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Ayer — Abril 19th 2024Tus fuentes RSS

Systematic RADaR analysis of responses to the open-ended question in the Culture of Care Barometer survey of a Dutch hospital

Objectives

Systematically measuring the work environment of healthcare employees is key to continuously improving the quality of care and addressing staff shortages. In this study, we systematically analyse the responses to the one open-ended question posed in the Dutch version of the Culture of Care Barometer (CoCB-NL) to examine (1) if the responses offered new insights into healthcare employees’ perceptions of their work environment and (2) if the original CoCB had any themes missing.

Design

Retrospective text analysis using Rigorous and Accelerated Data Reduction technique.

Setting

University hospital in the Netherlands using the CoCB-NL as part of the annual employee survey.

Participants

All hospital employees were invited to participate in the study (N=14 671). In total, 2287 employees responded to the open-ended question.

Results

2287 comments were analysed. Comments that contained more than one topic were split according to topic, adding to the total (n=2915). Of this total, 372 comments were excluded because they lacked content or respondents indicated they had nothing to add. Subsequently, 2543 comments were allocated to 33 themes. Most comments (n=2113) addressed the 24 themes related to the close-ended questions in the CoCB-NL. The themes most commented on concerned questions on ‘organisational support’. The remaining 430 comments covered nine additional themes that addressed concerns about work environment factors (team connectedness, team effectiveness, corporate vision, administrative burden and performance pressure) and themes (diversity and inclusion, legal frameworks and collective bargaining, resilience and work–life balance, and personal matters).

Conclusions

Analysing responses to the open-ended question in the CoCB-NL led to new insights into relevant elements of the work environment and missing themes in the COCB-NL. Moreover, the analysis revealed important themes that not only require attention from healthcare organisations to ensure adequate improvements in their employees’ work environment but should also be considered to further develop the CoCB-NL.

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Evidence related to a vegetarian diet and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: protocol for a scoping review

Por: Moss · K. · Gitman · V. · Pinto Sanchez · M. I. · Oczkowski · S. · Armstrong · D. · Jayakumar · S. · Karvellas · C. J. · Selzner · N. · Dionne · J.
Introduction

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Given that there is no pharmacological treatment for MASLD, it is imperative to understand whether lifestyle modifications may improve biochemical and pathological outcomes. One commonly proposed dietary modification is the Mediterranean diet; however, vegetarianism may also be a promising intervention. Vegetarianism has been shown to be associated with reduced morbidity and mortality in metabolic syndrome outcomes in coronary artery disease and diabetes; however, the relationship between vegetarian diet and MASLD is less clear. In this scoping review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the current body of evidence related to a vegetarian diet and MASLD.

Methods and analysis

The aim of this scoping review is to describe and summarise the current body of evidence related to MASLD and a vegetarian diet. This review will be conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. The literature review will be conducted using the following databases: SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL-Plus, Cochrane Library and Medline. No restriction will be made on publication date. Included studies will encompass clinical trials and observational designs that examine effects or association of vegetarian diet in adults (≥16 years) and report on the incidence, prevalence or progression of MASLD. Grey literature, non-human studies and articles focusing on changes in a specific food or nutraceutical will be excluded. Articles must have an English-language abstract available to be considered for inclusion. Screening and data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers. The findings will be summarised with descriptive statistics.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval from a medical ethics committee is not required for this review. Once the review is complete, the findings will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Alpha 2 agonists for sedation to produce better outcomes from critical illness (A2B trial): protocol for a mixed-methods process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial

Por: Aitken · L. M. · Emerson · L. M. · Kydonaki · K. · Blackwood · B. · Creagh-Brown · B. · Lone · N. I. · McKenzie · C. A. · Reade · M. C. · Weir · C. J. · Wise · M. P. · Walsh · T. S.
Introduction

