Medical Mycology dissertation topics require prioritisation among Postgraduate Microbiology trainees of Makerere University, Uganda
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
As elsewhere worldwide, there is an increasing burden of fungal diseases in Uganda. However, expertise in medical mycology (the study of fungal diseases of medical importance) among clinicians and laboratory personnel remains low. Objective
This study sought to determine the proportion of dissertations on medical mycology among postgraduate medical microbiology trainees at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda. Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the topics of dissertations submitted to the Departments of Medical Microbiology and Immunology & Molecular Biology from 2011 through 2018. The proportion of dissertation topics on medical mycology was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results
A total of 152 dissertations were retrieved. Of these, only 5 (3.3%) were on medical mycology compared to bacteriology (50.7%, n = 77), virology (27.6%, n = 42), parasitology (14.5%, n = 22) and immunology (4.0%, n = 6). Of the 5 dissertations on fungal diseases, the distribution was as follows: cryptococcal meningitis (40%, n = 2), Candidiasis (20%, n = 1), superficial mycoses (20%, n = 1) and other invasive fungal diseases (20%, n = 1). The most common method that was used for studying the fungal diseases was culture 60%, n = 3. Conclusion
There is limited research on medical mycology among the postgraduate medical microbiology trainees of Makerere University, Uganda.
SUBMITTER: Achan B
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9216442 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Similar Datasets
Project description:ObjectivesPostgraduate medical mycology research may also be affected by funding. This study reports the positive impact of funding on postgraduate medical mycology research at Makerere University, Uganda.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted on postgraduate medical microbiology dissertation topics from 2023 to 2024 using data collected between September and November 2024.ResultsA total of N = 60 postgraduate medical microbiology dissertations were analyzed for medical mycology topics, of which a total of 18 (30%) focused on medical mycology. The percentage of dissertations centered on medical mycology increased from 16% (four of 25) in 2023 to 40% (14 of 35) in 2024. Cryptococcal meningitis is the most studied fungal disease (35.7%) (five) in 2024. Notably, molecular-based polymerase chain reaction (50%, two) and semi-automated culture (35.7%, five) were the most commonly used laboratory methods in 2023 and 2024. There were 75% (four) and 71.4% (14) timely completions of the postgraduate students, and the Makerere University Fungal Group was formed to promote the "buddy system of learning" among the postgraduate medical mycology students.ConclusionThere has been an increase in medical mycology research among postgraduate medical microbiology students at Makerere University, Uganda, which is attributable to increased funding.
| S-EPMC11786905 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundTransitioning to a new clinical learning environment (CLE) requires learning new skills, roles, teams, workflows, and culture. We previously identified activities and questions to guide orientation in the categories of who, what, where, when, why, and how. There is limited literature about how learners plan for this transition.ObjectiveDescribe how postgraduate trainees prepare for a clinical rotation, based on qualitative analysis of narrative responses within a simulated orientation experience.MethodsIn June 2018, incoming residents and fellows in multiple specialties at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center completed an online simulated orientation that asked how they intended to prepare for their first rotation. We used directed content analysis to code their anonymously collected responses using the orientation activities and question categories from our prior study. We used open coding to describe additional themes.ResultsNarrative responses were available for 97% (116 of 120) of learners. While 46% (53 of 116) of learners listed preparations related to what happens in the CLE, responses fitting into other question categories were less frequent: who (9%, 11 of 116), where (7%, 8 of 116), when (4%, 5 of 116), why (<1%, 1 of 116), and how (0%, 0 of 116). Learners also infrequently described activities to aid the transition: reading orientation materials (11%, 13 of 116), speaking with a colleague (11%, 13 of 116), and arriving early (3%, 3 of 116). They more frequently commented on content reading (40%, 46 of 116), asking for advice (28%, 33 of 116), and self-care (12%, 14 of 116).ConclusionsWhen describing preparation for a new CLE, residents focused on tasks in the what category more than understanding the system and learning goals in other categories.
