Yoxas/statistical_literacy huggingface dataset:
Peer teaching has been utilised in the field of medical education to support learning of the curriculum in both pre-clinical and clinical contexts. The literature has shown that there is a hidden curriculum unique to peer teaching, but little is known about this from the peer learner perspective. This study explored the hidden curriculum of peer teaching and from the perspective of medical students and junior doctors. Data was collected via one-on-one interviews with 10 participants including junior doctors and medical students (n = 10). The interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Five themes were identified in relation to the hidden curriculum of peer teaching-specifically, learning how to be a professional; be a better learner; to care for self and others; to navigate career pathways; and to become a future teacher. Peer teaching is a powerful resource for professional identity development in medicine and can be better leveraged to deliver on this potential.
Peer tutorials - one form of peer-assisted learning (PAL) - are becoming increasingly important in health professions education (HPE). Student tutors usually undergo preparation to support learners in interactive and self-directed learning; however, it is unclear whether and to what extent tutors need special preparation to facilitate interprofessional PAL (iPAL) or what impact this preparation might have. To investigate these questions, a mixed-methods study is underway that consists of three sub-studies: (1) an online survey exploring current tutor preparation in Germany, (2) group discussions on training with iPAL tutors in Germany, and (3) interviews with international experts. The quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the qualitative data are analyzed thematically. This study will provide multi-perspective insights into tutor preparation for iPAL. Results may be used to support conclusions and stimulate debate on the didactic legitimacy and design of tutor preparation as well as to inform future research.
Peer-assisted learning (PAL) - where students take up a teaching role at an early stage of their training-is widely used in medical curricula. Many qualitative studies have investigated the perceptions and benefits of PAL, but no studies have longitudinally explored how peer teachers experienced their development. This could allow for a better understanding of PAL. In this study, we explored the perceived impact of being a peer teacher on the development of personal and professional competencies as a medical student. We longitudinally conducted semi-structured interviews with peer teachers, during their 2-year teaching period in the skills lab at the University of Antwerp and applied descriptive thematic analysis. In total we gathered 47 interviews in 13 peer teachers (9 female, 4 male,. 1-7 interviews each). Peer teachers reported an increase in self-confidence, which gradually transformed into self-efficacy in clinical and teaching skills., Participants told us to be inspired by the previous generation of peer teachers. Their motivation shifted from personal benefits to benefiting others while becoming a role model themselves. The peer teachers illustrated how they developed maturity by integrating different CanMEDS roles. They grew in reflection, changed/transformed an initial mark-driven study drive into more patient-centered ambitions, and started developing a personal style. Our study suggests that being a peer teacher leads to more self-efficacy, in clinical and teaching skills, to become a role model with as motivation to benefit others and to grow towards a good doctor maturity. Although the task is to teach peers, this opportunity nurtures the practice and integration of various CanMEDS roles, not only that of scholar but also communicator, collaborator and leader, thereby positively influencing their personal and professional development and their identity as a doctor (professional role).
Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) is a pedagogical approach that has been shown to benefit all students, especially underrepresented minority students and peer leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. In this work, we present results from our study of the impact of PLTL on our peer leaders from a controlled implementation in general biology, general chemistry, and statistics courses at a Hispanic-serving, minority-serving institution. More specifically, we have measured our PLTL program's impact on our peer leaders' skill development, engagement with the subject material, and sense of belonging as peer leaders. Weekly peer leader reflections analyzed using the Dreyfus model exhibited a consistent set of skills, while those analyzed using the Pazos model revealed a consistent type of student-peer leader interactions, allowing for peer leaders to be assigned to specific levels in the hierarchy of each of the models. Analysis of eight skill-based Likert-scale questions on the SALG survey showed an overall positive shift at the highest level. Independent of the skill or interaction level of the peer leader, we observed several instances of peer leaders acknowledging development in their communication skills, sincere attempts at creating an engaging classroom, and a deep investment in their student's success. Peer leaders also reported improvements in understanding of the subjects they were teaching, wanting to persevere and solve problems independently, and feeling passionate about helping other students.
