. More complete assessment and history-taking were associated with higher treatment scores. Correct treatment was achieved in 79% of ALS-led teams versus 44% of non-ALS teams, although this observation is specific to this simulation and should not be generalised. Full article

Background: High attrition rates among nursing students, particularly during the sophomore year, threaten the sustainability of the nursing workforce. Objectives: This study assessed structured assessment methods implemented at a School of Nursing located in northern Virginia to improve student success and reduce attrition. Methods: Interventions included a three-tier grading system (Mastery, Intermediate, and Novice), standardized rubrics, detailed instructor guidelines, remediation sessions, and medication competency practice materials. Results: Data from student and instructor feedback surveys and attrition rate comparisons between Spring 2024 and Spring 2025 revealed a reduction in overall attrition of sophomores from 23.5% to 17.3% and from 20% to 12% in the Fundamentals courses. Students reported increased engagement and confidence in foundational core skills, though complex nursing skills care posed challenges. Instructors valued the structure but questioned the suitability of certain skills for sophomores. Conclusions: These findings underscore the value of structured assessments in enhancing retention, with implications for revision of curriculum design in students’ early years of nursing education. Full article

ASD poses special difficulty in both cognitive and metacognitive development, necessitating specialized educational strategies. This research proposes LearnMate, a web-based application powered by machine learning techniques that aims to improve the abilities of children with autism. Utilizing classification models learned from medical data, LearnMate forecasts skill acquisition and suggests personalized learning activities according to the strengths and developmental requirements of the child. The system permits instructors to monitor progress through real-time feedback, enabling adaptive learning approaches. Pilot application to more than 100 children showed significant gains in their skills. The results demonstrate the immense potential for change through machine learning in special education to facilitate data-driven, personalized learning opportunities that enhance the capabilities of both autistic students and teachers. Full article

The growing implementation of digital platforms and mobile devices in educational environments has generated the need to explore new approaches for evaluating the learning experience beyond traditional self-reports or instructor presence. In this context, the NPFC-Test dataset was created from an experimental protocol conducted at the Experiential Classroom of the Institute for the Future of Education. The dataset was built by collecting multimodal indicators such as neuronal, physiological, and facial data using a portable EEG headband, a medical-grade biometric bracelet, a high-resolution depth camera, and self-report questionnaires. The participants were exposed to a digital test lasting 20 min, composed of audiovisual stimuli and cognitive challenges, during which synchronized data from all devices were gathered. The dataset includes timestamped records related to emotional valence, arousal, and concentration, offering a valuable resource for multimodal learning analytics (MMLA). The recorded data were processed through calibration procedures, temporal alignment techniques, and emotion recognition models. It is expected that the NPFC-Test dataset will support future studies in human–computer interaction and educational data science by providing structured evidence to analyze cognitive and emotional states in learning processes. In addition, it offers a replicable framework for capturing synchronized biometric and behavioral data in controlled academic settings. Full article

The OUTPAC cohort study evaluates the setup and implementation of a nationwide Danish initiative focused on the impact of structured outdoor physical activity (PA) on individuals with rheumatic diseases. This prospective cohort study includes more than 1600 participants, predominantly women (92%), with an average age of 65 years (range: 28–93). The cohort primarily consists of individuals with osteoarthritis (72%), rheumatoid arthritis (18%) and nonspecific lower back pain (13%). Volunteer instructors conducted interventions in outdoor settings, targeting strength, balance, physical capacity, mental health, and interaction with nature. Data collection involved questionnaires and physical tests in four primary outcome domains: quality of life, pain, physical function and activity, and mental health. Despite moderate pain (VAS mean: 48.3), high medication use (71%), and serious fatigue (54%), participants indicated having a good quality of life (EQ-5D-5L mean: 0.81) and average mental health (WHO-5 mean: 62.9). Baseline scores from physical tests showed results comparable to the general population aged 60–69 years. The OUTPAC project offers clinical insight into the implications of outdoor PA interventions on individuals with rheumatic disease while shedding light on the development and implementation of a large-scale nationwide outdoor PA intervention. Future analyses will examine short- and long-term changes and potential determinants. Full article

