scholarly journals A Random Controlled Trial to Examine the Efficacy of Blank Slate: A Novel Spaced Retrieval Tool with Real-Time Learning Analytics

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Douglas McHugh ◽  
Richard Feinn ◽  
Jeff McIlvenna ◽  
Matt Trevithick
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
The United States ◽  
Individual Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Software Application ◽  
Spaced Retrieval ◽  
Time Investment ◽  
Blank Slate

Learner-centered coaching and feedback are relevant to various educational contexts. Spaced retrieval enhances long-term knowledge retention. We examined the efficacy of Blank Slate, a novel spaced retrieval software application, to promote learning and prevent forgetting, while gathering and analyzing data in the background about learners’ performance. A total of 93 students from 6 universities in the United States were assigned randomly to control, sequential or algorithm conditions. Participants watched a video on the Republic of Georgia before taking a 60 multiple-choice-question assessment. Sequential (non-spaced retrieval) and algorithm (spaced retrieval) groups had access to Blank Slate and 60 digital cards. The algorithm group reviewed subsets of cards daily based on previous individual performance. The sequential group reviewed all 60 cards daily. All 93 participants were re-assessed 4 weeks later. Sequential and algorithm groups were significantly different from the control group but not from each other with regard to after and delta scores. Blank Slate prevented anticipated forgetting; authentic learning improvement and retention happened instead, with spaced retrieval incurring one-third of the time investment experienced by non-spaced retrieval. Embedded analytics allowed for real-time monitoring of learning progress that could form the basis of helpful feedback to learners for self-directed learning and educators for coaching.

scholarly journals A Randomized Trial of Wearable UV dosimeter for Skin Cancer Prevention

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
George I Varghese ◽  
Peter D Kaplan ◽  
Catherine Do ◽  
Melissa Barrer ◽  
Khaled Ezzedine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
The United States ◽  
Uv Exposure ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Actinic Keratoses

Background Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most prevalent cancer in the United States, affecting 5 million people and costing $8.1 billion per year. Despite well-defined guidelines on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) avoidance, it remains difficult for people to assess their individual exposure, as UVR is invisible and the onset of symptoms due to UVR damage are delayed. Methods In a prospective, randomized-controlled trial, 97 patients with a history of actinic keratoses were enrolled from March 2018 to July 2018 and followed over 6 months. 50 patients were given a wearable device that measured UV exposure and a smartphone application that provided both real-time and cumulative UV exposure information, and 47 patients were provided with UV protection counseling by a dermatologist. Results We observed a significant decrease in the incidence rate of NMSC in the intervention group compared to the control group over 3 months (p = 0.02). We did not observe a significant decrease in the incidence rate of actinic keratoses (AK) in the intervention group compared to the control group. The observed clinical benefit was not accompanied by psychological side effects such as anxiety and depression. Conclusions This study suggests that providing real-time UV exposure data using a wearable UV dosimeter is a safe and effective behavioral change strategy to prevent NMSC. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute, contract HHSN261201700005C; ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03315286.)

A Randomized Evaluation of a Computer-Based Nursing Documentation System

2001 ◽  
Vol 40 (02) ◽  
pp. 61-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Eichstädter ◽  
R. Haux ◽  
U. Pohl ◽  
S. Rebel ◽  
S. Ziegler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
User Acceptance ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nursing Documentation ◽  
Documentation System ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Time Investment ◽  
Computer Based

AbstractA two-month randomized, controlled trial based on 60 patients has been performed on a ward of the Department of Psychiatry at Heidelberg University Medical Center, Germany, to investigate the influence of computer-based nursing documentation on time investment for documentation, quality of documentation and user acceptance. Time measurements, questionnaires, documentation analysis and interviews were used to compare patients documented with the computer-based system (PIK group) with the control group (patients documented with the paper-based system). The results showed the advantages and disadvantages of computer-based nursing documentation. Time needed for nursing care planning was lower in the PIK group. Some formal aspects of quality were considerably better in the PIK group. On the other hand, time required for documentation of tasks and for report writing was greater in the PIK group. User acceptance increased significantly during the study. The interviews indicated a positive influence of PIK on the cooperation between nurses and physicians.

scholarly journals LO83: Quick Refresher Sessions (QRS): improving chest compression training for medical students

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
pp. S37-S38
Author(s):  
A. Cormier ◽  
E. Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Individual Performance ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skill Maintenance ◽  
Training Interval

Innovation Concept: High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation saves lives; however, current certification standards can leave providers poorly prepared to perform effective chest compressions (CCs). We designed a training program based on the emerging model of skill maintenance through frequent short practice sessions. The ideal frequency of training is currently unknown. Our goal was to provide medical students with access to efficient and effective CC training and to determine an optimal training interval. Methods: Thirty-six second-year medical students were randomized to three groups that trained at different frequencies: once every two months (q2m) (n = 12), once every four months (q4m) (n = 13), and control (n = 11). Study duration was eight months with the intervention groups, q2m and q4m, participating in five and three sessions respectively. The control group was assessed at study start and end, receiving no training in between. At each session, participants completed a one-minute pre-test of CC performance, viewed a one-minute training video, practiced CCs for two minutes with real-time feedback, and completed a one-minute post-test. Performance parameters measured were CC depth, rate, release, and hand positioning. A final “compression score” assessed integrated performance across these parameters and served as our primary outcome. Participants also reported pre- and post-training comfort with performing CCs which served as our secondary outcome. Curriculum, Tool or Material: Our “Quick Refresher Sessions” (QRS) were completed by participants independently without requiring an assessor or facilitator. A manikin with the ability to record and provide real-time quantitative feedback on CC quality was connected to a laptop running a customized interface. Participants typed in an individualized code and were guided through their six-minute sessions automatically. Conclusion: Immediately following the first training session, subjects had significant improvement in compression score (p < 0.001) and skill comfort (p < 0.001). At eight months, both intervention groups, q2m and q4m, achieved higher compression scores than control (p = 0.001 and p = 0.011) and showed greater increase in comfort level (p = 0.002 and p = 0.010). Performance between intervention groups at eight months was not statistically different. Overall, we conclude that independent QRS training every two or four months led to improved CC quality and provider comfort. Future directions include increasing sample size and tailoring training intervals to individual performance.

scholarly journals More “Bank” for the Buck: Microtargeting and Normative Appeals to Increase Social Marketing Efficiency

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander L. Metcalf ◽  
Justin W. Angle ◽  
Conor N. Phelan ◽  
B. Allyson Muth ◽  
James C. Finley
Keyword(s):  
Social Marketing ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
The United States ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Social Marketing Campaign ◽  
Chesapeake Bay Watershed ◽  
Normative Appeals ◽  
Normative Message

Successful conservation in the United States relies on collective stewardship by millions of private landowners, challenging those agencies and nongovernment organizations tasked with engagement and outreach. Perennially limited resources compound this challenge, highlighting a deep need for efficient social marketing. In the following research, we test the efficacy of two social marketing strategies—microtargeting and normative appeals—through a randomized controlled trial of an integrated social marketing campaign targeting riparian landowners in the Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. We used a microtargeting algorithm to predict landowners’ likelihood of responding to a conservation outreach campaign to create treatment groups of high-likelihood prospects versus random prospects (i.e., no microtargeting). A normative appeal was also included as an experimental factor in the campaign communicating that forested riparian buffer investments were common among similar landowners. Among microtargeted landowners, we observed a 66% increase in response to a riparian restoration survey compared to the control group. Additionally, we found a significant influence of a normative message among random (nonmicrotargeted) prospects, increasing response by 23% over the control group. We conclude conservation outcomes may be more efficiently achieved by deploying these marketing techniques on a wider scale to a variety of conservation challenges.

Randomized Trial of Healthy Families Arizona

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 747-757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Winston LeCroy ◽  
Melinda F. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Home Visitation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Maternal Outcomes ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Development Assessment ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Group Child

Home visitation has the potential to improve parent, child, and maternal outcomes and has become a widely implemented prevention program across the United States. The purpose of this research was to use a randomized controlled trial to assess the short-term effectiveness of the Arizona Healthy Families program across a range of outcomes. Two hundred and forty-five families were randomly assigned to the experimental group (Healthy Families) or control group (Child Development assessment only). Results revealed significant findings across four domains including safety and resources, parenting attitudes and behaviors, health and maternal outcomes, and mental health and coping. These results were further corroborated with an analysis of qualitative findings that analyzed linguistic differences between how the treatment and control group described their parenting. These results add to the existing literature on the effectiveness of the Healthy Families model of home visitation.

Clinical evaluation of a myofeedback-based teletreatment service applied in the workplace: a randomized controlled trial

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 329-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leif Sandsjö ◽  
Pernilla Larsman ◽  
Rianne MHA Huis in 't Veld ◽  
Miriam MR Vollenbroek-Hutten
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Evaluation ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Relaxation Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Conventional Care ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Time Investment ◽  
General Linear Model Analysis

We evaluated the clinical effects of a myofeedback-based teletreatment service in terms of pain, pain-related disability and work ability. We also investigated the time investment/savings of this treatment with respect to conventional care. Sixty-five women with neck and shoulder pain at work participated in the study. Thirty-three took part in the teletreatment and 32 participated in a control group which continued with conventional care. Questionnaires were completed before the start of the intervention (baseline) and at initial follow-up (T0) and 3 months (T3) after the intervention ended. A general linear model analysis for repeated measurements showed an improvement in terms of pain and work ability for both groups taken together, with no differences between them. Non-parametric tests showed an intervention effect in pain-related disability for both groups together and no differences between them when tested at baseline, T0 and T3. The time saved in relation to conventional care was mainly from reduced travel time, which was 41 min per teleconsultation. The teletreatment service allowed employees to take part in muscle relaxation training while performing their regular work. The clinical evaluation showed that the treatment was on par with conventional care, but without the effort and time loss associated with regular visits to the clinic. We conclude that the myofeedback-based teletreatment service has potential for addressing neck and shoulder symptoms at the workplace.

scholarly journals Smartphone Apps to Support Laypersons in Bystander CPR Are of Ambivalent Benefit: a Randomized Controlled Trial Using Medical Simulation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Metelmann ◽  
Bibiana Metelmann ◽  
Louisa Schuffert ◽  
Klaus Hahnenkamp ◽  
Peter Brinkrolf
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Chest Compressions ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Resuscitation Training

Abstract Background: Bystander initiated resuscitation is essential. To encourage medical laypersons to perform resuscitation smartphone apps providing real-time guidance were invented. Are these apps a beneficial addition to traditional resuscitation training?Methods: In a randomized controlled trial impact of app usage on quality of resuscitation in a standardised simulated cardiac arrest scenario was assessed. In a previous study the app “HELP Notfall” was selected for this purpose. Six weeks after a standardised resuscitation training pupils encountered a simulated cardiac arrest (i) without app (control group); (ii) with facultative app usage (facultative group); (iii) with mandatory app usage (mandatory group).Results: 200 pupils attended this study with 74 pupils (37%) in control group, 65 (32,5%) in facultative group and 61 (30,5%) in mandatory group. Participants using the app in mandatory group had a significantly higher percentage of chest compressions with the correct compression rate (65.4% vs. 43.8%; p<0.01) and with correct compression depth (47.6% vs. 24.4%; p=0.001) than pupils of the control group. Participants of the mandatory group had a significant delay compared with control group regarding time until check for breathing (23 sec. vs. 12 sec., p<0.001), call for help (35 sec. vs. 20 sec., p<0.001) and first compression (68 sec. vs. 29 sec., p<0.001). Hands-off-time during compression tended to be shorter in mandatory group (0.5 sec.) compared with control group (1.5 sec.), (p=0.36).Conclusions: Smartphone apps offering real-time guidance in resuscitation are of mixed benefits. An improved quality of chest compression is countered by a delayed start of chest compressions. Both aspects have to be considered before recommending smartphone apps to support laypersons in bystander resuscitation as an addition to traditional hands-on training.

scholarly journals An Efficacy Study of a Digital Core Curriculum for Grade 5 Mathematics

AERA Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 233285841985048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Shechtman ◽  
Jeremy Roschelle ◽  
Mingyu Feng ◽  
Corinne Singleton
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Mathematics Curriculum ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Refined Theory ◽  
Achievement Data ◽  
Grade 5 ◽  
Digital Core

The Math Curriculum Impact Study was a large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of a digital core curriculum for Grade 5 mathematics. Reasoning Mind’s Grade 5 Common Core Curriculum was a comprehensive, adaptive, blended learning approach that schools in the treatment group implemented for an entire school year. Schools in the control group implemented their business-as-usual mathematics curriculum. The study was completed in 46 schools throughout West Virginia, resulting in achievement data from 1,919 students. It also included exploratory investigations of teacher practice and student engagement. The main experimental finding was a null result; achievement was similar in both experimental groups. The exploratory investigations help clarify interpretation of this result. As educational leaders throughout the United States adopt digital mathematics curricula and adaptive, blended approaches, our findings provide a relevant caution. However, our findings are not generalizable to all digital offerings, and there is a continuing need for refined theory, study of implementation, and rigorous experimentation to advise schools.

scholarly journals Navy Beans Impact the Stool Metabolome and Metabolic Pathways for Colon Health in Cancer Survivors

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridget Baxter ◽  
Renee Oppel ◽  
Elizabeth Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Navy Bean ◽  
Acute Response ◽  
Navy Beans ◽  
The Impact

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and emerging evidence supports that increased consumption of legumes, such as navy beans, can reduce risk. Navy bean consumption was previously shown to modulate host and microbiome metabolism, and this investigation was performed to assess the impact on the human stool metabolome, which includes the presence of navy bean metabolites. This 4-week, randomized-controlled trial with overweight and obese CRC survivors involved consumption of 1 meal and 1 snack daily. The intervention contained 35 g of cooked navy bean or macronutrient matched meals and snacks with 0 g of navy beans for the control group (n = 18). There were 30 statistically significant metabolite differences in the stool of participants that consumed navy bean at day 28 compared to the participants’ baseline (p ≤ 0.05) and 26 significantly different metabolites when compared to the control group. Of the 560 total metabolites identified from the cooked navy beans, there were 237 possible navy bean-derived metabolites that were identified in the stool of participants consuming navy beans, such as N-methylpipecolate, 2-aminoadipate, piperidine, and vanillate. The microbial metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids were also identified in stool after 4 weeks of navy bean intake including cadaverine, hydantoin-5 propionic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate, and caprylate. The stool relative abundance of ophthalmate increased 5.25-fold for navy bean consumers that can indicate glutathione regulation, and involving cancer control mechanisms such as detoxification of xenobiotics, antioxidant defense, proliferation, and apoptosis. Metabolic pathways involving lysine, and phytochemicals were also modulated by navy bean intake in CRC survivors. These metabolites and metabolic pathways represent an acute response to increased navy bean intake, which merit further investigation for improving colonic health after long-term consumption.

scholarly journals Pain Squad+ smartphone app to support real-time pain treatment for adolescents with cancer: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e037251
Author(s):  
Lindsay Jibb ◽  
Paul C Nathan ◽  
Vicky Breakey ◽  
Conrad Fernandez ◽  
Donna Johnston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Scientific Meetings ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionPain negatively affects the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of adolescents with cancer. The Pain Squad+ smartphone-based application (app), has been developed to provide adolescents with real-time pain self-management support. The app uses a validated pain assessment and personalised pain treatment advice with centralised decision support via a registered nurse to enable real-time pain treatment in all settings. The algorithm informing pain treatment advice is evidence-based and expert-vetted. This trial will longitudinally evaluate the impact of Pain Squad+, with or without the addition of nurse support, on adolescent health and cost outcomes.Methods and analysisThis will be a pragmatic, multicentre, waitlist controlled, 3-arm parallel-group superiority randomised trial with 1:1:1 allocation enrolling 74 adolescents with cancer per arm from nine cancer centres. Participants will be 12 to 18 years, English-speaking and with ≥3/10 pain. Exclusion criteria are significant comorbidities, end-of-life status or enrolment in a concurrent pain study. The primary aim is to determine the effect of Pain Squad+, with and without nurse support, on pain intensity in adolescents with cancer, when compared with a waitlist control group. The secondary aims are to determine the immediate and sustained effect over time of using Pain Squad+, with and without nurse support, as per prospective outcome measurements of pain interference, HRQL, pain self-efficacy and cost. Linear mixed models with baseline scores as a covariate will be used. Qualitative interviews with adolescents from all trial arms will be conducted and analysed.Ethics and disseminationThis trial is approved by the Hospital for Sick Children Research Ethics Board. Results will provide data to guide adolescents with cancer and healthcare teams in treating pain. Dissemination will occur through partnerships with stakeholder groups, scientific meetings, publications, mass media releases and consumer detailing.Trial registration numberNCT03632343(ClinicalTrials.gov).

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