scholarly journals Meaningful use of COMSAE Phase 1 in preparation for COMLEX-USA Level 1

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolin Wang ◽  
Hotaka Maeda ◽  
Brandon Craig ◽  
Tsung-Hsun Tsai ◽  
Jeanne M. Sandella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Previous Attempt ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Multiple Phase ◽  
Level 1

Abstract Context The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) is a three level national standardized licensure examination for the practice of osteopathic medicine. The Comprehensive Medical Self Assessment Examination (COMSAE) is a three phase self assessment tool designed to gauge the base knowledge and ability of candidates preparing for COMLEX-USA. Objectives To investigate how COMSAE Phase 1 (Phase 1) was used by candidates and how completing Phase 1 impacted their performance on the COMLEX-USA Level 1 (Level 1) examination. Methods Using data from the 2018–2019 administration of Level 1 and Phase 1 examinations, we counted the frequency of the unique Phase 1 forms taken by the candidates and calculated the correlation between the candidates’ first attempt Phase 1 scores and the number of Phase 1 forms taken. We then calculated the correlation between the Level 1 scores and the Phase 1 scores. Next, we applied a multilevel regression model to examine the candidates’ score improvement on the multiple Phase 1 forms taken. Finally, we investigated the effect of practicing through Phase 1 on the candidates’ Level 1 performance using logistic regression models. Results The majority of candidates took one (2,414; 33.9%) to two (2,196; 30.8%) timed Phase 1 forms prior to the Level 1 examination. There was a significant negative correlation (r=−0.48, t (6,505)=−44.05, p<0.001) between the candidates’ first attempt Phase 1 scores and the number of Phase 1 forms taken. There was a strong and positive correlation (r=0.66 to 0.74, p<0.001) between Phase 1 and Level 1 scores. With other variables controlled, on average, candidates’ Phase 1 scores increased 23.2 points on one attempt from the previous attempt. Having the most recent Phase 1 score controlled, a greater number of Phase 1 forms taken was associated with an improvement on the Level 1 performance. Conclusions The significant correlation between Phase 1 and Level 1 performance provided validity evidence for Phase 1. Moreover, our results suggested that candidates, especially those with lower performance on their initial Phase 1 attempt, might improve their Level 1 performance by taking multiple Phase 1 forms to monitor their academic improvement and gauge their readiness for Level 1.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment in the Midwest

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 215145931876584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dharmik Patel ◽  
John R. Worley ◽  
David A. Volgas ◽  
Brett D. Crist
Keyword(s):  
Fragility Fracture ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Diagnosis Of Osteoporosis ◽  
Fracture Risk Assessment Tool ◽  
History Of ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Level 1 Trauma Center ◽  
Deliberate Effort

Introduction: With osteoporosis on the rise across the United States, the goal of this prospective study is to determine the effectiveness of our Midwest level-1 trauma center in diagnosing, treating, and educating osteoporosis patients after fracture with the use of questionnaires. Secondarily, we aimed to identify barriers that prevent our patients from complying with bone health recommendations. Methods: One hundred participants (≥55 years) were given 2 questionnaires (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool and a study-specific questionnaire) that were administered during the patient’s visit to the orthopedic trauma clinic. A group of patients diagnosed with osteoporosis was compared to a group of patients not diagnosed with osteoporosis. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 24 (IBM Corp, Chicago, Illinois). Results: Patients who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis were significantly older (72.7 vs 66.5, P = .009) and more were women (86.2% vs 66.2%, P = .043). Significantly, fewer patients without the diagnosis of osteoporosis had a history of fragility fracture (56.3%) compared to 92.9% of those diagnosed with osteoporosis ( P < .001). Of those with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) recommended by a healthcare provider, 20 (55.6%) of those without the diagnosis of osteoporosis and 13 (52%) of those with the diagnosis of osteoporosis had DXA screening before their fragility fracture ( P = .499). More patients diagnosed with osteoporosis (93.1%) were taking calcium and vitamin D supplementation compared to 66.2% of those without the diagnosis of osteoporosis ( P = .005). Only 37.9% of patients with the diagnosis of osteoporosis were receiving US Food and Drug Administration–approved medications for the management of their disease. Discussion: In patients without previous osteoporosis diagnosis, 59 (83.1%) of the 71 claimed that they did not receive any preventative education about osteoporosis, while 21 (72.4%) of the 29 patients with the diagnosis of osteoporosis claimed that they did not receive a preventative education ( P = .165). Both groups lacked optimum diagnosis, treatment, and education of osteoporosis. Conclusion: Our study highlights the need for a deliberate effort of a multidisciplinary team to focus efforts in all stages of osteoporosis management.

