Optimising the diagnostic accuracy of First post-contrAst SubtracTed breast MRI (FAST MRI) through interpretation-training: a multicentre e-learning study, mapping the learning curve of NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) mammogram readers using an enriched dataset.

BACKGROUND: Abbreviated breast MRI (FAST MRI) is being introduced into clinical practice to screen women with mammographically dense breasts or with a personal history of breast cancer. This study aimed to optimise diagnostic accuracy through the adaptation of interpretation-training. METHODS: A FAST MRI interpretation-training programme (short presentations and guided hands-on workstation teaching) was adapted to provide additional training during the assessment task (interpretation of an enriched dataset of 125 FAST MRI scans) by giving readers feedback about the true outcome of each scan immediately after each scan was interpreted (formative assessment). Reader interaction with the FAST MRI scans used developed software (RiViewer) that recorded reader opinions and reading times for each scan. The training programme was additionally adapted for remote e-learning delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded interpretation of an enriched dataset by multiple readers. RESULTS: 43 mammogram readers completed the training, 22 who interpreted breast MRI in their clinical role (Group 1) and 21 who did not (Group 2). Overall sensitivity was 83% (95%CI 81-84%; 1994/2408), specificity 94% (95%CI 93-94%; 7806/8338), readers' agreement with the true outcome kappa = 0.75 (95%CI 0.74-0.77) and diagnostic odds ratio = 70.67 (95%CI 61.59-81.09). Group 1 readers showed similar sensitivity (84%) to Group 2 (82% p = 0.14), but slightly higher specificity (94% v. 93%, p = 0.001). Concordance with the ground truth increased significantly with the number of FAST MRI scans read through the formative assessment task (p = 0.002) but by differing amounts depending on whether or not a reader had previously attended FAST MRI training (interaction p = 0.02). Concordance with the ground truth was significantly associated with reading batch size (p = 0.02), tending to worsen when more than 50 scans were read per batch. Group 1 took a median of 56 seconds (range 8-47,466) to interpret each FAST MRI scan compared with 78 (14-22,830, p < 0.0001) for Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of immediate feedback to mammogram readers during the assessment test set reading task increased specificity for FAST MRI interpretation and achieved high diagnostic accuracy. Optimal reading-batch size for FAST MRI was 50 reads per batch. Trial registration (25/09/2019): ISRCTN16624917.

Successful implementation of online educational lectures of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO).

PURPOSE: Modern digital teaching formats have become increasingly important in recent years, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2021, an online-based webinar series was established by the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) and the young DEGRO (yDEGRO) working group. In the monthly 120-minute courses, selected lecturers teach curricular content as preparation for the board certification exam for radiation oncology. METHODS: The evaluation of the 24 courses between 01.2021 and 12.2022 was performed using a standardized questionnaire with 21 items (recording epidemiological characteristics of the participants, didactic quality, content quality). A Likert scale (1-4) was used in combination with binary and open-ended questions. RESULTS: A combined total of 4200 individuals (1952 in 2021 and 2248 in 2022) registered for the courses, and out of those, 934 participants (455 in 2021 and 479 in 2022) later provided evaluations for the respective courses (36% residents, 35% specialists, 21% medical technicians for radiology [MTR], 8% medical physics experts [MPE]). After 2 years, 74% of the DEGRO Academy curriculum topics were covered by the monthly webinars. The overall rating by participants was positive (mean 2021: 1.33 and 2022: 1.25) and exceeded the curriculum offered at each site for 70% of participants. Case-based learning was identified as a particularly well-rated method. CONCLUSION: The DEGRO webinar expands the digital teaching opportunities in radiation oncology. The consistently high number of participants confirms the need for high-quality teaching and underlines the advantages of e­learning methods. Optimization opportunities were identified through reevaluation of feedback from course participants. In its design as a teaching format for a multiprofessional audience, the webinar series could be used as a practice model of online teaching for other disciplines.

