Reflective Approaches in Medical Education. Implications on Medical imaging.

Abstract Purpose: This paper reviewed literature regarding the utility and direction of reflective approaches in Medical imaging education. Methods: The Scopus database was accessed. The word “Reflective” was used as the main search term to look for the relevant literature. The inclusion criteria used in this study comprised of those papers published in English between the years 2006 to 2016, indexed in Scopus database, and limited to those discussing the topic on reflective approaches in medical education. Published papers that have the main search terms in the articles’ title only were tabulated. The data were then filtered using other Reflective related terms. Thematic analysis was done. Results: Two hundred and four articles were identified to have one or more search terms in the articles’ titles only. Studying the data using other reflective related terms revealed that the term “Reflective Writing” contributed the highest frequency, followed by “Reflective Journal” and “Reflective Learning”. Twenty- four studies evaluated students\u27 reflective approaches in assessing and improving the domain of professionalism in Medical sciences. Twenty-two studies showed the researchers utilized various types of reflective approaches for evidence of students learning skills. Other studies noted the efficacy of different types of reflective learning in the domains of attitude, teamwork, empathy, learning skill, competencies, clinical skill and patient care. Pertinent to Medical imaging education area, only two studies were found; one reported the promotion of reflective learning while the other touched on the portfolio. Conclusion: This review, based on Scopus database, depicts the educational approaches that made use of the concept of reflection. They are used to facilitate the learning and assessment in various medical disciplines. There is a dearth of articles that address reflective approaches in relation to Medical imaging education. Much work is required to understand how reflective approaches can be used to effectively assess the students’ performances in various domains in Medical imaging education

A Review of the Use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in Medical Imaging Education

Purpose: The purpose of this review article is to describe the benefits and challenges associated with massive open online courses (MOOCs) and to discuss the implications specific to medical imaging education and training. Methods: Peer-reviewed journal articles pertaining to MOOCs in higher education were analyzed to identify commonalities, relationships, and possible gaps in the literature. Results: Analysis revealed several repetitive themes and concepts regarding the use of MOOCs in higher education: theory of connectivism, instructors’ and students’ perspectives, and benefits and challenges. Implications for medical imaging education and training were also discussed. Conclusions: As web-based education and technology integration continue to increase, innovative approaches, such as MOOCs, will continue to develop. As higher education institutions continue experimenting with MOOCs, opportunities to engage individuals as lifelong learners will rise. Medical imaging students can use MOOCs to refine skills to prepare for an upcoming course along with the possibility of completing continuing education requirements

The Paradigm Shift in Medical Imaging Education and Training in Europe

The main goal of this literature review is to discuss the emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in the field of medical imaging education in Europe due to the Covid-19 pandemic scenario that forced the remodeling of the teaching and learning process. A bibliographic search was carried out in the main databases and from resources available in scientific and professional associations in Europe. Exclusion criteria included articles without contributions on distance learning or active learning. Education and training in medical imaging field had to readapt and the usual opportunities for medical imaging and radiotherapy (MIR) students to learn in person in the classroom, lab and clinical settings, had to be quickly transformed into distance learning opportunities. Thus, online education became a pedagogical shift from traditional method to the modern approach of teaching and learning from classroom to Zoom, from personal to virtual and from seminars to webinars, leading to the emergence of innovative teaching models. Moreover, student-centered strategies such as flipped classroom and game-based learning have been recently applied in health professions education with positive and very promising results. In conclusion, due to the pandemic crisis, MIR educators and students find themselves in the situation where they felt compelled to embrace the digital academic experience, allowing the progressive innovation of e-learning. In this context, game-based learning appears to be effective for improving knowledge, skills, attitudes and satisfaction and should be considered as a potential systematic tool in the field of medical imaging education. Therefore, preparedness of radiographers depends on the application of effective training and education methodologies that allows excellent clinical performance and maintaining high quality and safety standards, both through undergraduate course and continuous professional development

The paradigm shift in medical imaging education and training in Europe

The main goal of this literature review is to discuss the emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in the field of medical imaging education in Europe due to the Covid-19 pandemic scenario that forced the remodeling of the teaching and learning process. A bibliographic search was carried out in the main databases and from resources available in scientific and professional associations in Europe. Exclusion criteria included articles without contributions on distance learning or active learning. Education and training in medical imaging field had to readapt and the usual opportunities for medical imaging and radiotherapy (MIR) students to learn in person in the classroom, lab and clinical settings, had to be quickly transformed into distance learning opportunities. Thus, online education became a pedagogical shift from traditional method to the modern approach of teaching and learning from classroom to Zoom, from personal to virtual and from seminars to webinars, leading to the emergence of innovative teaching models. Moreover, student-centered strategies such as flipped classroom and game-based learning have been recently applied in health professions education with positive and very promising results. In conclusion, due to the pandemic crisis, MIR educators and students find themselves in the situation where they felt compelled to embrace the digital academic experience, allowing the progressive innovation of e-learning. In this context, game-based learning appears to be effective for improving knowledge, skills, attitudes and satisfaction and should be considered as a potential systematic tool in the field of medical imaging education. Therefore, preparedness of radiographers depends on the application of effective training and education methodologies that allows excellent clinical performance and maintaining high quality and safety standards, both through undergraduate course and continuous professional development.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Medical Imaging Student's Assessment on Radiation Protection in Clinical Training

