HIV-prevention measures on a university campus in South Africa - perceptions, practices and needs of undergraduate medical students.

Background: Young adults such as university students are considered to be a key population for HIV-prevention efforts. This study aimed to determine the perceptions, practices and needs of undergraduate medical students regarding HIV-prevention measures available on campus. Methods: The research design was descriptive cross-sectional. Data were collected using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire distributed to all 745 undergraduate medical students in the School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Free State, South Africa, of whom 470 responded (63.1%). Results: Almost half (45.5%) of all respondents across the five academic years had received information about available HIV-prevention measures on campus. Most reported that information had been received during lectures (59.7%) and only 24.2% from the local health clinic on campus. The findings also revealed that 14.2% of students had used at least one prevention measure in the past, while the majority of students (70.2%) used abstinence as an HIV-prevention measure. A large percentage of all the students (47.6%) had been tested for HIV before the start of the study. Two-thirds (67%) of students indicated that the current HIV-prevention services on campus were not sufficient. Conclusion: Medical students received HIV-prevention information as part of their curriculum but this was deemed not to be sufficient. This study suggests that tertiary education institutions should evaluate the effectiveness of strategies currently in place for the distribution and awareness of HIV-prevention measures and sexual health issues affecting students, using a student-centred approach.

Primeros encuentros clínicos con pacientes: un estudio de la neurofobia y empatía en estudiantes de medicina / First clinical encounters with patients: A study of neurophobia and empathy in medical students

INTRODUCCIÓN: El temor hacia las neurociencias y a la neurología clínica por parte de los estudiantes, mejor conocido como neurofobia, dificulta la relación médico-paciente. La ansiedad creada en los encuentros clínicos obstaculiza el manejo efectivo y la creación de lazos como la empatía. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los niveles de neurofobia y empatía que los estudiantes de medicina demuestran hacia los pacientes en el servicio de neurología. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El diseño de la investigación fue cuantitativo, descriptivo y transeccional, con una muestra de 98 estudiantes del programa de medicina de una universidad privada. Se adaptó un instrumento y se utilizaron 19 ítems con posterioridad al encuentro clínico. RESULTADOS: Se encontró evidencia de neurofobia, siendo esta de mayor grado en mujeres. También se observaron altos niveles de empatía en los alumnos, los hombres presentaron un nivel de empatía significativamente menor. DISCUSIÓN: Los estudiantes presentaron evidente preocupación sobre su capacidad de manejar pacientes con enfermedad neurológica de forma autodirigida. Los resultados sobre empatía fueron más favorables que en otros estudios. Futuros trabajos pudieran adentrarse en el análisis de si estos niveles son sostenibles a largo plazo

INTRODUCTION: Fear of neurosciences and clinical neurology of students, best known as neurophobia, affects the doctor-patient relationship. The anxiety of clinical encounters interferes with effective management and the creation of inter-personal bonding, such as empathy towards patients. The objective of this study was to assess the levels of neurophobia and empathy that medical students show towards patients in the Neurology Department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 98 students of a private university. A clinical encounter evaluation tool was adapted and 19 items were then used to assess it afterwards. RESULTS: There was evidence of neurophobia, existing in a greater degree in female students. High levels of empathy were observed, although there were significantly lower levels shown by males. DISCUSSION: The students have an obvious concern as regards their ability to manage patients with neurological disease in a self-directed manner. The results regarding empathy were more favourable than previous studies. Future research must analyse these levels further, questioning if these could be preserved in the long-term

Introducción al uso de imágenes digitales en formato web en el aprendizaje de la histología humana / Introduction to the use of digital images in a web format in learning human histology

INTRODUCCIÓN: La microscopia virtual se ha convertido en un recurso educativo alternativo para la enseñanza de la organización estructural de células, tejidos y órganos. Su uso mediante el acceso a páginas web de distintas instituciones actúa como refuerzo y sirve como material adicional combinado con el uso de la microscopia óptica convencional en las prácticas de la asignatura de Histología. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el interés de los alumnos de la asignatura Histología de Sistemas del 2.° curso del grado en Medicina por las imágenes virtuales procedentes de páginas web como complemento educativo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: El estudio se realizó sobre una muestra de 156 estudiantes del 2.° curso de Medicina mediante un acercamiento cuantitativo para realizar un análisis descriptivo. RESULTADOS: Los conceptos con las valoraciones más altas fueron para utilidad y mejora en comparación con los atlas convencionales. CONCLUSIONES: Los datos presentados en este estudio muestran una preferencia, todavía tímida, de estudio de la Histología mediante aprendizaje electrónico, aunque junto con los recursos tradicionales

