Identification of Factors Influencing Professional Identity Development in Medical Students at Basic Sciences Stage.

Introduction: Medical education is beyond gaining a certain level of knowledge and mastering a specific set of skill. Medical students should try to improve the self and system, which necessitates personal growth and professional identity development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the factors which contribute to the formation of professional identity of medical students in basic sciences stage and finding out the significance of each factor. Methods: In this cross-sectional practical survey, semi-structured interviews were done with 10 medical students. The interview results yielded several items, which were used to make a 14-item questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which were verified. The contribution of the items to the factors was verified through factor analysis, the prerequisites of which were KMO and Bartlett test, which were done and approved. The significance of the factors obtained was evaluated and ranked through one sample t-test and Friedman test, respectively. Results: The result showed that professional identity development in the stage of basic sciences was influenced by several factors, including educational, socioeconomic, personal, and familial ones. Also, the personal factor ranked first, followed by socioeconomic, educational, and familial factors, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, it was concluded that the participants were more influenced by their own personal attitudes as compared to their familial, socioeconomic, or educational factors. Moreover, the factors which contributed to the professional identity of medical students were not at the same level of significance. To train physicians with high professional identity, medical education authorities are recommended to consider the above-mentioned factors.

A new practical approach using TeamSTEPPS strategies and tools: - an educational design.

BACKGROUND: Teamwork has played a critical role in ensuring patients' safety and preventing human errors in surgery. With advancements in educational technologies, including virtual reality, it is necessary to develop new teaching methods for interpersonal teamwork based on local needs assessments in countries with indigenous cultures. This study aimed to design and develop a new method of teaching teamwork in cesarean section surgery using virtual reality; we further evaluated the effects of this method on healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes about teamwork. METHODS: This study was designed using the ADDIE instructional design model. The TeamSTEPPS Learning Benchmarks questionnaire was used to assess the educational needs of 85 participants who were members of the cesarean section surgery team. A specialized panel analyzed the extracted needs, and the scenario was compiled during the design stage. Finally, four virtual reality contents were created using 360-video H.265 format, which were prepared from specified scenarios in the development of the educational program. The TeamSTEPPS Learning Benchmarks questionnaire was used to measure knowledge, and the T-TAQ was used to measure the participants' attitudes. RESULTS: Six micro- skills were identified as training needs, including briefing, debriefing, cross-monitoring, I'M SAFE checklist, call-out and check-back, and two-challenge rule. Intervention results showed that the virtual reality content improved teamwork competencies in an interprofessional team performing cesarean section surgery. A significant increase was observed in the mean score of knowledge and attitude after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Through addressing the need for teamwork training, utilizing the TeamSTEPPS strategy, and incorporating new educational technologies like virtual reality, the collaboration among surgical team members can be enhanced.

Emergency medical services preparedness in mass casualty incidents: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The role of emergency medical services (EMS) preparedness in mass casualty incidents (MCIs) is crucial. MCIs are increasing worldwide, and EMS must enhance preparedness for them. For this purpose, the main components of EMS preparedness should be identified. This study aimed to describe the components of EMS preparedness in response to MCIs. DESIGN AND SETTING: This systematic review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline. The articles published from January 1970 to February 2022 were searched to discover the main components of EMS preparedness in MCIs. The electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest were searched using predetermined keywords. Ten articles were selected and included in this review. RESULTS: After reviewing the articles, we identified the components of EMS preparedness in MCIs. Accordingly, 16 main components were extracted and classified into four categories, ie, individual improvement, group improvement, resources, and operations. CONCLUSION: MCIs are so complicated that they require adequate prehospital preparedness. This study described the components of EMS preparedness in MCIs. The authorities in EMS will benefit from this framework in planning and responding to MCIs.

Preparedness of Iranian nurses against COVID-19: An analytical study.