This study evaluates pre- and post-clinical training radiation protection awareness and knowledge among medical imaging students. A cross-sectional study of 120 medical imaging students from Malaysian public universities was undertaken. The survey is based on the developed Healthcare Professional Knowledge of Radiation Protection (HPKRP) scale. There was a significant difference between the pre and post-clinical training students in their awareness of radiation protection but no difference in other radiological knowledge. Therefore, clinical training remained a fundamental component of medical imaging education for students to gain the skills and understanding of appropriate radiation protection procedures

Puzzle Based Learning in Undergraduate Studies

All undergraduate Radiography students require training in image interpretation and evaluation of x-ray images in their second year of studies as part of work integrated learning. The method of teaching pedagogy influences the student\u27s learning process and recall ability during examinations. if the teaching process moves to a student-centred approach, students become responsible for their own learning allowing active engagement and construction of their knowledge systems. Aim/ Objectives The aim of the study is to implement and evaluate the use of puzzle-based learning in the teaching and learning process of undergraduate studies Objectives To determine the efficacy of crossword and jigsaw puzzles as a novel teaching tool for medical imaging education To increase student\u27s interest and involvement with image interpretation topics To improve and assess recognition and recall of medical terminology To improve the understanding of innovative learning Methods The study is a cross sectional qualitative research design. Approval will be obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee of health Sciences. Online consent will be obtained from students involved, by means of Google Form submission, followed by an information session on Blackboard collaborate on the topic "Image evaluation and interpretation of radiographic imaging". Conclusion The research will prove the important collaboration of active teaching methodologies with simple, easy to use didactic material to improve student\u27s understanding of basic concepts in their core module subjec

Incivility Among Radiography Educators in the United States

Purpose: Medical imaging education must nurture a civil environment for both students and educators. Because faculty incivility can potentially compromise learning and interfere with workplace productivity, this study examined the perceptions of incivility among radiography educators in the United States. Methods: A survey research method was designed to examine the severity and frequency of incivility among educators teaching in radiography programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT). Using a scale of 1 to 4, the participants in this study considered their perceptions of faculty incivility among radiography educators within their respective departments. Results: Civility has been demonstrated as a perceived problem in this survey. A total of 240/1,333 educators completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 18%. Only 40.4% (97/240) of the participants in this study perceived that the severity of incivility was not a problem. The majority of the participant perceived civility to be an issue with 23.8% (57/240) reporting a minor problem; 39/240 (16.3%) said it was a moderate problem; and 47/240 (19.6%) believed faculty incivility is a major problem among radiography educators in the United States. Interestingly, severe uncivil faculty behaviors did not occur as often as behaviors classified as less severe. A very weak negative correlation was found between perceived severity of faculty incivility and age of radiography educators, indicating age increased as the perceived severity of faculty incivility slightly decreased and vice versa. Conclusions: Faculty incivility is perceived to be occurring among radiography educators in the United States. This study provides a foundation for future research to address various aspects of incivility among imaging sciences and radiation therapy educators in the United States

Collagen I and collagen II immunohistochemistry analyses on in vitro 3D poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) seeded with intervertebral disc cells with and without fibrin scaffold