INTRODUCTION: Virtual microscopy has become an educational resource alternative for teaching the structural organization of cells, tissues and organs. Its use through access to web pages of different institutions acts as reinforcement and additional material combined with the use of conventional optical microscopy in histology practices. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the interest of the second-year medical students for virtual images from educational web pages as a complement during histology study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted on 156 second-year medical students through a quantitative approach to perform a descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Usefulness and improvement related to conventional atlas achieved the highest scores. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented in this study demonstrate a preference, still timid, for the study of histology through electronic learning nevertheless along with the traditional educational tools

Diseño de un modelo de evaluación mediante la integración de tecnología inmersiva y a distancia / Design of an assessment model by integrating immersive and remote technology

INTRODUCCIÓN: Uno de los principales retos en educación médica se encuentra en ofrecer una evaluación confiable, precisa, objetiva y auténtica. Particularmente la evaluación de competencias interpersonales, la presencia de múltiples evaluadores favorece la percepción de estos principios por parte del estudiante evaluado. El objetivo de esta investigación fue diseñar un modelo de evaluación innovador, que integre como elementos distintivos el uso de tecnología inmersiva, una estandarización de instrumentos de evaluación, integración de múltiples evaluadores y la posibilidad realizar una valoración remota en tiempo real o diferido. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal con una muestra de 51 estudiantes del segundo año de la carrera de medicina de una universidad mexicana. Participaron en la simulación de un caso clínico con un paciente estandarizado, siendo evaluados de forma presencial y remota por 15 profesores de 3 diferentes universidades. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para valorar las tendencias por cada elemento incluido. RESULTADOS: Los resultados más favorables se encuentran en el momento del inicio del encuentro con una media de 1,364, siendo más alto particularmente en los elementos de formalidad, con media de 1,636 y modales con media de 1,400. El desempeño menos favorable se encontró durante el encuentro, con media de 0,856, siendo de especial interés el demostrado durante la exploración con media de 0,818. DISCUSIÓN: El uso de tecnologías inmersivas permite hacer una evaluación confiable, precisa, objetiva y auténtica a través de la estandarización de instrumentos de evaluación, con la posibilidad de integrar múltiples evaluadores de forma presencial y a distancia. Esta iniciativa permitió una colaboración interinstitucional para el análisis de los estándares del currículo, a través de distintas regiones geográficas y culturas

INTRODUCTION: One of the main challenges in medical education is to offer an assessment that is reliable, accurate, objective, and authentic. Particularly in interpersonal skills, and having multiple observers, it benefits the student's perception of these principles. The aim of this project was to design and implement an assessment model that integrates the distinctive elements of the use of immersive technology, standardisation of evaluation tools, multiple observers, and remote assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 51 second year medical students from a Mexican university. They participated in the simulation of a clinical case with a standardised patient, being assessed by 15 teachers from 3 different universities. Descriptive statistics were used to assess trends for each measurement included in the study. RESULTS: The best results were obtained at the beginning of the medical encounter, with a mean of 1.364. The elements that were particularly high were formality with a mean of 1.636, and manners with 0.856. The least favourable results were obtained during the encounter, the one obtained in the physical examination being of particular interest, with a mean of 0.818. DISCUSSION: The use of immersive technologies helps to provide a reliable, accurate, objective, and authentic evaluation through the standardisation of the evaluation tools, with the possibility of the integration of multi-assessors on site, or remotely. This initiative led to an inter-institutional collaboration for the analysis of curriculum standards across different geographic regions and cultures

Basic and immediate paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in medical students / Formación en Reanimación Cardiopulmonar Pediátrica Básica e Intermedia para estudiantes de Medicina

BACKGROUND: To analyse the effectiveness of Paediatric Basic Life Support (PBLS) and Paediatric Immediate Life Support (PILS) courses to train medical students in paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS: Eighteen courses (13 in PBLS and 5 in PILS) were delivered to 1214 medical students. Two theory tests and one practical test were performed. Students filled in an anonymous questionnaire after each course. RESULTS: The mean scores (out of 20) in the theory tests of the PBLS course were 11.4 before the course, and 19.2 upon completion (P < 0.0001). Infant BLS skills were achieved by 98.4% of students, and children BLS skills by 97% of them. The mean scores (out of 30) in the PILS courses were 17.3 before the course, and 29.1 at the end of the course (P < 0.0001). PBLS skills were achieved by 99% of students and PILS skills by 98.3% of them. The scores (out of 5) in the anonymous questionnaire were: theory classes, 4.5; teaching methods, 4.5; practice sessions, 4.7; instructor teaching skills, 4.8; and coordination of theory and practice and between instructors, 4.7. There were no significant differences between basic and intermediate CPR courses. CONCLUSIONS: PBLS and PILS courses are useful methods for delivering theory and practice training to medical students, and should be mandatory in the paediatric curriculum of medical studies