| S-EPMC10150812 | biostudies-literature
Project description:As part of the process of updating national dietary reference values (DRVs) and food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs), the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2022 project (NNR2022) will select a limited number of topics for systematic reviews (SRs). To develop and transparently describe the results of a procedure for prioritisation of topics that may be submitted for SRs in the NNR2022 project. In an open call, scientists, health professionals, national food and health authorities, food manufacturers, other stakeholders and the general population in the Nordic and Baltic countries were invited to suggest SR topics. The NNR2022 Committee developed scoping reviews (ScRs) for 51 nutrients and food groups aimed at identifying potential SR topics. These ScRs included the relevant nominations from the open call. SR topics were categorised, ranked and prioritised by the NNR2022 Committee in a modified Delphi process. Existing qualified SRs were identified to omit duplication. A total of 45 nominations with suggestion for more than 200 exposure-outcome pairs were received in the public call. A number of additional topics were identified in ScRs. In order to omit duplication with recently qualified SRs, we defined criteria and identified 76 qualified SRs. The NNR2022 Committee subsequently shortlisted 52 PI/ECOTSS statements, none of which overlapped with the qualified SRs. The PI/ECOTSS statements were then graded 'High' (n = 21), 'Medium' (n = 9) or 'Low' (n = 22) importance, and the PI/ECOTSS statements with 'High' were ranked in a Delphi process. The nine top prioritised PI/ECOTSS included the following exposure-outcome pairs: 1) plant protein intake in children and body growth, 2) pulses/legumes intake, and cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, 3) plant protein intake in adults, and atherosclerotic/cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, 4) fat quality and mental health, 5) vitamin B12 and vitamin B12 status, 6) intake of white meat (no consumption vs. high consumption and white meat replaced with red meat), and all-cause mortality, type 2 diabetes and risk factors, 7) intake of n-3 LPUFAs from supplements during pregnancy, and asthma and allergies in the offspring, 8) nuts intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes in adults, 9) dietary fibre intake (high vs. low) in children and bowel function. The selection of topics for de novo SRs is central in the NNR2022 project, as the results of these SRs may cause adjustment of existing DRVs and FBDGs. That is why we have developed this extensive process for the prioritisation of SR topics. For transparency, the results of the process are reported in this publication. The principles and methodologies developed in the NNR2022 project may serve as a framework for national health authorities or organisations when developing national DRVs and FBDGs. This collaboration between the food and health authorities in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden represents an international effort for harmonisation and sharing of resources and competence when developing national DRVs and FBDGs.
| S-EPMC8897982 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionGlobal interest has increased in improving the quality and increasing the number of graduates from surgical training programmes in countries with limited resources. Needs assessment of stakeholders in the training programmes represent the backbone of such process. The aim of this study was to assess the surgical training in Sudan from trainees' perspective in order to inform training delivery.MethodsWe adopted mixed methods design using focus group discussion for qualitative data collection and questionnaire survey for quantitative data. NVivo 20 Pro was used to organize qualitative data and SPSS 24.0 was used for quantitative data analysis.ResultsThematic analysis of qualitative data identified three themes. Trainees were overall satisfied that they will make good surgeons after completion of the programme. They identified case volume and collaborations with colleagues as the main strengths of the programme and lacking clear objectives for each year of training and academic activities as the main weaknesses. They suggested motivation of trainers and utilization of online resources and meeting platforms as solutions to improve supervision and academic activities during training.ConclusionThe gaps in training and their suggested solutions highlighted by trainees in this study should form the base for reforming the surgical training in Sudan and countries with similar circumstances.
| S-EPMC10553270 | biostudies-literature
Project description:OBJECTIVE: To investigate if the psychometric qualities of an OSCE consisting of more complex simulated patient encounters remain valid and reliable in the assessment of postgraduate trainees in general practice. METHODS: In this intervention study without control group, the traditional OSCE was formally replaced by the new, complex version. The study population was composed by all postgraduate trainees (second and third phase) in general practice during the ongoing academic year. Data were handled and collected as part of the formal assessment program. Univariate analyses, the variance of scores and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the test qualities. RESULTS: A total of 340 students participated. Average final scores were slightly higher for third-phase students (t-test, p =0.05). Overall test scores were equally distributed on station level, circuit level and phase level. A multiple regression analysis revealed that test scores were dependent on the stations and circuits, but not on the master phase. CONCLUSIONS: In a changing learning environment, assessment and evaluation strategies require reorientation. The reliability and validity of the OSCE remain subject to discussion. In particular, when it comes to content and design, the traditional OSCE might underestimate the performance level of postgraduate trainees in general practice. A reshaping of this OSCE to a more sophisticated design with more complex patient encounters appears to restore the validity of the test results.
| S-EPMC4224044 | biostudies-other
Project description:BackgroundThe difference in prevalence of fatigue among postgraduate trainees between the United States and Japan is unknown.MethodsA cross-sectional survey using Iowa Fatigue Scale was administered on postgraduate trainees in two internal medicine residency programs in New York and five postgraduate residency programs in Japan.ResultsOf the 393 trainees, 135 (34%) completed the survey. Seventy-seven (57%) were US trainees. Both fatigue (42% vs 81%) and severe fatigue (4% vs 19%) were more prevalent in Japan (P < .01). US trainees felt more productive during work hours but less fatigued.ConclusionsFatigue was more prevalent among postgraduate trainees in Japan.
