Alveolar ridge preservation of two-wall bone defects using mineralized dentin matrix: An experimental pre-clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To study bone healing of two-wall bone defects after alveolar ridge preservation using mineralized dentin matrix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After distal roots extraction of second and fourth premolars (P2, P4) on one lateral mandible in 12 beagles, two-wall bone defects (5 × 5 × 5 mm) were surgically created distally to the remaining mesial roots of P2 and P4. A total of 24 sites were randomly allocated to three groups (implant material- time of execution): mineralized dentin matrix (MDM)-3 m (MDM + collagen membrane; 3 months), MDM-6 m (MDM particles + collagen membrane; 6 months), and C-6 m (collagen membrane only; 6 months). Clinical, radiographic, digital, and histological examinations were performed 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The bone healing in MDM groups were better compared to Control group (volume of bone regenerated in total: 25.12 mm3 vs. 13.30 mm3, p = .046; trabecular volume/total volume: 58.84% vs. 39.18%, p = .001; new bone formation rate: 44.13% vs. 31.88%, p = .047). Vertically, the radiological bone level of bone defect in MDM-6 m group was higher than that in C-6 m group (vertical height of bone defect: 1.55 mm vs. 2.74 mm, p = .018). Horizontally, no significant differences in buccolingual bone width were found between MDM and C groups at any time or at any level below the alveolar ridge. The percentages of remaining MDM were <1% in both MDM-3 m and MDM-6 m groups. CONCLUSIONS: MDM improved bone healing of two-wall bone defects and might be considered as a socket fill material used following tooth extraction.

Development of the Digital Inclusion Questionnaire (DIQUEST) in Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: No tool is currently able to measure digital inclusion in clinical populations suitable for telemedicine. We developed the "Digital Inclusion Questionnaire" (DIQUEST) to estimate access and skills in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients and verified its properties with a pilot study. METHODS: Thirty PD patients completed the initial version of the DIQUEST along with the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire (MDPQ) and a practical computer task. A Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was conducted to define the DIQUEST factor structure and remove less informative items. We used Cronbach's α to measure internal reliability and Spearman's correlation test to determine the convergent and predictive validity with the MDPQ and the practical task, respectively. RESULTS: The final version of the DIQUEST consisted of 20 items clustering in five components: "advanced skills," "navigation skills," "basic skills/knowledge," "physical access," and "economical access." All components showed high reliability (α > 0.75) as did the entire questionnaire (α = 0.94). Correlation analysis demonstrated high convergent (rho: 0.911; p<0.001) and predictive (rho: 0.807; p<0.001) validity. CONCLUSIONS: We have here presented the development of the DIQUEST as a screening tool to assess the level of digital inclusion, particularly addressing the access and skills domains. Future studies are needed for its validation beyond PD.

The effectiveness of mental health interventions involving non-specialists and digital technology in low-and middle-income countries - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Combining non-specialists and digital technologies in mental health interventions could decrease the mental healthcare gap in resource scarce countries. This systematic review examined different combinations of non-specialists and digital technologies in mental health interventions and their effectiveness in reducing the mental healthcare gap in low-and middle-income countries. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in four databases (September 2023), three trial registries (January-February 2022), and using forward and backward citation searches (May-June 2022). The review included primary studies on mental health interventions combining non-specialists and digital technologies in low-and middle-income countries. The outcomes were: (1) the mental health of intervention receivers and (2) the competencies of non-specialists to deliver mental health interventions. Data were expressed as standardised effect sizes (Cohen's d) and narratively synthesised. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools for individual and cluster randomised and non-randomised controlled trials. RESULTS: Of the 28 included studies (n = 32 interventions), digital technology was mainly used in non-specialist primary-delivery treatment models for common mental disorders or subthreshold symptoms. The competencies of non-specialists were improved with digital training (d ≤ 0.8 in 4/7 outcomes, n = 4 studies, 398 participants). The mental health of receivers improved through non-specialist-delivered interventions, in which digital technologies were used to support the delivery of the intervention (d > 0.8 in 24/40 outcomes, n = 11, 2469) or to supervise the non-specialists' work (d = 0.2-0.8 in 10/17 outcomes, n = 3, 3096). Additionally, the mental health of service receivers improved through digitally delivered mental health services with non-specialist involvement (d = 0.2-0.8 in 12/27 outcomes, n = 8, 2335). However, the overall certainty of the evidence was poor. CONCLUSION: Incorporating digital technologies into non-specialist mental health interventions tended to enhance non-specialists' competencies and knowledge in intervention delivery, and had a positive influence on the severity of mental health problems, mental healthcare utilization, and psychosocial functioning outcomes of service recipients, primarily within primary-deliverer care models. More robust evidence is needed to compare the magnitude of effectiveness and identify the clinical relevance of specific digital functions. Future studies should also explore long-term and potential adverse effects and interventions targeting men and marginalised communities.