OBJETIVOS: Analizar la utilidad de cursos de reanimación cardiopulmonar básica (RCPB) e intermedia (RCPI) para la formación de los estudiantes del grado de medicina. MÉTODOS: Se impartieron 18 cursos (13 de RCPB y 5 de RCPI) a 1.214 estudiantes de medicina. Se realizaron 2 exámenes teóricos uno inicial y otro final, y una evaluación práctica. Después del curso los estudiantes realizaron una encuesta anónima. RESULTADOS: En el curso de RCPB la puntuación en el examen inicial fue de 11,4 sobre 20 y 19,2 en el examen final (p < 0,0001). Un 98,4% de los estudiantes del curso de RCPB adquirieron suficiente práctica en la RCP del lactante y 97 en la RCP del niño. En el curso de RCPI la puntuación en el examen inicial fue de 17,3 sobre 30 y 29,1 en el examen final (p < 0,0001). Un 99% de los estudiantes del curso de RCPB adquirieron suficiente práctica en la RCP básica y un 98,3% en la RCP intermedia. Las valoraciones en la encuesta anónima (sobre 5) fueron: clases teóricas 4,5; métodos de enseñanza 4,5; prácticas 4,7; capacidad docente de los profesores 4,8, y coordinación teórico-práctica y entre instructores 4,7. No existieron diferencias entre los cursos de RCP básica e intermedia. CONCLUSIONES: Los cursos de RCP pediátrica básica e intermedia son métodos útiles para la formación teórica y práctica de los estudiantes de medicina y deberían incluirse como obligatorios en el currículum del grado de medicina

Parting ways: Sex-based differences in premedical attrition.

Despite women's greater propensity to enter college aspiring to careers in medicine, they are less likely than men to persist in these ambitions. Past research suggests that students' experiences in coursework strongly influence their decision to continue along or depart from the premedical track, yet it remains unclear whether women and men have differential experiences in coursework that contribute to sex-based disparities in premedical attrition. To gain insight into whether and how premeds' experiences in coursework contribute to gendered patterns of attrition, this study employs a mixed methods design that combines longitudinal survey data collected from premedical students at a large state university with in-depth interview data collected from a subset of respondents. Survey results (n = 268) demonstrate that while women report more stress from premedical coursework than men, these differences do not help to explain the female-male gap in attrition. Rather, it is women's lower levels of affinity for premedical coursework-specifically, their less positive evaluations of premed coursework, and greater enjoyment of non-premed courses-that contribute most notably to the gender gap in attrition. Qualitative results (n = 39) suggest that women's affinity for premed coursework is diminished by more frequent, negative interactions with faculty, and a tendency to interpret low grades in premedical coursework as a sign that this career track is a 'poor fit' for their strengths and aptitudes. These findings broadly align with scholarship on the role of self-expressive decision-making in curricular sex segregation. Interview data also point to a critical factor for sustaining women's medical career aspirations: clinical experiences. Ranging from shadowing, to volunteer experiences, to jobs in local hospitals, these experiences allow women to 'try on' the role of doctor and inspire resilience in the face of academic adversity. The implications of findings for future research on premedical education are discussed.

Educación interprofesional a través de la atención domiciliaria: experiencia tras 2 años de implementación en los grados de Medicina y Enfermería de la Universidad Europea de Madrid / Interprofessional education at home care: A 2 year experience in the degrees of Medicine and Nursing at the Universidad Europea (Madrid)

