Using Eye-tracking technique to design innovative learning material in Medical Education: Autonomic Pharmacology as an example

Aim: A wide range of research has shown that knowledge retrieval practice results in improved retention. Does providing illustrations (containing an image and words) on a t-shirt enhance learning? And is this knowledge retained after a short(1 week) or long (1 year) delay?Method:A two-phase study was conducted, the initial phase used eye-tracking technique to compare the“image”and“word” attractiveness of two Autonomic nervous system (ANS) pharmacology learning materials on non-science students, the interventional phase used a pre, post and retention test to measure memory, application and lecture learning froma learning material printed on front and back of t-shirt. Results:Total Fixation Duration (TFD) on the 'Image' (3.96± 1.12 seconds) as the Area of interest (AOI) was longer compared to Design (2) (3.43±0.87), (t =36.52), p> 0.05. On the contrary, Design (2) had longer TFD (1.24±0.52) on the 'Words' AOI compared to Design (1) (0.99±0.64), t-test (t =37.48)p> 0.05. Design (2)attracted the students’ eye gaze for both “Image” and “ Word”, therefore, design (2) was selected as learning stimulus for the second interventional phase, students completed a pre-test knowledge test, they were then exposed to the t-shirt designs for a week before completing a post-test 1 week and retention 1-year later to see if there is evidence of better retention of ANS pharmacology knowledge. Repeated measures analysis demonstrated a significant recall of knowledge (F (1.987, 162.9) = 20.53,p< 0.01). Mean of recall pre-test question (2.12 ±0.15) , recall post-test (3.36 ±0.16) (p< 0.0001) and retention (1-year) (2.7 ±0.14) (p< 0.01). Application and lecture-related questions showed no significant differences at pre, post and retention tests. Conclusion:Eye-tracking is useful in designing learning material and ANS pharmacology knowledge retrieval outside the class was associated with a significant improvement of long-term memory as such this might be a promising method in medical education.

Emergency Available Drugs in Markets to Treat COVID-19

Our current study is focused on emergency available drug in market to treat COVID-19 a viral infection that produces pneumonia and respiratory disorder. By pharmacology knowledge base treating viral-respiratory infection and immune inflammation, which posses’ direct effect against corona virus (COVID-19) the different antibiotics were evaluated from market on COVID-19 symptoms which includes Provas 100ml, Injections: Azithma 500mg, Oxidil 1gm, Gen-M 180mg and Bejectal. The Pladex 100ml, Infusion R/L 500ml, Tablet Panadol Extra, Syrup Pelton – V and Capsule Vibramycin in laboratory CatA21 (LRHP1) and CatB20 (AMCMDN2) for 1 to 3 days treatment and the Patients ages range from 37-56 and their recovering ratio calculated from the laboratory test by immune system and physical health comparison which were recorded as 95% with positive rate with a good health.

Introducing a flipped classroom in a pharmacology course

Background: Flipped classroom pedagogy has been shown to improve nursing students' academic performance. Aim: The study aimed to determine the effect of a flipped classroom approach on students' pharmacology assessment scores in a school of nursing in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed. The pharmacology test scores of the BSc nursing cohort of 2020, when flipped classroom pedagogy was used, was compared with those of the BSc nursing cohort of 2019, where traditional pedagogy was employed. Students' summative evaluation for the course and their verbal feedback were analysed. Results: The median continuous assessment test score of the 2019 cohort was 35 (interquartile range (IQR) 32–38), while that of the 2020 cohort was 38 (IQR 35–41). The difference in the score was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: The study gives an insight into a relatively novel pedagogy that was found to improve pharmacology knowledge test scores among nursing students.

Mental health nurses' confidence in applying pharmacological knowledge: a survey

Background/Aims The literature highlights gaps on how nurses apply pharmacology knowledge to their medication management, particularly in relation to knowledge on the mechanism of action and drug interactions. The aim of this study was to research a sample of mental health nurses to explore their confidence, knowledge and skills in applying their pharmacological knowledge. Methods A paper-based survey questionnaire was distributed to 209 mental health nurses working in direct patient care in Ireland. A total of 129 completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 61.7%. Results The vast majority of mental health nurses were confident in their knowledge of pharmacological principles to medication management, in relation to dosage, formulation, adverse effects, and predictable side effects, including patient education and medication information. Nurses were less confident in their knowledge of pharmacodynamics related to their knowledge on the mechanism of action, and on the pharmacokinetics of drug clearance. This may negatively impact on their ability to educate patients about their medications. Conclusions The findings suggest that there is need for an increased focus on continuing education on pharmacology for nurses at service level, particularly on the mechanism of action and clearance of commonly used medications in order for nurses to more effectively support patients to manage their medications.

Interns perception towards pharmacology during clinical postings at RIMS, Raichur, India

Background: Every medical graduate must have the intention to prescribe rationally. It is pharmacology which teaches rational of prescribing of drug in undergraduate medical course. Therefore, many eminent medical educationists believe that pharmacology is the most essential part of the medical curriculum. Medical graduates join as interns in their respective teaching hospital immediately after graduation. Although interns work is usually under the supervision of a senior consultant but there are occasions, when they need to make their own decision. Internship is the intermediate period between under-graduation and general practice. The dexterity of health professional relies upon prescribing practices. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (CPT) is a crucial discipline for interns to acquire safe and rational prescription of drugs. This study was conducted with the intention to provide some light about the knowledge of pharmacology among the interns in RIMS Hospital Raichur, Karnataka.Methods: The study was done on interns of RIMS, Raichur. It was a descriptive questionnaire-based prospective study. A structured questionnaire modified from the work of Oshikoya et al, was used in the study which included four major categories namely basic demographic information, undergraduate CPT teaching, experience of adverse drug reaction (ADR) and any deficiency in the under-graduate CPT teaching.Results: Out of these 107 participants 54 (42%) rated pharmacology knowledge is good, while another 53(40%) had average understanding. As high as 80% (85) intern population feel that undergraduate training has prepared them to prescribe safely. 45 (41%) interns have already observed cases of adverse drug reactions in their short active clinical life.Conclusions: The present study has identified that pharmacology and therapeutics course curriculum is not enough to produce safe prescribers.

SmartMedicist: a context-aware system for recommending an alternative medicine

PurposeThis study aims to discuss a context-aware system, SmartMedicist, which can recommend an alternative medicine from a set of available medicines present at a patient’s home for an unavailable medicine. The system is applied to the chronic disease patients only. The system requires only a smartphone, and provides a reminder to the patient to take medicine at appropriate times and to procure medicines from drug store. The system discusses the output method for the physically challenged patient. Although there are existing systems that can remind a patient for taking medicines, the authors are not aware of any such system that has the capability to recommend an alternative medicine for the prescribed medicine.Design/methodology/approachThe study developed a pharmacology knowledge base that consists of a representation of a set of diseases, according to family, type and medicines, in a k-ary tree. An alternative medicine is recommended based on the set of available medicines and knowledge base.FindingsWe considered four diseases: Hypertension, Gastritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson; and performed several experiments for each disease for the different number of available medicines. The execution time to find an alternative medicine (if any) in each case is around four seconds.Originality/valueThe proposed system is cost effective and affordable for most families in India. Although the proposed system is not a substitute of a doctor, this system will enhance the safety golden period for a patient to consult a doctor in the emergency exhaustion of the prescribed medicines.