Education curriculum assessment for teaching electrocardiography: Rationale and design for the prospective, international, randomized controlled EDUCATE trial.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation training is a fundamental component of medical education across disciplines. However, the skill of interpreting ECGs is not universal among medical graduates, and numerous barriers and challenges exist in medical training and clinical practice. An evidence-based and widely accessible learning solution is needed. DESIGN: The EDUcation Curriculum Assessment for Teaching Electrocardiography (EDUCATE) Trial is a prospective, international, investigator-initiated, open-label, randomized controlled trial designed to determine the efficacy of self-directed and active-learning approaches of a web-based educational platform for improving ECG interpretation proficiency. Target enrollment is 1000 medical professionals from a variety of medical disciplines and training levels. Participants will complete a pre-intervention baseline survey and an ECG interpretation proficiency test. After completion, participants will be randomized into one of four groups in a 1:1:1:1 fashion: (i) an online, question-based learning resource, (ii) an online, lecture-based learning resource, (iii) an online, hybrid question- and lecture-based learning resource, or (iv) a control group with no ECG learning resources. The primary endpoint will be the change in overall ECG interpretation performance according to pre- and post-intervention tests, and it will be measured within and compared between medical professional groups. Secondary endpoints will include changes in ECG interpretation time, self-reported confidence, and interpretation accuracy for specific ECG findings. CONCLUSIONS: The EDUCATE Trial is a pioneering initiative aiming to establish a practical, widely available, evidence-based solution to enhance ECG interpretation proficiency among medical professionals. Through its innovative study design, it tackles the currently unaddressed challenges of ECG interpretation education in the modern era. The trial seeks to pinpoint performance gaps across medical professions, compare the effectiveness of different web-based ECG content delivery methods, and create initial evidence for competency-based standards. If successful, the EDUCATE Trial will represent a significant stride towards data-driven solutions for improving ECG interpretation skills in the medical community.

Relative contributions to overall impact of stuttering in adults using the overall assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering (OASES).

PURPOSE: Comprehensive assessment of stuttering requires consideration of a wide range of behaviors that impact outcomes, and the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering (OASES) is an assessment tool that accomplishes such. The purpose of this study was to determine how the individual components of the test contribute to the OASES' impact score. METHOD: Data collected at a university speech-language and hearing clinic from 29 adults were used for a relative weight analysis (RWA). RWA was utilized to determine the relative contributions of the OASES' subtests to the OASES' impact score. Confidence intervals for the individual relative weights were calculated for each OASES subtest and significance tests based on bootstrapping with 10,000 replications. RESULTS: Differences were present in contributions of the OASES' subtests to the OASES' overall impact score, where the following explained a significant amount of variance in the OASES' impact score: Speaker's Reactions; Daily Communication; and Quality of Life. However, contribution of the subtest, "General Information", was not significant. CONCLUSION: Through examination of relative contributions to the impact of stuttering using the OASES, this project has identified differences in contributors to the overall impact of the disorder of stuttering. This information is beneficial to researchers and clinicians alike in that it gives specific guidance into what determines increased impact in adults who stutter (AWS). Future works should pursue clarification of these differences with an end goal of identifying and overcoming barriers to positive outcomes while also identifying and nurturing facilitators to optimal management.

Assessing the Potential Impact of Cigarette Packs Designed for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults: A Randomized Experiment to Inform U.S. Regulation, 2018.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can regulate the introduction of new tobacco products and some changes to existing products. Cigarette packs have been used as a marketing tool to target specific groups and priority populations. Research has shown that sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults are substantially more likely to use tobacco products than their straight and cisgender counterparts. However, research to inform the FDA's regulatory decisions regarding cigarette packs targeting priority populations is nascent. To fill this gap, we conducted an online experiment in 2018, randomizing U.S. adults who reported current smoking (N = 954, 52% were SGM) to view one of three cigarette packs. A graphic designer developed "Glacier" branded packs with three levels of SGM imagery: (1) no targeting, (2) subtle targeting, and (3) a rainbow "pride edition." Participants viewed and rated the pack using cognitive, affective, and behavioral measures informed by theory. We used a linear model framework to compare the two SGM-targeted packs with the not targeted version and tested interactions between pack and SGM identity for the dependent variables. We stratified results by SGM status. SGM status was a significant moderator of the relationship between the pack and ratings of appeal, positive affect, feeling shocked, and intent to try with a coupon. Findings from this study revealed that packs designed for SGM populations can disproportionately change cognitive, affective, and behavioral intention responses for SGM smokers. Products entering the market should be assessed by FDA for the appeal of their packs to vulnerable populations.