Smartphone applications for facial scanning: A technical and scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Facial scanning through smartphone scanning applications (SSA) is increasingly being used for medical applications as cost-effective, chairside method. However, clinical validation is lacking. This review aims to address: (1) Which SSA could perform facial scanning? (2) Which SSA can be clinically used? (3) Which SSA have been reported and scientifically validated for medical applications? METHODS: Technical search for SSA designed for face or object scanning was conducted on Google, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store from August 2022 to December 2023. Literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, ICTRP (WHO) and preprints up to 2023. Eligibility criteria included English-written scientific articles incorporating at least one SSA for clinical purposes. SSA selection and data extraction were executed by one reviewer, validated by second, with third reviewer being consulted for discordances. RESULTS: Sixty-three applications designed for three-dimensional object scanning were retrieved, with 52 currently offering facial scanning capabilities. Fifty-six scientific articles, comprising two case reports, 16 proof-of-concepts and 38 experimental studies were analysed. Thirteen applications (123D Catch, 3D Creator, Bellus 3D Dental Pro, Bellus 3D Face app, Bellus 3D Face Maker, Capture, Heges, Metascan, Polycam, Scandy Pro, Scaniverse, Tap tap tap and Trnio) were reported in literature for digital workflow integration, comparison or proof-of-concept studies. CONCLUSION: Fifty-two SSA can perform facial scanning currently and can be used clinically, offering cost-effectiveness, portability and user-friendliness. Although clinical validation is crucial, only 13 SSA were scientifically validated, underlying awareness of potential pitfalls and limitations.

Evaluation of a digital patient education programme in patients with coronary artery disease, a survey-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Patient education programmes focusing on risk factor modification and lifestyle changes are well established as part of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). As participation rates are low, digital patient education programmes (DPE) are interesting alternatives to increase access. Understanding patients' perceptions of DPE are important in terms of successful implementation in clinical practice but are not well known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess patients' perceptions of using a DPE in terms of end-user acceptance and usability, perceived significance for lifestyle changes and secondary preventive goal fulfilment in patients with CAD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey-based study. The survey was distributed to all 1625 patients with acute coronary syndrome or chronic CAD with revascularisation, who were registered users of the DPE between 2020 and 2022 as part of cardiac rehabilitation. The survey contained 64 questions about e.g., acceptance and usability, perceived significance for making lifestyle changes and secondary preventive goal fulfilment. Patients who had never logged in to the DPE received questions about their reasons for not logging in. Data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: A total of 366 patients (mean age: 69.1 ± 11.3 years, 20% female) completed the survey and among those 207 patients (57%) had used the DPE. Patients reported that the DPE was simple to use (80%) and improved access to healthcare (67-75%). A total of 69% of the patients were generally satisfied with the DPE, > 60% reported that the DPE increased their knowledge about secondary preventive treatment goals and approximately 60% reported having a healthy lifestyle today. On the other hand, 35% of the patients would have preferred a hospital-based education programme. Among the 159 patients (43%) who had never used the DPE, the most reported reason was a perceived need for more information about how to use the DPE (52%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows an overall high level of patient acceptance and usability of the DPE, which supports its continued development and long-term role in cardiac rehabilitation in patients with CAD. Future studies should assess associations between participation in the DPE and clinical outcomes, such as secondary preventive goal fulfilment and hospitalisation.

How artificial intelligence is reshaping the autonomy and boundary work of radiologists. A qualitative study.

