Exploring expectations of Chinese patients for total knee arthroplasty: once the medicine is taken, the symptoms vanish

BACKGROUND

Preoperative expectations of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes are important determinants of patient satisfaction. However, expectations of patients in different countries are affected by cultural background. The general goal of this study was to describe Chinese TKA patients' expectations.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for TKA were recruited in a quantitative study(n = 198). The Hospital for Special Surgery Total Knee Replacement Expectations Survey Questionnaire was used for survey TKA patients' expectations. Descriptive phenomenological design was used for the qualitative research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 TKA patients. Colaizzi's method was used for interview data analysis.

RESULTS

The mean expectation score of Chinese TKA patients was 89.17 points. The 4 highest score items were walk short distance, remove the need for walker, relieve pain and make knee or leg straight. The 2 lowest score items were employed for monetary reimbursement and sexual activity. Five main themes and 12 sub-themes emerged from the interview data, including multiple factors raised expectations, expectations of physical comfort, expect various activities back to normal, hope for a long joint lifespan, and expect a better mood.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese TKA patients reported a relatively high level of expectations, and differences across cultures result in different expectation points than other national populations, requiring adjustment of items when using assessment tools across cultures. Strategies for expectation management should be further developed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Syrian women's experiences of being pregnant and receiving care at antenatal clinics in Sweden for the first time after migration

OBJECTIVE

To describe Syrian women's experiences of being pregnant and receiving care at antenatal clinics for the first time after migration.

METHODS

A phenomenological lifeworld approach was used. Eleven women from Syria enrolled at antenatal clinics, who were experiencing their first pregnancy in Sweden but who may have given birth before in other countries, were interviewed in 2020. The interviews were open and based on one initial question. Data were inductively analysed using a phenomenological method.

RESULTS

The essence of Syrian women's experiences of being pregnant and receiving care at antenatal clinics for the first time after migration was the importance of being met with understanding to create trust to build a sense of confidence. The following four constituents capture the essence of the women's experiences: "It was important to feel welcomed and to be treated like an equal"; "A good relationship with the midwife strengthened self-confidence and trust"; "Good communication despite language difficulties and cultural differences was important"; and "Previous experience of pregnancy and care influenced the experience of the care received".

CONCLUSION

Syrian women's experiences reveal a heterogeneous group with different experiences and background. The study highlights the first visit and emphasises the importance of this visit for future quality of care. It also points out the negative occurrence of the transferring guilt from the midwife to the migrant woman in case of cultural insensitivity and clashing norm systems.

Experience of waiting for seizure freedom and perception of machine learning technologies to support treatment decision: A qualitative study in adults with recent onset epilepsy

PURPOSE

With no reliable surrogate biomarkers for treatment response, people with epilepsy currently await the passage of time to determine whether prescribed treatments are effective. Few studies have examined the issues faced by people with epilepsy during this waiting period. We aim to explore the experiences of people with recently diagnosed epilepsy as they wait to achieve seizure freedom.

METHODS

We purposively sampled adults of working age who had been diagnosed and treated for epilepsy for less than four years. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken between July and September 2021. A thematic analysis using a framework approach was performed.

RESULTS

We recruited 15 patients. Results revealed four main themes: 1) Impact on mental health, as people with newly diagnosed epilepsy described waiting for seizure freedom as a time of vulnerability, uncertainty, and confusion. 2) Participants described their life as "on hold", prior to achieving effective seizure control 3) Difficulty navigating health systems to find and understand information about epilepsy, tests, and medications, and to find the 'right' health professional to address their needs. 4) Technology systems that support clinician decision making with selecting effective medications early after diagnosis were cautiously welcomed by participants.

CONCLUSION

Interventions are needed to reduce the negative impacts experienced by people who are newly diagnosed with epilepsy while waiting for effective seizure control. Technology systems that support clinician decision making were acceptable, as people with epilepsy sought accessible and effective solutions to restore a sense of control in their lives.

Perspectives of Indonesian Muslim patients with advanced lung cancer on good death: A qualitative study

PURPOSE

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Patients with advanced lung cancer may experience burdensome distress at the end of life. The concept of good death has been shown to be complex, and continues to be expanded by gaining a better understanding of the cultural views of different populations. This study aimed to explore the perspective of Indonesian Muslims patients with advanced cancer on the concept of good death.