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Organización Mundial de la Salud recomienda la educación interprofesional cuando estudiantes de 2 o más profesiones sanitarias aprenden juntos, para favorecer el desarrollo de las competencias interprofesionales que les van a permitir trabajar en equipo proporcionando la mejor asistencia sanitaria. En la Universidad Europea de Madrid existe un programa de educación interprofesional que trabaja las competencias de clarificación de roles, comunicación y autoridad, con estudiantes de diferentes titulaciones. Una de sus actividades es la de atención domiciliaria, en la que participan estudiantes de último curso de Medicina y de Enfermería. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la percepción de los estudiantes que han participado en la actividad de atención domiciliaria durante el curso 2016-2017 en relación con las 3 competencias interprofesionales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cualitativo descriptivo, de corte fenomenológico. Análisis de los fragmentos de texto de las reflexiones de los estudiantes acerca de la actividad de atención domiciliaria mediante el método de comparaciones constantes (codificación abierta y codificación axial). RESULTADOS: Los estudiantes refieren que la actividad les ha ayudado a conocer mejor el rol y las tareas de los médicos y los enfermeros, de una forma diferente a las prácticas clínicas. En cuanto a la comunicación, la basan en el respeto y la confianza. Por último, en cuando a la autoridad, se decantan mayoritariamente por modelos democráticos y horizontales de toma de decisiones. DISCUSIÓN: Los estudiantes perciben que la actividad resulta útil para el desarrollo de las 3 competencias interprofesionales, lo cual coincide con la literatura científica

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization recommends implementing interprofessional education programs, where students from 2 or more health professions learn together, to improve interprofessional competency development that will help them to improve collaboration and the quality of care and services. At the Universidad Europea from Madrid there is a program on interprofessional education that develops the following competences: role, communication and authority, with students from several degrees. Home care is one of those activities, undertaken by students from the last years of medicine and nursing. The purpose of this research is to analyze the perception of the students about the interprofessional competences after taken the home care activity during the 2016-17 academic year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Phenomenological qualitative design. Student's written comments were analyzed using the constant comparative method (open and axial coding). RESULTS: They got to know better the roles played by each other (doctors and nurses) thanks to the fact of working together. In relation to the way they communicate, they mentioned that adequate communication is based in respect and trust to each other. In relation to the different authority models, most of them tended to use and feel better in more horizontal and democratic ways of decision making. DISCUSSION: Students reported that the activity is useful for improving their interprofessional competencies. It is coincident with other studies

What's Your Style? Enhanced Interprofessional Communication and Practice Using the Communication Wheel.

Today's health care environment requires collaborative teams to provide safe, effective care. This study assessed the extent to which a face-to-face workshop increased nursing and premedical students' awareness of varying communication styles and their potential impact on interprofessional communication and practice. A self-assessment tool was administered before, immediately after, and 1 month after the workshop. Significant increases in familiarity working on interprofessional teams, identifying different communication styles, and ability to apply communication strategies were found immediately after and 1 month after the workshop.

Aproximación a la investigación en el Grado en Medicina de la Universidad de Oviedo / Approach to research in the Degree of Medicine of the University of Oviedo

Objetivo: Presentar iniciativas de fomento de la investigación científica realizadas en el primer curso del Grado en Medicina. Sujetos y métodos: Participaron 150 estudiantes de primer curso que recibieron lecciones teóricas (12 horas, en grupos de 75) y cuatro sesiones (6 horas y 45 minutos) de seminarios sobre descubrimientos científicos, análisis de publicaciones y diseño experimental, en grupos de 4-5. Las tareas de los seminarios estuvieron disponibles con 7-15 días de antelación y, sobre ellas, debían elaborar una presentación para las sesiones y un documento escrito. Ambas actividades fueron objeto de calificación. La evaluación de la satisfacción de los estudiantes se realizó mediante una encuesta. Resultados: Las tareas relacionadas con descubrimientos científicos se refirieron a aspectos relevantes de la fisiología, la patología, la terapéutica y los desarrollos tecnológicos aplicados a la medicina. También, han analizado y discutido publicaciones científicas y han elaborado propuestas de diseños de investigación a partir de textos breves facilitados por el profesor. Las calificaciones globales obtenidas, sobre cuatro puntos, han sido: 3,71 ± 0,07 y 3,9 ± 0,3 en las tareas sobre descubrimientos y comentarios de artículos científicos, respectivamente, y 3,6 ± 0,2 en el diseño experimental. El 84% de los matriculados cumplimentaron la encuesta que reflejó una opinión favorable (sobre cinco puntos) de los contenidos teóricos (4,01 ± 0,07), seminarios sobre descubrimientos (3,97 ± 0,1) y diseño experimental (3,87 ± 0,1). Conclusiones: Los estudiantes tienen una opinión favorable de las actividades realizadas y consideran que pueden contribuir a la formación de los médicos en investigación

