Health Care Clinical Preceptors' Attitudes Towards Interprofessional Education in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

IPE fosters a dynamic learning environment that may promote students' knowledge, abilities, and collaborative approach towards addressing challenging clinical circumstances. While much has been reported in the literature regarding these diverse IPE learning environments, limited information exists regarding clinical preceptors' attitude and perceptions of IPE, especially in Saudi Arabia. Given the impact clinical preceptors have on the formation of healthcare students exploring their perceptions, which may impact their actions is imperative.

Methodology

The study focused on understanding the attitudes and perceptions of clinical preceptors towards IPE in a healthcare setting in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via Email letter of solicitation (LOS) which included a link to the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) survey. The LOS was sent to all the health care programs in Saudi Arabia.

Results

The study surveyed 182 clinical preceptors. The findings revealed consistent favorable opinions towards "Teamwork and Collaboration". The majority of preceptors concurred that learning alongside other students would increase students' efficiency on healthcare teams and deepen their comprehension of clinical issues. The "Roles and Responsibilities" category, however, obtained lower ranks in general from the preceptors. Not surprising, differences in rankings were greatest between preceptors who had and did not have IPE exposure, there were significant variations in views toward "Teamwork and Collaboration", "Negative Professional Identity", and "Roles and Responsibilities". Preceptors exposed to IPE showed lower median ratings for "Negative Professional Identity" and "Roles and Responsibilities" and better median scores for "Teamwork and Collaboration".

Conclusion

The attitudes and perceptions of preceptors who had experienced IPE were more favorable toward IPE and thus may foster it more effectively in the students they work with. Therefore, ensuring that all preceptors are aware of and have experience with IPE is important as we seek to promote person-centered care.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy versus Non-Invasive Ventilation in patients at very high risk for extubating failure: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Mechanical ventilation is commonly used for managing respiratory failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, but weaning patients off ventilator support can be challenging and associated with complications. While many patients respond well to Non-invasive ventilation (NIV), a significant proportion may not respond as favourably. We aimed to assess whether high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is equally effective as NIV in reducing extubation failure among previously intubated COPD patients.

METHODS

This systematic review was carried out in line with PRISMA guidelines We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane library from inception until February 15, 2023. Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) of adults at high risk for extubating failure were included. We examined the use of HFNC as the intervention and NIV as the comparator. Our outcome of interest included, reintubation rate, length of hospital or intensive care unit (ICU) stay, adverse events, and time to reintubation. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used for randomized trials to assess risk of bias.

RESULTS

We identified 348 citations, 11 of which were included, representing 2,666 patients. The trials indicate that HFNC is comparable to NIV in preventing reintubation after extubating in COPD patients. In comparison to NIV, HFNC also produced improved tolerance, comfort, and less complications such as airway care interventions. NIV with active humification may be more effective that HFNC in avoiding reintubation in patients who are at extremely high risk for extubating failure.

CONCLUSION

The inconclusive nature of emerging evidence highlights the need for additional studies to establish the efficacy and suitability of HFNC as an alternative to NIV for previously intubated COPD patients. Clinicians should consider the available options and individualize their approach based on patient characteristics. Future research should focus on addressing these gaps in knowledge to guide clinical decision-making and optimize outcomes for this patient population.

Managing High Frequency of Ambulance Calls in Hospitals: A Systematic Review

Background

This study addresses the critical issue of high-volume emergency calls in hospitals, focusing on the strain caused by frequent caller patients on ambulance services. The aim was to synthesize various management methods for handling high-frequency hospital calls.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and guided by the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on the management of emergency departments in hospitals, exploring various medical conditions requiring ambulance attention, and reporting on the impact of a high volume of ambulance calls on hospitals. Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from January 1, 2005, to May 1, 2022. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Checklist.

Results

Out of 2390 identified citations, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies, from 12 countries, presented diverse methods categorized into country policy-based management, modeling approaches, and general strategies. Key findings included the effectiveness of risk stratification models and community-based interventions in managing high call frequencies and improving patient care. Our review identified effective strategies such as risk stratification models and community-based interventions, which have shown significant impacts in managing high call frequencies, aligning closely with our objective. These approaches have been pivotal in reducing the burden on emergency services and improving patient care.

