Comparison of the effectiveness of the electronic portfolio and online discussion forum methods in teaching professional belonging and ethical behaviors to nursing students: a randomized controlled trial

Background Nursing is a profession that has had many ethical aspects and understanding professional belonging and ethics as a deep and complex process is one of the basic concepts in this field. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of training professional belonging and ethical behaviors in two methods: electronic portfolio and online discussion forum in nursing students. Methods This study is a single-blinded randomized-controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel intervention groups and a third control group. The sample size was 90 selected by block randomization method. The educational contents of professional belonging and ethical behaviors were presented to the participants in two ways: electronic portfolio and online discussion forum. Demographic information form, professional belonging questionnaire, and ethical behaviors questionnaire were applied to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 software. Respectively mean, standard deviation and repeated measured, analysis of variance tests was used in descriptive and analytic statistic. (P value < 0.05). Results Comparison of the mean score of professional belonging and ethical behavior in the three stages of pretest, immediately after the test and four weeks after the test in all three groups was significant (P < 0.001). The control group had a higher mean score of professional belonging immediately after the test (108.18 ± 48.9) compared to the other two groups. Also, the online discussion forum group had a higher mean score on ethical behavior in four weeks after the test (104.2 ± 0.8) compared to the other two groups. Conclusion Training based on two methods of the electronic portfolio and online discussion forum increases and enhances the level of ethical behaviors in students. Therefore, the implementation of such methods of training can be useful in improving, promoting, and learning ethical behaviors in nursing students. On the other hand, training based on the two methods had a negative impact on professional belonging. Therefore, it is suggested that future studies be conducted with a greater focus on areas of professional belonging. Trial registration This research has been registered in Iranian Clinical Trial Registration Center (IRCT) with registration number "IRCT20180612040063N1" and registration date "16/07/2018"

Comparison of the teaching clinical biochemistry in face-to-face and the flex-flipped classroom to medical and dental students: a quasi-experimental study from IRAN

Abstract Introduction Biochemistry is one of the main courses of basic sciences in the medical curriculum, along with other difficult subjects that are difficult to learn. The emergence of new technologies has made it possible to test new methods such as e-Learning. In this study, we compared two methods of Flex-Flipped Classroom (FFC) and face-to-face. Method A quasi-experimental research was done which involved both medical and dental students studying the clinical biochemistry course in the joint semester in 2019. A total of 100 medical students were trained in biochemistry through face-to-face teaching, and 60 dental students were trained in the same course through the FFC model. Three researcher-made tools were used to compare the two groups to assess the student’s satisfaction, scores, and self-evaluation. The content validity of the tools was checked using the opinions of 10 experts through the CVI index. The results were analyzed using one-sample t-tests, independent t-tests, and ANOVA. Results Both groups scored significantly more than the cut-off-point (Mean > 3.5) in their average scores of the total and sub-components of the self-evaluation questionnaire (P  0.05). The students’ knowledge score in the FFC was slightly higher than that in the face-to-face method, but this difference was not significant(P = 0.758). Conclusion Both face-to-face and FFC methods were effective according to the students, but the level of satisfaction with the face-to-face method was higher. It seems that teacher-student interaction is an important factor in students' preferences. However, the students preferred the flexibility of multimedia. It seems necessary to use the advantages of each method in a model appropriate to the students' conditions and available facilities

A comparison of educational strategies for the acquisition of nursing student’s performance and critical thinking: simulation-based training vs. integrated training (simulation and critical thinking strategies)