Background and Aims: The reasons for the unfavorable performance of hospitals in providing care to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients include the lack of preparation, knowledge, and relevant skills, making it necessary to evaluate the preparedness of nurses to respond to COVID-19. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the preparedness of hospitals affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. Methods: In this analytical study, data were collected from 350 randomly selected nurses who worked in three hospitals affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; demographic information tools and the preparation of nurses for COVID-19 patients were used to collect the data. We analyzed the data using SPSS software version 26. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the total preparation score was 118.85 ± 0.98. The lowest (6.80 ± 0.18) and highest (23.35 ± 0.19) average values belonged to risk assessment and management and COVID-19, respectively. The score of nurses' preparedness to deal with COVID-19 was not statistically correlated with age, work experience, and so on. The average preparation score was significantly different in different treatment departments (operating room and COVID-19). Conclusion: The preparation of nurses was low in dealing with COVID-19. Thus, managers of nursing services should design and implement educational programs to strengthen the nurses' weaknesses and ultimately increase their awareness and skills in dealing with disasters.

Emergency medical services preparedness in mass casualty incidents: A qualitative study.

Background and Aims: The effective response of emergency medical services in mass casualty incidents (MCIs) calls for sufficient preparation. The components of preparation must be determined first to achieve this goal. This study aimed to describe the elements of preparedness of emergency medical services for MCIs. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out on emergency medical service systems in Iran (from April 2022 to mid-March 2023), using in-depth semistructured interviews with participants who were managers and members of the incident command team, experts, technicians, paramedics, and telecommunicators of emergency medical services. Interviews were carried out face-to-face and via telephone. The data were collected using voice recorder and transcript and analyzed by content analysis method. This study was conducted using the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Results: Thirty-six participants were included in the study. A total of 834 codes were analyzed. Thirteen components were extracted from the study and classified as five categories including "Strengthening management and organization," "individual and group empowerment," "capacity expansion," "technology and infrastructure development," and "operational response measures." Conclusion: Emergency medical service preparedness in response to MCIs is a critical issue. For improving preparedness, the main components must be identified. The study results described the elements of emergency medical service preparedness, which could be used as a framework for developing the national model of emergency medical service preparedness in MCIs.

The effect of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) herbal tea on happiness in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that menopause can be associated with a variety of negative psychological changes such as depression and anxiety, and improving the mental health status of women during menopause is one of the important priorities and challenges of the health system. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae) herbal tea on happiness in postmenopausal women. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial which was conducted in 2021, 72 postmenopausal women were enrolled and divided into intervention and control groups. The randomization blocks method was used for random allocation, and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was utilized to measure the scores. The intervention included the use of 30 mg of dried stigmas of the saffron plant, which was boiled once (in the morning, in 300 ml of boiling water for 10-15 min) and consumed with white rock candy as one cup of saffron tea daily. To compare the trend of changes and after removing the effect of other variables, generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in any of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics (p > 0.05). The results of paired samples t-test showed that the happiness mean score in the intervention group increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 42.93 ± 8.54 to 61.58 ± 8.24, while in the control group, there was no significant difference between the happiness mean score at the beginning and end of the study (p = 0.861). Also, after applying the treatment program in the intervention group, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the happiness mean scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Saffron herbal tea had a positive effect on reducing depression and increasing the happiness score; thus, it is recommended that it should be used as a complementary treatment in consultation with the treating physician. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present study was registered with the code of IRCT20210403050818N1 (Registration date: 09/04/2021) in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. It was also approved by the Ethics Committee of Larestan University of Medical Sciences (Approval ID: IR.LARUMS.REC.1399.017).

Faculty development strategies to empower university teachers by their educational role: A qualitative study on the faculty members and students' experiences at Iranian universities of medical sciences.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify and explain the strategies of faculty development based on their role at Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative content analysis study in 2021 using purposive, snowball sampling, with a maximum variation in the faculty members' age and experience level. Twenty four participants were enrolled in this study (eighteen faculty members and six medical sciences students); data collection consisted of two phases of semi-structured interviews and a brainstorming group technique. Data were categorized into two themes and six related subthemes, based on their similarities and differences after frequent summarization. RESULTS: The data analysis yielded two themes and eight categories. The first theme was to explain competencies based on role and task with two sub-themes: Tasks and capabilities and development and excellence of personal qualities. The second theme was the best strategies for empowering the teachers with four sub-themes, including problem-based learning, integration of methods, evaluation-based education, and scholarship in education (PIES), which explains the strategies that can support the development of teachers in medical sciences universities, and all the concepts were interrelated to each other. CONCLUSION: From the experiences of faculty members, the importance of some strategies in education and empowering the teachers' professional competence dimensions should be emphasized. PIES could explain the practical strategies that can support the development of teachers in medical sciences universities.