Conclusion

The study synthesizes effective management methods for high-frequency ambulance calls, including predictive modeling and community interventions. It highlights the need for multi-faceted management strategies in different healthcare settings and underscores the importance of continued research and implementation of these methods to improve emergency service efficiency.

Assessment of the Knowledge and Opinions of Undergraduate Health Care Students Concerning Influenza Vaccination in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Influenza remains a significant global public health challenge, causing substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of influenza vaccines, challenges related to vaccine hesitancy and healthcare professionals' attitudes persist. Furthermore, there is a need to understand the knowledge and opinions of undergraduate healthcare students regarding influenza vaccinations. Therefore, we aimed to assess and compare the knowledge and opinions of undergraduate healthcare students about influenza vaccinations, addressing the existing knowledge gap in this area.

Methods

We employed a cross-sectional study design to assess the opinions and knowledge of undergraduate healthcare students in Saudi Arabia regarding influenza vaccination. A total of 137 healthcare programs were invited to participate via filled-out the survey online. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics for the demographic profile and Chi-Square and independent t-tests for examining associations and differences in opinions and knowledge, respectively.

Results

A total of 429 undergraduate students completed the survey and were included. Significant associations were found between the students' major and their beliefs regarding the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing influenza (p=0.017) and the inclusion of influenza vaccines in medical practice (p=0.016). The majority of students agreed with seven out of nine knowledge statements, with agreement percentages ranging from 42.9% to 44.8%. When comparing knowledge scores, students majoring in medicine had a significantly higher mean knowledge score (3.91) compared to students studying other medical sciences (3.72) (p=0.019).

Conclusion and Recommendations

Our study suggests that a comprehensive approach involving education, awareness initiatives, and policy changes is needed to enhance knowledge about influenza vaccination among Saudi Arabian undergraduate students in Medical School allied medical sciences and medical degree programs. By implementing these strategies, we can promote a positive attitude towards flu vaccination and ultimately increase its uptake.

Transition to remote/hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic among Saudi students of the College of Applied Medical Sciences: a cross-sectional study

Background

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unparalleled and unique stressors and challenges to the field of applied health sciences education. This study explored how the College of Applied Medical Sciences (COAMS) Saudi students perceive the transition to remote/ hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional exploratory investigation was carried out during the months of February and March in the year 2023 among 196- COAMS Saudi students, using the 48-item previously developed and validated questionnaire, and with a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were generated for participants' demographics, and for each questionnaire item and statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test.

Results

Out of the 283 undergraduates who have enrolled in COAMS, a total of 196 students have agreed to participate in the study with an overall response rate of 69.3%. Over 70% of COAMS students were satisfied and engaged in their on-site coursework. Nevertheless, questionnaire data indicates that their satisfaction and level of engagement diminished following the shift to remote learning. More than 62% of COAMS students were satisfied with their instructors' instructional and assessment strategies during on-site coursework, but such perceptions have decreased with remote instruction. Hybrid learning can be beneficial and effective in improving the performance and learning experience of COAMS students. As compared to female students, COAMS male students were more satisfied with remote learning because it met their needs (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Remote classrooms have lower attendance and interest than on-site classes. Despite lower satisfaction levels in online courses, hybrid learning was viewed favourably by COAMS students. Higher educational institutions should develop plans to increase student involvement, improve academic integrity, and assess the effect of the pandemic on undergraduate education on a regular basis. By incorporating these measures, educational institutions can enhance and support the remote learning experience for their students.