Objectives/Research Problem: Successful formation of 3D tissue constructs requires appropriate combination of the three established tissue engineering principles. The principles include quality cell source, biocompatible material scaffold and suitable biological signalling factors. This preliminary study aims to evaluate in vitro tissue constructs engineered from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) seeded with intervertebral disc (IVD) cells namely annulus fibrosus (AF), nucleus pulposus (NP), and a combination of AF:NP (1:1) with and without fibrin using specific cartilaginous markers i.e. collagen I and II immunohistochemistry staining. Materials and Method: Porous PLGA discs (7.0mm dia. X 3.0mm height) were fabricated using solvent casting and salt leaching method. The cells were harvested from rabbits’ IVD, cultured and seeded onto the pre-fabricated PLGA-based scaffolds. The resulting six “cells-scaffolds” construct groups were cultured for 3-weeks. The immunohistochemistry procedure and microscopic observation were performed at week 1, 2 and 3. Results and Discussion: Minimal cartilaginous tissue formation is noted in all constructs at week 1 until week 3. This can be appreciated by the presence of cartilage-isolated cells in lacunae embedded within extracellular matrix (ECM) ground substance. Cellular and ECM distribution are better in PLGA+Fibrin+AF:NP group than the other groups. Presence of brownish precipitation in most of the constructs after the immunolocalization of collagen I and II indicates positive results. It demonstrates that certain constructs have cartilaginous properties. Conclusion: The combination of PLGA and fibrin has the potential in facilitating early chondrogenesis of in vitro constructs engineered from AF, NP, and the combination of AF:NP (1:1) cells. The minimal cartilaginous tissue formation may be due to inefficient cells seeding. While it is apparent that human factor is unavoidable, there is much evidence in biomedical research and other fields that certain methodology can be refined to prevent errors before one’s experiment is compromised. In this case, the cells seeding method should be observed and improved for future IVD tissue engineering research

Histology staining on in vitro 3D poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) seeded with annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, and a combination of annulus fibrosus: nucleus pulposus (1:1) cells with and without fibrin scaffold

Objectives/Research Problem: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), an FDA-approved, synthetic copolymer has been widely applied in clinical settings as one of the suturing materials. It has been used as cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds because it is bioabsorbable and safe for human use. PLGA can be prepared alone or in combination with other biomaterials such as fibrin to enhance the surface-adhesion properties. Fibrin helps to hold the cells inside the scaffolds and thus minimizes cells lost. This condition facilitates homogeneous cells distribution and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro constructs engineered from PLGA seeded with intervertebral disc (IVD) cells namely annulus fibrosus (AF) cell, nucleus pulposus (NP) cell, and a combination of AF:NP (1:1) with and without fibrin using histology staining. Materials and Method: All cell groups were cultured until passage 1 (P1) prior to seeding step onto the pre-fabricated PLGA scaffolds. Approx. 1.0x106 cells were used per scaffold. The resulted “cells-scaffolds” constructs were cultured for 3-weeks. The microscopic evaluation using H&E, Alcian Blue and Safranin O staining was performed on all constructs at weeks 1, 2 and 3. Results and Discussion: The overall results suggested minimal formation of cartilaginous tissue at week 1 until week 3 in all groups. Formation of cartilaginous tissue is indicated by the presence of cartilage-isolated cells in lacunae spaces. PLGA+Fibrin seeded with AF:NP demonstrated better cellular and ECM distribution than the other PLGA based constructs. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation is noted in most constructs using Alcian Blue staining. However, the presence of proteoglycan-rich matrix was not detected in most constructs using Safranin O staining. This may be due to the immature nature of the in vitro tissue constructs. They have yet to produce cartilage specific proteoglycan-rich matrix. Conclusion: This preliminary study showed that PLGA+Fibrin has the potential to promote early formation of in vitro cartilaginous constructs engineered from the IVD cells. It is hoped that the findings provide a useful information for future research in IVD tissue engineering

An overview of the Islamic legal maxim vis-a-vis cartilage tissue engineering experimentation

Al-qawaid al-fiqhiyyah or legal maxims of Islamic Law play an important role in constructing Islamic legal thought. They are applied in deducing numerous fiqh rules as they embody many of Islamic Law principles and values. The normative legal maxims which also known as al-qawaid al-khams al-kubra or the five major universal maxims include, (1) al-umūr bi maqāṣidihā (acts are judged by the intention behind them), (2) al-yaqīn la yazūl bi al-shakk (certainty is not overruled by doubt), (3) al-mashaqqah tajlib al-taysīr (hardship begets facility), (4) al-ḍarar yuzāl (harm must be eliminated) and (5) al-ʿādah muḥakkamah (customary usage is the basis of judgement). As science and technology is being developed, there is the need to address the associated ethical issues that arise from Islamic legal perspective. This is to provide Muslim scholars with the religious foundations to underline their work. This study aims to deliberate and align cartilage tissue engineering experimentation (CTEE) in relation to these legal maxims. Al-qawaid al-fiqhiyyah offers a holistic and universal platform to deliberate on such issues including those of CTEE. The ethical issues of CTEE revolve around its concept and applications. In this study, specific focus will be given to in vitro and in vivo components part of CTEE. For in vitro, the issues involve the three main elements of tissue engineering which are the cell sources, biomaterial scaffold and signaling factors. Meanwhile, in vivo concerns involve the study of small and big animal to prove the cartilage tissue engineering concept. The benefits and risks of the methods used in both in vitro and in vivo are seen within the applications of Islamic legal maxims. The analogical nature of legal maxims may complement the effort of the Islamic theologians to extract legal rulings in the field of science and technology including in CTEE