The management of Otitis Media with Effusion in children with cleft palate (mOMEnt): a feasibility study and economic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate are among the most common congenital malformations, with an incidence of around 1 in 700. Cleft palate (CP) results in impaired Eustachian tube function, and 90% of children with CP have otitis media with effusion (OME) histories. There are several approaches to management, including watchful waiting, the provision of hearing aids (HAs) and the insertion of ventilation tubes (VTs). However, the evidence underpinning these strategies is unclear and there is a need to determine which treatment is the most appropriate. OBJECTIVES: To identify the optimum study design, increase understanding of the impact of OME, determine the value of future research and develop a core outcome set (COS) for use in future studies. DESIGN: The management of Otitis Media with Effusion in children with cleft palate (mOMEnt) study had four key components: (i) a survey evaluation of current clinical practice in each cleft centre; (ii) economic modelling and value of information (VOI) analysis to determine if the extent of existing decision uncertainty justifies the cost of further research; (iii) qualitative research to capture patient and parent opinion regarding willingness to participate in a trial and important outcomes; and (iv) the development of a COS for use in future effectiveness trials of OME in children with CP. SETTING: The survey was carried out by e-mail with cleft centres. The qualitative research interviews took place in patients' homes. The COS was developed with health professionals and parents using a web-based Delphi exercise and a consensus meeting. PARTICIPANTS: Clinicians working in the UK cleft centres, and parents and patients affected by CP and identified through two cleft clinics in the UK, or through the Cleft Lip and Palate Association. RESULTS: The clinician survey revealed that care was predominantly delivered via a 'hub-and-spoke' model; there was some uncertainty about treatment strategies; it is not current practice to insert VTs at the time of palate repair; centres were in a position to take part in a future study; and the response rate to the survey was not good, representing a potential concern about future co-operation. A COS reflecting the opinions of clinicians and parents was developed, which included nine core outcomes important to both health-care professionals and parents. The qualitative research suggested that a trial would have a 25% recruitment rate, and although hearing was a key outcome, this was likely to be due to its psychosocial consequences. The VOI analysis suggested that the current uncertainty justified the costs of future research. CONCLUSIONS: There exists significant uncertainty regarding the best management strategy for persistent OME in children with clefts, reflecting a lack of high-quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of individual treatments. It is feasible, cost-effective and of significance to clinicians and parents to undertake a trial examining the effectiveness of VTs and HAs for children with CP. However, in view of concerns about recruitment rate and engagement with the clinicians, we recommend that a trial with an internal pilot is considered. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme. This study was part-funded by the Healing Foundation supported by the Vocational Training Charitable Trust who funded trial staff including the study co-ordinator, information systems developer, study statistician, administrator and supervisory staff.

The effects of rate on single-word reading assessment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of introducing rapid stimulus presentation durations while limiting response durations on the decoding profiles of college students with reading disorders. METHOD: Eighteen college-aged individuals with typical reading abilities and 12 college-aged adults who exhibited reading difficulties participated. Participants completed a series of 4 experimental word-naming tasks. Two Word Attack subtests and 2 Word Identification subtests were administered while introducing more rapid stimulus presentation durations along with limited response times. Standard scores and response times were collected. Each individual's results were subjected to a subtyping procedure based on relative decoding strengths and weaknesses. RESULTS: More rapid conditions were associated with higher sight word decoding scores and lower phonological decoding scores. The results indicated that the subtyping patterns differed drastically depending on the presentation conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The authors hypothesize that the experimental conditions potentially yield a more reliable assessment of the 2 independent methods of single-word reading. The ability to subtype or categorize readers on the basis of their relative strengths and weaknesses is highly dependent on the reliability of the measures used to assess those relative strengths and weaknesses.

A model-based cost-effectiveness analysis of a grommets-led care pathway for children with cleft palate affected by otitis media with effusion.