This study aimed to examine prospectively the relationship between the deep squatting test and medial elbow injuries in elementary school baseball players and to determine the usefulness of the lower extremity field test in throwing injuries. The participants were 254 players who had participated in preseason medical checkups in both 2019 and 2020 and had no problems with the 2019 medical checkups. The evaluation parameters included ultrasonography examination, physical examination, and three types of deep squatting tests. The success rate of deep squatting tests was significantly lower in the injured group than in the non-injured group in the medial elbow injuries. By the difficulty level, the backward test in the deep squatting test was more likely to predict medial elbow injuries than the forward and middle tests. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the squatting test and medial elbow injuries by grades. In conclusion, this is the first prospective study to provide evidence that the deep squatting tests, classified by difficulty level, can predict the risk of subsequent medial elbow injuries in elementary school players. The deep squatting test may be useful as a field test for lower extremity flexibility that can be performed by athletes and instructors, as it can predict the risk of subsequent medial elbow injuries. Full article

Background/Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, children in Japan were restricted from sports and outdoor activities. Regular physical activity is essential for healthy growth and development in children, with recommendations advocating for activities such as strength training. However, the long-term effects of the restrictions have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an “exercise class”, specifically a dance program, designed to improve motor function in elementary school children affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which may have compromised their motor function. Methods: The dance program was developed by a sports science teacher, a professional dancer, and a physical therapist, and it was evaluated in a community-based participatory study. Trained dance instructors conducted one-hour dance sessions in a medical center, held once a week for two months from June to August 2023. A physical therapist and dance instructors led the elementary school children. Outcome measures included grip strength, lower extremity muscle strength, back muscle strength, dynamic balance function during movement, physical activity time, and body fat percentages. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: Twenty-four children aged 6–9 years participated in the exercise class over a two-month period. Improvement was observed in grip strength, lower extremity muscle strength, and dynamic balance function during movement. However, physical activity time, body fat percentages, and back muscle strength did not change. Conclusions: The results indicated a significant improvement in motor skills. Dance is an inexpensive program that elementary school children can enjoy while improving their motor skills. Full article

Background/Objectives: Conducting advanced resuscitation requires medical personnel to carry out appropriately coordinated actions. Certain difficulties arise when it becomes necessary to conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on two patients at the same time. The aim of this paper was to assess the actions of teams participating in emergency medicine championships in tasks related to simultaneous cardiac arrests in two patients. Methods: The study was conducted on the basis of an analysis of assessment cards for tasks carried out during the ‘International Winter Championships in Emergency Medicine’. Three-person medical response teams (MRTs), with the support of two people, had the task of conducting advanced resuscitation on an adult and child simultaneously. The tasks were prepared and developed by European Resuscitation Council (ERC) instructors. Results: The study showed that teams used four methods of checking heart rhythm and performing defibrillation during CPR—using paddles only, using paddles and self-adhesive electrodes, using paddles and a three-lead ECG and using two pairs of self-adhesive electrodes. Teams performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation using paddles and a three-lead ECG performed significantly more actions incorrectly than other teams—in part due to the fact that they incorrectly interpreted which patient’s heart rhythm was displayed on the defibrillator screen. The effectiveness of the remaining methods was similar for most of the actions. The CPR method using two pairs of electrodes enabled personal safety to be maintained to the significantly highest percentage during defibrillation. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the need to conduct CPR on two patients at the same time, irrespective of the method used, caused MRT members considerable difficulties in correctly conducting some of the actions. The method of assessing heart rhythm using paddles and a three-lead ECG should not be used. The study showed that the optimal method of CPR in use appears to be the method using two pairs of adhesive electrodes—it provided, among other things, the significantly highest percentage of safely conducted defibrillation. Full article

