Use of an age-simulation suit as an empathy-building method for dental students: a pre-post study.

Background: The aging of the population highlights the need to establish empathetic connections with older adults. To achieve this, age simulation suits have been designed, allowing users to experience the physical limitations associated with aging. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of dental students with these devices, using psychometric tools to measure the impact on their understanding and empathy. Methods: A pre/post-test study was conducted with the participation of 63 dental students from Rey Juan Carlos University who were fitted with an age simulation suit and asked to perform different tasks. Psychometric tools were used to assess specific parameters. Empathy was measured using the Jefferson Empathy Scale, emotional intelligence was assessed with the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24), and the emotional attention dimension was analyzed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results: The scores on the Jefferson Empathy Scale significantly improved from 88.44 ± 6.8 to 91.06 ± 10.11 after using the simulation suit (P < 0.026). Pearson's product moment correlation analysis showed no significant positive association or correlation between age and scores from the three questionnaires. In the rest, a positive and significant correlation was observed (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Age simulation activities effectively enhance empathy among dental students. However, more studies are needed to foster positive attitudes toward aging and prevent negative stereotypes.

Resilience and psychological factors among dentistry students who received face-to-face lectures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This research evaluated whether the relationships between factors of resilience, self-esteem, depression, and anxiety in dental students with changes in teaching and learning methods. We also studied the psychological impact of face-to-face lectures during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study used Google Forms to collect data with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Connor-Davidson Risk Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI and BDI-II). An open-ended question was also asked about important learning difficulties. RESULTS: The analysis revealed very high levels of resilience (30.23 ± 5.84), self-esteem in the normal range (29.08 ± 4.03), minimal depression levels (12.32 ± 8.05), and low anxiety levels (17.20 ± 12.41). There were no significant differences between sociodemographic variables ranges in regard to all psychological questionnaires. No high levels of depression and anxiety were found. CONCLUSIONS: The levels were low compared to other studies in which online teaching was used, which is explained by the fact that the students retained adequate resilience and self-esteem thanks to being able to contact teachers and, above all, their own peers.

Accuracy of Modified Blue-Dye Testing in Predicting Dysphagia in Tracheotomized Critically Ill Patients.

(1) Background: Diagnosis of dysphagia in critically ill patients with a tracheostomy is important to avoid aspiration pneumonia. The objective of this study was to analyze the validity of the modified blue-dye test (MBDT) on the diagnosis of dysphagia in these patients; (2) Methods: Comparative diagnostic test accuracy study. Tracheostomized patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were studied with two tests for dysphagia diagnosis: MBDT and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) as the reference standard. Comparing the results of both methods, all diagnostic measures were calculated, including the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC); (3) Results: 41 patients, 30 males and 11 females, mean age 61 ± 13.9 years. The prevalence of dysphagia was 70.7% (29 patients) using FEES as the reference test. Using MBDT, 24 patients were diagnosed with dysphagia (80.7%). The sensitivity and specificity of the MBDT were 0.79 (CI95%: 0.60-0.92) and 0.91 (CI95%: 0.61-0.99), respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 0.95 (CI95%: 0.77-0.99) and 0.64 (CI95%: 0.46-0.79). AUC was 0.85 (CI95%: 0.72-0.98); (4) Conclusions: MBDT should be considered for the diagnosis of dysphagia in critically ill tracheostomized patients. Caution should be taken when using it as a screening test, but its use could avoid the need for an invasive procedure.