There is a paucity of evidence to guide the management of otitis media with effusion (OME), which is a common problem causing significant hearing impairment in children with cleft palate. The insertion of grommets is currently being used to correct hearing impairment and prevent complications of unmanaged OME, but there is ongoing discussion about whether the benefits of grommets outweigh the costs and risks. A decision-tree model was developed to assess the surgical insertion of grommets with two non-surgical alternatives (hearing-aids and do-nothing strategies) in cleft palate children with persistent bilateral OME. The model assumed a 2-year time horizon and a UK National Health Service perspective. Outcomes were valued using quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) estimated by linking utility values with potential hearing gains measured in decibels. Multiple data sources were used, including reviews of the clinical effectiveness, resource use and utility literature, and supplemented with expert opinion. Uncertainty in the model parameters was assessed using probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Expected value of perfect information analysis was used to calculate the potential value of future research. The results from the probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that the grommets strategy was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £9,065 per QALY gained compared with the do-nothing strategy, and the hearing-aids strategy was extended dominated by the grommets strategy. The population expected value of perfect information was £5,194,030 at a willingness to pay threshold of £20,000 per QALY, implying that future research could be potentially worthwhile. This study found some evidence that the insertion of grommets to manage cleft palate children with bilateral OME is likely to be cost-effective, but further research is required to inform this treatment choice.

Scan-rescan reproducibility of quantitative assessment of inflammatory carotid atherosclerotic plaque using dynamic contrast-enhanced 3T CMR in a multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the inter-scan reproducibility of kinetic parameters in atherosclerotic plaque using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in a multi-center setting at 3T. METHODS: Carotid arteries of 51 subjects from 15 sites were scanned twice within two weeks on 3T scanners using a previously described DCE-CMR protocol. Imaging data with protocol compliance and sufficient image quality were analyzed to generate kinetic parameters of vessel wall, expressed as transfer constant (K trans ) and plasma volume (v p ). The inter-scan reproducibility was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV). Power analysis was carried out to provide sample size estimations for future prospective study. RESULTS: Ten (19.6%) subjects were found to suffer from protocol violation, and another 6 (11.8%) had poor image quality (n=6) in at least one scan. In the 35 (68.6%) subjects with complete data, the ICCs of K trans and v p were 0.65 and 0.28, respectively. The CVs were 25% and 62%, respectively. The ICC and CV for v p improved to 0.73 and 28% in larger lesions with analyzed area larger than 25 mm2. Power analysis based on the measured CV showed that 50 subjects per arm are sufficient to detect a 20% difference in change of K trans over time between treatment arms with 80% power without consideration of the dropout rate. CONCLUSION: The result of this study indicates that quantitative measurement from DCE-CMR is feasible to detect changes with a relatively modest sample size in a prospective multi-center study despite the limitations. The relative high dropout rate suggested the critical needs for intensive operator training, optimized imaging protocol, and strict quality control in future studies.

Early treatment for Class II Division 1 malocclusion with the Twin-block appliance: a multi-center, randomized, controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of early orthodontic treatment with the Twin-block appliance for the treatment of Class II Division 1 malocclusion. This was a multi-center, randomized, controlled trial with subjects from 14 orthodontic clinics in the United Kingdom. METHODS: The study included 174 children aged 8 to 10 years with Class II Division 1 malocclusion; they were randomly allocated to receive treatment with a Twin-block appliance or to an initially untreated control group. The subjects were then followed until all orthodontic treatment was completed. Final skeletal pattern, number of attendances, duration of orthodontic treatment, extraction rate, cost of treatment, and the child's self-concept were considered. RESULTS: At the end of the 10-year study, 141 patients either completed treatment or accepted their occlusion. Data analysis showed that there was no differences between those who received early Twin-block treatment and those who had 1 course of treatment in adolescence with respect to skeletal pattern, extraction rate, and self-esteem. Those who had early treatment had more attendances, received treatment for longer times, and incurred more costs than the adolescent treatment group. They also had significantly poorer final dental occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Twin-block treatment when a child is 8 to 9 years old has no advantages over treatment started at an average age of 12.4 years. However, the cost of early treatment to the patient in terms of attendances and length of appliance wear is increased.

Training and assessment of ECG interpretation skills: results from the 2005 CDIM survey.