Aim: To present initiatives for the promotion of scientific research in the Degree of Medicine. Subjects and methods: The participants included 150 first-year students who received theoretical lessons (12 hours, in groups of 75) and, in groups of 4-5, four sessions (6 hours and 45 minutes) of seminars on scientific discoveries, publication analysis and experimental design. The topics of seminars were available 7-15 days in advance on which students had to prepare a presentation, and a written document. Both activities were scored. The evaluation of student satisfaction was carried out through a survey. Results: The tasks were related to scientific discoveries and referred to relevant aspects of physiology, pathology, therapeutics and technological developments applied to medicine. Students also analyzed and discussed scientific publications and prepared research design proposals based on short texts provided by the lecturer. The marks obtained, out of four points, were 3.71 ± 0.07 and 3.9 ± 0.3 on the tasks of discoveries and comments of scientific articles, respectively, and 3.6 ± 0.2 in the experimental design. 84% of those enrolled completed the survey that indicated a favorable opinion (out of five points) on the theoretical contents (4.01 ± 0.07) and seminars on discoveries (3.97 ± 0.1) and experimental design (3.87 ± 0.1). Conclusions: The students had a favorable opinion on the activities and considered that they could contribute to the training of research doctors

Depressive symptoms, burnout, and declining medical career interest among undergraduate pre-medical students.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between mental health issues and medical career interest among undergraduate premedical students, and to explore whether this association varies by gender. METHODS: A longitudinal survey of freshman and sophomore premedical students at Indiana University was conducted during the 2015-16 academic year. Survey data were collected from 390 respondents via an online questionnaire (response rate=14%) in September 2015, and 292 of these respondents participated in the follow-up survey in April 2016 (retention rate=75%). Multi-level regression models were used to estimate the associations among depressive symptoms, burnout, and medical career interest. RESULTS: Respondents who experienced more depressive symptoms (ß = -.07, z =-2.49, p =.013) and higher levels of burnout (ß = -.50, z =-3.98, p <.001) reported significant reductions in medical career interest over the study period. These associations remained consistent after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and prior academic achievement. Depressive symptoms were associated with steeper declines in medical career interest among women compared to men (ß = -.09, z =-2.01, p =.045), though the relationship between burnout and medical career interest did not significantly vary by gender. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide evidence that premeds who experience more depressive symptoms and higher levels of burnout become less interested in entering the medical profession. The negative association between depressive symptoms and medical career interest was even more pronounced among premedical women compared to men. Findings suggest that colleges and universities in the United States should implement programs aimed at safeguarding the mental health of premedical students.

La rúbrica en el examen oral de Traumatología y Ortopedia / The rubric in the oral exam in Traumatology and Orthopaedics

OBJETIVO: Conocer si el uso de la rúbrica para el examen oral de Traumatología y Ortopedia aporta información sobre competencias transversales. TIPO DE ESTUDIO: Experimental con un grupo control. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Grupo control: 67 alumnos calificados globalmente mediante examen oral. Grupo intervención: 68 alumnos valorados con rúbrica que contiene las dimensiones: conocimiento teórico, precisión en la terminología, concreción en el lenguaje y uso de fuentes adicionales de información. RESULTADOS: Existe diferencia entre las calificaciones del grupo control (mediana 9, RIC: 9, 9) y el experimental (mediana 7,63, RIC: 6,48, 8,54). En el grupo experimental, la calificación más alta se obtiene en la pregunta propuesta por el profesor y la más baja en la elegida por el alumno. Precisión y concreción han alcanzado un 72 y un 70% del máximo posible. El conocimiento teórico ha conseguido el 76,26%. Se observa un efecto monotonía de las calificaciones del grupo control a partir del alumno evaluado en décimo lugar. CONCLUSIONES: Utilizar rúbrica influye en la calificación final del alumno. La precisión y la concreción en la exposición alcanzan un mínimo del 70% de la valoración adscrita

AIM: To find out if the use of the rubric for the oral examination of Traumatology and orthopaedics provides information on cross-disciplinary skills. STUDY TYPE: Experimental with a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Control Group: 67 students globally qualified by oral examination. Intervention Group: 68 students evaluated with a scoring rubric that comprises the dimensions: Theoretical knowledge, precision in the terminology, accuracy in the language, and the use of additional information sources. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the results of the control group (median 9, IQR: 9.9) and the experimental group (median 7.63, 95% CI: 6.48 - 8.54). In the experimental group, the higher qualification is obtained in the question proposed by the teacher and the lower one in the question chosen by the student. Precision and specificity were 72% and 70% of the maximum, respectively. Theoretical knowledge achieved 76.26%. A monotony effect is observed in the scores of the control group after the tenth evaluated student. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a rubric influences the final assessment of the student. The precision and accuracy achieved a minimum of 70% of the assigned valuation

Friend or frenemy? Experiential homophily and educational track attrition among premedical students.