The experience of Saudi respiratory therapists dealing with COVID-19 patients: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Healthcare professionals have fought hard to restrain the COVID-19 pandemic by providing high-quality care for their infected patients, but in doing so they have developed fears of becoming sick and feelings of isolation and loneliness. The lived experience of respiratory therapists (RTs) in Saudi Arabia who works with these infected patients needs further investigation. The study sought to describe the experiences and coping strategies of Saudi RT managing patients with COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study utilized qualitative research methods, specifically employing a phenomenological research design. A total of 25 Saudi RT (RTs) who were in direct contact with COVID-19 patients were selected after they agreed to participate in this study. The study followed a one-on-one semi-structured interview process using the Zoom platform. This qualitative data collection technique focuses on the participants' lived experiences and feelings to discover shared patterns. The data were analyzed via an inductive approach.

RESULTS

Six themes were found in the RT perceptions including stress while treating COVID patients, managing the fear of catching of Covid 19, feelings towards COVID-19 patients, challenges faced by female RTs, workplace experiences, and excessive workload.

CONCLUSIONS

RTs feelings dramatically changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. All the RTs have developed a self-copying style that has helped them improve their psychosocial behavior to face the pandemic. During the outbreak, frontline RTs' positive and negative emotions intertwined and coexisted. Negative emotions predominated in the beginning, while good feelings emerged gradually. Self-coping methods and psychosocial development were significant factors in RTs mental health while caring for COVID-19 patients.

Factors Affecting Confirmed COVID-19 Patient's Recovery Time at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a threat to the public's health, especially to the elderly and those with chronic conditions. It is capable of spreading from carriers who are both asymptomatic and symptomatic. Associated factors such as age, sex, severe symptoms of COVID-19 disease, and chronic disease have a significant impact on the recovery time of patients.

AIM

The study aimed to determine associated factors on recovery time in COVID-19 patients hospitalized at King Abdulaziz Medical city.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was utilized to recruit 1776 confirmed COVID-19 patients from 13 September to 24 October 2020 at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Jeddah.

RESULTS

The patients were categorized into three age groups: below 5 years, 5 to 65 years, and above 65 years. The number of male patients in each group was 49, 764, and 73, and the number of female patients in each group was 54, 754, and 82, respectively. Impact recovery time on female patients was 11.75 days; with male patients was 10.95 days. Symptoms such as sore throat, diarrhea, and fever in female patients declined the recovery time. On the other hand, symptoms such as runny nose, diarrhea, fever, and headache in male patients declined the recovery time.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It was revealed that older aged COVID-19 patients, male sex, and some symptoms decline recovery time. The study findings show an independent predictor of particular symptoms and sign which delay the time of recovery in the COVID-19 patients enrolled in the study differently, for male and female patients. Thus, patients who are infected with COVID-19 should be monitored keenly to prevent a prolonged rate of recovery and should be eligible for priority management to enhance a good clinical outcome.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcome Related to Blood Eosinophilic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients

Introduction

The term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a range of illnesses that impair breathing and airflow. Clinical history of COPD is further impacted by frequent exacerbations known as acute exacerbation COPD in which these specific symptoms worsen contributing to emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalization. Blood eosinophils are a crucial indicator of therapy effectiveness and exacerbation rate. The role of blood eosinophils as a biomarker for treatment, response, exacerbation risk, inflammation, and other symptoms in COPD patients is implemented by the Global Initiative Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) as guidelines.

Objective

To determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes related specifically to eosinophilic COPD Patients.

Methodology

This is a retrospective single-center study of all AECOPD presented at ET between 2018 to 2019. A total of 120 patients were included. Patients were divided into two groups depending on blood eosinophil count: high (>300cells/µL) and low (<300cell/µL). Finally, Binary logistics regression was performed to determine correlations between clinical characteristics and eosinophil count levels.

Results

In the high eosinophil patients’ group: none of the independent variables were statistically significant. However, in the low eosinophil patients’ group: ER visits, lung disease, and symptomatic exacerbation made a statically significant contribution to the model (p-value of .008, .01, .001) respectively.

Conclusion and recommendation

The higher eosinophil levels showed better clinical outcomes compared to lower eosinophil levels. Increasing the level of symptomatic AECOPD episodes in low eosinophil levels may be linked to the onset of bacterial infection and airway inflammation. The study further recommends a prospective cross-sectional multi-center study which includes a follow-up of the patients to assess the number of exacerbations after initial treatment