E-learning in transfusion medicine: An exploratory qualitative assessment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: E-learning programmes are increasingly offered in transfusion medicine (TM) education. The aim of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers to TM e-learning programmes, including assessment of learning outcomes and measures of effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants selected from a prior survey and representing a diverse number of international e-learning programmes were invited to participate. A mixed methodology was employed, combining a survey and individual semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Interview data were analysed inductively to explore programme development, evaluation, and facilitators and barriers to implementation. RESULTS: Fourteen participants representing 13 institutions participated in the survey and 10 were interviewed. The e-learning programmes have been in use for a variable duration between 5 and 16 years. Funding sources varied, including government and institutional support. Learner assessment methods varied and encompassed multiple-choice-questions (n = 12), direct observation (n = 4) and competency assessment (n = 4). Most regional and national blood collection agencies rely on user feedback and short-term learning assessments to evaluate their programmes. Only one respondent indicated an attempt to correlate e-learning with clinical practices. Factors that facilitated programme implementation included support from management and external audits to ensure compliance with regulatory educational and training requirements. Barriers to programme implementation included the allocation of staff time for in-house development, enforcing compliance, keeping educational content up-to-date and gaining access to outcome data for educational providers. CONCLUSION: There is evidence of considerable diversity in the evaluation of e-learning programmes. Further work is needed to understand the ultimate impact of TM e-learning on transfusion practices and patient outcomes.

The efficacy of the TEACH e-Learning course at improving early childhood educators' physical activity and sedentary behaviour self-efficacy, knowledge, intentions, and perceived behavioural control: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood educators play a critical role in promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time in childcare centres. However, early childhood educators receive limited specialised pre- and in-service learning opportunities relating to these behaviours and may lack the capacity to effectively engage children in healthy movement behaviours. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an e-Learning course on increasing early childhood educators' physical activity and sedentary behaviour-related capacities. METHODS: A two-group parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted with early childhood educators in Canada (Mage = 41.78, 97% female). Participants randomized to the intervention group were asked to complete a physical activity and sedentary behaviour e-Learning course within a 4-week period. Participants randomized to the waitlist control condition were assigned to a waitlist to receive the intervention after the testing period. Participants reported on their self-efficacy, knowledge, intentions, and perceived behavioural control relating to physical activity and sedentary behaviours at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months follow-up. Linear mixed effects models were estimated to determine difference in changes in outcomes from baseline to post-intervention, and follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 209 early childhood educators participated in the study (intervention n = 98; control n = 111). The TEACH e-Learning course was found to be efficacious at improving all of the examined outcomes, with standardized effect sizes ranging from d = 0.58 to d = 0.65 for self-efficacy outcomes, d = 0.66 to d = 1.20 for knowledge outcomes, d = 0.50 to d = 0.65 for intention outcomes, and d = 0.33 to d = 0.69 for perceived behavioural control outcomes post-intervention. The intervention effects were sustained at follow-up for all outcomes apart from perceived behavioural control to limit screen time. Additionally, the magnitude of the effect for knowledge outcomes decreased at follow-up, with standardized effect sizes ranging from d = 0.49 to d = 0.67. CONCLUSIONS: The e-Learning course was highly successful at improving early childhood educators' capacity pertaining to physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Providing training content through e-Learning may be an efficacious approach to providing continual professional learning opportunities relating to physical activity and sedentary time to early childhood educators on a large scale.

Digital Marine: An online platform for blended learning in a marine experimental biology module, the Schmid Training Course.

For over 20 years, the Schmid Training Course (STC) has offered unique opportunities for marine biology students from European universities to learn about marine model organisms. While the topics of the course have continuously changed over the years with the advent of new research techniques and discoveries, the pedagogical approach has remained largely the same - a combination of lectures, lab practicals, and field excursions. Several life science researchers, who have taught in the STC for many years, sought to bring the course's pedagogical approach into the 21st century, and with the support of Erasmus+ Programme of the European Community funding, the Digital Marine project was developed. Digital Marine began in 2018 as an international partnership between the six research centers from which the STC instructors hail, and its main objective was to introduce a flipped, blended approach to learning and teaching with respect to established and emerging marine biological model systems. The Digital Marine platform, which covers 12 marine model organisms, is now publicly available.

Randomized Controlled Trial of the Behavioral Intervention for Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis Project: Response Heterogeneity and Predictors of Change.

