Transitioning from face-to-face to distance education. Part 1: A cross-sectional study in the former Yugoslavia during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The countries of the former Yugoslavia have health and education systems with the same tradition but these have changed over the years. Little is known about how family medicine teaching transitioned from face-to-face to distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: to investigate student/teacher experience in transitioning from face-to-face to distance education. METHODS: A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted among 21 medical schools of the former Yugoslavia between December 2021 and March 2022. Under/postgraduate teachers and students who taught/studied family medicine during the academic year 2020/2021 were invited to participate. Of 31 questions for students and 35 for teachers, all but nine open questions were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Seventeen of 21 medical schools contributed data involving 117 participants representing all countries of the former Yugoslavia. At the beginning of the pandemic, 30%, 26% and 15% of teachers, students and trainees, respectively, received formal preparation in distance education. Of these, 92% of teachers and 58% of students/trainees felt they were not adequately prepared. Synchronous teaching was the main method used, with a third using hybrid methods. All participants were least confident about online assessment. More than 75% of respondents agreed that lectures could be kept online, not patient consultations or practical skills' classes. CONCLUSION: Teachers used various old and new methods to provide learning opportunities despite COVID-19 constraints. Effective technology-based strategies are essential to ensure assessment integrity and enhance the learning environment.

Despite limited preparedness, teachers and students/trainees transitioned to distance education.Students/trainees believed synchronous delivery of lectures and small group work can be conducted online but not practical skills' classes.Online assessments and practical work with patients were considered the most challenging aspects of distance education.

Transitioning from face-to-face to distance education. Part 2: A qualitative study in the former Yugoslavia during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Similar to other countries, Departments of Family Medicine in the former Yugoslavia had to transition from face-to-face to distance education during COVID-19. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate obstacles and facilitators of the transition from face-to-face to distance education. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicentre, qualitative study design was used to analyse nine open-ended questions from an online survey using inductive thematic analysis. The questionnaire was distributed to 21 medical schools, inviting them to involve at least two teachers/students/trainees. Data were collected between December 2021 and March 2022. RESULTS: In 17 medical schools, 23 students, 54 trainees and 40 teachers participated. The following themes were identified: facilitators and barriers of transition, innovations for enhancing distance education, convenience of distance education, classical teaching for better communication, the future of distance education, reaching learning outcomes and experience of online assessment. Innovations referred mainly to new online technologies for interactive education and communication. Distance education allowed for greater flexibility in scheduling and self-directed learning; however, participants felt that classical education allowed better communication and practical learning. Teachers believed knowledge-related learning outcomes could be achieved through distance education but not teaching clinical skills. Participants anticipated a future where a combination of teaching methods is used. CONCLUSION: The transition to distance education was made possible thanks to its flexible scheduling, innovative tools and possibility of self-directed learning. However, face-to-face education was considered preferable for fostering interpersonal relations and teaching clinical skills. Educators should strive to strike a balance between innovative approaches and the preservation of personal experiences.

Participants found that distance education offers many possibilities, mainly self-directed, flexible learning.Participants felt that face-to-face education remains invaluable since it facilitates communication and the development of practical skills.A balance between new technologies and personal encounters was believed to be best.

Obesity and Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential: Allies in Cardiovascular Diseases and Malignancies.

The clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a term used to describe individuals who have detectable somatic mutations in genes commonly found in individuals with hematologic cancers but without any apparent evidence of such conditions. The mortality rate in individuals with CHIP is remarkably higher than the influence ascribed to hematologic malignancies, and it is plausible that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) could elucidate the apparent disparity. Studies have shown that the most frequently altered genes in CHIP are associated with the increased incidence of CVDs, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and myeloid malignancies, as well as obesity. Additionally, multiple research studies have confirmed that obesity is also independently associated with these conditions, particularly the development and progression of atherosclerotic CVD. Considering the shared pathogenetic mechanisms of obesity and CHIP, our objective in this review was to investigate both preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the correlation between obesity and CHIP and the resulting implications of this interaction on the pathophysiology of CVDs and malignancies. The pro-inflammatory condition induced by obesity and CHIP enhances the probability of developing both diseases and increases the likelihood of developing CVDs, T2DM and malignancies, suggesting that a dangerous vicious loop may exist. However, it is vital to conduct additional research that will suggest targeted treatment options for obese individuals with CHIP in order to reduce harmful effects connected to these conditions.

Mental Health Well-Being and Attitudes on Mental Health Disorders among Family Physicians during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Connection with Resilience and Healthy Lifestyle.