METHOD

A qualitative design comprising in-depth interviews was employed. Seven male and 3 female Muslim patients between ages 36 and 68 and diagnosed with advanced lung cancer were recruited from a teaching hospital in Central Java, Indonesia.

RESULTS

Content analysis of the interviews revealed five themes: dying without physical discomfort, dying in religious ways and in a desirable place, dying without emotional discomfort, receiving help and support, and having a good relationship with medical staff.

CONCLUSIONS

Indonesian Muslim patient with advanced lung cancer have unique perspectives on good death, especially based on the themes of religious ways of dying and support from family. Health care providers should be aware that good death is not an individual concern and should thus adopt highly sensitive observation skills to assess the physical and emotional state of patients. These providers must also understand their patients' preferences and respect their needs, regardless of their own beliefs.

Bereavement care and the interaction with relatives in the context of euthanasia: A qualitative study with healthcare providers

BACKGROUND

A recent review shows an interdependence between healthcare providers and relatives in the context of euthanasia. Belgian guidelines do focus on the role of certain healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, and psychologists), yet they hardly specify bereavement care services before, during and after the euthanasia.

PURPOSE

A conceptual model showing underlying mechanisms of healthcare providers' experiences regarding the interaction with and the provision of bereavement care to relatives of cancer patients throughout a euthanasia process.

METHODS

47 semi-structured interviews with Flemish physicians, nurses and psychologists working in hospitals and/or homecare, conducted from September 2020 to April 2022. Transcripts were analyzed using the Constructivist Grounded Theory Approach.

RESULTS

Participants experienced the interaction with relatives as very diverse, which can be visualized as a continuum ranging from negative to positive, depending on each unique case. The achieved degree of serenity was the main contributor in determining their position on the aforementioned continuum. To create this serene atmosphere, healthcare providers undertook actions underpinned by two attitudes (wariness and meticulousness), which are guided by different considerations. These considerations can be categorized into three groups: 1) ideas about a good death and its importance, 2) having the situation well under control and 3) self-reassurance.

CONCLUSIONS

If relatives were not at peace, most participants said that they deny a request or formulate additional requirements. Moreover, they wanted to ensure relatives can cope with the loss, which was often experienced as intense and time-consuming. Our insights shape needs-based care from healthcare providers' perspective in the context of euthanasia. Future research should explore the relatives' perspective regarding this interaction and the provision of bereavement care.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Professionals strive for a serene atmosphere throughout a euthanasia process to ensure relatives can cope with the loss, and the way in which the patient died.

Parental Perspectives on Adolescent Health-Related Confidentiality: Trust, Responsibility, and Disease Etiology as Key Themes

PURPOSE

As children progress through adolescence, they become more independent and more responsible regarding their health. This shift in responsibility from the parents to the adolescent poses a challenge for healthcare professionals who must consider both parties. Pediatricians and other healthcare professionals may encounter problems regarding consent and confidentiality. This study aimed to investigate the opinions of Belgian parents of adolescents concerning cases about confidentiality in adolescent health problems.

METHODS

A qualitative methodology with semi-structured interviews and a case-based approach was chosen to answer our study aim. Belgian parents of adolescents were recruited voluntarily; 20 parents were interviewed. Parents' opinions on four different cases regarding confidentiality were obtained. Interviews were audio- and video-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Independent coding of the transcripts was conducted.

RESULTS

Parents' opinions differ considerably when asked if a physician has to maintain confidentiality toward the adolescent, depending on the content of the case. Opinions appear underpinned by three factors: trust, responsibility of the different parties, and the etiology of the problem.

DISCUSSION

This study shows that the nature, severity, and frequency of the medical issue at hand shape the opinions of parents toward patient confidentiality, on top of the trust and responsibility factors also highlighted in previous work. This is in contrast to the Belgian legislation, which focuses on maturity regardless of context.