Abstract Background There is a need to change the focus of nursing education from traditional teacher-centered training programs to student-centered active methods. The integration of the two active learning techniques will improve the effectiveness of training programs. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of the integrated training (simulation and critical thinking strategies) and simulation-based training on the performance level and critical thinking ability of nursing students. Methods The present quasi-experimental study was performed in 2014 on 40 students who were studying practical nursing principles and skills course in the first half of the academic year in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Students were randomly divided into control (n = 20) and experimental (n = 20) groups. After training students through simulation and integrated education (simulation and critical thinking strategies), the students' critical thinking ability and performance were evaluated via the use of California Critical Thinking Ability Questionnaire B (CCTST) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) comprising 10 stations, respectively. The external reliability of the California Critical Thinking questionnaire was reported by Case B.to be between 0.78 and 0.80 and the validity of OSCE was approved by 5 members of the faculty. Furthermore, by using Split Half method (the correlation between odd and even stations), the reliability of the test was approved with correlation coefficient of 0.66. Data were analyzed using t-test and Mann–Whitney test. A significance level of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results The mean scores of the experimental group performance level were higher than the mean score of the control group performance level. This difference was statistically significant and students in the experimental group in OSCE stations had significantly higher performance than the control group (P <0.001). However, the mean scores obtained for the critical thinking did not increase before and after the intervention. Conclusion The results showed that, the students’ performance level was increased by the application of integrated training (simulation and critical thinking strategies)

Comparing the effectiveness of case-based technology-enhanced learning with face-to-face method

Introduction: Technical advances highlight the need for dynamic strategies in medical training. Active medical education helps students sufficiently understand the real clinical situation. This study endeavored to compare the effectiveness of technology-enhanced Case-based Educational Intervention with In-person training on Knowledge and Satisfaction of Medical Students at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This study was an educational intervention with a post-test design on 584 medical students of clinical surgery departments (neurology and orthopedics) of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2017-2019. The research samples were selected by convenience sampling and divided into intervention (case-based technology-based education) and control (scores of students participating in the previous in-person course) based on the non-random Consecutive sampling method. Data collection tools included a final exam in the surgical ward and a researcher-made questionnaire to assess the satisfaction of multimedia content. An independent t-test was used to compare the mean post-test knowledge score of the research samples. Results: The mean and standard deviation of knowledge score after the intervention in the intervention group (13.7±33.1 and 12.9±72.7) were not significantly different from the control group (13.62±2.7 and 13.27±2.7). Besides, 51% of students rated the quality of multimedia content as appropriate. Conclusion: The results revealed that case-based technology-based educational intervention leads to improved learning of medical students similar to face-to-face training. Due to the effectiveness, convenience, and low cost of this method, the use of this method is recommended for medical education in the clinical level

Interactive Multimedia Training in Osteoporosis Prevention of Female High School Students: An Interventional Study

Given the limitations of traditional teaching methods in the learning process of adolescents, this study was designed to investigate the effects of osteoporosis prevention training through interactive multimedia method on the degree of knowledge and self-efficacy of female high school students. In this interventional study which was conducted in 2016 in Fars province, Iran, 120 high school students were selected through proportional stratified sampling from schools and different classes at first, second, third, and pre-university grades. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, each containing 60 students. Educational interventions for the test group included an interactive multimedia CD, and for the control group was an educational booklet. Before and one month after the intervention the students' level of knowledge and self-efficacy was measured. The spss 19 statistical software was used, and descriptive and analytical tests were performed to analyze the data. Results showed a significant difference in self-efficacy scores after the intervention (P=0.012) with the test group obtained a higher self-efficacy score than the control group. Also, a significant increase was observed in the knowledge score of both groups after the training (P<0.001), but the knowledge score between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.38) after the intervention. The use of new training methods like interactive multimedia CD for public education, particular adolescents about health and hygiene is recommended

The effect of multi-stage mobile training based on Gagne instructional design on learning, retention, and satisfaction of health volunteers