BACKGROUND: We reported that a social cognitive theory-based (SCT), Internet-delivered behavioral intervention increased device-measured minutes/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over a 6-month period among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). This paper examined the pattern and predictors of heterogeneity in change for MVPA. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that mild MS disability, fewer MS symptoms, lower baseline MVPA, and positive SCT characteristics (e.g., high exercise self-efficacy) would be associated with greater change in MVPA. METHOD: Persons with MS (N = 318) were randomized into behavioral intervention (n = 159) or attention/social contact control (n = 159) conditions that were administered via Internet websites and supported with behavioral coaching. Demographic, clinical, symptom, behavioral, and SCT data were from before the 6-month period of delivering the conditions, and MVPA data were from before and after the 6-month period. We examined heterogeneity based on waterfall plots, box plots, and the Levene statistic. We identified predictors of MVPA change using bivariate correlation and multiple, linear regression analyses per condition. RESULTS: The Levene statistic indicated statistically significant heterogeneity of variances for MVPA change between conditions (p = .003), and the waterfall plots and box plots indicated greater heterogeneity in MVPA change for the behavioral intervention. MVPA change score was correlated with baseline MVPA (r = - .33 and r = - .34, p = .0004 and p = .0001) in both conditions and walking impairment (r = - .188, p = .047) and race (r = .233, p = .014) in the behavioral intervention condition. The regression analysis indicated that baseline MVPA (Standardized B = - .449, p = .000002), self-reported walking impairment (Standardized B = - .310, p = .0008), and race (Standardized B = .215, p = .012) explained 25.6% of variance in MVPA change for the behavioral intervention condition. CONCLUSION: We provide evidence for walking impairment, baseline MVPA, and race as predictors of the heterogeneity in the pattern of MVPA change with a behavioral intervention.

Learning Outcomes of e-Learning in Psychotherapy Training and Comparison With Conventional Training Methods: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders pose a major public health problem in most western countries. The demand for services for common mental health disorders has been on the rise despite the widespread accessibility of medication. Especially, the supply and demand for evidence-based psychotherapy do not align. Large-scale increase of modern psychotherapy is difficult with current methods of training which are often expensive, time consuming, and dependent on a small number of top-level professionals as trainers. E-learning has been proposed to enhance psychotherapy training accessibility, quality, and scalability. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence regarding e-learning in psychotherapy training. In particular, the review examines the usability, acceptability, and learning outcomes associated with e-learning. Learning outcomes are assessed in different modalities including trainee experiences, knowledge acquisition, skill acquisition, and application of trained content in daily practice. Furthermore, the equivalence of web-based training and conventional training methods is evaluated. METHODS: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a search from Ovid, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases between 2008 and June 2022 was conducted. Inclusion criteria required studies to describe e-learning systems for psychotherapy training and assess acceptability, feasibility, or learning outcomes. The risk of bias was evaluated for both randomized and nonrandomized studies. Learning outcomes were categorized using the Kirkpatrick model. Effect sizes comparing e-learning and traditional methods were calculated. RESULTS: The search yielded 3380 publications, of which 34 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Positive learning outcomes are generally associated with various e-learning programs in psychotherapy training including trainee satisfaction, knowledge, and skill acquisition, and in application of trained content in clinical practice. Learning outcomes generally show equivalence between e-learning and conventional training methods. The overall effect size, indicating this disparity, was 0.01, suggesting no significant difference. This literature displays a high level of heterogeneity in e-learning solutions and assessment methods. CONCLUSIONS: e-Learning seems to have good potential to enhance psychotherapy training by increasing access, scalability, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality in terms of learning outcomes. Results are congruent with findings related to e-learning in health education in general where e-learning as a pedagogy is linked to an opportunity to carry out learner-centric practices. Recommendations for conducting psychotherapy training programs in blended settings supported by activating learning methods are presented. However, due to the heterogeneity and limitations in the existing literature, further research is necessary to replicate these findings and to establish global standards for e-learning, as well as for the assessment of training outcomes in psychotherapy education. Research is especially needed on the effects of training on patient outcomes and optimal ways to combine e-learning and conventional training methods in blended learning settings.