"Sometimes I Feel Grateful…": Experiences of the Adolescent Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Malaysia

Sibling relationships remain understudied in typically developing adolescents who have siblings with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of adolescents who have a brother or a sister with a diagnosis of ASD using semi-structured interviews. Using thematic analysis, the participants reported having difficulties communicating with their siblings. Feeling a mixture of emotions was common when interacting with their siblings with ASD and emotional self-regulation was a typical coping strategy utilized by these adolescents. Despite the challenges, having a sibling with ASD led to closer relationships between the siblings. These findings offer insights into these adolescents' needs and how they may be best supported, informing the practice of speech-language pathology and other health professions.

Qualitative Research in Healthcare: Necessity and Characteristics

Quantitative and qualitative research explore various social phenomena using different methods. However, there has been a tendency to treat quantitative studies using complicated statistical techniques as more scientific and superior, whereas relatively few qualitative studies have been conducted in the medical and healthcare fields. This review aimed to provide a proper understanding of qualitative research. This review examined the characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research to help researchers select the appropriate qualitative research methodology. Qualitative research is applicable in following cases: (1) when an exploratory approach is required on a topic that is not well known, (2) when something cannot be explained fully with quantitative research, (3) when it is necessary to newly present a specific view on a research topic that is difficult to explain with existing views, (4) when it is inappropriate to present the rationale or theoretical proposition for designing hypotheses, as in quantitative research, and (5) when conducting research that requires detailed descriptive writing with literary expressions. Qualitative research is conducted in the following order: (1) selection of a research topic and question, (2) selection of a theoretical framework and methods, (3) literature analysis, (4) selection of the research participants and data collection methods, (5) data analysis and description of findings, and (6) research validation. This review can contribute to the more active use of qualitative research in healthcare, and the findings are expected to instill a proper understanding of qualitative research in researchers who review qualitative research reports and papers.

The whole-of-society approach of mass COVID-19 vaccination in China: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Many countries have an inefficient vaccination system, which hinders global exit from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is vital to summarize COVID-19 vaccination practices in countries with high vaccination coverage and provide implications for other countries. This study aimed to investigate China's COVID-19 vaccination system and to summarize its implementation experience from a health system perspective.

METHODS

We conducted key informant interviews in five representative cities of China in late 2021. Guided by the health systems framework proposed by WHO, we developed our interview guidelines which included seven building blocks-leadership and governance, health workforce, vaccination service delivery, vaccination mobilization and communication, financing, access to vaccines, and information systems. Semi-structured interviews and COVID-19 vaccination policy documents were collected and coded using a thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

A total of 61 participants (nine vaccination programme directors of the local Center for Disease Control and Prevention, four government staff and 48 vaccination service workers) were interviewed. We found that China adopted a whole-of-society approach with adequate government engagement and linked health and non-health sectors to promote COVID-19 vaccination. Key measures included the collaboration of multiple systems and departments from a governance perspective, allocating sufficient health workers and resources, large-scale vaccination mobilization and communication, expansion of vaccine financing channels, localized production and digital information systems. With the vaccination system strengthening, the two-doses vaccination coverage reached 89.5% for the total population but relatively lower coverage for older adults as of July 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the importance of a government-led whole-of-society approach to promote mass vaccination. The low vaccination coverage among older adults should be paid the greatest attention to. The experiences and lessons from China may serve as a reference for other countries.

"Your mind doesn't have room for anything else": a qualitative study of perceptions of cognitive functioning during and after recovery from anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

Past research has indicated the presence of cognitive difficulties in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN), although it is unclear how these are experienced in real life. Moreover, it is unclear how and whether the experience of cognitive difficulties changes in nature and intensity over the course of the illness and following recovery.

METHODS

Twenty-one female participants (AN = 11; recovered AN = 10) participated in online semi-structured interviews, utilising open-ended questions and exploring topics relating to their experiences of their cognitive function, changes over time and their perspectives on the future. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on the resulting transcripts.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified, centred around the effects of the illness on mental and physical function, cognition, adaptation to living with the illness, similarities between AN and other psychopathology, tentative optimism for the future and recovery as a representation of liberation. Whilst respondents with AN appeared to perform remarkably well in their professional and educational lives, the cognitive difficulties were described as significantly impacting their ability to engage in life, particularly in the context of leisure and socialising. Respondents recovered from AN noted the importance of developing a non-AN identity as well as better emotion-regulation skills as central to recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst people with AN may be able to adapt their lives to the demands of the illness, they report significant cognitive difficulties that interfere with their engagement in many aspects of daily life. This should be considered by professionals working in the clinical management of AN. Treatments focused on ameliorating cognitive difficulties, and promoting emotional regulation and identity in AN are warranted.

