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Healthcare Simulation: A Key To The Future Of Medical Education - A Review, Omair Ayaz, Faisal Wasim Ismail

Medical College Documents

Aim: Simulation originates from its application in the military and aviation. It is implemented at various levels of healthcare education and certification today. However, its use remains unevenly distributed across the globe due to misconception regarding its cost and complexity and to lack of evidence for its consistency and validity. Implementation may also be hindered by an array of factors unique to the locale and its norms. Resource-poor settings may benefit from diverting external funds for short-term simulation projects towards collaboration with local experts and local material sourcing to reduce the overall cost and achieve long-term benefits. The recent shift …

Conceptual Framework For A Cardiac Surgery Simulation Laboratory And Competency-Based Curriculum In Pakistan - A Short Innovation Report, Ali Aahil Noorali, Asma A H. Merchant, Sardar Shahmir Babar Chauhan, Mustafa Ali Khan, Anam Noor Ehsan, Mohammad Bin Pervez, Muhammad Tariq, Saulat Fatimi

Medical College Documents

Simulation is a commonly utilized technique in healthcare education as it provides trainees a realistic, but safe, environment to learn a variety of skills. Trainees belonging to fields known for high stakes with low margins for error, such as cardiac surgery, can greatly benefit from simulation-based education. We propose the establishment of the first multi-tier high fidelity cardiac surgery simulation lab with a structured curriculum that will eventually provide multidisciplinary training to promising cardiac surgeons across Pakistan. The simulation lab may also be used for research, grant acquisition and patent development. Our setup will include the following levels of simulation: …

Perioperative Registries In Resource-Limited Settings: The Way Forward For Pakistan, Usama Waqar, Shaheer Ahmed, Ayesha Nasir Hameed, Namrah Aziz, Hina Inam

Medical College Documents

Capable of improving surgical quality, perioperative registries can allow performance benchmarking, reliable reporting and the development of risk-prediction models. Well established in high-income countries, perioperative registries remain limited in lower- and middle-income countries due to several challenges. First, ensuring comprehensive data entry forums to power the registries is difficult because of limited electronic medical records requiring sustained efforts to develop and integrate these into practice. Second, lack of adequate expertise and resources to develop and maintain registry software necessitates the involvement of software developers and information technology personnel. Third, case ascertainment and item completion are challenging secondary to poor-quality medical …

Path To Publication: A Peer Mentorship Model For Student-Lead Surgical Research, Usama Waqar, Hareem Rauf, Muskaan Abdul Qadir, Hina Inam

Medical College Documents

Early and sustained involvement in research is imperative for medical students to ensure better career prospects in addition to provision of high-quality, evidence-based care to patients. However, involvement of students in surgical research still remains limited, owing to inadequate research training. The current paper was planned to describe the structure of the "Path to Publication" series, incorporating peer mentorship with capacity-building research workshops for medical students. A total of 25 students were grouped into 8 surgical subspecialty groups to conduct research, supervised by experienced student research and faculty mentors. In addition, a series of research workshops were organized in synchronization …

Effectiveness Of Simulation-Based Clinical Skills Training For Medical Students In Respiratory Medicine: A Pilot Study, Russell S. Martins, Saniya Sabzwari, Meesha Iqbal

Medical College Documents

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation-based medical education (HF-SBME) in teaching and learning respiratory clinical examination in medical students.
Study design: Quasi-experimental pilot study.
Place and duration of study: The Aga Khan University, Karachi, from November 2018 to January 2020. Methodology: This study was conducted amongst third year medical students at the University. Students were assigned to intervention (IG) or control groups (CG). The IG underwent training for the respiratory clinical examination on a high-fidelity simulator mannequin, while the CG received the conventional practice session on standardised patients. Students were assessed on their respiratory clinical examination skills in …

Low-Cost Peer-Taught Virtual Research Workshops For Medical Students In Pakistan: A Creative, Scalable, And Sustainable Solution For Student Research, Ronika Devi Ukrani, Ayesha Niaz Shaikh, Russell S. Martins, Syeda Sadia Fatima, Hamna Amir Naseem, Mishall Ahmed Baig

Medical College Documents

Background: Pakistan has not been a major contributor to medical research, mainly because of the lack of learning opportunities to medical students. With the increase in online learning systems during COVID-19, research related skills can be taught to medical students via low-cost peer taught virtual research workshops.
Aim of the study: To assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive low-cost peer-taught virtual research workshops amongst medical students in Pakistan.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study assessed the effectiveness of five virtual research workshops (RWs) in improving core research skills. RWs for medical students from across Pakistan were conducted over Zoom by medical students …

Plagiarism In Non-Anglophone Countries: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Researchers And Journal Editors, Latika Gupta, Javeria Tariq, Marlen Yessirkepov, Olena Zimba, Durga Prasanna Misra, Vikas Agarwal, Armen Yuri Gasparyan