scholarly journals The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act and the Practice of Dentistry in the United States: System Security

2004 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 158-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph E. Chasteen ◽  
Gretchen Murphy ◽  
Arden Forrey ◽  
David Heid
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
System Security ◽  
The United States ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Security Rule ◽  
Health Insurance Portability

Abstract This article reviews the issues related to the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) security rule that apply to dental practice. The security rule specifically addresses individually identifiable health information that is transmitted or maintained in electronic media. System security must be applied to the entire technical infrastructure for the practice environment as well as to the work culture on a daily basis and must be thought of as an enterprise asset. Security refers to all of the policies, procedures, tools, and techniques used to assure that privacy and confidentiality are adequately addressed in a healthcare system. HIPAA requires all covered entities that transmit or maintain electronic health information perform, and document, a risk assessment for security and develop a security plan to address major areas of concern. A self-assessment tool is provided in this article. Citation Chasteen JE, Murphy G, Forrey A, Heid D. The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act and the Practice of Dentistry in the United States: System Security. J Contemp Dent Pract 2004 August;(5)3:158-167.

A self-assessment tool for safety and quality improvement in radiotherapy.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (34_suppl) ◽  
pp. 263-263
Author(s):  
Todd Pawlicki ◽  
Peter Dunscombe ◽  
Eric Ford
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthcare Research ◽  
Iterative Refinement ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Online Tool ◽  
Stage Of Development

263 Background: The radiation treatment community has traditionally had a strong focus on the safety and quality of the care provided to cancer patients. Recent well publicized events in the United States and around the world have served to further sharpen this focus and have resulted in the generation of many reports offering advice and recommendations on how we could do better. While advice is plentiful, practical tools for the on-going improvement of safety and quality in radiotherapy are generally lacking. The online Safety Profile Self-Assessment Tool, described here, is being developed to fill this gap. Methods: The tool was built principally on three foundations: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) validated survey tools, an analysis of recommendations in seven recent authoritative documents and the AAPM’s Work Group on the Prevention of Errors “Consensus recommendations for incident learning database structures in radiation oncology”. A core group developed a demonstration version of the tool. Both the content and functionality of this version were extensively discussed and further developed at a Workshop including representatives of ASRT, ASTRO, AAMD and SROA. Iterative refinement of the tool took place after the Workshop. Results: The tool is divided into four major sections: (1) Institutional Culture, (2) Quality Management, (3) Managing Change and Innovation, and (4) Clinical Performance. The fourth section, Clinical Performance, is further subdivided into the major steps in the radiotherapy process. The 90 safety/quality indicators take the form of statements with which the assessor identifies the degree of compliance on a five point Likert scale. An example of a Safety/Quality indicator isClinical staff submits reports of errors and near-misses.The assessor responds to this statement on a scale ranging from “Always” to “Never”. The online tool includes a Safety/Quality Improvement log to facilitate tracking the implementation of remedial actions taken in response to identified system weaknesses. Conclusions: An online tool to facilitate Safety/Quality improvement in Radiotherapy is at an advanced stage of development. The tool will be released for general use in the fall of 2012 and fully evaluated thereafter.

scholarly journals Face Covered and Six Feet Apart: Behavioral Awareness Predicts Greater Adherence to Public Health Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8247
Author(s):  
Alyssa Schneider ◽  
Emily B. Kroska
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Demographic Correlates ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk ◽  
Predictors Of Adherence ◽  
Close Contacts