[Study of the impact of a post-acute coronary syndrome pharmaceutical interview in hospital]

OBJECTIVES

Post-acute coronary syndrome pharmaceutical interviews were set up in our establishment. The objective of this study was to assess their impact on patient knowledge and their benefit at one year on medication compliance, cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, overweight, dyslipidemia) and the recurrence rate.

METHODS

Two groups were formed, an experimental group of patients who had benefited from pharmaceutical interviews and a control group of patients who had not benefited from them. The knowledge of the patients was measured using a quizz carried out before the interview and one month after for the experimental group, then one year after hospitalization for the two groups. A one-year follow-up of medication compliance assessed, control of cardiovascular risk factors and the rate of recurrence of acute coronary syndrome was carried out in both groups.

RESULTS

A significant increase in knowledge (P<0.001) after the pharmaceutical interview and its maintenance over time were observed in the experimental group. One year after hospitalization, in the experimental group, the average score on the knowledge quizz (9.2/10) was significantly higher (P<0.005) than that of the control group (6.6/10); medication compliance was significantly better (P<0.05) and greater smoking cessation was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These encouraging results should be highlighted in order to perpetuate and develop such approaches around patient care.

A qualitative exploration of influences on eating behaviour throughout pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy is often conceptualised as a 'teachable moment' for health behaviour change. However, it is likely that different stages of pregnancy, and individual antenatal events, provide multiple distinct teachable moments to prompt behaviour change. Whilst previous quantitative research supports this argument, it is unable to provide a full understanding of the nuanced factors influencing eating behaviour. The aim of this study was to explore influences on women's eating behaviour throughout pregnancy.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted online with 25 women who were less than six-months postpartum. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Five themes were generated from the data that capture influences on women's eating behaviour throughout pregnancy: 'The preconceptual self', 'A desire for good health', 'Retaining control', 'Relaxing into pregnancy', and 'The lived environment'.

CONCLUSION

Mid-pregnancy may provide a more salient opportunity for eating behaviour change than other stages of pregnancy. Individual antenatal events, such as the glucose test, can also prompt change. In clinical practice, it will be important to consider the changing barriers and facilitators operating throughout pregnancy, and to match health advice to stages of pregnancy, where possible. Existing models of teachable moments may be improved by considering the dynamic nature of pregnancy, along with the influence of the lived environment, pregnancy symptoms, and past behaviour. These findings provide an enhanced understanding of the diverse influences on women's eating behaviour throughout pregnancy and provide a direction for how to adapt existing theories to the context of pregnancy.

Lifeworld perspectives of people with dementia: a meta-aggregation of qualitative studies

OBJECTIVES

This meta-aggregation aims to interpret and synthesize present knowledge on the lifeworld perspectives of people with dementia and develop a model for guidance in clinical practice.

METHOD

The data consist of four meta-syntheses describing different lifeworld perspectives in accordance with van Manen's existentials: lived relations, lived space, lived time and lived body. The meta-aggregation summarizes a range of views expressed by people with dementia in qualitative, interview-based studies, with the aim of generating a reliable model based on the studies' findings.

RESULTS

In total, 88 studies among 1,191 persons with dementia were included. Sixteen areas of focus were found, representing four perspectives: (a) lived relations, consisting of connectedness, independence, equality and competence; (b) lived space, consisting of belonging, meaningfulness, safety and security, and autonomy; (c) lived time, consisting of being rooted in the past, being in the present, viewing the future and being in process; and (d) lived body, consisting of being functional, trustworthy, adaptable and presentable. A model shaped as a tree trunk captures the lifeworld perspectives of people with dementia.

CONCLUSION

Sixteen areas were revealed from this meta-aggregation and form the basis of a model. This model may be used as a guide for health care personnel to ensure the overall lifeworld-perspectives of people with dementia in care for the target group and conduct lifeworld-preserving care with a person-centred approach.