Support from experientially similar others-individuals who have been through the same life transition or faced a similar set of stressful circumstances-has been shown to be effective for coping with issues ranging from chronic illness to bereavement. Less research has examined how networks comprised of experientially similar others may shape academic outcomes. Using longitudinal egocentric network data collected from early career premedical students at a large research university (n = 268), results indicate that greater experiential homophily in premeds' networks are associated with a lower likelihood of departing from the premedical career track at the end of the academic year. Interview data (n = 39) highlight three support functions provided by premedical peers that help to explain this relationship: 1) concrete task assistance with assignments and studying, 2) empathic understanding and emotional support, and 3) advice and reassurance from more advanced peers. Results hint at the potential utility of peer support for the retention of students at-risk of straying from the premedical career track, and have implications for other fields of study.

Enseñanza de las bases de la ecocardioscopia en el pregrado: los estudiantes como mentores / Teaching the basics of echocardiography in the undergraduate: students as mentors

Objetivo. Analizar la capacidad de los alumnos de Medicina para integrarse en la enseñanza práctica de los planos básicos en ecocardioscopia mediante un diseño de mentoría paritaria. Metodología. Treinta y seis alumnos de Medicina previamente adiestrados en la obtención de planos en ecocardioscopia (mentores) enseñaron al resto de alumnos de 5.o curso (n=126). La metodología docente incluyó 3 etapas: teoría (curso online), entrenamiento básico (3 sesiones con 15h de experiencia práctica en ultrasonidos y un mínimo de 20 estudios ecocardiográficos por mentor) y evaluación clínica objetiva estructurada (ECOE) en la que se puntuaba la adecuación de los planos ecográficos básicos y la correcta identificación de 16 estructuras cardiacas. Resultados. La puntuación media ponderada obtenida por los alumnos en la ECOE fue de 8,66±1,98 puntos (sobre un máximo de 10). Solo 10 alumnos (8,4%) obtuvieron una puntuación inferior a 5 y 15 (12,6%) inferior a 7. Cincuenta alumnos (42%) obtuvieron 10 puntos. La estructura más fácilmente identificada fue el ventrículo izquierdo en el plano paraesternal eje corto, con un 89,9% de respuestas correctas. La estructura peor identificada fue la válvula mitral en el plano subxifoideo, con un 69,7% de respuestas correctas. Conclusiones. La enseñanza basada en la mentoría paritaria consigue un nivel de entrenamiento adecuado en la obtención de planos básicos en la ecocardioscopia. El periodo de formación es relativamente corto. El sistema de mentoría paritaria puede facilitar la implantación de la enseñanza sobre aspectos básicos en ultrasonidos a un elevado número de alumnos de pregrado (AU)

Objective. To analyse the ability of medical students to incorporate the practical teaching of basic echocardiography planes using a peer mentoring design. Methodology. Thirty-six medical students previously trained in obtaining echocardiography planes (mentors) taught the other 5th-year students (n=126). The teaching methodology included three stages: theory (online course), basic training (three 15h sessions of practical experience in ultrasound and at least 20 echocardiographic studies per mentor) and objective structured clinical assessment (OSCA), which scored the appropriateness of the basic ultrasound planes and the correct identification of 16 cardiac structures. Results. The students’ weighted mean score in the OSCA was 8.66±1.98 points (out of 10). Only 10 students (8.4%) scored less than 5, and 15 (12.6%) scored less than 7. Fifty students (42%) scored 10 points. The most easily identified structure was the left ventricle in the short-axis parasternal plane, with 89.9% of correct answers. The most poorly identified structure was the mitral valve in the subxiphoid plane, with 69.7% of correct answers. Conclusions. Peer mentoring-based teaching achieves an appropriate level of training in obtaining basic echocardiography planes. The training period is relatively short. The peer mentoring system can facilitate the implementation of teaching on basic aspects of ultrasound to a large number of undergraduate students (AU)