An association between deep sedation and adverse short-term outcomes has been demonstrated although this evidence has been inconsistent. The A2B (alpha-2 agonists for sedation in critical care) sedation trial is designed to determine whether the alpha-2 agonists clonidine and dexmedetomidine, compared with usual care, are clinically and cost-effective. The A2B intervention is a complex intervention conducted in 39 intensive care units (ICUs) in the UK. Multicentre organisational factors, variable cultures, perceptions and practices and the involvement of multiple members of the healthcare team add to the complexity of the A2B trial. From our pretrial contextual exploration it was apparent that routine practices such as type and frequency of pain, agitation and delirium assessment, as well as the common sedative agents used, varied widely across the UK. Anticipated challenges in implementing A2B focused on the impact of usual practice, perceptions of risk, ICU culture, structure and the presence of equipoise. Given this complexity, a process evaluation has been embedded in the A2B trial to uncover factors that could impact successful delivery and explore their impact on intervention delivery and interpretation of outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This is a mixed-methods process evaluation guided by the A2B intervention logic model. It includes two phases of data collection conducted during and at the end of trial. Data will be collected using a combination of questionnaires, stakeholder interviews and routinely collected trial data. A framework approach will be used to analyse qualitative data with synthesis of data within and across the phases. The nature of the relationship between delivery of the A2B intervention and the trial primary and secondary outcomes will be explored.

Ethics and dissemination

All elements of the A2B trial, including the process evaluation, are approved by Scotland A Research Ethics Committee (Ref. 18/SS/0085). Dissemination will be via publications, presentations and media engagement.

Trial registration number

NCT03653832.

Are we ready for prehospital troponin testing by paramedics?

Por: Vrints · C. J. M.

Commentary on: Dawson LP, Nehme E, Nehme Z, Zomer E, Bloom J, Cox S, Anderson D, Stephenson M, Ball J, Zhou J, Lefkovits J, Taylor AJ, Horrigan M, Chew DP, Kaye D, Cullen L, Mihalopoulos C, Smith K, Stub D. Chest Pain Management Using Prehospital Point-of-Care Troponin and Paramedic Risk Assessment. JAMA Intern Med. 2023 Mar 1;183(3):203-211. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.6409.

Implications for practice and research

  • In patients calling the emergency medical system for acute chest pain without ST-segment elevation, prehospital risk stratification using validated risk scores and point-of-care (POC) cardiac troponin measurement by emergency nurses or paramedics can result in substantial cost savings.

  • The safety of this strategy needs confirmation by sufficiently powered prospective randomised clinical trials.

  • Context

    Acute chest pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency system activation and transfer to the emergency department (ED).1 Only a minority of...

    Students perceptions and experiences of an online well-being programme: a phenomenological study protocol

    Por: Escuadra · C. J. · Chiong Maya · A. · Nava · J. B. P. · Vergara · J. A. · Bea · T. C. · Javier · A. M. · Karamihan · F. · Padilla · D. P. · Reyes · A. J. · Samonte · J. · Serrano · S. I.
    Background

    The pandemic has ensued challenges across all sections of the human population such as livelihood and educational changes, which involve the abrupt shift to online learning, immensely affecting the students’ well-being. Negative health consequences of e-learning among students stem from the increased demand for new technological skills, productivity, information overload and restriction of students to spend time with their peers.

    Objective

    To explore the experiences of the students from the University of Santo Tomas—College of Rehabilitation Sciences (UST-CRS) who participated in the online well-being programme.

    Methodology

    A phenomenological design will be used to determine the participants’ perceptions and experiences. Purposive sampling will be used to recruit 8–10 undergraduate students from UST-CRS ages 18–22 years, who participated in the well-being programme, and completed the study’s quantitative counterpart. Semistructured, in-depth questions will be used to conduct a focus group discussion. The transcripts will be analysed using thematic analysis via the NVivo V.12 software.

    Ethics and dissemination

    The study protocol is approved by the UST-CRS Ethical Review Committee (Protocol Number: SI-2022–034 (V.4)). It will be implemented in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the National Ethical Guidelines for Health and Health-Related Research, and Data Privacy Act. Findings will be published in accredited journals and presented in related scientific fora.

    Registration ID

    PHRR230214-005419; Philippine Health Research Registry.

    Common practices for sociodemographic data reporting in digital mental health intervention research: a scoping review

    Por: Kirvin-Quamme · A. · Kissinger · J. · Quinlan · L. · Montgomery · R. · Chernenok · M. · Pirner · M. C. · Pajarito · S. · Rapoport · S. · Wicks · P. · Darcy · A. · Greene · C. J. · Robinson · A.
    Background

    The ability of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) to reduce mental health disparities relies on the recruitment of research participants with diverse sociodemographic and self-identity characteristics. Despite its importance, sociodemographic reporting in research is often limited, and the state of reporting practices in DMHI research in particular has not been comprehensively reviewed.