Pelvic organ prolapse can be managed with a pessary. However, regular follow-up may deter women due to the inconvenience of frequent appointments, as well as preventing autonomous decision making. Pessary self-management may be a solution to these issues. However, there remains a number of uncertainties regarding pessary self-management. This scoping review aims to map available evidence about pessary self-management to identify knowledge gaps providing the basis for future research. Scoping review as detailed in the review protocol. A search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases and a handsearch were undertaken during May 2021 to identify relevant articles using the search terms 'pessary' and 'self-management' or 'self-care'. Data relevant to pessary self-management was extracted and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool used to assess empirical rigour. Thematic analysis was performed to evaluate the results. The database search identified 82 publications. After duplicates and articles not meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were removed, there were 23 eligible articles. A hand search revealed a further 19 articles, resulting in a total of 42 publications.Findings relevant to pessary self-management were extracted and analysed for the emergence of themes. Recurrent themes in the literature were; the characteristics of self-managing women; pessary care; factors associated with decision making about self-management; teaching self-management and cost benefit. Pessary self-management may offer benefits to some women without increased risk. Some women do not feel willing or able to self-manage their pessary. However, increased support may help women overcome this. Further in-depth exploration of factors which affect women's willingness to self-manage their pessary is indicated to ensure better understanding and support as available for other conditions.
Penile cancer (PeCa) is rare, and the oncological outcomes in younger men are unclear. We aimed to analyse and compare oncological outcomes of men age ≤50 years (y) and >50 years with PeCa. A retrospective analysis of men ≤50 y with penile squamous cell carcinoma managed at a tertiary centre was performed. A propensity score matched cohort of men >50 y was identified for comparison. Matching was according to tumour, nodal stage and the types of primary surgery. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and metastasis-free survivals (MFS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier plots and compared using log-rank tests. Between 2005-2020, 100 men ≤50 y (median (IQR) age, 46 y (40-49)) were identified and matched with 100 men >50 y (median (IQR) age, 65 y (59-73)). 10, 24, 32, 34 men age ≤50 y were diagnosed in 2005-2007, 2008-2012, 2013-2016 and 2017-2020 respectively. Median (IQR) follow-up was 53.5 (18-96) months. OS at 2 years: ≤50 y, 86%>50 y, 80.6%; 5 years: ≤50 y, 78.1%, >50 y, 63.1%; 10 years: ≤50 y, 72.3%, >50 y, 45.6% (p = 0.01). DSS at 2 years: ≤50 y, 87.2%>50 y, 87.8%; 5 years: ≤50 y, 80.9%>50 y, 78.2%; 10 years: ≤50 y, 78%, >50 y, 70.9% (p = 0.74). RFS was 93.1% in the ≤50 y group (vs. >50 y, 96.5%) at 2 year, and 90% (vs. >50 y, 88.5%) at 5 years, p = 0.81. Within the ≤50 y group, 2 years and 5 years MFS was 93% (vs. >50 y, 96.5%), and 89.5% (vs. >50 y, 92.7%) respectively, (p = 0.40). There were no statistical significance in DFS, RFS and MFS in men age ≤50 y and >50 y. PeCa in younger patients is fatal, public awareness and patient education are crucial for early detection and management.
Penile pearls are artificial implants placed beneath the skin of a penis to provide enhanced sexual experience for the partner or present a stigma of a particular social subgroup (e.g., prisoner, member of a gang). This genital modification is usually encountered in men of low socioeconomic status and prisoners who might (self) implant improvised pearls under poor sanitary conditions. We have only recently started to encounter penile pearls on autopsy, incidentally. The aim of this study was to analyze our autopsy cases with penile pearls to assess the characteristics of these subjects regarding their socioeconomic status, history of imprisonment, substance abuse, as well as the characteristics of implants. Nineteen men were included. Most were born in the 1970s and 1980s, with only elementary/vocational school education (n = 10). Only five men graduated from high school. At least 14 were in prison at some point in life and 13 were unemployed. Ten men were unmarried. In 11 men, regular alcohol consumption was reported. 12 used illicit substances, most with a history of heroin injection. Penile pearls were improvised and made of rigid plastic in 10 men, eight were of soft silicone-like material, and one was of metal. A distinct characteristic was a ribbed contour of some implants. Although this genital modification seems to gain more attention outside of described vulnerable groups, it mostly remains limited to them in our region. It is most likely performed in improvised, non-professional, unsanitary conditions, probably in prisons.