An evaluation of the risk factors associated with implementing projects of health information technology by fuzzy combined ANP-DEMATEL.

BACKGROUND: Application of a Clinical Information System (CIS) like Electronic Patient Record (EPR), PACS system and CPOE has turned into one of the most important criteria of priorities of health care systems. The aims of the clinical information system include improving the physicians' efficiency level, integrating the caring process, and expanding the fuzzy quality of the services offered to patients. Achievement of these benefits in reality is not an easy task, and there are lots of plans in this field which are doomed to failure. About 50% of the implementation plans of clinical information systems in health care organizations have failed, and this trend is significantly affecting industrial countries. Proper implementation of hospital information systems lies in identifying and assessing the relationships among the most important risk factors of fuzzy. The present study aimed to provide an applicable model for identifying, ranking and evaluating the risk factors associated with projects of clinical information technology in hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. METHOD: This is an applied study which evaluates the risk factors associated with implementation of clinical information technology projects in hospitals of Shiraz Medical Sciences University. The participants consisted of professionals and senior experts of clinical information technology. Fuzzy logic was used in this study. We also applied ANP-DEMATEL combined model with fuzzy procedure to provide the analytic model of the study. RESULTS: According to the study findings, lack of top-executive supports, and unstable organizational environment were the two most important risk factors, while the main organizational factors and technology were also highly important. In addition, the factors associated with technology had the highest influence on the other studied risk factors. CONCLUSION: Hospital authorities can benefit from this proposed model to reduce the risk of implementing the projects of clinical information technology and improve the success coefficient of the risk of such projects.

The Relationship Between Reflectivity and Self-Regulated Learning in MA Medical Education Students of Shiraz University in 2018 and 2019.

Introduction: Reflectivity is one of the fundamental methods of education. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between reflectivity and self-regulated learning in MA medical education students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2018 and 2019. Methods: In this descriptive study, 34 full time and virtual MA students of medical education participated, using census method. Data were collected through the Pintrich and DeGroot self-regulated learning and the Kember et al.'s reflectivity questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis, through SPSS. Results: The results showed that self-regulatory learning strategies in subjects with good reflectivity were significantly higher than those with poor reflectivity; also, the scores of cognitive strategies and motivational beliefs were significantly higher in the participants with good reflectivity. There was no significant relationship between reflectivity and subscales of self-regulated learning strategies and also between reflectivity and self-regulated learning strategies in the full time and virtual courses. Conclusion: It was found that there was a positive and meaningful relationship between reflectivity and self-regulated learning. Therefore, it is recommended that the managers and professors in medical universities should provide training programs in this field in order for the students to benefit from the advantages of reflectivity and self-regulated learning.

The role of continuing medical education programs in promoting iranian nurses, competency toward non-communicable diseases, a qualitative content analysis study.

BACKGROUND: Continuing medical education is essential for nurses to provide quality patient care and upgrade their professional skills and competence. The need for continuing medical education (CME) has become more apparent in the face of advances in medical science, the ever-changing healthcare system, and nurses' vital role in improving health care. It is, therefore, imperative to explore the nurses' experience of CME courses and the extent to which such programs are effective. OBJECTIVE: The present qualitative study aimed to explore and describe nurses' experiences of the effect of CE programs in promoting their competencies toward non-communicable diseases. METHODS: This qualitative content analysis study was conducted from December 2019 to April 2020 at various hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran) and based on the principles of conventional content analysis. The target population was nurses who actively worked in the chronic wards of these hospitals. The participants were selected using maximum variation sampling, including nine nursing managers, education and clinical supervisors, and staff nurses. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews guided by an interview guide, and data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. Each interview took about 30-45 min. Follow up questions were used for clarification when needed. Data trustworthiness was assessed according to the criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln. RESULTS: Analysis of the interview data resulted in 230 primary codes, based on 8 categories, and three themes were identified. The extracted themes were gaps in the planning of the CME program, problematic context, and training to improve professional skills and competency. The associated categories were gaps in the planning of the CME program, problematic context, and training to improve professional skills and competency. CONCLUSION: Professional competence and performance of nurses can be improved through intrinsic motivation stimulation, planning, and implementation of training programs based on professional needs and effective assessment of the teaching/learning process.

Healthy lifestyle during pregnancy: Uncovering the role of online health information seeking experience.