    Objectives

    To characterise the state of sociodemographic data reported in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of app-based DMHIs published globally from 2007 to 2022.

    Methods

    A scoping review of RCTs of app-based DMHIs examined reporting frequency for 16 sociodemographic domains (eg, gender) and common category options within each domain (eg, woman). The search queried five electronic databases. 5079 records were screened and 299 articles were included.

    Results

    On average, studies reported 4.64 (SD=1.79; range 0–9) of 16 sociodemographic domains. The most common were age (97%) and education (67%). The least common were housing situation (6%), residency/location (5%), veteran status (4%), number of children (3%), sexual orientation (2%), disability status (2%) and food security (

    Conclusions

    This review describes the widespread underreporting of sociodemographic information in RCTs of app-based DMHIs published from 2007 to 2022. Reporting was often incomplete (eg, % female only), unclear (eg, the conflation of gender/sex) and limited (eg, only options representing majority groups were reported). Trends suggest reporting has somewhat improved in recent years. Diverse participant populations must be welcomed and described in DMHI research to broaden learning and the generalisability of results, a prerequisite of DMHI’s potential to reduce disparities in mental healthcare.

    Barriers And Challenges Of Multidisciplinary Teams In Oncology Management: A Scoping Review Protocol

    Por: Law · N. L. W. · Hong · L. W. · Tan · S. S. N. · Foo · C. J. · Lee · D. · Voon · P. J.
    Introduction

    Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are integral to oncology management, involving specialised healthcare professionals who collaborate to develop individualised treatment plans for patients. However, as cancer care grows more complex, MDTs must continually adapt to better address patient needs. This scoping review will explore barriers and challenges MDTs have encountered in the past decade; and propose strategies for optimising their utilisation to overcome these obstacles and improve patient care.

    Methods and analysis

    The scoping review will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and begin with a literature search using keywords in electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and PsychINFO, covering the period from January 2013 to December 2022 and limited to English language publications. Four independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts based on predefined inclusion criteria, followed by full-text review of selected titles. Relevant references cited in the publications will also be examined. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram will be utilised to illustrate the methodology. Data from selected publications will be extracted, analysed, and categorised for further analysis.

    Ethics and dissemination

    The results of the scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of the barriers and challenges encountered by oncology MDTs over the past decade. These findings will contribute to the existing literature and provide insights into areas that require improvement in the functioning of MDTs in oncology management. The results will be disseminated through publication in a scientific journal, which will help to share the findings with the wider healthcare community and facilitate further research and discussion in this field.

    Trial registration details

    The protocol for this scoping review is registered with Open Science Framework, available at DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/R3Y8U.

    IMPAACT: IMproving the PArticipAtion of older people in policy decision-making on common health CondiTions - a study protocol

    Por: Ambagtsheer · R. C. · Hurley · C. J. · Lawless · M. · Braunack-Mayer · A. · Visvanathan · R. · Beilby · J. · Stewart · S. · Cornell · V. · Leach · M. J. · Taylor · D. · Thompson · M. · Dent · E. · Whiteway · L. · Archibald · M. · O'Rourke · H. M. · Williams · K. · Chudecka · A.
    Introduction

    Rapid population ageing is a demographic trend being experienced and documented worldwide. While increased health screening and assessment may help mitigate the burden of illness in older people, issues such as misdiagnosis may affect access to interventions. This study aims to elicit the values and preferences of evidence-informed older people living in the community on early screening for common health conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia and frailty). The study will proceed in three Phases: (1) generating recommendations of older people through a series of Citizens’ Juries; (2) obtaining feedback from a diverse range of stakeholder groups on the jury findings; and (3) co-designing a set of Knowledge Translation resources to facilitate implementation into research, policy and practice. Conditions were chosen to reflect common health conditions characterised by increasing prevalence with age, but which have been underexamined through a Citizens’ Jury methodology.

    Methods and analysis

    This study will be conducted in three Phases—(1) Citizens’ Juries, (2) Policy Roundtables and (3) Production of Knowledge Translation resources. First, older people aged 50+ (n=80), including those from traditionally hard-to-reach and diverse groups, will be purposively recruited to four Citizen Juries. Second, representatives from a range of key stakeholder groups, including consumers and carers, health and aged care policymakers, general practitioners, practice nurses, geriatricians, allied health practitioners, pharmaceutical companies, private health insurers and community and aged care providers (n=40) will be purposively recruited for two Policy Roundtables. Finally, two researchers and six purposively recruited consumers will co-design Knowledge Translation resources. Thematic analysis will be performed on documentation and transcripts.