Evaluation of an online SBIRT training program.

Background: While human ecosystem disruptions have happened in the past, the COVID-19 pandemic is the first situation to warrant such a large, world-wide transition to online education. The pandemic has increased the need for intervention with people in varying stages of substance use disorders.Objectives: In response to the need for more evidence-based, online educational and training options to address this need, this study used pre-posttest evaluations to determine the efficacy of an online training for a specific evidence-based intervention, Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Services (SBIRT).Methods: Social Work students from two universities completed a 4-hour, online training in SBIRT which included a pre/posttest, demographic variables, a satisfaction scale, and a measure of self-efficacy. Mixed Effects Linear regression was used to model the repeated measures of SBIRT knowledge and efficacy, while a linear regression model was used to measure the relationship between satisfaction and participant characteristics.Results: Participants were mostly female (85.9%), mostly White/Caucasian (72.9%), and most already had a bachelor's degree (50%) or higher (9.6%). Individuals who were White, non-Hispanic/Latinx, or had master's level or doctoral level mental health training were more likely to have higher SBIRT scores. Those with the highest levels of self-efficacy had the lowest change scores on the knowledge test. Overall, there was an almost threefold increase in SBIRT knowledge posttraining, indicating the viability of this training format, which is similar to findings from studies of in-person trainings of SBIRT which also found increases in SBIRT knowledge.Conclusion: Recommendations based on the results are provided to encourage improved student outcomes from this type of e-learning.

Early Bird or Night Owl: Insights into Dutch Students' Study Patterns using the Medical Faculty's E-learning Registrations.

Phenomenon: Educational activities for students are typically arranged without consideration of their preferences or peak performance hours. Students might prefer to study at different times based on their chronotype, aiming to optimize their performance. While face-to-face activities during the academic schedule do not offer flexibility and cannot reflect students' natural learning rhythm, asynchronous e-learning facilitates studying at one's preferred time. Given their ubiquitous accessibility, students can use e-learning resources according to their individual needs and preferences. E-learning usage data hence serves as a valuable proxy for certain study behaviors, presenting research opportunities to explore students' study patterns. This retrospective study aims to investigate when and for how long undergraduate students used medical e-learning modules. Approach: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of e-learning usage at one medical faculty in the Netherlands. We used data from 562 undergraduate multimedia e-learning modules for pre-clinical students, covering various medical topics over a span of two academic years (2018/19 and 2019/20). We employed educational data mining approaches to process the data and subsequently identified patterns in access times and durations. Findings: We obtained data from 70,805 e-learning sessions with 116,569 module visits and 1,495,342 page views. On average, students used e-learning for 16.8 min daily and stopped using a module after 10.2 min, but access patterns varied widely. E-learning was used seven days a week with an hourly access pattern during business hours on weekdays. Across all other times, there was a smooth increase or decrease in e-learning usage. During the week, more students started e-learning sessions in the morning (34.5% vs. 19.1%) while fewer students started in the afternoon (42.6% vs. 50.8%) and the evening (19.4% vs. 27.0%). We identified 'early bird' and 'night owl' user groups that show distinct study patterns. Insights: This retrospective educational data mining study reveals new insights into the study patterns of a complete student cohort during and outside lecture hours. These findings underline the value of 24/7 accessible study material. In addition, our findings may serve as a guide for researchers and educationalists seeking to develop more individualized educational programs.

Improving Academic Writing in a Low-Resource Country: A Systematic Examination of Online Peer-Run Training.