BACKGROUND: Despite published consensus-based statements on assessment of ECG interpretation skills, studies and curricula regarding the training needed to obtain basic ECG interpretation skills are lacking. These consensus statements have focused on attaining competency in ECG interpretation during postgraduate training; however, recommendations regarding assessment of competency in the undergraduate curriculum are not discussed. PURPOSE: The purpose is to describe the current methods of teaching and assessing ECG interpretation skills across institutions on the 3rd-year internal medicine (IM) clerkship. METHOD: In 2005, the Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine surveyed its institutional members. Twelve questions on the survey dealt with ECG interpretation. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U were used for analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-eight of 109 members (81%) responded to the survey. Overall, 89% of institutional respondents feel that ECG interpretation is an important clinical skill for medical students with 92% indicating that instruction occurs on the IM clerkship. Lectures (75%) and teaching rounds (44%) were the most cited methods of instruction. Most schools spend 1 to 6 hr during the IM clerkship on formal ECG instruction. Over 63% indicated that ECG interpretation skills are assessed during the clerkship. The most common assessment methods were written exam (40%) and OSCE (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Objective data regarding attainment and assessment of basic ECG interpretation competency in the undergraduate curriculum are lacking; our report provides preliminary descriptive data regarding ECG teaching and assessment on the 3rd-year IM clerkship. Further studies are needed to determine the ideal method of instruction and evaluation of this important clinical skill.

Comparison of the self-administered and interviewer-administered modes of the child-OIDP.

BACKGROUND: The mode of questionnaire administration may affect the estimates and applicability of oral health-related quality of life indicators. The aim of this study was to compare psychometrically the self-administered Child-OIDP index with the original interviewer-administered instrument. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 144 consecutive children aged 9-16 years referred to orthodontic clinics in Bedfordshire. To compare the two administration modes of the Child-OIDP, the sample was randomly split in two groups. The two groups were analysed in terms of baseline characteristics, self-perceived measures (self-rated oral health, self-perceived need for braces, happiness with dental appearance, frequency of thinking about dental appearance), Child-OIDP performance scores and overall score and psychometric properties (criterion validity and internal reliability). RESULTS: No significant difference between the two groups was found in relation to their sociodemographic profile and self-perceived measures. The self- and interviewer-administered Child-OIDP had identical mean scores and did not differ in recording any of the eight performances (p > or = 0.206). For criterion validity, the correlation coefficients of the Child-OIDP with self-perceived measures were not different between the two modes of administration (p > or = 0.118). Furthermore, the Cronbach's alpha values of the two groups were similar (p = 0.466). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the self-administered Child-OIDP performed the same as the original interviewer-administered mode, while at the same time reducing administration burden. This provides support for the use of the self-administered Child-OIDP. Further studies should focus on a more comprehensive psychometric evaluation.

Training and assessment of CXR/basic radiology interpretation skills: results from the 2005 CDIM Survey.

BACKGROUND: Despite published literature demonstrating deficiencies in chest radiograph (CXR)/basic radiology interpretation skills of 4th-year medical students, studies and subsequent curricula regarding the training needed to obtain these skills are lacking. Terms such as clinical exposure and radiology teaching have been used to describe the experience for these basic interpretive skills, but best practice methods of delivery, let alone common methods, have yet to be defined. PURPOSE: The objective is to describe the current methods of teaching and assessing CXR/basic radiology interpretation skills across institutions on the 3rd-year internal medicine (IM) clerkship. METHODS: In 2005, the Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine (CDIM), an international organization representing U.S. and Canadian medical schools, surveyed its institutional members. Twelve questions on the survey dealt with X-ray interpretation. RESULTS: Eighty-eight of 109 members (81%) responded to the survey. Overall, 81% of respondents felt that CXR interpretation is an important clinical skill for medical students. Seventy-six percent indicated that instruction in these skills occurs on the IM clerkship. The most cited methods of instruction were lectures (56%) and teaching rounds (48%). Most schools spent on average of 2 to 4 hr during the IM clerkship on formal radiology instruction. Only 33% indicated that radiology interpretation skills are assessed during the clerkship. The most common assessment methods were written examination (19%) and OSCE (19%). CONCLUSION: Substantive data regarding attainment and assessment of CXR/basic radiology interpretation skills in the undergraduate curriculum are lacking. Our study provides preliminary descriptive data regarding CXR instruction and assessment on the 3rd-year IM clerkship.

The child perception questionnaire is valid for malocclusions in the United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to validate the child perception questionnaire (CPQ(11-14)) with a sample of schoolchildren in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. METHODS: We made a longitudinal survey of children from 1999 to 2002, using the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) at baseline when the children were 11 to 12 years old, the CPQ(11-14), and their uptake of orthodontic treatment 3 years later. RESULTS: CPQ(11-14) scores corresponded to differences in IOTN scores. These were related to the child's emotional and social well-being. Regression analysis showed that CPQ(11-14) scores were higher for girls, for higher grades of the dental health component of the IOTN, and for children who thought that their teeth needed straightening. CONCLUSIONS: CPQ(11-14) has acceptable reliability and validity, and is likely to be a useful measure for orthodontic trials. The impact of malocclusion on a child's quality of life might be substantial.