    Ethics and dissemination

    Ethical approval has been obtained through the Torrens University Human Research Ethics Committee. Participants will give written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated through development of a policy brief and lay summary, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and seminars.

    Elements of organisation of integrated maternity care and their associations with outcomes: a scoping review protocol

    Por: Liebregts · J. · Goodarzi · B. · Valentijn · P. P. · Downe · S. · Erwich · J. J. · Burchell · G. · Batenburg · R. · de Vries · E. F. · de Jonge · A. · Verhoeven · C. J. M. · VOICE study group · Graaf · Heemstra · Rippen · Struijs · Zuidhof · Boesveld · Kaiser · Fransen · Berks · Haga
    Introduction

    Integrated care is seen as an enabling strategy in organising healthcare to improve quality, finances, personnel and sustainability. Developments in the organisation of maternity care follow this trend. The way care is organised should support the general aims and outcomes of healthcare systems. Organisation itself consists of a variety of smaller ‘elements of organisation’. Various elements of organisation are implemented in different organisations and networks. We will examine which elements of integrated maternity care are associated with maternal and neonatal health outcomes, experiences of women and professionals, healthcare spending and care processes.

    Methods and analysis

    We will conduct this review using the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and the reporting guideline PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews). We will undertake a systematic search in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and PsycINFO. A machine learning tool, ASReview, will be used to select relevant papers. These papers will be analysed and classified thematically using the framework of the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care (RMIC). The Population Concept Context framework for scoping reviews will be used in which ‘Population’ is defined as elements of the organisation of integrated maternity care, ‘Context’ as high-income countries and ‘Concepts’ as outcomes stated in the objective of this review. We will include papers from 2012 onwards, in Dutch or English language, which describe both ‘how the care is organised’ (elements) and ‘outcomes’.

    Ethics and dissemination

    Since this is a scoping review of previously published summary data, ethical approval for this study is not needed. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed international journal, discussed in a webinar and presented at (inter)national conferences and meetings of professional associations.

    The findings of this scoping review will give insight into the nature and effectiveness of elements of integrated care and will generate hypotheses for further research.

    Correlational study of ergonomic knowledge and level of MSK discomfort during online classes of 1st-4th year UST-CRS physical therapy students: a cross-sectional study

    Por: Siy · W. · Sicat · Z. M. · Bautista · T. M. · Formalejo · A. · Gatdula · M. E. · Ico · A. A. · Julian · C. J. · Pabion · M. C. · Reyes · J. L. · Santander · N. M.
    Introduction

    The abrupt transition of the mode of learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in complaints of musculoskeletal (MSK) discomfort among students in Higher Education Institutions (HEI). Inadequate physical space and equipment are one major cause of these complaints. Among HEIs, physical therapy (PT) students have sufficient background in managing MSK discomforts. However, this does not prevent them from experiencing pain and discomfort during online classes. This analytical cross-sectional study aims to determine the correlation between ergonomic knowledge and MSK discomfort among first-year to fourth-year PT students.

    Methods and analysis

    The study will use two questionnaires, the Ergonomic Knowledge Questionnaire, and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, that determine the level of ergonomic knowledge and MSK discomfort, respectively. This will be disseminated to 144 students through google forms. Results will then be analysed using Pearson Correlation Test. The study anticipates a correlation between the level of ergonomic knowledge and MSK discomfort among the participants.

    Ethics and dissemination

    The study has been approved by the University of Santo Tomas-College of Rehabilitation Sciences Ethics Review Committee. The participants will receive the results prior to publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

    Trial registration number

    Philippine Health Research Registry with registry ID PHRR230216-005443.