In the new era, many people seek their health-related information through the Internet due to the increasing access to this technology. Searching online health information can affect the health behavior. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between online health information-seeking behavior and a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy in a sample of Iranian pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women admitted to health centers of Eghlid city, Fars province, Iran in 2019. A total of 193 women participated in the study. The required data were gathered using two validated questionnaires to measure the online health information-seeking behavior and the healthy lifestyle practices of the participants. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS version 22. Online health information experience and its subscales showed no statistical correlation with a healthy lifestyle. Age and education did not correlate with online health information-seeking behavior. Age had a statistical correlation with a healthy lifestyle, but education had the same correlation only with some subscales of a healthy lifestyle. The findings were surprising, suggesting that online health information-seeking behavior does not affect the lifestyle of pregnant women. These finding and probable explanations are discussed, but due to the limited literature on the subject, further studies are recommended to be conducted.

Effect of positive thinking training on stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Given the relationship between positivity interventions and psychological problems, this study aimed to investigate the effect of positive thinking training on stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life of hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental and interventional study conducted on 70 hemodialysis patients referred to Fasa hemodialysis centers, Iran, between April 2019 and October 2019. Patients were selected using a simple sampling method and randomly divided into control (n = 35) and intervention (n = 35) groups. The intervention group was trained on positive thinking skills in eight sessions of a workshop. Before and after the intervention, stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in both the groups were measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 and Short Form-36 Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, independent t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean scores of stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in the two groups before the intervention.(P > 0.05), and in the control group, there was no statistically significant difference before and after the intervention (P = 0.092, P = 0.228, 0.280, respectively). In the intervention group, the mean score of stress and anxiety decreased from 23.65 ± 4.12 to 16.68 ± 4.41 (P < 0.001) and from 17.77 ± 5.15 to 14.57 ± 4.18 (P = 0.002), respectively, and that of the patients' quality of life also increased from 35.19 ± 10.07 to 55.98 ± 11.71 (P < 0.001). However, the mean score of depression did not change significantly after the intervention (P = 0.689). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, the use of positive thinking intervention programs with other methods for hemodialysis patients' care and treatment is recommended as a nonpharmacological, cost-effective, and uncomplicated method.

The relationship between empowerment and job burnout in auxiliary health workers in 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Health-care workers in community service professions are the formerly candidate for occupation burnout. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between empowerment and job burnout among auxiliary health workers (behvarzan) at Fasa University of Medical Sciences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical study, 120 auxiliary health workers were enrolled using the census. Spritzer's psychological empowerment and Maslach burnout inventory questionnaires were used to collect the data. Then, they were analyzed through the SPSS software, using descriptive analytical tests. RESULTS: The findings of this study revealed that the auxiliary health workers' empowerment was in the range of 22-75 with a mean ± standard deviation [SD] of 48.5 ± 9.71, which is in a fairly high level considering the highest score (75) in this scale. Moreover, with respect to burnout (mean ± SD of 58.03 ± 18.64), 36 participants (30%) had low level of burnout, 69 subjects (57.5%) were at the intermediate level, and 15 (12.5%) suffered high levels of job burnout. According to the results of this study, there were a high correlation and negative relationship (r = 0.406, P > 0.001) between psychological empowerment and job burnout among the auxiliary health workers. On the other hand, all empowerment components (competence, autonomy or independence, effectiveness, and trust) had a reverse and significant association with burnout. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, the auxiliary health workers (behvarzan) were in a good range of empowerment; also, the dimensions of empowerment were correlated with job burnout in Fasa university-affiliated hospitals' health workers. On the other hand, demographic features had no association with these two factors. It is suggested that health authorities should take measures to empower the workers and identify and remove the effects of the various dimensions of job burnout among the health workers in these hospitals.

Mental health status during COVID-19 pandemic in Fars Province, Iran: timely measures.