Interaction Effects of Happiness and Physical Activity on Smoking Initiation.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the potential relationships among happiness, physical activity, and smoking initiation among undergraduate medical students in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of randomly selected first- to fifth-year undergraduate medical students. Smoking initiation was defined as "ever trying smoking a cigarette, waterpipe, cigar/cigarillo, or other type of tobacco, even one or 2 puffs." The short scale Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was used to assess each student's happiness. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of the 406 students surveyed (208 boys, 198 girls), 86 (21.1%) had initiated smoking. We found an interaction between physical activity (PA) and happiness on smoking initiation (p-interaction = .012). Among boys with low levels of PA, lower levels of happiness were associated with a greater likelihood of smoking initiation (OR = 5.8, 95%CI = 1.9 - 17.5). Also, high levels of PA increased the chance of smoking initiation among male students with high levels of happiness (OR = 5.6, 95%CI = 2.1 - 14.5). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that young men with low levels of happiness and low levels of PA, as well as high levels of PA and high levels of happiness, may be targeted as a priority population in tobacco control intervention programs.

Estudio de caracterización de accidentes biológicos en estudiantes de pregrado de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Libre. Seccional Cali. 2013 / Study of characterization of biohazard accidents in students of the Faculty of Health Sciences. College Institution. Cali. 2013

Objetivos: Caracterizar los accidentes biológicos en estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Libre en el ejercicio de la práctica clínica. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo de corte transversal mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario autodiligenciado, de participación voluntaria, a estudiantes de los programas de medicina y de enfermería de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Libre de Cali. Resultados: Los resultados muestran un 17,1% (41) de estudiantes con accidentes biológicos durante las prácticas asistenciales. El mecanismo de transmisión más frecuente fueron los pinchazos con elementos cortopunzantes en miembro superior, representados con el 65,9% (27), el segundo mecanismo fue la exposición a mucosas oculares con sangre o fluidos corporales con un 17% (7). El área clínica de mayor ocurrencia fueron las Clínicas Quirúrgicas con 46,2% (19), Básicas y Comunitarias con un 29,3% (12) .Los estudiantes de medicina sufrieron el 63,4% (26) de los accidentes, mientras que enfermería el 36,6% (15). El 41,5% (17) recibió atención médica de urgencias. En el 4,9% (2) de los estudiantes se consideró como necesaria la utilización de la profilaxis postexposicion al accidente. En cuanto al sitio de ocurrencia el mayor porcentaje fue extramural, correspondiente a las instituciones de salud, con los que la universidad tiene convenios para las prácticas asistenciales formativas. Los accidentes ocurridos en el área de anfiteatro 21,9% (9) corresponden exclusivamente a estudiantes del programa de medicina, el cual está ubicado dentro de las instalaciones de la universidad .El 43,9% (20) de accidentes biológicos no fue reportado por el estudiante que lo padeció. Conclusiones: Los accidentes biológicos en estudiantes de pregrado son frecuentes en las áreas clínicas de Básicas y Comunitarias, y mayormente en Clínicas Quirúrgicas probablemente por la mayor instrumentación. El 9,5% de los estudiantes de la facultad no utiliza ninguna protección. Por lo que se recomienda, el fortalecimiento de un programa que contemple acciones de prevención y fomento de la adherencia a las normas de precaución estándar con seguimiento en la modificación de las prácticas de riesgo dirigidas a los estudiantes de pregrado de la Facultad de Salud (AU)

Objectives: To characterize biohazard accidents among students of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Universidad Libre in the exercise of their clinical practice. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study was performed with the application of a self-administered questionnaire, with voluntary participation of students from thenursing and medicine programs of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Universidad Libre, in Cali,Colombia. Results: The results show 17.1% (41) of students with biohazard accidents during care practices. The most common mechanism of transmission was puncturing with sharp objects in upper limb, represented by 65.9% (27); the second mechanism was the exposure of ocular mucous membranes to blood or body fluids, with 17% (7). The area of greatest clinical occurrence was the Surgical Clinics with 46.2% (19), and Basic and Community with 29.3% (12). Medical studentssuffered 63.4% (26) of accidents, while nursing students 36.6% (15). 41.5% (17) received emergency medical care. In 4.9% (2 students), it was considered necessary the use of post-exposure prophylaxis for the accident. As for the site of occurrence, the highest percentage occurred at extramural level, corresponding to health institutions with which the university has agreements for training care practices. Accidents in the dissection room area, 21.9% (9), correspond exclusively to medical students, which is located within the university headquarters. 43.9% (20) of biohazard accidents were not reported by the students who suffered them. Conclusions: Biohazard accidents are frequent for undergraduate students in clinical areas of Basic and Community, and mostly in Surgical Clinics, probably due to more instrumentation use. 9.5% of students of the faculty does not use any protection. So it is recommended a strengtheningprogram that includes preventing actions and promotion of adherence to the rules of standard caution, monitoring modifications of risk practices aimed at undergraduate students of the Faculty of Health (AU)

A Pharmacology-Based Enrichment Program for Undergraduates Promotes Interest in Science.