Family physicians (FPs) are exposed to high amounts of stress, and could be susceptible to the development of mental health disorders (MHD), especially after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the current study was to assess MHD history, attitudes toward MHDs and stress-coping strategies in FPs. An additional goal was to estimate their comprehensive well-being and investigate connections with resilience and a healthy lifestyle. A total of 483 FPs submitted their responses via online survey. MHD attitudes were assessed with the according questionnaires, while burnout levels, healthy lifestyle, resilience, job and life satisfaction were estimated with validated scales. Results have shown that 32.5% of FPs disclosed positive MHD history, while 68.7% used professional help. Resilience and healthy lifestyle levels were significantly higher in MHD negative FPs (p < 0.001), while burnout levels were lower (p < 0.001). Moreover, healthy lifestyle (ß = 0.03, p < 0.001) was an independent correlate of resilience, while healthy lifestyle (ß = -0.35, p < 0.001, and resilience (ß = -1.82, p < 0.001) were of burnout levels. Finally, resilience (OR = 0.387, p < 0.001) and healthy lifestyle (OR = 0.970, p = 0.021) were shown as independent predictors of positive MHD history status. Strong promotion and education of FP population regarding resilience and healthy lifestyle should be utilized in practice in order to alleviate the possibility of mental health disturbances and the according consequences.

Medical Students' Perspective and Knowledge of Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia and Gout Management: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The prevalence and incidence of gout doubled from 1990 to 2017. Therefore, we can expect that a number of doctors have come across a patient with gout in their daily practice. Hence, we wanted to investigate how familiar our medical students, as future medical professionals, are with gout. This cross-sectional survey included Medical Studies students from the two largest universities in Croatia: the University of Split School of Medicine, and the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, and included a total of 221 fifth or sixth year medical students. Most students gave correct answers to questions about treatment approach and non-pharmacological interventions in asymptomatic hyperuricemia (>80%). Less than 3% of all students agreed they knew enough about care for patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, whereas almost 15% thought they were well familiar with care for gout patients. Less than 8% of students considered their school education adequate on both topics, and less than 2% were aware of the existence of EULAR guidelines. Physicians lacking in the latest knowledge on the pathophysiology of gout, the influence of lifestyle, and genetic factors limits their ability to properly manage gout. With increasing prevalence, gout should be more represented in medical students' education.

Differences in the Pattern of Non-Recreational Sharing of Prescription Analgesics among Patients in Rural and Urban Areas.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze differences in sharing of prescription analgesics between rural and urban populations. METHODS: We surveyed 1000 participants in outpatient family medicine settings in Croatia. We used a 35-item questionnaire to analyze patients' characteristics, pain intensity, prescription analgesic sharing behavior, and perception of risks regarding sharing prescription medications. RESULTS: Prescription analgesic sharing was significantly more frequent in the rural (64%) than in the urban population 55% (p = 0.01). Participants from rural areas more commonly asked for verbal or written information than those from urban areas when taking others' prescription analgesics (p < 0.001) or giving such analgesics (p < 0.001). Participants from rural areas more commonly informed their physician about such behavior compared to those from urban areas (p < 0.01), and they were significantly more often asked about such behavior by their physician (p < 0.01). Perceptions about risks associated with sharing prescription medication were similar between rural and urban populations. CONCLUSIONS: There are systematic differences in the frequency of prescription analgesics and associated behaviors between patients in family medicine who live in rural and urban areas. Patients from rural areas were more prone to share prescription analgesics. Future studies should examine reasons for differences in sharing prescription analgesics between rural and urban areas.

Family Physicians' Standpoint and Mental Health Assessment in the Light of COVID-19 Pandemic-A Nationwide Survey Study.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, family physicians (FPs) are the backbone of the healthcare system with considerable impact on the general population, and their well-being is of great importance. The aim of this investigation was to assess FPs mental health, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) regarding the pandemic, and opinions on non-communicable disease (NCD) health care provided to patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 613 FPs. Anxiety and depression levels were estimated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, subjective perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale, while trauma-related symptoms were assessed using the Impact on Event Scale-COVID19. KAPs toward the pandemic and opinions regarding NCD patients were evaluated with questionnaires accordingly. Results have shown that age (ß = -0.02, p = 0.013) and personal risk of COVID­19 (ß = 1.05, p < 0.001) were significant independent correlates of the knowledge score. A total of 87.7% FPs expressed moderate/high perceived stress, 45.2% moderate/severe trauma-related symptoms, 60.4% borderline/abnormal anxiety levels, and 52.4% borderline/abnormal depression levels. Knowledge score was an independent predictor of perceived stress (ß = -0.33, p = 0.023) and anxiety (ß = -0.31, p = 0.006) levels. Limited accessibility to healthcare services and decreased number of newly-diagnosed NCD cases were mostly agreed on. The pandemic puts a considerable strain on FPs mental health, as well as on public health measures, due to the decreased overall quality of NCD patient health care. Educational programs may bridge the gaps between FPs' knowledge. Thus lowering anxiety and improving patient care.

How Are We Managing Patients with Hyperuricemia and Gout: A Cross Sectional Study Assessing Knowledge and Attitudes of Primary Care Physicians?

