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Global Health Action Dec 2022In response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Project HOPE®, an international humanitarian organization, partnered with Brown University to develop and...
BACKGROUND
In response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Project HOPE®, an international humanitarian organization, partnered with Brown University to develop and deploy a virtual training-of-trainers (TOT) program to provide practical knowledge to healthcare stakeholders. This study is designed to evaluate this TOT program.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of this educational intervention in enhancing knowledge on COVID-19 concepts and to present relative change in score of each competency domains of the training.
METHODS
The training was created by interdisciplinary faculty from Brown University and delivered virtually. Training included eight COVID-19 specific modules on infection prevention and control, screening and triage, diagnosis and management, stabilization and resuscitation, surge capacity, surveillance, and risk communication and community education. The assessment of knowledge attainment in each of the course competency domain was conducted using 10 question pre-and post-test evaluations. Paired t-test were used to compare interval knowledge scores in the overall cohort and stratified by WHO regions. TOT dissemination data was collected from in-country partners by Project Hope.
RESULTS
Over the period of 7 months, 4,291 personnel completed the TOT training in 55 countries, including all WHO regions. Pre-test and post-test were completed by 1,198 and 706 primary training participants, respectively. The mean scores on the pre-test and post-test were 68.45% and 81.4%, respectively. The mean change in score was 11.72%, with P value <0.0005. All WHO regions had a statistically significant improvement in their score in post-test. The training was disseminated to 97,809 health workers through local secondary training.
CONCLUSION
Innovative educational tools resulted in improvement in knowledge related to the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly increasing the average score on knowledge assessment testing. Academic - humanitarian partnerships can serve to implement and disseminate effective education rapidly across the globe.
Topics: COVID-19; Delivery of Health Care; Health Personnel; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35006037
DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.2010391 -
Journal of the American Geriatrics... Nov 2022Geriatrics research generally cumulates in academic journal publications, with variable diffusion to patients and communities. PlanYourLifespan.org is a free,...
BACKGROUND
Geriatrics research generally cumulates in academic journal publications, with variable diffusion to patients and communities. PlanYourLifespan.org is a free, evidence-based tool that assists older adults, and their loved ones, to better understand and plan for their long-term support needs. There is a need to effectively disseminate geriatrics research, such as PlanYourLifespan.org, to communities that may directly benefit from this research.
OBJECTIVE
To leverage community-based stakeholder leaders, utilizing a train-the-trainer program, to disseminate PlanYourLifespan.org and evaluate the extent of the dissemination.
METHODS
Using a train-the-trainer strategy, community stakeholder leaders from the original study paired up with newly recruited community stakeholder leaders. New community stakeholder leaders were trained on dissemination, using a "how-to-disseminate" web-based toolkit-developed as part of this project. Newly trained community stakeholder leaders subsequently trained additional community stakeholder leaders who conducted and tracked dissemination activities in their communities. Google Analytics tracked newly created PlanYourLifespan.org accounts, login sessions, and daily website visitors.
RESULTS
Five newly trained community stakeholder leaders disseminated PlanYourLifespan.org over a three-month period. Cumulatively, on the day of the dissemination activity, there were 11,361 PlanYourLifespan.org log-ins (average: 378.7 log-ins/activity day), 89,068 log-ins (average: 2969 log-ins/activity week) one-week after the activity, and 319,154 log-ins (average: 10,638 log-ins/activity month) one month after the dissemination activity. Approximately 9.4 new PlanYourLifespan.org accounts were created one-week post dissemination activity and over 1100 new accounts in the one-month period thereafter.
CONCLUSIONS
Wide dissemination of PlanYourLifespan.org occurred by leveraging a train-the-trainer approach with community stakeholder leaders. Researchers should consider collaborating early on with community stakeholders to meaningfully disseminate results.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Long-Term Care
PubMed: 35860971
DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17957 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023disseminates hematogenously to reach the target organs by disrupting epithelial adherens junctions (AJs), thus causing leptospirosis, which is a globally neglected...
disseminates hematogenously to reach the target organs by disrupting epithelial adherens junctions (AJs), thus causing leptospirosis, which is a globally neglected zoonotic disease. induces E-cadherin (E-cad) endocytosis and cytoskeletal rearrangement during AJ disassembly, but the detailed mechanism remains unknown. Elucidation of AJ disassembly mechanisms will guide new approaches to developing vaccines and diagnostic methods. In this study, we combine proteomic and imaging analysis with chemical inhibition studies to demonstrate that disrupting the AJs of renal proximal tubule epithelial cells involves the degradation of two armadillo repeat-containing proteins, p0071 and p120-catenin, that stabilize E-cad at the plasma membrane. Combining proteasomal and lysosomal inhibitors substantially prevented p120-catenin degradation, and monolayer integrity destruction without preventing p0071 proteolysis. In contrast, the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK inhibited p0071 proteolysis and displacement of both armadillo repeat-containing proteins from the cell-cell junctions. Our results show that induces p120-catenin and p0071 degradation, which mutually regulates E-cad stability by co-opting multiple cellular degradation pathways. This strategy may allow to disassemble AJs and disseminate through the body efficiently.