Index of orthodontic treatment need as a predictor of orthodontic treatment uptake.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) could be weighted by using consumer-based sociodental measures to predict the uptake of orthodontic services. METHODS: The sample consisted of 525 schoolchildren, 11 to 12 years old, from Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. Child-perceived IOTN aesthetic component (AC), examiner IOTN AC and dental health component, and child socioeconomic status (Townsend score) were recorded. Two consumer sociodental measures (utility and oral aesthetic subjective impact scale values) were recorded. Three years later, the proportion of the subjects who had received orthodontic treatment or were on a waiting list for orthodontic treatment was recorded, and the rate of service uptake was determined. RESULTS: Sociodental indicators did not predict uptake of orthodontic services. A child with higher normative clinical treatment need was 3 times more likely to receive orthodontic treatment than a child with low clinical need (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Consumer-based sociodental information does not predict future use of orthodontic services. Factors such as clinical IOTN and child-perceived IOTN AC will adequately predict use of orthodontic services.

Association between progression of aortic valve calcification and coronary calcification: assessment by electron beam tomography.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: It has been demonstrated that aortic valve calcification (AVC) shares many similarities with coronary atherosclerosis, including risk factors and pathologic characteristics. We sought to examine the relationship of AVC to coronary artery calcification (CC), to assess whether similar risk factors affect the process in a similar way. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 620 asymptomatic persons (513 men and 107 women, mean age 59 years range [30-82]) who underwent two consecutive electron beam tomography (EBT) scans at least 1 year apart (mean 3.3 years). Calcification scores were obtained by summation of Agatston and volumetric scores. Stabilization of calcium was defined as no increase in score per year or positive percent change in score 1%/year. Of 106 with AVC, 105 (99%) had CC. Sixty-five patients had an AVC >10 on initial scan, and 50 (77%) demonstrated progression on the follow-up scan. Of 394 participants with CC >10 on initial scan, follow-up scans showed CC stabilization in 64 (16.2%) and CC progression in 330 (83.8%). Patients with AVC were significantly older than those with only CC (64.5 versus 56.5 years, P < .0001). The average age of the patient with AVC was 7 years older than the average age with CC. AVC (by volumetric score) progressed more rapidly in patients with diabetes (P = .036) and smoking (P = .042) than those without. RESULTS: We found no difference in the degree of change in the CC scores (by Agatston or volumetric methods) over time between men and women, or in any baseline cardiac risk factor (P > .05 for all measures). In 65 patients with both AVC and CC >10, there was a significant association between progression of AVC and CC (P = .047); the absolute rate of change of AVC was 24.5 +/- 43.2 %/year, and CC was 28.0 +/- 49.1 %/year. CONCLUSION: Virtually all patients with AVC had CC, potentially explaining the coronary risk associated with AVC. There is substantially parallel development between rates of progression of EBT-assessed AVC and CC.

Fighting AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: is a public- private partnership a viable paradigm?

UNLABELLED: In their most recent study, the United Nations AIDS Program estimates that about 22 million people around the world have died from AIDS, and about 40 million more are currently infected with the HIV virus. About 83% of AIDS deaths and 71% of HIV infections have occurred in war-ravaged, poverty-stricken Sub-Saharan Africa. This pandemic is ripping apart the social and economic fabric of this part of the world. The only remedy for this crisis is both prevention and cure. Only through massive education can early and sustained prevention efforts prevent future infections. And only by giving those infected with HIV effective treatments will people be prevented from dying of AIDS in the future. Without a bold, concerted action, not only will millions die in Africa, but the entire world will suffer. To allow sub-Saharan Africa to become socially and economically devastated will have a major impact on the economies of every country of the world. The African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnership (ACHAP) is one answer to the problem. ACHAP, is a joint initiative between the government of Botswana, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Merck Company Foundation. This public-private partnership has provided a new sense of optimism for fighting this devastating pandemic. ACHAP offers all interested parties a multifaceted paradigm that addresses not only the need for ARV medications, but also the other social and medical facets of the HIV/AIDS problem facing sub-Saharan Africa. If a coordinated effort can be launched in the other sub-Saharan African nations, using ACHAP as a paradigm, then there is the possibility that the fight against AIDS could be won. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical ethics is of necessity a two-way street, one in which ethical paradigms influence practitioners and researchers whose expertise, in turn, necessarily educates the non-clinical ethicist.