Identification of cognitive impairment, depression, and fatigue among multiple sclerosis patients in a large comprehensive care center: A mixed-methods, qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Despite studies suggesting a high prevalence of cognitive impairment, depression, and fatigue (CDF) among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), standardized CDF tools are used infrequently in clinical practice, potentially resulting in underdiagnosis. We documented the use of standardized tools to identify CDF in MS and sought to understand provider attitudes toward the tools and their use.

METHODS

This mixed-methods study analyzed electronic health records (EHRs) from a large US urban MS center to determine the frequency and types of CDF screenings and numbers of MS treatment encounters (January 2018-December 2019). Participants included neurologists and nurse practitioners with ≥30 eligible patients and a convenience sample of adult MS patients (≥18 years) with at least outpatient encounters during the study period. Semistructured provider interviews (n = 6; the principal investigator and 1 provider were excluded) were conducted, transcribed, coded, and analyzed to characterize screening patterns. Assessments included proportions of encounters and patients who had standardized CDF screenings, positive screening results, and documentation of a treatment recommendation, as well as provider attitudes toward tools and reported barriers and facilitators for use. Bivariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between screening rates and patient and provider covariates for groups with sufficient sample size (n = 30).

RESULTS

The final population included 260 unique patients, 489 outpatient encounters, and 8 providers. Of 260 patients (75% female, 83% aged <65 years), 24% (n = 63) were screened with a depression tool. Only 2% (n = 4) were screened with a tool measuring cognitive impairment, and none were screened with a tool measuring fatigue. Screening rates varied little by provider type. Higher depression screening rates were associated with white race (difference: 13.2%; 95% CI: 2.8-23.5%; P = .01), ≤2 visits during the study period (difference: 7.6%; 95% CI: 0.6-14.5%; P = .03), and provider experience >10 years (difference: 14.6%; 95% CI: 3.5-25.8%; P = .01). Lack of support staff and perception of limited treatment options were commonly cited barriers to standardized screening in provider interviews. The higher rate of depression screening is likely driven by institutional culture and priorities.

CONCLUSION

Providers recognize the importance of CDF to patients, despite infrequent use of standardized screening. Integrating screening into institutional practices may enable ongoing tracking of assessment scores and provide a more comprehensive and longitudinal picture of symptom progression.

Persons' experiences of having hypertension: An interview study

Background

among the 1-1.5 billion persons with hypertension globally only, 20-30% have controlled blood pressure (BP). The most important problem identified is non-adherence to treatment, i.e., failure to change lifestyle and to take prescribed medication. Knowledge about the reasons for this is limited.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to explore people's experiences of having hypertension.

Design

Inductive design based on qualitative interviews.

Settings

The south of Sweden.

Participants

Twelve adults diagnosed with hypertension and treated in primary care were interviewed.

Methods

The transcribed interviews were analysed using content analysis, which rendered three categories.

Results

The individuals adapted to their diagnosis in different ways. Collaboration with the staff gave security, but the persons still perceived anxiety and uncertainty.

Conclusions

To meet the needs of people with hypertension, strategies such as person-centred counselling and care, using digital interventions, following national guidelines and starting nurse-led clinics, may be of help. These strategies can give a foundation for increased self-efficacy, which is crucial for persons to be able to change lifestyle and adhere to prescribed medication in order to achieve BP control.

Factors influencing conveyance of older adults with minor head injury by paramedics to the emergency department: a multiple methods study

BACKGROUND

Head injury (HI) in older adults due to low-energy falls result in a substantial number of emergency department (ED) attendances. However, mortality associated with minor HI is very low. Reducing conveyance to hospital is important for older adults and is a priority for the National Health Service (NHS). Therefore, paramedics are required to make accurate decisions regarding conveyance to the ED. This study used routine data and semi-structured interviews to explore the factors that influence paramedic decision-making when considering whether to convey an adult aged 65 years and over with a minor HI to the ED.

METHODS

Semi-structured telephone interviews were completed with ten UK paramedics from a single EMS (ambulance) provider organisation. Interviews explored the factors influencing the paramedics' conveyance decision-making in adults aged 65 years and over with a minor HI. Data were initially analysed inductively to develop a thematic framework. A retrospective analysis of ambulance service data was also completed to determine the scope and scale of the issue in Southwest England. An in-depth audit of 100 conveyed patient records was used to determine the proportion of patients conveyed to the ED who met National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) guidelines.