Medical College Documents

Background: Plagiarism is one of the most common violation of publication ethics, and it still remains an area with several misconceptions and uncertainties.
Methods: This online cross-sectional survey was conducted to analyze plagiarism perceptions among researchers and journal editors, particularly from non-Anglophone countries.
Results: Among 211 respondents (mean age 40 years; M:F, 0.85:1), 26 were scholarly journal editors and 70 were reviewers with a large representation from India (50, 24%), Turkey (28, 13%), Kazakhstan (25, 12%) and Ukraine (24, 11%). Rigid and outdated pre- and post-graduate education was considered as the origin of plagiarism by 63% of respondents. Paraphragiarism was …

Student Research Mentorship Programme: A Novel Solution For Promoting Research In Medical School, Inaara Akbar, Russell S. Martins, Syeda Sadia Fatima

Medical College Documents

No abstract provided.

Use Of Simulation Based Technology In Pre-Clinical Years Improves Confidence And Satisfaction Among Medical Students, Muhammad Bilal Mirza, Anjiya Sulaiman, Satwat Hashmi, Samar Zaki, Rehana Rehman, Rozmeen Akbar

Medical College Documents

Objective: To determine perception of medical students about learning from integrated simulated clinical skill sessions as part of the undergraduate curriculum.
Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education, Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi, from July 2018 to February 2019, and comprised first year medical students undertaking the Respiration and Circulation module of the curriculum. Quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire and the responses were assessed on a five-point Likert scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Qualitative data was gathered through focused group discussion with students and an in-depth interview with the …

Peer-Taught Virtual Research Workshops For Surgical Residents: Protocol For A Novel And Sustainable Solution To Improving Surgical Research In Pakistan, Russell S. Martins, Ronika Devi Ukrani, Mohummad Hassan Raza Raja, Maria Khan, Haissan Iftikhar, Syeda Sadia Fatima, Saulat Fatimi

Medical College Documents

Objective: To generate a protocol describing the methodology for a study assessing the effectiveness of a comprehensive series of peer-taught online research workshops for surgical residents across Pakistan in terms of improving research-related knowledge and skills, and long-term research involvement and output.
Methods: The quasi-experimental study will consist of a series of six online research workshops conducted over Zoom for surgical residents across Pakistan. An online sign-up form will be circulated on social media to current surgical residents throughout Pakistan. Curricular content covered in the workshops will be developed in collaboration with experienced research faculty at the Departments of Surgery …

Peer-Led Surgery Education: A Model For A Surgery Interest Group, Muhammad Ali, Shahmir Chauhan, Ayesha Noor, Sadaf Khan, Ather Enam, Sig Core

Medical College Documents

We present a systematic, sustainable, student-led model for a Surgery Interest Group in a low and middle-income country setting to encourage other medical students to establish similar groups in their institutions. Our model was developed at the Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, and is comprised of medical students, teaching associates, residents, faculty and alumni. The group focuses on connecting medical students with an interest in surgery with opportunities to help them match in surgery training programs. The opportunities include, but are not limited to, skill development, personal development, mentorship and research. Our model has shown growth and expansion over …

Surgical Education And Training During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Strategies And Solutions For Pakistan, Edward Anthony Joseph, Russell S. Martins, Javeria Tariq, Namrah Aziz, Hina Inam, Mahim Malik

Medical College Documents

The coronovirus disease-2019 pandemic has severely impacted surgical education and training in Pakistan and worldwide, causing problems, such as risk of infection, limited hands-on training, examination delays, and trainee redeployment to non-surgical specialties. The current review was planned to describe innovative strategies adopted by surgical training programmes worldwide in order to suggest comprehensive recommendations at the level of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan and individual institutions to counter the challenges presented by the pandemic in Pakistan. The innovative use of technology, including open-access online educational portals, virtual educational activities and simulation-based learning, can help reform education delivery during …

Harassment And Mental Health In Surgical Training: A Pilot Survey Of Surgical Trainees In Pakistan, Russell S. Martins, Syeda Amrah Hashmi, Hina Inam, Mahin Janjua, Mahim Malik

Medical College Documents

Objective: To assess harassment among surgical trainees and its effects on mental health, and to explore its association with gender.
Methods: The nationwide cross-sectional pilot study was conducted by the Association of Women Surgeons of Pakistan from July to September 2019, and included surgical trainees of either gender working in both public and private hospitals. Data was collected using an anonymous online survey form to assess harassment and self-perceived burnout and depression. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.
Results: Of the 147 respondents, 49(33.3%) were males; 98(66.6%) were females; and 118(80.3%) were residents. Workplace harassment was reported by 80(54.4%) trainees. …

The Role Of Simulators In Improving Vitreoretinal Surgery Training - A Systematic Review, Taha Muneer Ahmed, Rehman Siddiqui