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical practice is spreading, especially in technologically dense fields such as radiology, which could consequently undergo profound transformations in the near future. This article aims to qualitatively explore the potential influence of AI technologies on the professional identity of radiologists. Drawing on 12 in-depth interviews with a subgroup of radiologists who participated in a larger study, this article investigated (1) whether radiologists perceived AI as a threat to their decision-making autonomy; and (2) how radiologists perceived the future of their profession compared to other health-care professions. The findings revealed that while AI did not generally affect radiologists' decision-making autonomy, it threatened their professional and epistemic authority. Two discursive strategies were identified to explain these findings. The first strategy emphasised radiologists' specific expertise and knowledge that extends beyond interpreting images, a task performed with high accuracy by AI machines. The second strategy underscored the fostering of radiologists' professional prestige through developing expertise in using AI technologies, a skill that would distinguish them from other clinicians who did not pose this knowledge. This study identifies AI machines as status objects and useful tools in performing boundary work in and around the radiological profession.

Digital Health Interventions for Chronic Wound Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Digital health interventions (DHIs) have shown promising results for the management of chronic wounds. However, its effectiveness compared to usual care and whether variability in the type of intervention affects wound outcomes are unclear. OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to determine the effectiveness of DHIs on wound healing outcomes in adult patients with chronic wounds. The secondary objectives were to assess if there was any variation in wound healing outcomes across the various types of DHIs. METHODS: In total, 9 databases were searched for the literature up to August 1, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and quasi-experimental studies comparing the efficacy of DHIs with controls in improving wound outcomes in adult patients with chronic wounds were included. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently by 2 reviewers. We assessed the quality of each RCT, cohort study, and quasi-experimental study separately using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, ROBINS-I, and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools checklists. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were pooled using the random effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 statistic. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies with 8125 patients were included in this systematic review, while only 20 studies with 6535 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Efficacy outcomes in RCTs showed no significant differences between the DHIs and control groups in terms of wound healing (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.93-1.12; P=.67) and all-cause mortality around 1 year (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.55-2.12; P=.83). Compared with the control group, the use of DHIs was associated with significant changes in adverse events (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22-0.89; P=.02). Subgroup analysis suggested a positive effect of the digital platforms in improving wound healing (RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.35-3.56; P=.002). Although meta-analysis was not possible in terms of wound size, cost analysis, patient satisfaction, and wound reporting rates, most studies still demonstrated that DHIs were not inferior to usual care in managing chronic wounds. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study demonstrate the viability of adopting DHIs to manage chronic wounds. However, more prominent, high-quality RCTs are needed to strengthen the evidence, and more detailed clinical efficacy research is required. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023392415; https://tinyurl.com/4ybz6bs9.

Effect of mineralized dentin matrix on the prognosis of bone defect and retained root after coronectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of mineralized dentin matrix (MDM) on the prognosis on bone regeneration and migration of retained roots after coronectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into three groups based on the type of bone graft after coronectomy: Group C (n = 20, collagen), Group T (n = 20, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) + collagen), and Group D (n = 20, MDM + collagen). CBCT scans, conducted immediately and 6 months after surgery, were analyzed using digital software. Primary outcomes, including changes in bone defect depth and retained root migration distance, were evaluated 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: After 6 months, both Groups D and T exhibited greater reduction of the bone defect and lesser retained root migration than Group C (p < 0.001). Group D had greater regenerated bone volume in the distal 2 mm (73 mm3 vs. 57 mm3, p = 0.011) and lesser root migration (2.18 mm vs. 2.96 mm, p < 0.001) than Group T. The proportion of completely bone embedded retained roots was also greater in Group D than in Group C (70.0% vs. 42.1%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: MDM is an appropriate graft material for improving bone defect healing and reducing retained root migration after coronectomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MDM is an autogenous material prepared chairside, which can significantly improve bone healing and reduce the risk of retained root re-eruption. MDM holds promise as a routine bone substitute material after M3M coronectomy.

Digital technology integration in business model innovation for carbon neutrality: An evolutionary process model for SMEs.

This study delves into the strategies employed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to embed digital technology into their business models, aiming to reach carbon neutrality. We offer a comprehensive analysis of five high technology SMEs, unveiling an evolutionary process model that highlights their journey toward integrating technology. The integration process is delineated into three progressive stages. Initially, digital technology is seen as an 'enabler' that promotes the birth of an innovative business model, essentially transforming the mechanisms of value creation, delivery, and capture. As SMEs evolve to an intermediate stage, digital technology becomes a 'disruptor', reshaping and reinventing the business model in terms of how value is created, delivered, and captured. Entering the maturity stage, digital technology is elevated to the role of 'expertise', leading to a sophisticated business model that refines and optimizes these aspects of value. The influence of these business model innovations on carbon neutrality is complex and varies distinctly with each stage, reflecting the dynamic interplay between digital technology and business model evolution.