RESULTS

In 2019 South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) attended 15,650 emergency calls to patients aged 65 and over with minor HI, with 70.5% conveyed to ED. 81% of conveyed patients met NICE and JRCALC guideline criteria for conveyance, with the remainder conveyed due to wound care or other medical concerns. The framework developed from the interviews comprised four themes: resources; patient factors; consequences; paramedic factors. Important factors included: the patient's social situation; guidelines; clinical support availability; the history and presentation of the patient; risk.

CONCLUSION

This study examined paramedic conveyance decisions for older people with minor HI. It identified multiple influencing factors, highlighting the complex nature of these decisions, and may serve as a basis for developing an intervention to safely decrease ED conveyance in this patient group.

Designing the "match of the future": challenges and proposed solutions in the interview and match phase of the UME-GME transition

This review focuses on the interview and match process with the purpose of broadly reviewing challenges in the current surgical residency selection process, detailing potential solutions, and identifying future avenues of investigation.

Exploring life engagement from the perspective of patients with major depressive disorder: a study using patient interviews

Background

Patient-reported outcomes can measure health aspects that are meaningful to patients, such as ‘life engagement’ in major depressive disorder (MDD). Expert psychiatrists recently identified ten items from the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (IDS-SR) that can be used to measure patient life engagement. This study aimed to explore the concept of patient life engagement and provide support for the IDS-SR₁₀ Life Engagement subscale from the patient perspective.

Methods

Semi-structured video interviews were conducted with adults with MDD in the United States. Patients were asked if they ever felt engaged with life, and how this affected their feelings, activities, socializing, and thoughts. Then, patients discussed the ten expert-selected IDS-SR items, and rated the relevance of all 30 items to patient life engagement on a 4-point scale.

Results

Patients (N = 20) understood the ‘engaged with life’ concept and could provide examples from their own lives, such as increased energy/motivation (100%), being more social/spending time with others (85%), being more communicative (80%), and having better mood (75%). Nineteen patients (95%) indicated that all ten IDS-SR₁₀ Life Engagement items were relevant to patient life engagement, and nine of the ten items had a mean score ≥ 3 (moderately relevant). Four additional items (all relating to mood) also scored ≥ 3.

Conclusions

Patients found the concept of life engagement to be important and relatable, and confirmed the IDS-SR₁₀ captures the defining non-mood-related aspects of patient life engagement. This research supports the relevance of patient life engagement as a potential clinical outcome beyond core mood symptoms, and the use of the IDS-SR₁₀ Life Engagement subscale in patient-oriented research.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41687-022-00517-z.

Best practices for interviewing applicants for medical school admissions: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Interviews are commonly used to select applicants for medical school, residency, and fellowship. However, interview techniques vary in acceptability, feasibility, reliability, and validity. This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of different interview methods in selecting the best qualified applicants for admission to medical school and developed a logic model to implement best practices for interviewing.

METHODS

Five electronic literature databases were searched for comparative studies related to interviewing in medical schools from inception through February 1, 2021. Inclusion criteria included publications in English that compared different methods of conducting a selection interview in medical schools with a controlled trial design. General study characteristics, measurement methodologies, and outcomes were reviewed. Quality appraisal was performed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and the Oxford Risk of Bias Scale. Based on these findings, a logic model was constructed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included. The multiple mini-interview (MMI) was reliable, unbiased, and predicted clinical and academic performance; the virtual MMI increased reliability and lowered costs. For unstructured interviews, blinding interviewers to academic scores reduced bias towards higher scorers; student and faculty interviewers rated applicants similarly. Applicants preferred structured over unstructured interviews. Study quality was above average per the MERSQI, risk of bias was high per the Oxford scale, and between-study heterogeneity was substantial.

DISCUSSION

There were few high-quality studies on interviewing applicants for admission to medical school; the MMI appears to offer a reliable method of interviewing. A logic model can provide a conceptual framework for conducting evidence-based admissions interviews.

