Evaluation of the impact of an online video game as an educational intervention on sexual health and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infection: A randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is increasing, especially among young people. Tools are needed to increase knowledge about sex education and STI prevention and treatment. Gamification can be a good training tool for both young people and health professionals. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of a training intervention on STI prevention, detection, and treatment in primary care professionals. METHODS/DESIGN: Multicentre cluster randomized controlled trial. Groups of primary care professionals will receive an intervention (online video game on sex education and STIs [SEXIT]) and will be compared with control groups that will not receive the intervention. Group assignments will be randomized by clusters. The study will consist of a pre-post evaluation of the intervention: a knowledge test will be administered before and after the intervention and 3 months after the intervention. This test will also be carried out on the same time sequence in the control groups. The impact of the training intervention will be assessed over a 6-month period, focusing on various variables associated with the clinical management of STIs. This evaluation entails the clinical records of diagnostic tests and antibiotic prescriptions related to the clinical approach to STIs. The required sample size is 262 (131 per group). DISCUSSION: Compared with those in the control group, improvements in knowledge and clinical behavioural outcomes after the intervention are expected for participants in the intervention groups. We plan to develop an educational video game to increase the knowledge about sexuality, STIs and violence. Protocol registered at ISRCTN with reference number ISRCTN17783607.

Ultrasound in primary care: Consensus recommendations on its applications and training. Results of a 3-round Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of portable and pocket ultrasound scanners has potentiated the use of ultrasound in primary care, whose many applications have been studied, analyzed and collected in the literature. However, its use is heterogeneous in Europe and there is a lack of guidelines on the necessary training and skills. OBJECTIVES: To identify the fundamental applications and indications of ultrasound for family physicians, the necessary knowledge and skills, and the definition of a framework of academic and pragmatic training for the development of these competencies. METHODS: A modified 3-round Delphi study was carried out in Catalonia, with the participation of 65 family physicians experts in ultrasound. The study was carried out over six months (from September 2020 to February 2021). The indications of ultrasound for family physicians were agreed (the > = 75th percentile was considered) and prioritised, as was the necessary training plan. RESULTS: The ultrasound applications in primary care were classified into seven main categories. For each application, the main indications (according to reason for consultation) in primary care were specified. A progressive training plan was developed, characterised by five levels of competence: A (principles of ultrasound and management of ultrasound scanners); B (basic normal ultrasound anatomy); C (advanced normal ultrasound anatomy); D (pathologic ultrasound, description of pathological images and diagnostic orientation); E (practical skills under conditions of routine clinical practice). CONCLUSION: Training family physicians in ultrasound may consider seven main applications and indications. The proposed training plan establishes five different levels of competencies until skill in real clinical practice is achieved.