Industry 4.0 technologies for the adoption of the circular economy: An analysis of institutional pressures and the effects on firm performance.

The present research proposes a model to investigate the influence of institutional pressures on the adoption of circular economy (CE) principles, whether Industry 4.0 technologies support this adoption, and its effect on the performance of firms. To evaluate these relationships, we collected data from 248 companies operating in Brazil. Our findings reveal the importance of external stakeholders as drivers of the transition from the linear economy to CE, highlighting the normative pressures to foster CE adoption. The study brings additional evidence in support of Industry 4.0 technologies that embrace CE implementation and shows the positive effect of their integrated adoption on firm performance. Several managerial and theoretical implications emerge from this investigation: (i) efforts to adopt both CE principles and Industry 4.0 technologies positively impact the performance of firms, and CE implementation can be facilitated when integrated with these technologies; (ii) the institutional context shaped by normative and coercive pressures can have a significant influence on CE adoption; (iii) the discussion of these novel results posits theoretical insights on CE, Industry 4.0, and their relationships with firm performance.

Stay circular economy, empowerment, and natural resource utilization factual factors for SDG 12? The principal role of digital technologies.

Recently, the UN has suggested several green initiatives to adopt renewable energy consumption in human & economic activities. Therefore, most practitioners have followed the responsible production & consumption (RP&C) pattern under SDG 12 to increase economic progress. This study considers the top 15 circular economies that are ruthless in producing and consuming energy greenly. This study finds the circular economy, digital technologies, natural resource utilization, empowerment, environmental policy, and environmental degradation as decisive factors for the RP&C of energy. Similarly, the current empirical research utilizes an advanced series of estimators to investigate the study's objective. However, the long-term outcomes show a significant contribution to responsible production by circular economy while remaining insignificant for production. Under RP&C base models, this study obtains a 1.830% change in consumption and 0.135% in energy production via a significant shift in digital technologies. Furthermore, environmental policy and empowerment are positively associated with RP&C in the specified region. The role of natural resources is inversely but insignificantly related to responsible consumption and vice versa for the production side. Rising environmental concerns show a heterogeneous role for both models. This study also investigates the mediating role of digital technologies on circular economy, natural resources, and empowerment and supports the positive association in RP&C. This study suggests some implications to support SDG 12 further.

What drives the relationship between digitalization and energy demand? Exploring heterogeneity in German manufacturing firms.

The growing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) has the potential to increase productivity and improve energy efficiency. However, digital technologies also consume energy, resulting in a complex relationship between digitalization and energy demand and an uncertain net effect. To steer digital transformation towards sustainability, it is crucial to understand the conditions under which digital technologies increase or decrease firm-level energy consumption. This study examines the drivers of this relationship, focusing on German manufacturing firms and leveraging comprehensive administrative panel data from 2009 to 2017, analyzed using the Generalized Random Forest algorithm. Our results reveal that the relationship between digitalization and energy use at the firm level is heterogeneous. However, we find that digitalization more frequently increases energy use, mainly driven by a rise in electricity consumption. This increase is lower in energy-intensive industries and higher in markets with low competition. Smaller firms in structurally weak regions show higher energy consumption growth than larger firms in economically stronger regions. Our study contributes to the literature by using a non-parametric method to identify specific firm-level and external characteristics that influence the impact of digital technologies on energy demand, highlighting the need for carefully designed digitalization policies to achieve climate goals.

[Design and evaluation options of multimedia applications to support the care of people with mild dementia]. / Gestaltungs- und Evaluationsmöglichkeiten von Multimediaanwendungen zur Unterstützung der Betreuung von Menschen mit leichter Demenz.