Pennsylvania sudden unexpected infant death rates rank among the highest nationally. A nursing team developed, implemented, evaluated, and disseminated an evidence-based quality improvement (QI) program at birthing hospitals in Pennsylvania to address this issue. To facilitate implementation, clinical nurses were educated as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to empower them to transform and sustain outcomes-driven QI for infant safe sleep nursing practice. This descriptive study examined outcomes from 268 nurses who received comprehensive education on infant safe sleep and the SME role. Likert-type scale surveys measured knowledge gained and progress made in practice following education. A programmatic dashboard tracked program implementation. Descriptive statistics were used to report findings. SME nurses ( N = 268) completed two interactive learning modules addressing safe sleep guidelines and teaching strategies and attended a workshop to acquire skills for program implementation. Key competencies included data collection and dissemination, policy development, and communication techniques. Immediate posteducation surveys completed by SMEs indicated that over 98% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed they were able to effectively demonstrate communication strategies, identify SME role components, provide environment surveillance, and demonstrate best practices in infant safe sleep. To allow time for assimilation of the of SME role, a survey was initiated at 6 months to capture progress made. Seventy-eight SMEs responded to the survey and reported exceptional or substantial progress in 10 areas for SME responsibilities. Use of the SME role for program implementation led to highly favorable SME-reported outcomes in leading a hospital-based QI program.
People being investigated for cancer face a wealth of complex information. Non-specific symptom pathways (NSS) were implemented in the United Kingdom in 2017 to address the needs of patients experiencing symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue or general practitioner 'gut feeling', who did not have streamlined pathways for cancer investigation. This study aimed to explore the health literacy skills needed by patients being investigated for cancer in NSS pathways. This study employed ethnographic methods across four hospitals in England, including interviews, patient shadowing and clinical care observations, to examine NSS pathways for cancer diagnosis. We recruited 27 patients who were shadowed and interviewed during their care. We also interviewed 27 professionals. The analysis focused on patient communication and understanding, drawing on the concepts of personal and organisational health literacy. Our analysis derived six themes highlighting the considerable informational demands of the NSS pathway. Patients were required to understand complex blood tests and investigations in primary care and often did not understand why they were referred. The NSS pathway itself was difficult to understand with only a minority of patients appreciating that multiple organs were being investigated for cancer. The process of progressing through the pathway was also difficult to understand, particularly around who was making decisions and what would happen next. The results of investigations were complex, often including incidental findings. Patients whose persistent symptoms were not explained were often unsure of what to do following discharge. We have identified several potential missed opportunities for organisations to support patient understanding of NSS pathways which could lead to inappropriate help-seeking post-discharge. Patients' difficulties in comprehending previous investigations and findings could result in delays, overtesting or inadequately targeted investigations, hindering the effective use of their medical history. Third, patients' limited understanding of their investigations and results may impede their ability to engage in patient safety by reporting potential care errors. Patient, public, clinical and policy representatives contributed to developing the research objectives through a series of meetings and individual conversations in preparation for the study. We have held several events in which patients and the public have had an opportunity to give feedback about our results, such as local interest groups in North London and academic conferences. A clinical contributor (J.-A. M.) was involved in data analysis and writing the manuscript.
People differ in whether they understand graphical or numerical representations of statistical information better. However, assessing these skills is often not feasible when deciding which representation to select or use. This study investigates whether people choose the representation they understand better, whether this choice can improve risk comprehension, and whether results are influenced by participants' skills (graph literacy and numeracy). In an experiment, 160 participants received information about the benefits and side effects of painkillers using either a numerical or a graphical representation. In the "no choice" condition, the representation was randomly assigned to each participant. In the "choice" condition, participants could select the representation they would like to receive. The study assessed gist and verbatim knowledge (immediate comprehension and recall), accessibility of the information, attractiveness of the representation, as well as graph literacy and numeracy. In the "choice" condition, most (62.5%) chose the graphical format, yet there was no difference in graph literacy or numeracy (nor age or gender) between people who chose the graphical or the numerical format. Whereas choice slightly increased verbatim knowledge, it did not improve gist or overall knowledge compared with random assignment. However, participants who chose a representation rated the representation as more attractive, and those who chose graphs rated them as more accessible than those without a choice. The sample consisted of highly educated undergraduate students with higher graph literacy than the general population. The task was inconsequential for participants in terms of their health. When people can choose between representations, they fail to identify what they comprehend better but largely base that choice on how attractive the representation is for them. People differ systematically in whether they understand graphical or numerical representations of statistical information better. However, assessing these underlying skills to get the right representation to the right people is not feasible in practice. A simple and efficient method to achieve this could be to let people choose among representations themselves.However, our study showed that allowing participants to choose a representation (numerical v. graphical) did not improve overall or gist knowledge compared with determining the representation randomly, even though it did slightly improve verbatim knowledge.Rather, participants largely chose the representation they found more attractive. Most preferred the graphical representation, including those with low graph literacy.It would therefore be important to develop graphical representations that are not only attractive but also comprehensible even for people with low graph literacy.