    New methodology to assess the excess burden of antibiotic resistance using country-specific parameters: a case study regarding E. coli urinary tract infections

    Por: Godijk · N. G. · McDonald · S. A. · Altorf-van der Kuil · W. · Schoffelen · A. F. · Franz · E. · Bootsma · M. C. J.
    Objectives

    Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections are a major public health problem and the burden on population level is not yet clear. We developed a method to calculate the excess burden of resistance which uses country-specific parameter estimates and surveillance data to compare the mortality and morbidity due to resistant infection against a counterfactual (the expected burden if infection was antimicrobial susceptible). We illustrate this approach by estimating the excess burden for AMR (defined as having tested positive for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases) urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli in the Netherlands in 2018, which has a relatively low prevalence of AMR E. coli, and in Italy in 2016, which has a relatively high prevalence.

    Design

    Excess burden was estimated using the incidence-based disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) measure. Incidence of AMR E. coli UTI in the Netherlands was derived from ISIS-AR, a national surveillance system that includes tested healthcare and community isolates, and the incidence in Italy was estimated using data reported in the literature. A systematic literature review was conducted to find country-specific parameter estimates for disability duration, risks of progression to bacteraemia and mortality.

    Results

    The annual excess burden of AMR E. coli UTI was estimated at 3.89 and 99.27 DALY/100 0000 population and 39 and 2786 excess deaths for the Netherlands and Italy, respectively.

    Conclusions

    For the first time, we use country-specific and pathogen-specific parameters to estimate the excess burden of resistant infections. Given the large difference in excess burden due to resistance estimated for Italy and for the Netherlands, we emphasise the importance of using country-specific parameters describing the incidence and disease progression following AMR and susceptible infections that are pathogen specific, and unfortunately currently difficult to locate.

    Protocol of a randomised trial of teriparatide followed by zoledronic acid to reduce fracture risk in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta

    Por: Hald · J. D. · Keerie · C. · Weir · C. J. · Javaid · M. K. · Lam · W. · Osborne · P. · Walsh · J. · Langdahl · B. L. · Ralston · S. H.
    Introduction

    Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic disease associated with multiple fractures throughout life. It is often treated with osteoporosis medications but their effectiveness at preventing fractures is unknown. The Treatment of Osteogenesis Imperfecta with Parathyroid Hormone and Zoledronic Acid trial will determine if therapy with teriparatide (TPTD) followed by zoledronic acid (ZA) can reduce the risk of clinical fractures in OI.

    Methods and analysis

    Individuals aged ≥18 years with a clinical diagnosis of OI are eligible to take part. At baseline, participants will undergo a spine X-ray, and have bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the spine and hip. Information on previous fractures and previous bone targeted treatments will be collected. Questionnaires will be completed to assess pain and other aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Participants will be randomised to receive a 2-year course of TPTD injections 20 µg daily followed by a single intravenous infusion of 5 mg ZA, or to receive standard care, which will exclude the use of bone anabolic drugs. Participants will be followed up annually, have a repeat DXA at 2 years and at the end of study. Spine X-rays will be repeated at the end of study. The duration of follow-up will range between 2 and 8 years. The primary endpoint will be new clinical fractures confirmed by X-ray or other imaging. Secondary endpoints will include participant reported fractures, BMD and changes in pain and HRQoL.

    Ethics and dissemination

    The study received ethical approval in December 2016. Following completion of the trial, a manuscript will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. The results will inform clinical practice by determining if TPTD/ZA can reduce the risk of fractures in OI compared with standard care.

    Trial registration number

    ISRCTN15313991.

    Using SUpported Motivational InTerviewing (SUMIT) to increase physical activity for people with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot, feasibility randomised controlled trial

    Por: Bell · E. C. · O'Halloran · P. · Wallis · J. A. · Crossley · K. M. · Gibbs · A. J. · Lee · A. · Jennings · S. · Barton · C. J.
    Objective

    The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of using SUpported Motivational InTerviewing (SUMIT) to increase physical activity in people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

    Design

    Randomised controlled trial.

    Setting

    We recruited people who had completed Good Life with osteoArthritis Denmark (GLA:D) from private, public and community settings in Victoria, Australia.

    Interventions

    Participants were randomised participants to receive SUMIT or usual care. SUMIT comprised five motivational interviewing sessions targeting physical activity over 10 weeks, and access to a multimedia web-based platform.

    Participants

    Thirty-two participants were recruited (17 SUMIT, 15 control) including 22 females (69%).

    Outcome measures

    Feasibility outcomes included recruitment rate, adherence to motivational interviewing, ActivPAL wear and drop-out rate. Effect sizes (ESs) were calculated for daily steps, stepping time, time with cadence >100 steps per minute, time in bouts >1 min; 6 min walk distance, Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales (pain, symptoms, function, sport and recreation, and quality of life (QoL)), Euroqual, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, 30 s chair stand test and walking speed during 40 m walk test.