BACKGROUND: In order to cognitively and physically activate people with dementia (MMD) in institutional settings, there are numerous touch-based multimedia applications specifically designed for this target group that are actually being used in practice. In contrast, the use of similar applications in domestic settings has been relatively limited. AIM AND METHOD: This study is based on 11 expert interviews guided by questions and examines design options and requirements for application content as well as requirements for study designs to provide evidence of the effectiveness of touch-based multimedia applications for MMD and their caregiving relatives (PA). RESULTS: There is a high degree of consensus regarding the criteria for requirements for touch-based multimedia applications. Acceptance is highly dependent on user competence, usage practices, experiences and incentive structures; however, there are diverse opinions about their structural and content-related design. The quality of life is mentioned as an essential evaluation parameter for multimedia applications. DISCUSSION: The highly variable individual life circumstances of MMD and their PAs, along with limited access options and a lack of suitability of the multimedia applications, may be causal factors for their relatively limited use, especially in domestic settings. Daily performance capabilities and individual disease progression pose special requirements for the scientific evaluation and the demonstration of the effectiveness of touch-based multimedia applications.

Use of tele-nursing in primary care: A qualitative study on its negative and positive aspects.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the opinions of nursing professionals on the current limitations and future potential of digital tools in healthcare. DESIGN: Qualitative and descriptive study. LOCATION: The study took place during an asynchronous MOODLE course on the use of ICT in healthcare, specifically aimed at nursing professionals. PARTICIPANTS: The number of nurses enrolled in the course was 150. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted focusing on the positive and negative aspects that telenursing can offer in the context of a Moodle training in new technologies for nurses. A thematic analysis was carried out following the method proposed by Braun and Clarke. RESULTS: In the end 68 nurses participated in the forum. Their statements, opinions and perceptions were analyzed and 28 descriptive codes were obtained and subsequently categorized into positive and negative aspects. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses positively value the usefulness of digital tools and identify a wide range of benefits of telenursing in daily practice. At the same time, they point out crucial limitations that may slow down the adoption of telenursing, pointing to areas for improvement such as training and digital literacy of both patients and professionals. They consider that telenursing can humanise care, but insist on the need to prevent its use from increasing health inequalities.

A review on digital transformation in healthcare waste management: Applications, research trends and implications.

At present, both emerging and developed economies have faced the challenge of higher healthcare waste generation. Developed countries are using these technologies to manage healthcare waste and cope with the challenge. Emerging economies are still struggling to understand and implement digital technologies in healthcare waste management, posing a danger to partners handling toxic and hazardous waste. The proper handling of healthcare waste is essential for social and environmental sustainability. Digital technologies that drive digital transformation in the healthcare sector impact the traditional way of managing healthcare waste. Digital technologies include artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, sensors, data analytics and radio frequency identification. These technologies can potentially address vehicle route planning and scheduling problems, resource optimisation, real-time tracking and the visibility of healthcare waste management. Apart from economic and environmental concerns, the operational workforce also takes care of societal well-being and implements waste management strategies and policies. Past research has focused on integrating blockchain technology to enhance traceability and transparency in waste collection and disposal activities. However, the application and impact of these technologies for managing different operations of healthcare management with sustainability is a gap bridged by the present study. This study adopts a systematic literature review to identify research trends, applications and implications of digital transformation. It proposes a digital technology-driven framework for healthcare waste management for further research.

Strategies for prevention and treatment of vascular and nerve injury in mandibular anterior implant surgery. / 下颌前牙区种植术的血管神经损伤防治策略.

Important anatomical structures such as mandibular incisive canal, tongue foramen, and mouth floor vessels may be damaged during implant surgery in the mandibular anterior region, which may lead to mouth floor hematoma, asphyxia, pain, paesthesia and other symptoms. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening. The insufficient alveolar bone space and the anatomical variation of blood vessels and nerves in the mandibular anterior region increase the risk of blood vessels and nerves injury during implant surgery. In case of vascular injury, airway control and hemostasis should be performed, and in case of nerve injury, implant removal and early medical treatment should be performed. In order to avoid vascular and nerve injury during implant surgery in the mandibular anterior region, it is necessary to be familiar with the anatomical structure, take cone-beam computed tomography and design properly before surgery, and use digital technology during surgery to achieve accurate implant placement. This article summarizes the anatomical structure of the mandibular anterior teeth region, discusses the prevention strategies of vascular and nerve injuries in the mandibular anterior teeth region, and discusses the treatment methods after the occurrence of vascular and nerve injuries, so as to provide clinical reference.

Telecare that works: lessons on integrating digital technologies in elder care from Indian transnational families.