Problem: Syrian medical research synthesis lags behind that of neighboring countries. The Syrian war has exacerbated the situation, creating obstacles such as destroyed infrastructure, inflated clinical workload, and deteriorated medical training. Poor scientific writing skills have ranked first among perceived obstacles that could be modified to improve Syrian research conduct at every academic level. However, limited access to personal and physical resources in conflict areas consistently hampers the implementation of standard professional-led interventions. Intervention: We designed a peer-run online academic writing and publishing workshop as a feasible, affordable, and sustainable training method to use in low-resource settings. This workshop covered the structure of scientific articles, academic writing basics, plagiarism, and the publication process. It was also supplemented by six practical assignments to exercise the learned skills. Context: The workshop targeted healthcare professionals and medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy trainees (undergraduate and postgraduate) at all Syrian universities. We employed a systematic design to evaluate the workshop's short- and long-term impact when using different instructional delivery methods and assignment formats. Participants were assigned in a stratified manner to four groups; two groups attended the workshop synchronously, and the other two groups attended asynchronously. One arm in each group underwent a supervised peer-review evaluation for the practical writing exercises (active), while the other arm in each group self-reviewed their work on the same exercises using exemplary solutions (passive). We assessed knowledge (30 questions), confidence in the learned skills (11 questions), and the need for further guidance in academic writing (1 question) before the workshop and one month and one year after it. Impact: One-hundred-twenty-one participants completed the workshop, showing improved knowledge, confidence, and need for guidance. At one-year follow-up, participants showed stability in these gains. Outcomes for the synchronous and asynchronous groups were similar. Completing practical assignments was associated with greater knowledge and confidence only in the active arms. Participants in the active arms engaging in the peer-review process showed greater knowledge increase and reported less need for guidance compared to those who did not engage in the peer-review. Lessons learned: Peer-run interventions can provide an effective, affordable alternative to improving scientific writing skills in settings with limited resources and expertise. Online academic writing training can show improvements regardless of method of attendance (i.e., synchronous versus asynchronous). Participation in supplementary practical exercises, especially when associated with peer-review, may improve knowledge and confidence.

Nursing Students' Perceptions on a Pain Management E- Learning Module: An Exploratory Quantitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Nursing students are graduating ill-prepared to assess and manage pain in older adults. To address this gap, we developed an e-learning module on the topic. AIM: To examine nursing students' perceptions on a pain management e-learning module focused on older adults. METHODS: Utilizing an exploratory quantitative design, we assessed nursing students' perceptions of the e-learning module. We used a feedback survey (four 5-point, Likert-type items) and one open-ended question to assess students' perceptions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize students' perceptions and demographic characteristics. Responses to the open-ended question were content analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 181 of 249 students completed the module, of whom two-thirds were female. Students perceived that the module enhanced their knowledge, confidence, and perception in working with older people. Students also found the method of instruction interactive and enjoyable. CONCLUSIONS: The e-learning module on pain management was viewed by nursing students to be helpful and its interactive method of learning improved their knowledge, confidence, and perceptions of working with older adults in pain.

Digital teaching: Developing a structured digital teaching competency framework for medical teachers.

AIM: To explore the core competencies needed on part of the medical and dental teachers to carry out effective digital teaching for their students. METHODS: It was a qualitative study which employed phenomenological approach. The data were collected from 12 teachers who were purposively selected for semi-structured interviews. They were all expert digital teachers. The data were transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed thematically. Textural and structural description of the themes helped to develop a new competency framework. RESULTS: The data yielded 47 selective codes with 15 sub-themes and five themes. The emergent themes included general digital competencies, specific digital teaching competencies, mastery of the subject matter, mastery of pedagogical strategies and proficiency in using innovative digital technologies for teaching. The themes 1, 2 and 5 relate to digital competencies only whereas the themes 3 and 4 are generic competencies which apply to both digital and non-digital teaching. These generic competencies form the basis of all kinds of teaching, hence equally important for digital teaching. CONCLUSION: Medical teachers should possess diverse digital competencies. The competency framework that emerged in the current research encompasses the essential attributes that should be included in any future training program aiming at the digital capacity building of the teachers. This will keep them primed for effective digital teaching. Given its crucial importance, the digital teaching competency should be considered as a cross-cutting competency that applies to almost all of the famous eight roles of medical teacher.

Mass online training of health care workers during COVID-19: approach, impact, and outcomes for over 10,000 health care providers.

OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 revealed major shortfalls in healthcare workers (HCWs) trained in acute and critical care worldwide, especially in low-resource settings. We aimed to assess mass online courses' efficacy in preparing HCWs to manage COVID-19 patients and to determine whether rapidly deployed e-learning can enhance their knowledge and confidence during a pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: This international retrospective cohort study, led by a large Academic Medical Centre (AMC), was conducted via YouTube and the AMC's online learning platform. From 2020 to 2021, multidisciplinary experts developed and deployed six online training courses based on the latest evidence-based management guidelines. Participants were selected through a voluntary sample following an electronic campaign. Training outcomes were assessed using pre-and post-test questionnaires, evaluation forms, and post-training assessment surveys. Kirkpatrick's Model guided training evaluation to measure self-reported knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence improvement. We also captured the number and type of COVID-19 patients managed by HCWs after the trainings. RESULTS: Every 22.8 reach/impression and every 1.2 engagements led to a course registration. The 10,425 registrants (56.8% female, 43.1% male) represented 584 medical facilities across 154 cities. The largest segments of participants were students/interns (20.6%) and medical officers (13.4%). Of the 2169 registered participants in courses with tests, 66.9% completed post-tests. Test scores from all courses increased from the initial baseline to subsequent improvement post-course. Participants completing post-training assessment surveys reported that the online courses improved their knowledge and clinical skills (83.5%) and confidence (89.4%). Respondents managed over 19,720 COVID-19 patients after attending the courses, with 47.7% patients being moderately/severely ill. CONCLUSIONS: Participants' confidence in handling COVID-19 patients is increased by rapidly deploying mass training to a substantial target population through digital tools. The findings present a virtual education and assessment model that can be leveraged for future global public health issues, and estimates for future electronic campaigns to target.

Perceptions of online surgical-focused learning amongst surgeons during the COVID pandemic: A scoping review 2020-22.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID pandemic many centres adopted e-learning as a tool to adhere to social distancing recommendations while continuing to provide ongoing postgraduate medical education. We aimed to complete this scoping review in order to map experience and perceptions amongst surgeons and surgical trainees to remote learning during the COVID pandemic. METHODS: Using Arksey and O'Malley's five step model for conducting a scoping review, a systematic search strategy was undertaken across three online databases SCOPUS, MEDLINE and Web of Science. Only original articles in English in the field of postgraduate education in surgery were included. RESULTS: 44 studies were selected for review. Of these 44, 21 were studies of perception of a newly developed e-learning tool/platform. 17 were surveys of surgeon's attitudes towards e-learning during the COVID pandemic. The remaining 6 studies were studies of knowledge or skills acquired through new e-learning, which included a survey of experience. The United States was the most common country of origin with General Surgery the most represented surgical speciality. Response rates across all three study subgroups were on average >60%. Surgeon's experience of e-learning was reported in only positive terms in 86% (n = 38/44) of studies. CONCLUSIONS: This paper is informative in that it focuses specifically on surgeons' perceptions of a e-learning tools used in addition to skills or knowledge gained. Positive e-learning experience reported in these studies may lead to more blended learning curriculums being developed, deployed and evaluated going forward.

"So we brought these players together": a qualitative study of educators' experiences to analyze the challenges of creating an e-learning program for neuropalliative care.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the subspecialty of neuropalliative care has emerged with the goal of improving the quality of life of patients suffering from neurological disease, though gaps remain in neuropalliative care education and training. E-learning has been described as a way to deliver interactive and facilitated lower-cost learning to address global gaps in medical care. We describe here the development of a novel, international, hybrid, and asynchronous curriculum with both self-paced modules and class-based lectures on neuropalliative care topics designed for the neurologist interested in palliative care, the palliative care physician interested in caring for neurological patients, and any other physician or advanced care providers interested in neuropalliative care. METHODS: The course consisted of 12 modules, one per every four weeks, beginning July 2022. Each module is based on a case and relevant topics. Course content was divided into three streams (Neurology Basics, Palliative Care Basics, and Neuropalliative Care Essentials) of which two were optional and one was mandatory, and consisted of classroom sessions, webinars, and an in-person skills session. Evaluation of learners consisted of multiple choice questions and written assignments for each module. Evaluation of the course was based on semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted with both educator and learner, the latter of which will be published separately. Audio files were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis. For the discussion of the results, Khan's e-learning framework was used. RESULTS: Ten of the 12 participating educators were interviewed. Of the educators, three identified as mid-career and seven as senior faculty, ranging from six to 33 years of experience. Nine of ten reported an academic affiliation and all reported association with a teaching hospital. Themes identified from the educators' evaluations were: bridging the global gap, getting everybody on board, defining the educational scope, investing extensive hours of voluntary time and resources, benefiting within and beyond the curriculum, understanding the learner's experience, creating a community of shared learning, adapting future teaching and learning strategies, and envisioning long term sustainability. CONCLUSIONS: The first year of a novel, international, hybrid, and asynchronous neuropalliative care curriculum has been completed, and its educators have described both successes and avenues for improvement. Further research is planned to assess this curriculum from the learner perspective.