The COVID-19 pandemic has deleteriously impacted physical and mental health. Guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 include wearing a face covering in public, limiting close contacts, and physical distancing. In combatting this and future pandemics, it is essential to understand predictors of adherence, such as psychological flexibility. We hypothesized higher psychological flexibility would relate to greater adherence to public health guidelines. Participants (n = 265) were English-reading/speaking adults in the United States and were recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Included in the present analyses are data from June (n = 360) and July 2020 (n = 265). Measures included the Comprehensive Assessment of ACT Processes (CompACT), which measured psychological flexibility. Outcome measures included mask-wearing and number of close contacts, which were operationalized categorically (100% mask-wearing in public, ≤10 close contacts in past week). Two logistic regression models examined psychological flexibility and distress as predictors of adherence to mask-wearing and limiting close contacts, while controlling for demographic correlates. Results indicated that greater behavioral awareness predicted greater odds of mask-wearing and limiting close contacts. Psychological flexibility, and behavioral awareness specifically, should be investigated in future research as targets for intervention amidst global disasters.

Examination of Sleep and Obesity in Children and Adolescents in the United States

2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110291
Author(s):  
Puneet Kaur Chehal ◽  
Livvy Shafer ◽  
Solveig Argeseanu Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
The United States ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Child Height ◽  
Nationally Representative

Purpose: This study contributes to the growing literature on the association between sleep and obesity by examining the associations between hours of sleep, consistency of bedtime, and obesity among children in the US. Design: Analysis of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized children from the 2016-17 National Survey of Children’s Health. Setting: US, national. Subjects: Children ages 10-17 years (n = 34,640) Measures: Parent reported weeknight average hours of sleep and consistency of bedtime. Body mass index classified as underweight, normal, overweight or obesity using parent-reported child height and weight information, classified using CDC BMI-for-Age Growth Charts. Analysis: Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between measures of sleep and body mass index weight category adjusting for individual, household and neighborhood characteristics. Results: An additional hour of sleep was associated with 10.8% lower odds of obesity, net of consistency in bedtime. After controlling for sleep duration, children who usually went to bed at the same time on weeknights had lower odds of obesity (24.8%) relative to children who always went to bed at the same time. Conclusion: Sleep duration is predictive of lower odds of obesity in US children and adolescents. Some variability in weeknight bedtime is associated with lower odds of obesity, though there were no additional benefits to extensive variability in bedtime.

scholarly journals Development and validation of the Readiness to Train Assessment Tool (RTAT)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ianita Zlateva ◽  
Amanda Schiessl ◽  
Nashwa Khalid ◽  
Kerry Bamrick ◽  
Margaret Flinter
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Internal Consistency Reliability ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Centers

Abstract Background In recent years, health centers in the United States have embraced the opportunity to train the next generation of health professionals. The uniqueness of the health centers as teaching settings emphasizes the need to determine if health professions training programs align with health center priorities and the nature of any adjustments that would be needed to successfully implement a training program. We sought to address this need by developing and validating a new survey that measures organizational readiness constructs important for the implementation of health professions training programs at health centers where the primary role of the organizations and individuals is healthcare delivery. Methods The study incorporated several methodological steps for developing and validating a measure for assessing health center readiness to engage with health professions programs. A conceptual framework was developed based on literature review and later validated by 20 experts in two focus groups. A survey-item pool was generated and mapped to the conceptual framework and further refined and validated by 13 experts in three modified Delphi rounds. The survey items were pilot-tested with 212 health center employees. The final survey structure was derived through exploratory factor analysis. The internal consistency reliability of the scale and subscales was evaluated using Chronbach’s alpha. Results The exploratory factor analysis revealed a 41-item, 7-subscale solution for the survey structure, with 72% of total variance explained. Cronbach’s alphas (.79–.97) indicated high internal consistency reliability. The survey measures: readiness to engage, evidence strength and quality of the health professions training program, relative advantage of the program, financial resources, additional resources, implementation team, and implementation plan. Conclusions The final survey, the Readiness to Train Assessment Tool (RTAT), is theoretically-based, valid and reliable. It provides an opportunity to evaluate health centers’ readiness to implement health professions programs. When followed with appropriate change strategies, the readiness evaluations could make the implementation of health professions training programs, and their spread across the United States, more efficient and cost-effective. While developed specifically for health centers, the survey may be useful to other healthcare organizations willing to assess their readiness to implement education and training programs.