In recent decades, policy makers around the world have been working on implementing various technologies into healthcare, and the Covid19 pandemic fueled this process. The specialized technological solutions for telecare - the use of technologies for care at a distance - are often adopted by users in different ways than intended, or are abandoned if the users cannot find applications that are meaningful to them. However, beyond specialized healthcare technologies, people are incorporating mundane digital technologies into their (health)care practices. In this paper, we draw on ethnographic research on the use of everyday digital technologies in Indian families where migrating children who are professional nurses care for their aging parents at a distance. Our findings show that 1) remote elder care is enacted through frequent calling which further fosters trust, necessary to provide healthcare remotely; 2) the motivation for older adults to engage with digital technologies is grounded in the value of family and affect which is consequential also for health; 3) technologies, too, require care-work in the form of everyday maintenance; and 4) in-person visits from children remain important, indicating that hybrid interaction is optimal for good care at a distance. We conclude that taking these findings into account may contribute to a more successful implementation of formal telecare systems.

Youth's internet dependence forming factors as a global public health problem.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The aim is to study the main factors of youth's Internet dependence formation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: We conducted psychodiagnostic examination of students in the National Academy of Internal Affairs. The research involved 154 students: full-time students aged 18-25 (n = 78) and part-time students aged 26-35 (n = 76). RESULTS: Results: The degree of prevalence of various types of Internet dependence among young people was determined. It was determined that the problem of Internet dependence requires consideration of socio-demographic, socio-psychological, individual, and psychological, as well as organizational factors. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: It was found that the number of Internet-dependent people among youth is currently growing rapidly. The most favorable individual-typological properties of a personality for the development of Internet dependence are introversion, anxiety, sensitivity, and aggressiveness. Internet dependence is a type of social dependence. An Internet-dependent individual suffers from the inability to maintain harmonious interpersonal contacts and resolve personal issues that are distorted by the virtual environment. Deviations from normal behavior in society change the peaceful way of life and affect public health.

Professional self-determination of future dentists in the modern realities of Ukraine.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To research how the future dentists' professional self-determination (reflects the cognitive-reflexive component of higher medical education applicants' readiness to use digital technologies in their professional activities) develops within the formation of information technology competence in the modern realities of Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The author's questionnaire consisted of 15 questions. The questionnaire surveys covered 98 future dentists who studied 'Medical Informatics' and 'Information Technology in Dentistry' at the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University in the September-December 2017-2018 and September- December 2022-2023 academic years. The research results were assessed according to the algorithm described. The research used such methods as analysis, synthesis, comparison, concretisation, systematisation, and generalisation, as well as methods of mathematical statistics for evaluating data, namely correlation analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Cronbach's alpha, Fisher's test (F-test of equality of variances), Student's t-test and ranking. RESULTS: Results: The research found positive dynamics of the professional self-determination levels (in 2022 compared to 2017, the low level decreased by 20.5%, the satisfactory level - by 19.0%, the average level increased by 20.6%, the high level - by 18.9%) and their quality, which within the research increased by 39.5%. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: By forming information technology competence, future dentists changing the priorities of professional self-determination in the modern realities of Ukraine and acquiring readiness (within the cognitive-reflexive component) to use digital technologies in professional activities.

Professional self-determination of future doctors: priorities in conditions of the war in Ukraine.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: Our goal was to find out the dynamics of the levels of professional self-determination of the higher medical education applicants who acquire information technology competence within the learning of 'Medical Informatics' and 'Modern Information Technologies in Medicine' during the war in Ukraine and investigate how the professional self-determination of future doctors develops. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The questionnaire for the survey consisted of 15 questions. 382 future specialists covered the questionnaire survey. All respondents studied majoring in 222 'Medicine' at the medical faculty of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University. The results of this research we evaluated according to the defined algorithm. RESULTS: Results: We established that under the condition of the formation of information technology competence, during the war there is a positive dynamic of the professional self-determination levels and their quality as the cognitive-reflexive component of future doctors' readiness to use digital technologies in their professional activity and there is also a change in the priorities of professional self-determination. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: In extreme conditions, during the war in Ukraine, the future doctors as subjects of professional activity who use digital technologies within the information technology competence which formed during the learning of 'Medical Informatics' and 'Modern Information Technologies in Medicine' changed the priorities of professional self-determination, the quality of the levels of which has improved.