Knowledge, usability and challenges of e-learning platforms for continuing Professional Development of healthcare professionals at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals constitute a critical component of clinical care services. To provide the expected service, they must continuously develop their profession through continuous learning. This kind of learning is recognized as continuing professional development (CPD). Traditionally, CPD is offered onsite. Onsite training is associated with some barriers that prevent healthcare professionals from attending such educational activities, including financial difficulties and long distance. This is why online learning is proposed to overcome these barriers. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose was to evaluate usability, knowledge and challenges of e-learning platforms for CPD of healthcare professionals at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK). METHODS: The cross-sectional quantitative study approach was utilized; the data was collected at the workplace of nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals by using a pre-designed questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and presented as frequencies. RESULTS: A significant majority was aware of CPD e-learning platforms. For example, 95.7% of the participants were familiar with these platforms, indicating that they had some degree of knowledge about their existence and purpose. Regarding the mode of accessing CPD courses, 82.1% of participants preferred online platforms, demonstrating a strong will to use e-learning platforms. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted a high level of awareness and utilization of CPD e-learning platforms among healthcare professionals at CHUK, additionally, participants expressed confidence in using the platforms but emphasized the need for further support and training.

The development of a serious game for laser applications in dentistry and the evaluation of dental students' satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to design and implement a gamified application about the theoretical aspects of laser applications in dentistry and investigate students' satisfaction with their learning experience. METHODS: An engaging educational program named Essential Skills and Knowledge in Learning Laser (ESKILLD) was developed to teach laser applications in dentistry. The program comprises two primary components: a "Tutorial and Quiz" section and a "Games" section. Final-year dental students were tasked with installing and using this application. A 29-item validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97, ICC = 0.94) was used to evaluate students' perceptions of the applications' design and functionality. The influence of participants' gender and Grade Point Average (GPA) on their satisfaction levels was examined via the student t-test and Pearson's correlation, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The study had 56 participants, of which 37 were female (66.07%), and 19 were male (33.92%). The students' average GPA was 15.16 out of 20. The mean rating for ESKILLD's design and functionality was 1.39 ± 0.47 and 1.37 ± 0.46, respectively, signifying a high satisfaction level. Female students rated the application's coherence and learning perception significantly higher than their male counterparts (p < 0.05). However, gender did not significantly influence scores on other perception aspects or overall scores. Students' GPAs and their perception scores did not have a significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the participants were generally satisfied with the game's features and attitudes towards it, which underscores the potential effectiveness of gamification in dental courses focused on laser applications.

The attitudes of Syrian Private University Medical Students towards E-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the education sector, leading to the closure of colleges and schools and disrupting the learning process for an uncertain duration. In response, electronic learning has emerged as a suitable method for continuing the educational process during the lockdown. This study aimed to assess the attitudes, practices, and barriers to e-learning among medical students at Syrian Private University. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine of the Syrian Private University (SPU) in Damascus, Syria. The study used a convenience sampling approach and was carried out from June 2021 to January 2022. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire structured into two sections. The first section included 12 sociodemographic questions. The second section assessed students' attitudes, practices, and barriers related to e-learning, and consisted of 14 questions on attitudes, 11 questions on practices, and 9 questions on barriers. RESULTS: Of the 519 participating students, over half (55.1%) exhibited a negative attitude towards e-learning. However, more than 60% reported engaging in e-learning activities such as downloading educational content and participating in virtual study groups. The main barriers identified were unstable internet connections (92.7%) and challenges in communication with educators (82.7%). Bionomical logistic regression revealed that negative attitudes were predicted by housing status, academic year, health status, lack of engagement with colleagues in e-learning practices, and the reported barriers of difficulty adjusting learning style, lack of technical skills, poor communication with educators, limited access to devices, and limited space conducive for studying (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: While medical students at SPU were actively engaged in e-learning, over half held negative attitudes. These negative attitudes were associated with the various barriers that students reported. The findings can inform stakeholders in our institution and other Syrian universities about the challenges of implementing e-learning in medical colleges.