Virtual Interactions and the 2020-2021 Residency Application Cycle in General Surgery: A Look Ahead

INTRODUCTION

General surgery residency training programs adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by going online instead of in-person, through virtual interviews, social media engagement, and virtual open houses. The impact of these virtual interactions is unknown. We sought to understand their effectiveness as per residency program directors and assistant program directors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An institutional review board approval was obtained to conduct this anonymous survey. A Qualtrics XM survey containing multiple-choice and short-answer questions was distributed to 590 residency program and assistant program directors through the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) listserv on July 6, July 13, and July 20.

RESULTS

We observed a response rate of approximately 11% across the 590 surgeons contacted. Nearly all (90%) respondents offered virtual preinterview interactions, primarily virtual open houses, virtual facility tours, and virtual question and answer (Q&A) sessions with residents and faculty; 48% of respondents were unsure of the utility of virtual interactions and the majority (54%) felt that virtual interaction limits a program's ability to evaluate applicants. Virtual Q&As were ranked to be the most effective interaction (7.6/10); 80% of respondents felt that visiting rotations were "somewhat important" to "very important," the two highest options available. In addition, 74% felt that applicants missed out on fully experiencing the program by forgoing these rotations. Most respondents (78%) noted that evaluation of applicants' preinterview did not change as a result of virtual interactions. Nearly half (48%) of the respondents offered more interview days due to the virtual format. A fifth (21%) of respondents stated that virtual interactions resulted in a change in the rank position of an applicant. Respondents ranked Twitter and Instagram higher in applicant engagement than Facebook. Factors that impacted interview or rank order list the most were late/absent step two CK scores (33%) and a lack of away rotations (31%), both being limitations largely due to the pandemic. With respect to future application cycles, most (71%) raised concerns regarding disparities between applicants applying in-person and virtually if both or either are offered.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that program directors and associate program directors have reservations about the use of virtual interactions with applicants. Interestingly, these data suggest that visiting subinternships are useful for programs in evaluating applicants. This may encourage students to pursue rotations at other institutions at the expense of already-limited resources. It remains unclear whether virtual interactions will be used in the future, but respondents largely agreed that the virtual means of interacting with and disseminating information to the applicants of the 2020-2021 general surgery Match were a success.

The 2021 Podiatric Residency Candidate and Program Virtual Interview Experience During COVID with Multispecialty Reflections and Recommendations for a Successful Virtual Match

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all facets of health care in the United States, including the disruption of professional training for podiatry residents and students. In March 2020, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) recommended pausing then modifying all clinical rotations. The podiatric community followed suit. In-person restrictions, cancellations of clerkships, limited clinical experiences, virtual didactic programs and reduced surgical cases for students and residency programs occurred for many months during the ongoing pandemic. These adaptations impacted the ability of podiatric students to complete clinical rotations and clerkships, which are pivotal to their academic curriculum and residency program application and selection.

METHODS

A survey was conducted by the Council of Teaching Hospitals (COTH) and sent out by the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM). The 2021 post-interview surveys were sent out to all participants in the 2021 CASPR application and match cycle, both programs and candidates.

RESULTS

The COTH presents results and comments from the 2021 virtual interview experience and residency match. Data and anecdotal comments from the 2021 post-interview survey conducted by COTH, sent out by AACPM, are presented here.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the surveys of program directors and candidates show a preference by both groups for in-person interviews despite the personal time demands and increased costs associated with travel.

Development of an assessment tool for the transition of Japanese primiparas becoming mothers: Reliability and validity

OBJECTIVE

We developed a measurement tool that may be used for Japanese primiparas to determine their progress in the transition to being a mother.

DESIGN

Quantitative descriptive study.

SETTING

Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 86 and 395 participants were included in the pilot study and present survey, respectively.

INTERVENTIONS

Drafting the scale involved creating a pool of items based on semi-structured interviews of primiparas at 1-6 months postpartum. After validating the items through researchers in the field of maternal nursing and midwifery, a web-based questionnaire was used to investigate the reliability and validity of the scale.

MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS

In the exploratory factor analysis of the pilot study, we explained 5 subfactors and 57 items. In the present survey, upon conducting an exploratory factor analysis of 57 items and investigation of content validity, we were able to explain 5 subfactors and 30 items. The Cronbach's α coefficient for each factor was 0.871-0.648. The inter-item correlation for subfactors with α < 0.7 was r = 0.394-0.465. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed the following indices of goodness of fit of each model: comparative fit index = 0.838, goodness of fit index = 0.821, adjusted goodness of fit index = 0.789 and root mean square error of approximation = 0.07. As concurrent validity, a correlation was identified between three external criteria and the present scale.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

We developed a measurement tool for Japanese primiparas to determine their progress in the transition to being a mother.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Through this scale, primiparas can objectively assess the transition to becoming a mother as well as developing an understanding of their state. In cases when there are similarities between results of self-evaluation and those of evaluation of others, mothers can subsequently receive various supports that can help empower them.