People exposed to bushfires are known to be at heightened risk of experiencing mental health challenges. When farms are impacted, farmers often risk losing not only their homes but also their businesses, containing their livestock, infrastructure and identities. To understand the psychological experiences of farmers who have been exposed to fires on their farms and identify the coping strategies they already employ to recover and prepare psychologically for future bushfires. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or via Zoom. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, using a descriptive, essentialist approach. Sixteen farmers and/or their spouses (50% female; median age of 50.8 years), who owned and/or played an active role in the operation of a farming or pastoral enterprise and had been affected by a farm fire within the last 20 years, participated. Participants resided in inner regional, outer regional and remote South Australia and New South Wales. Seven overarching themes and 22 subthemes resulted: (1) intense emotions in the aftermath, (2) long-term psychological challenges, (3) deliberate focus on organising, prioritising and completing recovery-focused tasks, (4) importance of seeking and/or accessing support to rebuild, (5) adopting a positive attitude and outlook, (6) (dis)engaging from/with community and social connection and (7) various strategies employed to self-regulate emotions. This study demonstrates the unique set of psychological challenges Australian farmers experience in the wake of a farm fire and the coping strategies they report using to help them manage. Findings will inform the development of contextually and culturally appropriate bushfire recovery and preparedness initiatives that are tailored to meet the unique needs of farmers and build upon their existing strengths.
People face varying obstacles when interacting with health information in their everyday lives. This study aims to examine the applicability of a multidimensional Everyday Health Information Literacy (EHIL) screening tool in detecting people with challenges in accessing, understanding, evaluating and using health information in everyday situations. Previously collected EHIL screening tool data from Finnish upper secondary school students (n = 217), Finnish young men (n = 1450), Finnish adults with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome (n = 559) and Namibian university students (n = 271) were reanalysed to examine the factorial structure of the tool and to compare the groups. Statistical analyses included exploratory factor analyses, calculation of mean factor scores and one-way analysis of variance. A three factor structure ('awareness', 'access', 'assessment') for the screening tool was supported based on the Finnish samples. However, the Namibian data did not follow a similar structure. Significant differences in groupwise factor scores were discovered. The findings suggest that the multidimensional EHIL screening tool can be used in pointing out areas where individuals or groups may need support. The tool may be useful to health information and library services workers when counselling or educating the public.
People from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds resettling in Australia often experience intersecting risks for poor mental and physical health. Physical activity can promote better health outcomes, however there are limited programs tailored for this population. Therefore, understanding how to support refugees and asylum seekers to engage in physical activity is crucial. This paper aims to describe how the experience-based co-design (EBCD) process was used to identify priorities for a new physical activity service for refugees and asylum seekers. Using an EBCD framework we conducted qualitative interviews and co-design workshops with service users (refugees and asylum seekers living in the community) and service providers at a community Centre in Sydney, Australia. Sixteen participants, including eight service users and eight service providers engaged in the EBCD process over 12-months. The interviews revealed common themes or 'touchpoints' including barriers and enablers to physical activity participation such as access, safety and competing stressors. Subsequent co-design focus groups resulted in the establishment of five fundamental priorities and actionable strategies; ensuring cultural and psychological safety, promoting accessibility, facilitating support to access basic needs, enhancing physical activity literacy and fostering social connection. Using EBCD methodology, this study used the insights and lived experiences of both service users and providers to co-design a physical activity service for refugees and asylum seekers which is safe, supportive, social and accessible. The results of the implementation and evaluation of the program are ongoing.