Factors affecting Saudi medical students' engagement during synchronous and asynchronous eLearning and their impacts on the students' academic achievement: a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, electronic learning (eLearning) has become a necessity in education. eLearning can be either synchronous, where classes are conducted in real-time, or asynchronous, where students can access the class material at any time. Student-instructor interaction has become essential to the educational process. In the literature, most studies have focused on the preferred methods of eLearning and the barriers to interaction in eLearning. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the factors that affect students' interactions during eLearning and their impacts on students' academic achievements. METHODS: A national cross-sectional study was conducted among clinical and pre-clinical medical students who were attending universities in five regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a bespoke online self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic features, eLearning barriers, preferences, and the impact of eLearning on students' performance and understanding. RESULTS: This study involved 1371 medical students, of whom 52.37% were male and 51.13% were in their pre-clinical years of medical college. Of the participants, 59.88% (n = 821) preferred synchronous modalities of eLearning, and 33.33% (n = 457) avoided interaction during synchronous lectures. The main predictors of avoiding interaction during online lectures were being male in the clinical years of medical studies, being in a quiet atmosphere, having difficulties using the eLearning platform, having a poor internet connection, having a visual learning style, being insecure, and the presence of opposite-sex students and facilitators. In addition, 12.25% students (n = 168) reported a lower grade point average (GPA), whereas 11.96% (n = 164) reported an improved GPA after eLearning compared with in-person/onsite learning sessions. The GPA fluctuation was related to gender, personality type, learning style, interaction, and eLearning modality preference. Moreover, the students' understanding was enhanced by recorded lectures (n = 1,093, 79.72%) and supportive multimedia (n = 1,037, 75.64%), and the easy to use platform (n = 1037, 75.64%). CONCLUSION: The synchronous modality of eLearning was the preferred teaching method among the medical students. However, multiple individual, technical, and environmental factors affected their interaction, performance, and understanding during these sessions. Hence, future interventional research is recommended to overcome interaction barriers and enhance student performance and understanding of eLearning.

E-learning-an interventional element of the PRiVENT project to improve weaning expertise.

BACKGROUND: PRiVENT (PRevention of invasive VENTilation) is an evaluation of a bundle of interventions aimed at the prevention of long-term invasive mechanical ventilation. One of these elements is an e-learning course for healthcare professionals to improve weaning expertise. The aim of our analysis is to examine the implementation of the course in cooperating intensive care units. METHODS: The course has been developed through a peer review process by pulmonary and critical care physicians in collaboration with respiratory therapists, supported by health services researchers and a professional e-learning agency. The e-learning platform "weLearn" was made available online to participating healthcare professionals. Feedback on the e-learning programme was obtained and discussed in quality circles (QCs). We measured the acceptance and use of the programme through access statistics. RESULTS: The e-learning course "Joint Prevention of Long-Term Ventilation" consists of 7 separate modules with practice-oriented training units as well as a cross-module area and corresponding interactive case studies. Users can receive 23 CME (continuing medical education) credits. The platform was released on July 1, 2021. By June 28, 2023, 214 users from 33 clinics had registered. Most users (77-98%) completed the modules, thus performing well in the test, where 90-100% passed. In the QCs, the users commended the structure and practical relevance of the programme, as well as the opportunity to earn CME credits. CONCLUSION: Especially for medical staff in intensive care units, where continuous training is often a challenge during shift work, e-learning is a useful supplement to existing medical training. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The PRiVENT study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05260853) on 02/03/2022.