Experiences of family caregivers of patients with post-traumatic hydrocephalus from hospital to home: a qualitative study

Background

Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that requires treatment and postoperative care. The shunt is one of the main treatments for PTH, which presents with dysfunction and infection. Considering brain injury, hydrocephalus shunt malfunction, and infection, family caregivers need to be responsible for caring for PTH patients, recognizing shunt malfunction and infection, and managing those patients accordingly from hospital to home. Understanding the experiences and needs of caregivers is beneficial for knowing their competency and quality of health care, ameliorating and ensuring future transition care. The study aimed to explore the feelings, experiences, and needs of family caregivers when caring for patients with TBI, PTH and shunts.

Methods

This was exploratory research of a purposive sample of 12 family caregivers of adult patients with TBI, PTH and shunts in five neurosurgery departments at a general hospital in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, using a semi-structured interview method. Data were collected from October 2021 to March 2022 before being analyzed by content analysis methods.

Results

Caregivers required professional and social knowledge and support in the areas of TBI, PTH and shunts, caregiving interventions, psychological care needs, and health insurance, just as caregivers do, but unlike other general caregivers, care for patients with TBI, PTH, and shunt is fraught with uncertainty and the need to manage shunt setting, and caregivers often experience 'complex emotional reaction' during the transitional period, where care needs and complex emotions may lead to a lack of caregiver confidence, which in turn may affect caregiving behaviors, and experiences that affect care may be mediated through caregiving confidence. The perceived availability of resources, particularly those that are still available to them when they return home, has a significant impact on participants' emotional response and sense of confidence.

Conclusions

The emotional response and the impact of stressor caregivers after TBI, PTH, and shunt was important, and sometimes confidence in care appeared to be an intermediate and useful factor that needed to be considered as health professionals prepared to develop care resources on how to manage and empower patients with TBI, PTH, and shunt. Meanwhile, there may be gaps and inequities in supportive care for patients diagnosed with TBI, PTH, and shunt in China.

"Everything kind of revolves around technology": a qualitative exploration of families' screen use experiences, and intervention suggestions

Background

Managing children’s screen time is challenging for most families. Interventions have had limited success in reducing screen time, potentially due to a lack of understanding of the experiences, needs and recommendations of families. This study aimed to 1) understand the screen time experiences of families, particularly during COVID-19 lockdowns; and 2) explore parent and child suggestions for the design, components, and content of a screen time management program.

Methods

Parents and children from 30 families living in Victoria, Australia completed a semi-structured interview (63 interviews) via Zoom in October–November 2021. Parents were _maged 40.8 (± 8.9) years and predominantly female (90%). Children were _maged 11.4 (± 2.4) years and 47% female. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis combined with a summative content analysis approach.

Results

Three themes under Aim 1 emerged. Theme 1) ‘Screen time management experiences and practices’, including rules and strategies, challenges, and the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns. Theme 2) ‘Impact of screens on family interaction and communication’ including conflicts within the family, reduced face-to-face interactions, and negative impact on child’s behaviour and wellbeing. Theme 3) ‘Benefits of increased screen time due to COVID-19 lockdowns’ including continuation of social interactions, extracurricular activities, improved technology skills and using screens as a ‘babysitter’. Findings from Aim 2 suggest that families want a screen time management program delivered online to parents and children, which includes static and interactive content that incorporates health information, alternative activities, cyber-safety information, tips for goal setting and rewards, screen monitoring tools, links to reputable information, and parent social connections. Reminders via text message or through the online platform would help maintain engagement in the program.

Conclusions

Families are experiencing challenges in managing the complex balance between the increased need for screens and the impact it has on the family. These findings provide valuable parent and child insights to assist in developing screen time management programs that are created with an understanding of the needs and challenges of families.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14007-w.