There is a strong need to increase the number of undergraduate students who pursue careers in science to provide the "fuel" that will power a science and technology-driven U.S. economy. Prior research suggests that both evidence-based teaching methods and early undergraduate research experiences may help to increase retention rates in the sciences. In this study, we examined the effect of a program that included 1) a Summer enrichment 2-wk minicourse and 2) an authentic Fall research course, both of which were designed specifically to support students' science motivation. Undergraduates who participated in the pharmacology-based enrichment program significantly improved their knowledge of basic biology and chemistry concepts; reported high levels of science motivation; and were likely to major in a biological, chemical, or biomedical field. Additionally, program participants who decided to major in biology or chemistry were significantly more likely to choose a pharmacology concentration than those majoring in biology or chemistry who did not participate in the enrichment program. Thus, by supporting students' science motivation, we can increase the number of students who are interested in science and science careers.

Las materias preclínicas en el nuevo contexto / Preclinical subjects in the new context

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Association of academic performance of premedical students to satisfaction and engagement in a short training program: a cross sectional study presenting gender differences.

BACKGROUND: It is important that students have a high academic engagement and satisfaction in order to have good academic achievement. No study measures association of these elements in a short training program. This study aimed to measure the correlation between academic achievement, satisfaction and engagement dimensions in a short training program among premedical students. METHODS: We carried out a cross sectional study, in August 2013, at Cercle d'Etudiants, Ingénieurs, Médecins et Professeurs de Lycée pour le Triomphe de l'Excellence (CEMPLEX) training center, a center which prepares students for the national common entrance examination into medical schools in Cameroon. We included all students attending this training center during last examination period. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire on paper. Academic engagement was measured using three dimensions: vigor, dedication and absorption. Satisfaction to lessons, for each learning subject was collected. Academic achievement was calculated using mean of the score of all learning subjects affected with their coefficient. Pearson coefficient (r) and multiple regression models were used to measure association. A p value < 0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 180 students were analyzed. In univariate linear analysis, we found correlation with academic achievement for vigor (r = 0.338, p = 0.006) and dedication (r = 0.287, p = 0.021) only in male students. In multiple regression linear analysis, academic engagement and satisfaction were correlated to academic achievement only in male students (R2 = 0.159, p = 0.035). No correlation was found in female students and in all students. The independent variables (vigor, dedication, absorption and satisfaction) explained 6.8-24.3% of the variance of academic achievement. CONCLUSION: It is only in male students that academic engagement and satisfaction to lessons are correlated to academic achievement in this short training program for premedical students and this correlation is weak.

An analysis of preclinical students' perceptions of cardiothoracic surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND: Interest in cardiothoracic surgery training has decreased, and there is a predicted shortage of 1,500 cardiothoracic surgeons by 2020. This study aims to analyze the attitudes toward cardiothoracic surgery of premedical and medical students in the preclinical years. METHODS: An anonymous electronic survey assessing interest in the cardiothoracic surgery field was sent to preclinical medical students and interviewees at the University of Michigan Medical School in 2010. Respondents were analyzed as a single population (N=566) and then compared in premedical (n=460) and medical student (n=106) groups. Responses were compared using independent-sample t tests. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of respondents were women. Surgical specialty was ranked the top field of interest. Ninety-four percent reported intellectual interest, and 70% listed lifestyle as important factors when considering a specialty. Ninety-two percent of respondents were unaware of the new integrated training programs. Just 4% had had previous mentorship from a cardiothoracic surgeon. In group comparison, salary and lifestyle were of greater concern to the medical group than the premedical group (salary, 47% vs 33%; p<0.01; lifestyle, 78% vs 68%; p<0.05, respectively). Given the ability to achieve one's personal goals, the premedical group was more interested in cardiothoracic surgery than was the medical group (88% vs 76%; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiothoracic surgeons may be better served by aiming their recruiting and mentoring efforts toward premedical students, who are more open to longer training, less concerned about lifestyle and salary, and are generally more interested in pursuing thoracic surgery than are medical students.