Topics: Delta Catenin; Adherens Junctions; Leptospira interrogans; Proteomics; Catenins
PubMed: 37795382
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1228051 -
American Journal of Medical Quality :...The goal of this article is to describe an integrated parallel process for the co-development of written and computable clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to accelerate...
The goal of this article is to describe an integrated parallel process for the co-development of written and computable clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to accelerate adoption and increase the impact of guideline recommendations in clinical practice. From February 2018 through December 2021, interdisciplinary work groups were formed after an initial Kaizen event and using expert consensus and available literature, produced a 12-phase integrated process (IP). The IP includes activities, resources, and iterative feedback loops for developing, implementing, disseminating, communicating, and evaluating CPGs. The IP incorporates guideline standards and informatics practices and clarifies how informaticians, implementers, health communicators, evaluators, and clinicians can help guideline developers throughout the development and implementation cycle to effectively co-develop written and computable guidelines. More efficient processes are essential to create actionable CPGs, disseminate and communicate recommendations to clinical end users, and evaluate CPG performance. Pilot testing is underway to determine how this IP expedites the implementation of CPGs into clinical practice and improves guideline uptake and health outcomes.
PubMed: 37668271
DOI: 10.1097/JMQ.0000000000000137 -
MSphere Jun 2022In the past decade, social media platforms have been recognized as an important tool in the dissemination of science among the research community and as an interface...
In the past decade, social media platforms have been recognized as an important tool in the dissemination of science among the research community and as an interface between scientists and the general public. Publishing companies that specialize in scientific research now pay attention to alternative metrics ("altmetrics") and provide comprehensive guides about social media management to editors. Twitter has emerged as a leader among social media platforms in the dissemination of science. This Perspective will assert the merits of using Twitter to expand the reach of scientific conferences while providing guidance on how to disseminate conference findings in real-time, called "live-tweeting," without compromising scientific integrity.
Topics: Humans; Social Media
PubMed: 35531658
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00121-22 -
BMC Public Health Dec 2021Ghana is facing the public health "double burden" of both communicable and chronic diseases. To combat increased chronic disease prevalence, physical activity promotion...
BACKGROUND
Ghana is facing the public health "double burden" of both communicable and chronic diseases. To combat increased chronic disease prevalence, physical activity promotion efforts are necessary. The Ministry of Health (MOH) developed physical activity guidelines in 2009, but community members are unaware of the guidelines and sample activities (e.g., ballroom dancing) are not culturally appropriate. The purposes of this study were to investigate 1) dissemination of the physical activity guidelines through MOH and Ghana Health Service (GHS) and 2) culturally appropriate physical activities.
METHODS
Data were collected in urban and rural areas of Ghana through focus groups (N = 2) with community representatives and in-depth interviews (N = 15) with GHS health workers. Focus group and interview questions included recommended types of physical activity; interview questions included dissemination factors based on Diffusion of Innovations. The research team analyzed the data through an inductive, grounded theory approach.
RESULTS
Together, the focus groups and in-depth interviews generated 942 meaning units coded into themes of Physical Activity Perceptions (N = 337 meaning units), Suggested Physical Activities (N = 317), and Dissemination and Implementation Factors (N = 290). Participants had positive perceptions of physical activity but expressed concerns over individual abilities; barriers included the built environment and a lack of time. Suggested physical activities included walking, jogging, football, and dancing for adults; traditional games and football for youth, and walking and daily chores for older adults. Participants noted that guideline implementation was influenced by leadership engagement at multiple levels, relative advantage, and compatibility. Respondents suggested implementation strategies to resolve barriers, including involving partner organizations and developing an implementation plan. Participants were largely unaware of the physical activity guidelines; typical dissemination methods included written materials and the internet.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that physical activity guidelines should include familiar physical activities such as traditional games. Results also suggest that public health workers within GHS experience challenges in disseminating the physical activity guidelines. Adapting, disseminating, and implementing physical activity guidelines is a necessary step in increasing physical activity levels and preventing chronic diseases. These results contribute to understanding translation of physical activity policy to practice.
Topics: Adolescent; Aged; Exercise; Focus Groups; Ghana; Humans; Qualitative Research; Walking
PubMed: 34895182
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12250-1 -
Tropical Medicine and Health Feb 2022This paper discusses the challenges of disseminating COVID-19 information to migrant populations by sharing our trial-and-error approach. In 2018, the Migrants' Neighbor... (Review)
Review
This paper discusses the challenges of disseminating COVID-19 information to migrant populations by sharing our trial-and-error approach. In 2018, the Migrants' Neighbor Network & Action (MINNA), a consortium of individuals and organizations that addressed the issues of accessing relevant information and services for migrants in Japan, was launched. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the MINNA attempted to investigate and improve access to health information among Vietnamese, Nepali, and Burmese migrants in Japan. We had three assumptions in distribution of information to reach a large audience, such as building a multilingual website, requesting stakeholders to disseminate information, or posting on Facebook. None of our assumptions were sufficient to reach the target audience in the context of COVID-19, as total number of views that accessed our materials were less than 300 at most. We viewed these myths as the result of overlooking critical elements of effective communication strategies. Eventually, MINNA managed to establish communication with the manager of a Facebook page with the largest number of followers from the Vietnamese community in Japan. Compared with our previous attempts, the messages were delivered to a large audience on the Facebook page, such as the article on COVID-19 vaccines that was viewed more than 300,000 times. In public health emergencies, interactive process of information dissemination is necessary. It is a key component for risk communication and should be prioritized. Breakthroughs in communicating with a larger audience could be possible through partnerships with online communities.