BACKGROUND: The current corona virus pandemic is acting as a stressor or trauma, which not only threats physical health status, but also threats mental health status and well-being of people. Currently, COVID-19 pandemic is a life-threatening unpredictable condition accompanied with a large number of uncertainties. The present study has mainly aimed to assess mental health and the relevant social factors during this pandemic in Fars province. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 922 participants in Fars province, Iran, using internet-based data collection technique. All the included participants filled out the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Moreover, demographic variables and some social factors were evaluated by asking some questions. All the participants were ensured of the confidentiality of the collected data, and willingly completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: Among the participants, there were 629 women (68.2%) and 293 men (31.2%). The mean age of the participants was 36.98 ± 11.08 years old. Four hundred twenty-five subjects (46.1%) obtained GHQ-28 scores above the cut-off point, and accordingly, they were suspected of having poor mental health statuses. Women, in comparison to men (OR = 2.034, 95%:1.62-3.28), and individuals aged < 50 years old, in comparison to those aged > 50 years old (OR: 4.01 95%:2.15-7.50), have poorer mental health statuses. Trusting on media, health authorities, and cooperation with policy makers, as well as having uncertainty on information about Coronavirus pandemic were also shown to be associated with poor mental health condition (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that the number of those people with suspected poor mental health in Fars province significantly increased compared to a previous study using the same questionnaire. Furthermore, the participants who had less trust in media and policymakers were more prone to mental health problems. Therefore, it can be concluded that supporting people in these life-threatening pandemic crises is of great importance, so the policy makers and media must present reliable and valid information to people as soon as possible.

Factors affecting hookah tobacco smoking among females in the Islamic Republic of Iran: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hookah smoking in the Islamic Republic of Iran is increasing among females, especially in the southern cities. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing hookah tobacco smoking among females in the Islamic Republic of Iran. METHODS: In this qualitative study, 52 females who use hookah were selected (25-71 years old) from the cities of Evaz and Gerash and were interviewed. The participants were selected using purposive sampling and the data were gathered using semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using the conventional approach of qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Most participants were aged between 25 and 35 years old and 55.8% were married. Three main themes were identified from the qualitative data including: personal factors, family factors and social factors. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that the reasons for hookah smoking were based on complex interactions between individual, family, and social factors. In order to successfully reduce hookah smoking in females it is necessary to consider an approach that uses these social factors.

The factors affecting academic burnout in medical students of Mashahd University of Medical Sciences in 2013-2015.

INTRODUCTION: Academic burnout is one of the issues involving the educational systems at all levels, which wastes the human resources and expenditures. Academic burnout refers to the sense of exhaustion due to educational requirements, the sense of cynicism and indifference, and the sense of lack of competence. Considering the fact that burnout has already been studied in different professions and in cultures different from that of ours, there is a need to identify these factors among the Iranian medical students and accordingly propose some strategies to reduce burnout symptoms among these students. With this end, this study aimed to identify and quantify the importance of possible factors causing burnout among medical students in the 2nd and 4th years of their studies in Mashahd University of Medical Sciences and provide some suggestions. METHODS: The present research is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017. The participants included medical students who had entered Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2013 and 2015 and were in their 4th and 2nd year of their studies in the university. A questionnaire prepared and validated by Maslach et al. was used to collect the data and distributed among 195 participants who were selected randomly as the sample. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean scores given by 195 selected respondents regarding emotional exhaustion, indifference, and inefficiency were respectively 3.89, 3.87 and 4.12 out of 7. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, students had the highest level of academic burnout in personal inefficiency or incompetence component and the lowest level was observed in indifference. Therefore, burnout and its components were explicitly seen among medical students; the authorities are recommended to take measures to reduce academic burnout among the students.

Comparison of readiness for e-learning from the perspective of students and professors of Medical Sciences.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cognitive, psychomotor, and attitudinal readiness of faculty members and students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences for using e-learning in 2019 in order to move toward the desired future of e-learning in medical education, promote the benefits of e-learning in the country, and provide training to each of the research groups if needed. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2019. The study population consisted of 379 students and 281 professors selected through the systematic random sampling in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The e-learning readiness questionnaire developed by Zarif Sanaei et al. was used to evaluate the students' and teachers' viewpoints. RESULTS: The results showed that the average level of skill, knowledge, and attitude among students and teachers was positive and higher than the mean (P < 0.05). It had only a significant relationship in the level of education of the teachers and the marital status of the participants. There was also a significant interaction between skill, knowledge, and attitude. CONCLUSION: There is a need for successful implementation of e-learning by creating appropriate infrastructure, applying the required standards, as well as taking measures to reduce the existing resistance in this regard, which can be achieved through training workshops. The experience of successful universities in the country and abroad can also be used to implement e-learning.