Dataset Information

WriteSim TCExam--an open source text simulation environment for training novice researchers in scientific writing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The ability to write clearly and effectively is of central importance to the scientific enterprise. Encouraged by the success of simulation environments in other biomedical sciences, we developed WriteSim TCExam, an open-source, Web-based, textual simulation environment for teaching effective writing techniques to novice researchers. We shortlisted and modified an existing open source application - TCExam to serve as a textual simulation environment. After testing usability internally in our team, we conducted formal field usability studies with novice researchers. These were followed by formal surveys with researchers fitting the role of administrators and users (novice researchers)

Results

The development process was guided by feedback from usability tests within our research team. Online surveys and formal studies, involving members of the Research on Research group and selected novice researchers, show that the application is user-friendly. Additionally it has been used to train 25 novice researchers in scientific writing to date and has generated encouraging results.

Conclusion

WriteSim TCExam is the first Web-based, open-source textual simulation environment designed to complement traditional scientific writing instruction. While initial reviews by students and educators have been positive, a formal study is needed to measure its benefits in comparison to standard instructional methods.

SUBMITTER: Shah J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2893514 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

WriteSim TCExam--an open source text simulation environment for training novice researchers in scientific writing.

Shah Jatin J Rajgor Dimple D Vaghasia Meenakshi M Phadtare Amruta A Pradhan Shreyasee S Carvalho Elias E Pietrobon Ricardo R

BMC medical education 20100528

<h4>Background</h4>The ability to write clearly and effectively is of central importance to the scientific enterprise. Encouraged by the success of simulation environments in other biomedical sciences, we developed WriteSim TCExam, an open-source, Web-based, textual simulation environment for teaching effective writing techniques to novice researchers. We shortlisted and modified an existing open source application - TCExam to serve as a textual simulation environment. After testing usability in ...[more]

PMID: 20509946

Similar Datasets

Project description:Virtual representations of the knee joint can provide clinicians, scientists, and engineers the tools to explore mechanical functions of the knee and its tissue structures in health and disease. Modeling and simulation approaches such as finite element analysis also provide the possibility to understand the influence of surgical procedures and implants on joint stresses and tissue deformations. A large number of knee joint models are described in the biomechanics literature. However, freely accessible, customizable, and easy-to-use models are scarce. Availability of such models can accelerate clinical translation of simulations, where labor-intensive reproduction of model development steps can be avoided. Interested parties can immediately utilize readily available models for scientific discovery and clinical care. Motivated by this gap, this study aims to describe an open source and freely available finite element representation of the tibiofemoral joint, namely Open Knee, which includes the detailed anatomical representation of the joint's major tissue structures and their nonlinear mechanical properties and interactions. Three use cases illustrate customization potential of the model, its predictive capacity, and its scientific and clinical utility: prediction of joint movements during passive flexion, examining the role of meniscectomy on contact mechanics and joint movements, and understanding anterior cruciate ligament mechanics. A summary of scientific and clinically directed studies conducted by other investigators are also provided. The utilization of this open source model by groups other than its developers emphasizes the premise of model sharing as an accelerator of simulation-based medicine. Finally, the imminent need to develop next-generation knee models is noted. These are anticipated to incorporate individualized anatomy and tissue properties supported by specimen-specific joint mechanics data for evaluation, all acquired in vitro from varying age groups and pathological states.

Project description:BackgroundDifficult surgical procedures may result in a higher mental workload, leading to increased fatigue and subsequent errors. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of repeated simulation training in ureterorenoscopy in a high-fidelity setting on the performance and mental workload of novice operators.MethodsMedical students voluntarily participated in the present simulation study. After a didactic and video-based lecture, they underwent simulation training involving a renal stone case, including a rigid cystoscope component (task 1, performing a WHO checklist, assembling a scope, and insertion of a guide-wire and an access sheath after examining the bladder) and a flexible ureterorenoscope component (task 2, retrieving a stone located in the upper calyx using a basket after inspecting the upper, middle, and lower calyx). Training was performed in a mock operating theater. Technical skills were assessed by one author (an experienced urologist) onsite using an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) score at each training session. The mental workload was subjectively evaluated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire after each training session.ResultsSeventeen students completed a minimum of 6 training sessions (male: female?=?10: 7, median age of 22) over a median of 21?days (range, 10-32). In both tasks 1 and 2, the OSATS score improved over the 6 sessions with evidence of plateauing (MANOVA model, task 1: p <?0.0001, task 2: p <?0.0001). In contrast, the NASA-TLX score persistently decreased without plateauing (task 1: p =?0.0005, task 2: p =?0.0028).ConclusionsUnder repeated simulation training in ureterorenoscopy in a high-fidelity setting, participants showed a continual decrease of the mental workload, while the improvement of technical skills reached a plateau over the 6 sessions. Our study showed the important benefit of simulation training to reduce the mental workload by repeated scenario training before actual clinical practice.

Dataset Information

WriteSim TCExam--an open source text simulation environment for training novice researchers in scientific writing.

Background

Results

Conclusion

Publications

WriteSim TCExam--an open source text simulation environment for training novice researchers in scientific writing.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure