scholarly journals Development and Assessment of a Gastroscopy Electronic Learning System for Primary Learners: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuang Li ◽  
Guoqing Li ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Wanying Xu ◽  
Ningning Yang ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Endoscopic examination is a popular and routine procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Skilled endoscopists are in great demand in clinical practice, but the training process for beginners to become endoscopy specialists is fairly long. Convenience and a self-paced, learner-centered approach make electronic learning (e-learning) an excellent instructional prospect. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop and apply an e-learning system in gastroscopy teaching and learning and to evaluate its effectiveness and user satisfaction. METHODS The e-learning software <i>Gastroscope Roaming System</i> was developed for primary learners. The system simulates the real structure of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract to teach the main characteristics of gastroscopy under both normal conditions and conditions of common UGI tract diseases. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to an e-learning group (EG)or a non–e-learning control group after a pretest. On completing the training, participants undertook a posttest and gastroscopy examination. In addition, the EG completed a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS Of the 44 volunteers, 41 (93%) completed the gastroscopy learning and testing components. No significant pretest differences were found between the intervention and control groups (mean 50.86, SD 6.12 vs mean 50.76, SD 6.88; <i>P</i>=.96). After 1 month of learning, the EG’s posttest scores were higher (mean 83.70, SD 5.99 vs mean 78.76, SD 7.58; <i>P</i>=.03) and improved more (<i>P</i>=.01) than those of the control group, with better performance in the gastroscopy examination (mean 91.05, SD 4.58 vs mean 84.38, SD 5.19; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Overall, 85% (17/20) of the participants were satisfied with the e-learning system, and 95% (19/20) of the participants considered it successful. CONCLUSIONS E-learning is an effective educational strategy for primary learners to acquire skills in gastroscopy examination and endoscopic imaging of the GI tract. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IOR-17013091; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=22142

10.2196/16233 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. e16233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuang Li ◽  
Guoqing Li ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Wanying Xu ◽  
Ningning Yang ◽  
...  

Background Endoscopic examination is a popular and routine procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Skilled endoscopists are in great demand in clinical practice, but the training process for beginners to become endoscopy specialists is fairly long. Convenience and a self-paced, learner-centered approach make electronic learning (e-learning) an excellent instructional prospect. Objective This study aimed to develop and apply an e-learning system in gastroscopy teaching and learning and to evaluate its effectiveness and user satisfaction. Methods The e-learning software Gastroscope Roaming System was developed for primary learners. The system simulates the real structure of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract to teach the main characteristics of gastroscopy under both normal conditions and conditions of common UGI tract diseases. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to an e-learning group (EG)or a non–e-learning control group after a pretest. On completing the training, participants undertook a posttest and gastroscopy examination. In addition, the EG completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Results Of the 44 volunteers, 41 (93%) completed the gastroscopy learning and testing components. No significant pretest differences were found between the intervention and control groups (mean 50.86, SD 6.12 vs mean 50.76, SD 6.88; P=.96). After 1 month of learning, the EG’s posttest scores were higher (mean 83.70, SD 5.99 vs mean 78.76, SD 7.58; P=.03) and improved more (P=.01) than those of the control group, with better performance in the gastroscopy examination (mean 91.05, SD 4.58 vs mean 84.38, SD 5.19; P<.001). Overall, 85% (17/20) of the participants were satisfied with the e-learning system, and 95% (19/20) of the participants considered it successful. Conclusions E-learning is an effective educational strategy for primary learners to acquire skills in gastroscopy examination and endoscopic imaging of the GI tract. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IOR-17013091; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=22142


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianyang Tan ◽  
Xinyu Li ◽  
Ruina Bai ◽  
Chengchao Wang ◽  
Jiaxuan Lv ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Stroke is the leading cause of death worldwide. China faces a similar risk of stroke as developed countries because of considerable changes in lifestyle, such as overeating and smoking. Tai Chi is a traditional form of mind-body exercise that has been widely practiced in China for thousands of years. However, there are few studies on the effect of Tai Chi on the cardiopulmonary function of stroke patients in the recovery phase. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the effect of Tai Chi on the cardiorespiratory fitness of patients after stroke.Methods: This is a parallel-design, two-arm, analyst assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 226 stroke patients in the recovery phase will be recruited and assigned randomly to a control group or Tai Chi group at a 1:1 ratio. The patients in the Tai Chi group will perform the Tai Chi exercise. The patients in the control group will perform walking exercises. Patients in both groups will receive conventional treatments and healthy education. The primary outcomes will be VO2peak and scores on the MOS item short from health survey (SF-36) scale. Secondary outcomes will include vital capacity (VC), ejection fractions (EF), and cardiac output (CO). The assessments of the tests will be performed at three time points (before exercise, at the end of exercise, and 6 weeks after exercise). Adverse events will be recorded faithfully during the study.Discussion: If the results are positive, this study will contribute to the establishment of further guided Tai Chi rehabilitation programs.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000034719, Registered on 16 July 2020


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 136-140
Author(s):  
Fithria Fithria ◽  
Muhammad Adlim ◽  
Syarifah Rauzatul Jannah ◽  
Teuku Tahlil

Background: Smoking is a significant problem especially among Indonesian adolescents. A number of smoking prevention programs have been developed and implemented, but most of them do not work significantly for the Indonesian adolescents who are mostly Muslim.Objective: The aim of this article is to outline a study protocol for measuring the effects of Islamic-based program using family approaches on the prevention of adolescents’ smoking behavior.Methods: The study will use a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in three junior high schools, in Aceh Province, Indonesia. A total of 150 students will be involved in this study, where each school will be represented by 50 students. Each school group will be given the respective treatments. The first group will receive health-based intervention program, the second group will receive Islamic-based intervention program, and the last group will act as a control group receiving no intervention. The outcomes include the knowledge about smoking, attitudes toward smoking, smoking intention and smoking behavior of the adolescents. All outcomes will be measured using validated questionnaires.Discussion: If the Islamic-based intervention using family approach is effective, then this approach could be implemented not only in Indonesia but also in other countries with the same social characteristics.Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN 12620000465954


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrika Müssener ◽  
Kristin Thomas ◽  
Catharina Linderoth ◽  
Matti Leijon ◽  
Marcus Bendtsen

BACKGROUND Heavy consumption of alcohol among university students is a global problem, with excessive drinking being the social norm. Students can be a difficult target group to reach, and only a minority seek alcohol-related support. It is important to develop interventions that can reach university students in a way that does not further stretch the resources of the health services. Text messaging (short message service, SMS)–based interventions can enable continuous, real-time, cost-effective, brief support in a real-world setting, but there is a limited amount of evidence for effective interventions on alcohol consumption among young people based on text messaging. To address this, a text messaging–based alcohol consumption intervention, the Amadeus 3 intervention, was developed. OBJECTIVE This study explored self-reported changes in drinking habits in an intervention group and a control group. Additionally, user satisfaction among the intervention group and the experience of being allocated to a control group were explored. METHODS Students allocated to the intervention group (n=460) were asked about their drinking habits and offered the opportunity to give their opinion on the structure and content of the intervention. Students in the control group (n=436) were asked about their drinking habits and their experience in being allocated to the control group. Participants received an email containing an electronic link to a short questionnaire. Descriptive analyses of the distribution of the responses to the 12 questions for the intervention group and 5 questions for the control group were performed. RESULTS The response rate for the user feedback questionnaire of the intervention group was 38% (176/460) and of the control group was 30% (129/436). The variation in the content of the text messages from facts to motivational and practical advice was appreciated by 77% (135/176) participants, and 55% (97/176) found the number of messages per week to be adequate. Overall, 81% (142/176) participants stated that they had read all or nearly all the messages, and 52% (91/176) participants stated that they were drinking less, and increased awareness regarding negative consequences was expressed as the main reason for reduced alcohol consumption. Among the participants in the control group, 40% (52/129) stated that it did not matter that they had to wait for access to the intervention. Regarding actions taken while waiting for access, 48% (62/129) participants claimed that they continued to drink as before, whereas 35% (45/129) tried to reduce their consumption without any support. CONCLUSIONS Although the main randomized controlled trial was not able to detect a statistically significant effect of the intervention, most participants in this qualitative follow-up study stated that participation in the study helped them reflect upon their consumption, leading to altered drinking habits and reduced alcohol consumption. CLINICALTRIAL International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN95054707; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN95054707 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/705putNZT)


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Wang ◽  
Jifang Peng ◽  
Hairong Liu ◽  
Yan Jia ◽  
Cui Yao ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the appetite of COVID-19 patients treated in a makeshift hospital and to evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal massage and ST-36 (Zusanli) acupressure in improving their appetite.Design: Randomized controlled trial.Methods: This study was performed between February 15 and March 2, 2020, in a sports centre makeshift hospital in Wuhan, China. The appetite of 110 COVID-19 patients was assessed using a mobile app-based Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ). The experimental and control groups, 55 patients each, were randomized using a prepared randomization checklist. Through video guidance and on-the-spot instruction, patients in the experimental group mastered the methods of abdominal massage and ST-36 (Zusanli) acupressure and implemented the intervention for 7 days by themselves. The appetite of the patients was assessed again after intervention.Results: In a total of 110 participants, 43 (39.1%) patients suffered from a poor appetite. A positive correlation between poor appetite and older age as well as fever was observed (p<0.05). In the experimental group, the SNAQ scores were significantly increased (14.07±2.46 vs 15.55±1.77, p=0.0004), and the proportion of patients with a poor appetite was markedly reduced after the intervention (41.8% vs 10.9%, p=0.0002). Compared with the control group, the rate of poor appetite in the experimental group was significantly decreased postintervention (27.3% vs 10.9%, p=0.029).Conclusion: In COVID-19 patients, a poor appetite may be correlated with older age and fever. Abdominal massage and ST-36 (Zusanli) acupressure are applicable and effective in improving the appetite of COVID-19 patients during isolation treatment.Trial registration: Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR2000033261), the trial was registered retrospectively.