| S-EPMC6875530 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionAlthough uncommon, local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) may impose fatal risk to the patients. We investigated the awareness of LAST and knowledge on local anaesthetics among our postgraduate trainees.Materials and methodsA total of 134 postgraduate trainees from the departments of general surgery (Surgical), orthopaedic surgery (Ortho), otorhinolaryngology (ENT), obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN), as well as anaesthesiology and intensive care (Anaesth) were recruited. A validated questionnaire was used to assess awareness and knowledge. All participants attended a medical-education session and completed the questionnaire as preassessment and postassessment. Data were analysed, and comparisons between disciplines were conducted.ResultsThe trainees' awareness of LAST was overall poor at preassessment which improved almost 6-folds at postassessment. Surprisingly, only 20 (45.5%) participants from the anaesthesiology group had awareness of LAST at preassessment, and none of the participants were from surgical, orthopaedic, and obstetrics and gynaecology departments. Preassessment scores were significantly higher in the anaesth group as compared to all other groups; with a difference in the average score for Anaesth vs Surgical of 3.46 (95%, CI:2.17, 4.74), Anaesth vs Ortho of 3.64 (95%, CI:2.64, 4.64), Anaesth vs ENT of 3.43 (95%, CI:2.20, 4.67), and Anaesth vs OBGYN of 6.93 (95%, CI:5.64, 8.21). However, there was no significant difference of awareness scores between all participants at postassessment scores.ConclusionThe overall level of awareness was poor. However, the implementation of an education session significantly improved the knowledge and awareness across all disciplines.
| S-EPMC9675600 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAddressing a lack of diversity in the physician workforce is a priority in the Canadian healthcare system. Data describing demographics of residents and their experiences of discrimination, harassment, and racism at work are incomplete. The objective of this work was to describe the demographics and perceptions of workplace discrimination and harassment for postgraduate medical trainees in Alberta.MethodsA cross-sectional survey based on the Chronic Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Scale was administered to all resident physicians in Alberta by e-mail invitation from the postgraduate medical education offices at the Universities of Alberta and Calgary, their residency training program directors, and the Professional Association of Residents of Alberta. Total score (median, interquartile range [IQR]) was compared by gender, racial, and intersecting gender and racial identities, with higher scores suggesting more frequent experiences of workplace discrimination and harassment (range 0 to 32). We performed thematic content analysis of open text responses.ResultsThere were 195 complete surveys returned from 1,752 Alberta residents (11.2% response rate), including 120 cisgender women (61.5%), 104 white participants (53.3%) and 74 white cisgender women (37.9%). The overall median score on the Chronic Workplace Discrimination and Harassment scale was 9 (IQR 5-14): cisgender women and gender diverse participants reported more frequent harassment, mistreatment, or discrimination than cisgender men (median 10 [IQR 6-15] versus 8 [4-13.5], p = 0.049). There was no difference in the frequency of reported discrimination between BIPOC and white respondents (median 9 [IQR 5-14.5] versus 9.5 [IQR 6-14], p = 0.72) or participants with intersecting race and gender identities (p = 0.26). Over 44% of BIPOC residents had been the target of a racial slur or joke from an attending physician or colleague in the past year and nearly 45% of all participants had witnessed an attending physician or colleague using a racial slur in the past year. Open text responses provided examples of mistreatment, harassment, discrimination, and racism from participants.InterpretationThese results demonstrate an unacceptable prevalence of harassment and racism witnessed or experienced at work by Alberta residents. Urgent action to identify, prevent, and remediate racism in the healthcare system must be a priority of medical schools and regulatory bodies.
| S-EPMC11600640 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak on postgraduate trainees in Pakistan by quantifying the symptoms of depression, anxiety and acute stress disorder and by analysing potential risk factors associated with these symptoms.MethodsFollowing Institutional Review Board approval, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 10,178 postgraduate trainees following COVID-19 outbreak through e-log system of College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan. The nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale and Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire were used to collect data. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS.26. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, the χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were performed. The significance level was set at α=0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms, generalised anxiety disorder and acute stress disorder were 26.4%, 22.6% and 4.4%, respectively. Female postgraduate trainees, senior trainees and front-line workers reported experiencing more anxiety, depression and acute stress symptoms (p value<0.001). Logistic regression showed that being a front-line and senior staff member and female was associated with higher risk of experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety and acute stress.ConclusionsOur study findings raise concerns about the psychological well-being of postgraduate trainees during the acute COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan. It is necessary to employ strategies to minimise the psychological distress and provide adequate psychosocial support for postgraduate trainees during crisis situation such as COVID-19 pandemic.
| S-EPMC7447959 | biostudies-literature
Project description:In introductory microbiology courses for non-biology majors, it can be difficult to ensure that students gain a functional understanding of the interplay between the host immune system and an invading infectious agent. Immune Battle is a board game that allows students to explore pathogen evolution and the immune system's response to incursions in a captivating way, leveraging battleship and worker placement styles of gameplay. Students play in teams as either a pathogenic microbe attempting to reproduce and transmit itself to new hosts or as the immune system trying to defend the host from infection. Immune Battle seeks to mimic real-world interactions between immune cells and microbes using board game mechanics. For example, students will quickly find that adaptive immune system actions are better at fighting off microbial incursions than innate immune actions but require more time to activate. In this way, Immune Battle reinforces student's understanding of the immune system and pathogenic virulence in an exciting and interactive way that keeps them thinking about host defenses long after the end of the class period or exam. This board game is well suited for advanced high school courses and introductory college-level courses that have only limited time to cover the immune system and microbiology. Documents containing the necessary components of the board game (not including a six-sided die) are included in the supplemental materials, so educators can print out their own copies and use this board game in their classes with no cost to themselves or their students.
| S-EPMC11636227 | biostudies-literature