Simulation-based training (SBT) is increasingly recognized in medical education for enhancing clinical skills and confidence. This study evaluated the impact of SBT on satisfaction and self-confidence among final-year medical students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. A total of 117 students participated in a cross-sectional study after attending SBT sessions focused on anesthesiology. Data were collected via a questionnaire assessing satisfaction and self-confidence. Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed mean satisfaction and self-confidence scores of 3.64 ± 0.79 and 3.70 ± 0.90, respectively, with no significant differences by gender or age. A strong association was noted between the learning experience ratings and both satisfaction and self-confidence (p < 0.001). The highest satisfaction was with the instructor’s teaching style, whereas the lowest was with the motivation provided by teaching materials. For self-confidence, the highest scores related to the instructor’s guidance, while the lowest concerned the application of SBT to critical skills learning. A strong positive correlation was found between satisfaction and self-confidence (R = 0.847, p < 0.001). The study concludes that SBT significantly enhances student satisfaction and self-confidence, emphasizing the importance of learner-centered methods and interactive learning in medical education. Full article

During routine dissections of cadavers as part of the medical curriculum, we identified a rare unilateral variation in the brachial plexus on the right side of a female body donor. This variation consisted of four unusual changes to the regular pattering of nerve bundles and the dorsal scapular artery permeating the complex neural network. The variation included contributions of root C4 to the plexus by a root C4/C5 anastomosis, a rare fusion of the superior and middle trunks to a ‘superomiddle’ trunk, a preliminary, proximal branching of the suprascapular nerve off the C5 root. We further observed an accessory ‘medial anterior division’ branching off the fused upper and middle trunks merging with the anterior division of the inferior trunk forming the medial cord. The latter event potentially introduced nerve fibers from C5 to C7, which are absent in common patterns. We aim to relate these observations to previous categorizations and quantifications of brachial plexus patterns. We believe that the combination of different variations in this case resulted in a unique pattern. Since this observation was made in the dissection class, we further aim to raise awareness among medical students and anatomical instructors for the likelihood of variations to textbook patterns. This will hopefully foster an appreciation of uniqueness and individuality in the interaction with future patients demonstrating that proper preparation prior to surgical interventions is always a necessary prerequisite. Full article

The effectiveness of modern medical education largely depends on the integration and utilization of digital technologies in teaching various disciplines. In this pilot usability study, we introduced 3D printed anthropomorphic dental models, specifically designed for the elective discipline “Digital and Metal-Free Techniques in Dental Technology” from the curriculum of the Dental Technician specialty in the Medical University of Varna. The evaluation focused on dental technician students’ perception of this novel learning environment, its influence on their performance, and the potential for future application of these models and related 3D technologies in their professional practice. A validated satisfaction questionnaire was distributed among 80 students, comprising the total cohort. The results indicated a high acceptance rate, with nearly 95% of participants finding the use of digitally created 3D-printed dental models beneficial. More than 90% believed that exploring digital technologies would enhance their skills. The well-trained instructor’s competence in technology use convinced students of its value, with more than 98% expressing a willingness to incorporate these technologies into their future work for improved precision in dental models. However, due to the current high cost of needed equipment, only 10% of participants may practicably introduce this novel technology into their practical work. The use of anatomically accurate 3D printed models is a valuable addition to the current dental technician curriculum in medical colleges. Full article

Medical professionals are rarely trained to treat the unique healthcare needs and health disparities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Curriculum in IDD Healthcare (CIDDH) eLearn course aims to redress gaps in the delivery of medical care to people with IDD. An initial comprehensive evaluation of CIDDH in-person training content had previously underscored its knowledge and skill transfer efficacy for Mississippi healthcare providers. Training content has recently become available to medical professionals nationwide through an online self-paced modality to address physicians’ IDD education needs. This study introduces and applies a new evaluation framework called SEAM (Streamlined Evaluation and Analysis Method) that offers a promising avenue for rendering a follow-up appraisal after rigorous evidence of program effectiveness has been previously established. SEAM reduces the data-reporting burden on trainees and maximizes instructor–trainee contact time by relying on an abbreviated post-only questionnaire focused on subjective trainee appraisals. It further reduces methodological and analytical complexity to enhance programmatic self-assessment and facilitate sound data interpretation when an external evaluator is unavailable. Ratings from a small sample of early-cohort trainees provide an important test of effectiveness during CIDDH’s transition to online learning for clinicians nationwide. Using SEAM, CIDDH achieved high ratings from this initial wave of trainees across various evaluative domains. The study concludes by highlighting several promising implications for CIDDH and SEAM. Full article