scholarly journals Testing a self-assessment tool for HP competencies with participants of training courses in Austria

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Lang
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Training Courses ◽  
Training Programmes

Abstract Background High quality health promotion (HP) depends on a competent workforce for which professional development programmes for practitioners are essential. The “CompHP Core Competencies Framework in HP” defines crucial competency domains but a recent review concluded that the implementation and use of the framework is lacking. The aim was to develop and validate a self-assessment tool for HP competencies, which should help evaluate training courses. Methods A brief self-assessment tool was employed in 2018 in Austria. 584 participants of 77 training courses submitted their post-course assessment (paper-pencil, RR = 78.1%). In addition, longitudinal data are available for 148 participants who filled in a pre-course online questionnaire. Measurement reliability and validity was tested by single factor, bifactor, multigroup, and multilevel CFA. A SEM proved for predictive and concurrent validity, controlling gender and age. Results A bifactor model (X2/df=3.69, RMSEA=.07, CFI=.95, sRMR=.07) showed superior results with a strong general CompHP factor (FL&gt;.65, wH=.90, ECV=.85), configurally invariant for two training programmes. On course level, there was only minimal variance between trainings (ICC&lt;.08). Structurally, there was a significant increase in HP competencies when comparing pre- and post-course measurements (b=.33, p&lt;.01). Participants showed different levels of competencies due to prior knowledge (b=.38, p&lt;.001) and course format (b=.16, p&lt;.06). The total scale had good properties (m = 49.8, sd = 10.3, 95%-CI: 49.0-50.7) and discriminated between groups (eg by training length). Conclusions The results justify the creation of an overall scale to assess core HP competencies. It is recommended to use the scale for evaluating training courses. The work compensates for the lack of empirical studies on the CompHP concept and facilitates a broader empirical application of a uniform competency framework for HP in accordance with international standards in HP and public health. Key messages The self-assessment tool provides a good and compact foundation for assessing HP competencies. It provides a basis for holistic, high quality and sustainable capacity building or development in HP.

scholarly journals Beijing Friendship Hospital Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Elderly Male (BFH-OSTM) vs Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) for identifying painful new osteoporotic vertebral fractures in older Chinese men: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning An ◽  
Ji Sheng Lin ◽  
Qi Fei
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fracture Group ◽  
Friendship Hospital ◽  
Fracture Risk Assessment Tool ◽  
Older Chinese ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Background To compare the validation of four tools for identifying painful new osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (PNOVCFs) in older Chinese men: bone mineral density (BMD), Asian osteoporosis self-assessment tool (OSTA), World Health Organization fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) (without BMD) and Beijing Friendship Hospital Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (BFH-OSTM). Methods A cross sectional study was conducted from 2013 to 2019. A total of 846 men aged ≥50 were included and were divided into two groups: Fracture Group (patients with PNOVCFs underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty surgery) and Non-Fracture Group (community dwelled subjects for healthy examination). All subjects accepted a dual-energy X-ray BMD test and a structured questionnaire. The results of BMD, OSTA, FRAX and BFH-OSTM scores were assessed and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to compare the validity of four tools for identifying PNOVCFs. Optimal cutoff points, sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were determined. Results There were significant differences including BMD T score (femoral neck, total hip and L1-L4), OSTA, FRAX and BFH-OSTM scores between Fracture group and Non-fracture group. Compared to BMD and OSTA, BFH-OSTM and FRAX had better predictive value, the sensitivity, specificity and AUC value are 0.841, 81.29%, 70.67% and 0.796, 74.85%, 78.52%, respectively. Compared with FRAX, the BFH-OSTM has a better AUC value. Conclusions Both BFH-OSTM and FRAX can be used to identify POVCFs, However, BFH-OSTM model may be a more simple and effective tool to identify the risk of POVCFs in Chinese elderly men.

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