BACKGROUND: One of the most important ways to acquire knowledge in the present age is education based on new technologies, including mobile learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a multi-stage mobile training based on Gagne instructional design on learning, retention, and satisfaction of health volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this interventional study, 112 health volunteers a Health Centre in Mashhad during 2019-2020 were enrolled. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: mobile education based on Gagne model (n = 56) and conventional lecture (n = 56). A researcher-made questionnaire was completed by the eligible subjects before, after, and 2 months after the intervention to assess their learning, retention and satisfaction in educational methods. Face validity, content validity, and reliability of the data collection tool and model fitness indices were confirmed. Content validity of data collection tools verified by experts and its reliability was calculated to be 0.78. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS-25, using descriptive (mean and standard deviation SD]) and analytical statistical tests (independent t-test). RESULTS: The results showed that 2 days and 2 months after the intervention, learning, and retention rate was significantly higher in the mobile learning based on Gagne model group in comparison to conventional lecture group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the intervention group was generally satisfied with the mobile training method. CONCLUSION: Mobile learning based on Gagne model is recommended for improving learning, retention among health-care worker

Table_1_Bichronous scientific writing course for medical faculty during Covid-19: a SWOT analysis experience.docx

IntroductionWriting and publishing scholarly articles in international peer-reviewed journals can be a challenging undertaking for medical and healthcare professionals in universities, especially in non-English speaking countries. Surprisingly, very few faculty members report receiving guidance on scientific writing. To encourage more faculty engagement in professional development courses aimed at enhancing their writing abilities, we have revamped scientific writing courses to incorporate bichronous (a combination of asynchronous and synchronous) teaching methods.MethodsAfter forming a team, we performed a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) study of the medical faculty’s present programs and proposed alternatives to prior course issues. In this interventional study, fifty-nine eligible medical educators selected by purposeful sampling underwent a two-and-a-half-month bichronous scientific writing course from March to August 2021. The perspectives of the participants were evaluated through a SWOT analysis. The data were collected through online semi-structured interviews, and data collection continued until data saturation was achieved (40 participants). Data were then coded and analyzed based on conventional qualitative content analysis principles.ResultsOur planned blending sequence and e-feedback increased the medical faculty’s drive to learn, self-confidence, and autonomy while improving their writing skills. Poor ICT and network infrastructure hindered course adoption. Due to the course’s time and the faculty’s own online teaching, many battled with computer vision syndrome, self-discipline, and distractions. Our participants struggled with self-discipline and distractions, so setting a daily time limit may help them concentrate.DiscussionGiven the faculty’s demanding professional lives, this designed course provided a learning opportunity for many that would not have been feasible otherwise.</p

Outpatient education, a momentous in clinical education: a qualitative study of medical students’, faculty members’, and residents’ perspectives

Abstract Background Even though a lot of scholars have been looking at outpatient education lately because it has become more popular and they want to know about its successes, failures, and problems, we have not been able to find a complete study. Therefore, our study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the various aspects of outpatient education based on the actual experiences of medical students, faculty, and residents. Methods Face-to-face and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data for this qualitative study. Until data saturation was reached, the interviews continued. A total of 21 participants from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, including medical students, residents, and teachers, were enrolled. The Guba and Lincoln-first written standards for scientific accuracy in qualitative research were used to figure out how reliable the data were. Results Fourteen categories were extracted from four main themes. The results show that four categories: “physical space and equipment,” “prerequisites related to the curriculum,” “teaching skills development,” and “near-peer teachers” should be considered for outpatient education preparation. Theme 2, “implementation requirements,” included “student dimension,” “faculty’s commitment to planning,” and “program supervision.” Theme 3, “challenges of outpatient education,” was described by five related categories, including “curriculum implementation challenges,” “student challenges,” “faculty challenges,” “system-related challenges,” and “patient-related challenges.” Finally, two categories emerged about facilitators of outpatient education: internal and external facilitators. Conclusion Outpatient clinics represent a crucial aspect of medical practice. To effectively leverage this resource, preliminary planning, considering all the prerequisites, paying attention to the implementation requirements, getting to know the challenges, and trying to solve them, especially with incentives, are essential

Effect of an interactive training on choosing delivery method among primiparous pregnant women: an interventional study