Medical College Documents

Objective: To conduct an appraisal of current evidence regarding the effectiveness of EyeSi®-based training of vitreoretinal surgery.
Methods: The systematic review was conducted in July 2020, and comprised literature search on Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase for articles regarding simulation training in vitreoretinal surgery. The shortlisted articles were subjected to qualitative analysis. Existing evidence was assessed, and predictions on how outcomes may be applied to improve vitreoretinal surgery training were made. The risk of bias of each study was calculated in line with the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook.
Results: Of the 124 articles identified, 7(5.6%) were shortlisted; 5(71.4%) established …

Student-Led Surgical Research Network: Enhancing Medical Student Research Opportunities, Ronika Devi Ukrani, Muhammad Musaab Munir, Areesh Bhatti, Shahryar Noordin

Medical College Documents

The current paper was planned to describe a student-led surgical research network established by the Research Division of the Surgery Interest Group at the Aga Khan University, Karachi. The project involved the creation of a collaborative network to provide opportunities to medical students to work with faculty on research projects. Over 25 students were directly connected with faculty and research mentors to work on research projects in the surgical specialty of their choice. The initiative of establishing a student-led surgical research network was successfully implemented and provided medical students with novel research opportunities by helping bridge the gap between the …

Applicants' Interview Experience Of Family Medicine Residency Match: Reflections From A Quality Improvement Initiative At A Community Hospital, Abdul Waheed, Masooma S. Rana, Muhammad A. Rauf, Landen Green, Salma Green, Erum Azhar

Medical College Documents

Background and objective: Both family medicine applicants and programs dedicate significant resources to the interview process, a time for both parties to make an impression on the other in an attempt to find their best match. Despite the importance of this process, little research has been completed to ensure the process efficiently addresses applicant preferences on interview day and the surrounding process. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing the family medicine applicant preferences regarding the pre-interview, interview, and post-interview ranking process.
Methods: The study method was a cross-sectional electronic survey utilizing anonymous questionnaires that assessed demographics, pre-interview, interview, …

Factors Determining Pakistani Medical Students' Career Preference For General Practice Residency Training., Muhammad Bilal, Abdul Haseeb, Anum Mari, Muhammad Hussham Arshad, M. Raafe Ali Khan, Ayesha Ahmed, Ramesha Jeoffery, Zainab Saleem, Muhammad Abrar Irfan, Arsalan Aamir Khan, Sana Husain, Simrah Najeeb, Amal Fuad Garib, Fatema Mustafa Attarwala, Muhammad Husnain Mankani

Medical College Documents

Background

Few studies have explored factors affecting preference of medical students towards general practice as a career choice. We conducted a survey in Karachi across various public and private sector medical colleges to examine factors associated with students’ general practice career aspirations in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

From January to March 2018, we distributed a 21-item questionnaire to final year medical students in eight medical schools. The survey asked students about their top three career preferences from 19 specialty fields, their demographics and their career priorities. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the effect of each item.

Results

A total …

Perception Of Pathology As A Future Career Choice Among Medical Students From Karachi, Pakistan: Experience From A Private Medical School, Najia Bano Ghanchi, Raabia Nizamuddin Nizamuddin, Amna Qasim, Zahra Nur Khaled, Ahmed Buksh Raheem, Natasha Bahadur Ali, Naila Kayani, Mohammad Asim Beg

Medical College Documents

To determine the perception of pathology as a future career choice among medical students of a private medical school from Karachi, Pakistan. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 201 students participated in this study. All Students were approached randomly to participate. A total of 201 students participant survey forms were evaluated in this study. The overall satisfaction level with pathology was observed in 61.8% ofthe students. Majority of the students understood subspecialties which were a part of clinical medicine. Over half of the students thought pathology as a specialty should …

The Hirsch Index - A Play On Numbers Or A True Appraisal Of Academic Output?, Taimur Saleem

Medical College Documents

Citation metrics have rapidly gained importance in today's landscape and are being increasingly utilized as a yardstick in making several important decisions regarding academic funding and appointments. The impact factor has traditionally been the metric most often employed in this regard. However, the emergence of the Hirsch index has provided an alternative to the impact factor. The h-index, despite its flaws, continues to gain acceptance and popularity in the medical community. Several medical journals have evaluated and endorsed the use of the h-index. However, it must be interpreted with all of its limitations in mind.

Institutional Review Boards - A Mixed Blessing., Taimur Saleem, Umair Khalid

Medical College Documents

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are an important checkpoint for all types of research in medicine. Although these bodies originated primarily in the developed world, they have special contemporary consideration in the context of developing countries due to the large number of clinical trials being conducted in these regions with the financial support of large pharmaceutical companies. IRBs are vital to ensure that all scientific investigation is conducted in a manner that is transparent, scientifically feasible and ethically sound. However, they have also been variably criticized for introducing unnecessary and often protracted bureaucracy and red tape into the system. There is …

Why Pakistani Medical Graduates Must Remain Free To Emigrate, Zarmeneh Aly, Fawad Taj

Medical College Documents

No abstract provided.