    Results

    All feasibility criteria were achieved, with 32/63 eligible participants recruited over seven months; with all participants adhering to all motivational interviewing calls and achieving sufficient ActivPAL wear time, and only two drop-outs (6%).

    12/15 outcome measures showed at least a small effect (ES>0.2) favouring the SUMIT group, including daily time with cadence >100 steps per minute (ES=0.43). Two outcomes, walking speed (ES= 0.97) and KOOS QoL (ES=0.81), showed a large effect (ES>0.8).

    Conclusion

    SUMIT is feasible in people with knee osteoarthritis. Potential benefits included more time spent walking at moderate intensity, faster walking speeds and better QoL.

    Trial registration number

    ACTRN12621000267853.

    Experience of an NIHR Clinical Lectureship (medical/dental) and the determining factors for a clinical academic career post lectureship: a mixed-method evaluation

    Por: Stevenson · C. J. · Harris-Joseph · H. · Harper · L. · Hewison · J. · Mulvey · M. R. · Heuvelman · H. · McVicker · C. · Razalan · M. M. · Knowles · E. · Ebanks · B. · Lee · K. · Fenton · J. · Thompson · P. · Cotterill · L. A.
    Objectives

    The objective of this study is to investigate early-to-late postdoctoral clinical academic progression and the experiences of NIHR Clinical Lectureship (CL) fellows, considering enablers and barriers to success, and identifying the factors associated with immediate progression to a clinical academic role following completion of the award.

    Setting

    Datasets of CL awardees across the UK.

    Participants

    For semistructured interviews, n=40 CL awardees that had finished their award within the previous 5 years. For quantitative analysis, n=1226 completed or currently active CL awardees.

    Outcome measures

    The responses from the semistructured interviews to the defined questions on experiences during the award, postaward progression, and enablers and barriers to academic progression. Other primary outcome measures were quantitative data on first destinations postaward, demographic data, and whether an awardee had previously held an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) or was a recipient of the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) Starter Grant.

    Results

    CL awardees identified numerous benefits to the award, with the majority achieving their aims. Most awardees progressed to a clinical academic role; however, some returned to a clinical only position, citing concerns around the time pressure associated with balancing clinical and academic responsibilities, and the competition to attain further postdoctoral awards. The region of the award partnership, year of award end and success in applying for an AMS Starter Grant were associated with progression to a clinical academic role. Gender, holding an ACF and having a craft or non-craft specialty had no independent statistical association with clinical academic progression.

    Conclusions

    The CL is a valued element of the Integrated Academic Pathway. By addressing issues around later postdoctoral progression opportunities, responding to challenges experienced by CLs, and by understanding the factors identified in this study associated with clinical academic progression, it should be possible to increase the proportion of CLs that become fully independent clinical academic research leaders.

    Participants

    1226 NIHR CLs active or completed on the award between 2006 and 2020.

    Comparing proficiency of obstetrics and gynaecology trainees with general surgery trainees using simulated laparoscopic tasks in Health Education England, North-West: a prospective observational study

    Por: Khan · Z. N. · Shrestha · D. · Shugaba · A. · Lambert · J. E. · Clark · J. · Haslett · E. · Afors · K. · Bampouras · T. M. · Gaffney · C. J. · Subar · D. A.
    Background

    Training programmes for obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) and general surgery (GS) vary significantly, but both require proficiency in laparoscopic skills. We sought to determine performance in each specialty.

    Design

    Prospective, observational study.

    Setting

    Health Education England North-West, UK.

    Participants

    47 surgical trainees (24 O&G and 23 GS) were subdivided into four groups: 11 junior O&G, 13 senior O&G, 11 junior GS and 12 senior GS trainees.

    Objectives

    Trainees were tested on four simulated laparoscopic tasks: laparoscopic camera navigation (LCN), hand–eye coordination (HEC), bimanual coordination (BMC) and suturing with intracorporeal knot tying (suturing).

    Results

    O&G trainees completed LCN (p

    Discussion

    GS trainees performed better than O&G trainees in core laparoscopic skills, and the structure of O&G training may require modification.

    Trial registration number

    ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05116332).

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