Objective. To evaluate the effect of interactive training conducted during pregnancy on choosing delivery method among primiparous women. Methods. Quasi-experimental study carried out in 2017 in two hospitals in the city of Bushehr (Iran), with the participation of 108 primiparous pregnant women in an educational program consisting of eight 2-hour sessions every two weeks in which interactive training activities were performed (group discussions, classroom sessions, and delivery of printed educational material) on themes related with physiological delivery, painless vaginal delivery methods, and complications of cesarean delivery without indication, among others. Before and after the intervention, the Knowledge and Preferred Method of Delivery Questionnaire by Moradabadi et al., was used to obtain information. Results. The results indicated that the level of knowledge in the group of mothers increased significantly between the pre-intervention and post-intervention assessment (13.2 versus 19.4, of 20 possible maximum points; p <0.001). Additionally, significant difference was observed in the selection of the vaginal delivery method before and after the intervention (74.1% versus 98.1%; p<0.001). Conclusion. Implementation of interactive training increased knowledge of pregnant women on the delivery and induced a positive effect to encourage the primiparous mothers to have a vaginal delivery.How to cite this article: Zarifsanaiey N, Bagheri A, Jahanpour F, Nematollahi S, Azodi P. Effect of an Interactive Training on Choosing Delivery Method among Primiparous Pregnant Women: An Interventional Study. Invest. Educ. Enferm. 2020; 38(1):e04.Objetivo.Avaliar o efeito de um treinamento interativo realizado durante a gravidez na escolha do método de parto em mulheres primíparas. Métodos Estudo quase experimental realizado em 2017 em dois hospitais na cidade de Bushehr (Irã). 108 gestantes primíparas participaram de um programa educacional composto por oito sessões de duas horas a cada duas semanas, nas quais foram realizadas atividades de treinamento interativas (discussões em grupo, master classes e entrega de material educacional impresso) sobre questões relacionadas ao parto métodos fisiológicos, parto vaginal sem dor, complicações do parto cesáreo sem indicação, entre outros. Antes e após a intervenção, o Questionário de Conhecimento e Método Preferido de Entrega de Moradabadi et al. Resultados Os resultados indicaram que o nível de conhecimento no grupo de mães aumentou significativamente entre a avaliação pré-intervenção e a pós-intervenção (13.2 versus 19.4, de 20 possíveis pontos máximos; p<0.001). Além disso, foi observada diferença significativa na seleção do método de parto vaginal antes e após a intervenção (74.1% versus 98.1%; p<0.001).ConclusãoA implementação do treinamento interativo aumentou o conhecimento das gestantes sobre o parto e induziu um efeito positivo para incentivar as primíparas a terem um parto vaginalObjetivo. Evaluar el efecto de un entrenamiento interactivo realizado durante el embarazo sobre la elección del método de parto en mujeres primíparas. Métodos. Estudio cuasiexperimental realizado en 2017 en dos hospitales de la ciudad de Bushehr (Irán). 108 mujeres embarazadas primíparas participaron en un programa educativo consistente en ocho sesiones de dos horas de duración cada dos semanas, en las que se realizaron actividades de capacitación interactiva (discusiones grupales, clases magistrales y entrega de material educativo impreso) sobre temas relacionados con el parto fisiológico, los métodos de parto vaginal sin dolor, las complicaciones del parto por cesárea sin indicación, entre otros. Antes y después de la intervención se utilizó, para la toma de información, el Knowledge and Preferred Method of DeliveryQuestionnaire de Moradabadi et al. Resultados. Los resultados indicaron que el nivel de conocimiento en el grupo de madres aumentó significativamente entre la evaluación preintervención a la posintervención (13.2 versus 19.4, de 20 puntos máximos posibles; p<0.001). Además, se observó una diferencia significativa en la selección del método de parto vaginal antes y después de la intervención (74.1% versus 98.1%; p<0.001). Conclusión. La implementación de la capacitación interactiva aumentó el conocimiento de las embarazadas sobre el parto e indujo un efecto positivo para alentar a las madres primíparas a tener un parto vaginal