Alternative methods of follow up in breast cancer: a systematic review of the literature

Regular clinical follow up after breast cancer is a common practice. Evidence from retrospective reviews casts doubt on the efficacy of this practice and the various guidelines for follow up show little concordance. Our aim was to investigate what alternative follow-up methods (including reduced frequency of visits) have been subjected to controlled trial and to establish what evidence exists from controlled trials to advise the guidelines. The study involved systematic review of the literature using MEDLINE, Embase, CancerLit, Web of Sciences and EBM reviews as data sources. Methods included reviewing all randomised controlled trials comparing different follow-up frequencies or comparing an alternative method with clinical follow up after breast cancer. All outcome measures addressed in the trials were analysed. Two trials compared frequency of traditional follow up. Five trials assessed alternative methods. All were of inadequate power or duration to establish ideal frequency of clinic visits or safety of alternative follow-up methods. Alternative follow up had no detrimental effect on satisfaction or outcome. Few trials have been conducted, all of which are underpowered to establish safety of reducing or replacing clinic visits. Alternative methods of follow up are acceptable to patients and may be associated with other benefits. Larger trials are required

Pharmacology as a foreign language: A preliminary evaluation of podcasting as a supplementary learning tool for non-medical prescribing students

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Nurses and other health professionals in the U.K. can gain similar prescribing rights to doctors by undertaking a non-medical prescribing course. Non-medical prescribing students must have a thorough understanding of the pharmacology of prescribing to ensure safe practice. Pharmacology education at this level is complicated by the variation in students' prior subject knowledge of, and anxiety about, the subject. The recent advances in technology, particularly the potential for mobile learning, provide increased opportunities for students to familiarise themselves with lecture materials and hence promote understanding. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate both the subjective (student perception) and objective (student use and exam results) usefulness of podcasts of pharmacology lectures which were provided as an extra learning tool to two cohorts (n = 69) of non-medical prescribing students.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The podcasts were made available to students through the virtual learning environment WebCT. Use of podcasts by two successive cohorts of nurse prescribing students (n = 69) was tracked through WebCT. Survey data, which was collected from 44 of these students, investigated patterns of/reasons for podcast use and perceived usefulness of podcasts as a learning tool. Of these 69 students, 64 completed the pharmacology exam. In order to examine any impact of podcasts on student knowledge, their exam results were compared with those of two historical cohorts who did not have access to podcasts (n = 70).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>WebCT tracking showed that 91% of students accessed at least one podcast. 93% of students used the podcasts to revisit a lecture, 85% used podcasts for revision, and 61% used the podcasts when they had a specific question. Only 22% used the podcasts because they had missed a pharmacology session. Most students (81%) generally listened to the entire podcast rather than specific sections and most (73%) used them while referring to their lecture handouts. The majority of students found the podcasts helpful as a learning tool, as a revision aid and in promoting their understanding of the subject. Evaluation of the range of marks obtained, mode mark and mean mark suggested improved knowledge in students with access to podcasts compared to historical cohorts of students who did not have access to pharmacology podcasts.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results of this study suggest that non-medical prescribing students utilised podcasts of pharmacology lectures, and have found the availability of these podcasts helpful for their learning. Exam results indicate that the availability of podcasts was also associated with improved exam performance.</p

Estas son algunas de las habilidades blandas demandadas en Colombia

Este producto forma parte de una serie de infografías de divulgación científica que buscan reseñar algunas de las investigaciones más importantes en las que ha tenido participación la Universidad EAFIT, publicadas en las revistas especializadas más prestigiosas del mund

The usefulness of case studies in developing core competencies in a professional accounting programme : a New Zealand study

Professional accounting education in recent years has emphasised the need for competencydevelopment. One of the pedagogical techniques recommended to enhance competencydevelopment is the use of case studies. Although case studies are being used increasingly in accounting education, research into the usefulness or effectiveness of the method is limited.This study examines students' perceptions of the use of case studies and the potentialinfluences of certain variables, such as age, gender and first language, on such perceptions. The questionnaire based study was conducted in the professional accounting programme of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand (ICANZ). Analysis of the results reveals significant differences in students' perceptions of the benefits of using case studies. Gender and language based differences in perception were also found. The results of thestudy provide the ICANZ with feedback on the Professional Accounting School (PAS)programme and facilitate the further development of the programme. Other professional accounting bodies may consider replicating this study using data collected on similar programmes. The results of such studies may then be compared to enhance the existing literature on competency development in professional accounting education

A critical evaluation of competency development in a professional accounting programme

This paper reports on a study of the efficacy of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand’s (ICANZ) Professional Accounting School (PAS) programme in developing a set of competencies in candidates. The study surveyed ICANZ candidates’ perceptions of their competence levels for 16 specified skills at the commencement and conclusion of the 1999 PAS programme. The findings indicate that candidates perceived their levels of competence – for both cognitive and behavioural skills – to have been significantly improved by the PAS programme. Tests of two secondary hypotheses in the study indicate certain gender- and firm-based differences in the perceived level of competence of candidates. The results of the study provide the ICANZ with feedback on the PAS programme and facilitate the further development of the programme. Other professional accounting bodies may consider replicating this study using data collected on similar programmes. The results of such studies may then be compared to enhance the existing knowledge of competency development in professional accounting education

Statement of service performance reporting: A study of tier three registered charities in New Zealand

Charities have been an important component of most societies throughout human history. For as long as there are groups and individuals in need of help that they are not able to provide for themselves, charities have been there to assist. Furthermore, the drive to provide help to those in need is a defining expression of human civility. Charitable organisations emerged as individuals banded together, united by a commitment to addressing a specific need, to consolidate their resources both physical and mental. They were also a means for rallying the cause and gathering the resources required in the same way a company issues share to the general public. The growth of their activities across the charitable sector has triggered a call for them to be more accountable. While shareholders will have entitlement to an account of the financial activities and performance of the company, they have an interest in, the same is not the case for those that make donations to charities. Since the “return” that donors would deem relevant from a charity is an account of the non-financial impact they have made, the inclusion of a statement of service performance (SSP) has been added to the list of mandated disclosures. This study provides an analysis of the reporting quality across 94 charities listed on the New Zealand Charities Register with the charitable purpose of the advancement of religion. Using a documentary analysis approach, the study finds that the quality of the SSP reporting is influenced by the size of the charitable organisation and a potential misalignment between the format offered by the External Reporting Board (XRB) and what the charities chose to disclose. The findings suggest religious-based charities compile the SSP motivated by compliance rather than informing their stakeholders and contributors of the charitable outcomes they have achieved. The findings from the study will help inform policymakers and regulators that a one size fits all format for the statement of service performance is inappropriate and potentially counterproductive to the needs of the charity, the groups and individuals they aim to serve and the donors who support their vision