Gastroenterologists encounter many nutrition-related disorders in their practice, yet the nutritional needs of patients with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) and liver disease are largely unaddressed by treating physicians, due to suboptimal nutrition education. To address this gap, we developed and piloted a culinary medicine course for a GI fellowship training program. The objective of this study is to describe the development, implementation, and acceptability of the course. A registered dietitian, a chef instructor, and a gastroenterology clinical professor trained in culinary medicine developed the four-class tailored curriculum and delivered the classes remotely. Each class had a theme related to commonly encountered GI disorders and included hands-on meal preparation, a nutrition lecture, and a patient case study discussion. Post-course feedback surveys were disseminated. Twenty-three GI physicians enrolled in the course and the attendance rates in classes 1–4 were 83%, 65%, 61%, and 48%, respectively. Among 15 completed feedback surveys, 80% reported that the class contents were either moderately or extremely useful and all endorsed the curriculum for other gastroenterologists. Future studies of culinary medicine programs tailored to medical specialties should identify strategies to maintain engagement and assess the impact on nutrition knowledge, competencies, and translation of these new skills to clinical practice. Full article

Background: The development of clinical reasoning (CR) abilities in Thai medical students during their pre-clinical years lacked well-designed establishment. Methods: This study utilized a pre-test and post-test design without a control group and was conducted at Walailak University, Thailand, in May 2022. We collected participant baseline characteristics and compared scores evaluated by the instructor and participants before and after the intervention. Additionally, we conducted a post-intervention survey on workshop satisfaction, perspectives on CR, and its learning impact. Results: Nineteen third-year medical students were included in the analysis, and twelve (63.2%) were women. The mean age was 20.6 years (standard deviation, SD: 0.5). The total score evaluated by the instructor after the intervention (8.95; SD, 1.81) was significantly higher than that before the intervention (1.68; SD, 0.67), p < 0.001. The total score evaluated by the participants after the intervention (8.22; SD = 1.44) was significantly higher than that before the intervention (2.34; SD, 2.06), p < 0.001. Overall, satisfaction was high. Conclusions: A short interactive workshop effectively taught CR principles and practice to Thai third-year medical students. These findings support the possibility of implementing this in pre-clinical curricula to prepare them for clinical practice. Full article

This paper discusses the challenges associated with a class imbalance in medical data and the limitations of current approaches, such as machine multi-task learning (MMTL), in addressing these challenges. The proposed solution involves a novel hybrid data sampling method that combines SMOTE, a meta-weigher with a meta-based self-training method (MMS), and one-sided selection (OSS) to balance the distribution of classes. The method also utilizes condensed nearest neighbors (CNN) to remove noisy majority examples and redundant examples. The proposed technique is twofold, involving the creation of artificial instances using SMOTE-OSS-CNN to oversample the under-represented class distribution and the use of MMS to train an instructor model that produces in-field knowledge for pseudo-labeled examples. The student model uses these pseudo-labels for supervised learning, and the student model and MMS meta-weigher are jointly trained to give each example subtask-specific weights to balance class labels and mitigate the noise effects caused by self-training. The proposed technique is evaluated on a discharge summary dataset against six state-of-the-art approaches, and the results demonstrate that it outperforms these approaches with complete labeled data and achieves results equivalent to state-of-the-art methods that require all labeled data using aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA). Full article