BACKGROUND: Studies show that hyperuricemia is an element of the pathophysiology of many conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess primary care physicians' knowledge and attitudes toward asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout management. METHODS: A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the primary physicians' attitudes, knowledge, and patient management regarding hyperuricemia and gout. RESULTS: A total of 336 primary care physicians were included. Physicians who read at least one scientific paper covering the topic of hyperuricemia in the past year scored significantly higher in knowledge questions (N = 152, 6.5 ± 2.05 vs. N = 183, 7.04 ± 2.14, p = 0.019). Only around half of physicians correctly identified drugs that can lower or elevate serum uric acid levels. Furthermore, the analysis of correct answers to specific questions showed poor understanding of the pathophysiology of hyperuricemia and possible risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified gaps in primary care physicians' knowledge essential for the adequate management of patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout. As hyperuricemia and gout are among the fastest rising non-communicable diseases, greater awareness of the available guidelines and more education about the causes and risks of hyperuricemia among primary care physicians may reduce the development of diseases that have hyperuricemia as risk factors.

Antimicrobial Resistance: Physicians' and Pharmacists' Perspective.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate pharmacists' and physicians' attitudes and knowledge about antimicrobial treatment and resistance and based on the results to identify possible gaps and suggest opportunities for collaboration between the two professions. Methods: The physician's questionnaire consisted of 47 items and the pharmacists' questionnaire consisted of 50 items. Participants were asked to identify situations in which they were more likely to prescribe/dispense an antimicrobial without a firm indication, to identify the greatest contributors to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among health care workers, to rate statements related to AMR, how frequently they used different sources of information and to rate the possible causes of AMR. Furthermore, preparedness for specific actions in practice was self-rated and knowledge was evaluated. The questionnaires were anonymous and participation in the study was voluntary. Results: This research included 180 community pharmacists and 181 physicians. As many as 76 (42.0%) physicians stated they would prescribe an antimicrobial when unsure whether the infection was of viral or bacterial etiology. More than half of the participants considered family medicine doctors the greatest contributors to AMR (N = 216, 59.8%), followed by patients (N = 175, 48.5%). In questions focusing on knowledge, physicians scored significantly higher compared with pharmacists (4.06 ± 1.01 vs. 3.71 ± 1.08, p = 0.001). Conclusion: This research revealed practices among pharmacists and physicians that should be improved and it highlighted gaps in knowledge by both professions. More attention should be given to patient consultation when dispensing and prescribing an antimicrobial as this may reduce their contribution to AMR.

Awareness and use of evidence-based medicine information among patients in Croatia: a nation-wide cross-sectional study.

AIM: To determine the use of evidence-based medicine (EBM) information and the level of awareness and knowledge of EBM among patients in Croatia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 987 patients in 10 family medicine practices in Croatia. Patients from both urban (n=496) and rural (n=482) areas were surveyed. A 27-item questionnaire was used to collect data about sources that patients searched for medical information, patient awareness and use of Cochrane systematic reviews and other EBM resources, and their demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Half of the patients searched for medical information from sources other than physician. Internet was the most common place they searched for information. Very few patients indicated using EBM sources for medical information; one fifth of patients heard of EBM and 4% of the patients heard of the Cochrane Collaboration. Patients considered physician's opinion as the most reliable source of medical information. A logistic regression model showed that educational level and urban vs rural residence were the predictors of awareness about EBM and systematic reviews (P<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Our finding that patients consider a physician's opinion to be the most reliable source of health-related information could be used for promotion of high-quality health information among patients. More effort should be devoted to the education of patients in rural areas and those with less formal education. New avenues for knowledge translation and dissemination of high-quality health information among patients are necessary.

Deep breathing: A simple test for white coat effect detection in primary care.

AIM: White coat hypertension (WCH) is hard to differentiate from sustained hypertension without the use of 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). This invaluable procedure is nevertheless cumbersome and expensive. A simple test of deep breathing over 30 s (DBT) was proposed as a method to unveil WCH. METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen outpatients referred for the evaluation of uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure, BP > 140/90 mmHg despite therapy) were enrolled in a controlled clinical trial. The examinees were randomly divided in two groups: control (n = 108; sequential standard BP measurement only) and intervention (n = 106; the same+DBT), using ABPM as the reference standard. RESULTS: The relative decrease in BP was significantly larger in the intervention group than in the control group, by 15/4 mmHg (p = 0.005). The best detection of WCH was obtained at ≥ 15% systolic BP reduction following DBT, with a positive predictive value of 94.0% (95% CI 72.0-100.0). BP reduction of ≤ 8% may rule WCH out with a negative predictive value of 78.4% (95% CI 64.0 - 85.9). CONCLUSION: DBT is a reliable, inexpensive and fast test for the detection of WCH in primary care.