PubMed: 35105384
DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00404-9 -
Journal of Medical Imaging and... Jun 2023To prepare undergraduate radiation therapy (RT) students for the professional role of Scholarly Practitioner the University of Alberta's Radiation Therapy Program...
BACKGROUND
To prepare undergraduate radiation therapy (RT) students for the professional role of Scholarly Practitioner the University of Alberta's Radiation Therapy Program (RADTH) provides research education, and students conduct novel research studies during their final practicum year with the final result being a publishable paper. A curriculum evaluation project was carried out to examine the impact of the RADTH undergraduate research education by examining the final outcomes of these research projects and whether the learners carried out further research after graduation.
METHODS
Alumni who graduated from 2017 to 2020 were surveyed to seek information on the dissemination of their research projects, whether the projects resulted in a change to practice, policy, or patient care, if subsequent research has been performed by the graduates, and the motivators or barriers to conducting research post-graduation. A subsequent manual search of publication databases was conducted to fill in data gaps pertaining to publications.
RESULTS
All RADTH research projects have been disseminated by conference presentation and/or publication. One project was reported to have had an impact on practice, with no impact reported for five projects and two respondents not sure about any impact. All respondents reported they have not participated in any new research projects since graduation. Barriers listed included: limited local opportunity, lack of topic ideas, other professional development, no interest in research, COVID impact, and lack of research knowledge.
CONCLUSIONS
RADTH's research education curriculum successfully enables the RT students to conduct and disseminate research. All RADTH projects have been successfully disseminated by the graduates. However, participation in research post-graduation is not occurring due to a variety of factors. While MRT education programs are required to develop research skills, this education alone may not alter motivation nor ensure research participation post-graduation. Exploring other avenues of professional scholarship may be key to ensuring contribution to evidence-informed practice.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Students; Educational Status; Curriculum; Palliative Care
PubMed: 36973118
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2023.03.026 -
Health Promotion Practice Mar 2021. Conventionally, public health researchers disseminate their work to peers via academic journals and conferences, with little emphasis on sharing results across sectors...
. Conventionally, public health researchers disseminate their work to peers via academic journals and conferences, with little emphasis on sharing results across sectors or with community members. To improve translation of health research into practice, it is essential to use a broader "solutions-focused" approach that includes strategic dissemination of findings. . An urban research institute in Chicago, IL, leveraged knowledge transfer and community engagement principles to disseminate the results of a large, community-driven population health survey to a diverse set of stakeholders. We designed dissemination activities that (1) co-created knowledge by, for, and with communities; (2) shared survey results widely; and (3) minimized barriers to accessing and using public health data. . We tailored dissemination to specific audiences, including community residents, public health practitioners, and academic partners. We communicated key messages via various mechanisms, such as community forums, health profiles and videos, and a media event. . With dedicated planning, staff, and funding, it is feasible for public health researchers to disseminate findings to diverse audiences using a community-engaged approach. To improve the capacity of public health practitioners in this critical skill, more examples of community-focused dissemination activities are warranted.
Topics: Chicago; Community Participation; Humans; Information Dissemination; Public Health; Research Personnel; Stakeholder Participation
PubMed: 31470741
DOI: 10.1177/1524839919865228 -
Journal of Genetic Counseling Apr 2024Benefits have been demonstrated to disseminating aggregate research results to all relevant audiences, including study participants. Despite this, many health...
Benefits have been demonstrated to disseminating aggregate research results to all relevant audiences, including study participants. Despite this, many health researchers face barriers in dissemination to broad audiences and returning aggregate results to participants is not commonly practiced. Due to their research presence and training in communication, genetic counselors can lead in implementing best practices in this area. We explored genetic counselors' current practices and opinions regarding educating study participants and wider audiences of research findings. We distributed a survey of 32 multiple-choice and open-ended questions to National Society of Genetics Counselors (NSGC) and Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) members. Most respondents (90.1%, n = 128/142) identified with a responsibility to disseminate their research findings to a broad audience and identified several associated benefits. All respondents saw value in communicating aggregate results to study participants, although over half (53.2%, n = 66/124) had never done so. Genetic counselors reported resource and knowledge barriers to research dissemination. Despite expertise in education and communication, genetic counselors face similar barriers as other researchers toward broad dissemination of research. Formal training and professional guidelines specific to research dissemination practices will equip genetic counselors to reach broader audiences and maximize the impact of research findings.
Topics: Genetic Counseling; Humans; Counselors; Attitude of Health Personnel; Information Dissemination; Female; Male; Canada; Adult
PubMed: 37382025
DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1743