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia-Kai Shao ◽  
Qian Liu ◽  
Wei Pei ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Na-Na Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Postoperative ileus (POI) occurs in almost all patients after abdominal laparoscopic surgery, resulting in complications and increasing the length of hospitalization. Electroacupuncture has been used as an alternative therapy for gastrointestinal dysfunction, but its efficacy for POI is inconclusive. The study is designed to determine whether electroacupuncture can accelerate recovery from POI. Methods/design This study is a three-arm, randomized controlled trial. A total of 105 patients will be randomized into a group receiving electroacupuncture at Tianshu (ST25), a group receiving electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36), or a control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. Patients in the electroacupuncture groups will receive electroacupuncture treatment for 4 days from the first day after surgery. The primary outcome consists of the time to first flatus and the time to first defecation. Secondary outcomes include the time to first tolerance of liquid and semiliquid food; the length of the hospital stay; postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting; abdominal distension; the time to first get out of bed; and postoperative complications. The outcomes will be assessed by the patients themselves every day during hospitalization. Surgeons, nurses, assessors, and statisticians will be blinded to the group assignments. Patients in the two electroacupuncture groups, but not in the control group, will be blinded to the group assignments. The acupuncturists will not be blinded. Discussion The aim of this trial is to provide a nonpharmacological therapy for POI and may provide evidence of the effect of electroacupuncture at ST25 or ST36 on POI. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900027466. Registered on 14 November 2019.


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianyang Tan ◽  
Yanyan Meng ◽  
Xinyu Li ◽  
Ruina Bai ◽  
Chengchao Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Stroke is the leading cause of death worldwide. China faces a similar risk of stroke as developed countries because of considerable changes in lifestyle, such as overeating and smoking. Tai Chi is a traditional form of mind-body exercise that has been widely practiced in China for thousands of years. However, there are few studies on the effect of Tai Chi on the cardiopulmonary function of stroke patients in the recovery phase. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the effect of Tai Chi on the cardiorespiratory fitness of patients after stroke. Methods This is a parallel-design, two-arm, analyst assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 226 stroke patients in the recovery phase will be recruited and assigned randomly to a control group or Tai Chi group at a 1:1 ratio. The patients in the Tai Chi group will perform the Tai Chi exercise. The patients in the control group will perform walking exercises. Patients in both groups will receive conventional treatments and healthy education. The primary outcomes will be VO2peak and scores on the MOS item short form health survey (SF-36) scale. Secondary outcomes will include vital capacity (VC), ejection fractions (EF), and cardiac output (CO). The assessments of the tests will be performed at three time points (before exercise, at the end of exercise, and 6 weeks after exercise). Adverse events will be recorded faithfully during the study. Discussion If the results are positive, this study will contribute to the establishment of further guided Tai Chi rehabilitation programs. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000034719. Registered on 16 July 2020.


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiming Tao ◽  
Lingjun Kong ◽  
Min Fang ◽  
Qingguang Zhu ◽  
Shuaipan Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common complication after stroke which hinders functional recovery and return to social participation of stroke patients. Efficacy of conventional drug therapies for patients with PSD is still uncertain. Therefore, many patients prefer to use complementary and alternative therapies for PSD. Tuina (traditional Chinese manual manipulation) with herbal ointment is an integration of manual therapy, and ointment is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy. Preliminary experiments have shown that the Tuina with herbal ointment can improve the mental state of patients with PSD. The purpose of this study is to observe and verify the efficacy of Tuina combined with herbal ointment for patients with post-stroke depression, and to lay a foundation for further research on its mechanism of action. Methods/design In this study, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted in parallel, including two intervention groups: Tuina with herbal ointment group and herbal ointment for control group. A total of 84 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to the groups in a 1:1 ratio. All participants will receive conventional antidepressant venlafaxine treatment (75 mg QD), on which they received two different interventions. The interventions for both groups will be carried out 5 times each week for a period of 2 weeks. The primary outcome will be the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD). Secondary outcomes will include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), as well as 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS). They will be assessed at the baseline, at the end of the intervention (2 weeks), and during the 1 month and 3 months of follow-up by repeated measures analysis of variance. The significance level is 5%. Adverse events will be monitored at each visit to assess safety. All outcomes will be assessed and analyzed by researchers blinded to the treatment allocation. The purpose of this study will focus on observing the efficacy of Tuina with herbal ointment for patients with post-stroke depression, and to explore further the mechanisms of its effects. Discussion This study may evaluate clinical application value and safety of Tuina with herbal ointment in PSD patients, which can provide basis for clinical research and mechanism exploration of PSD. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000033887. Registered on 15 June 2020. Dissemination The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through the study’s website and conferences.


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