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Accounting for Work from Home in the Time of COVID
Get PDFObjective: As our university moved to a work from home model in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our research unit needed to reconsider how we accounted for our daily work. Our objective was to consolidate and standardize our data collection to meet requirements for a variety of different time-, project-, or college/program-based reports. Methods: We started by reviewing all the data elements that we might be asked to provide for internal and external reporting. Using the categories in our university activity report as the foundation, we discussed the level of granularity required and assigned activities to each group. We established common reportable elements, with the ability to add individual- or project-specific elements. We tested the categories using our real activities, regrouped to discuss challenges, and made changes as needed. Results: With the start of the new fiscal year, we incorporated these categories into Timeneye and now use them to track our activities. We export these data on a regular basis as our timesheet for the university to meet its work from home requirements. So far, this system also has been effective for creating time-, project-, or college/program-based reports. Conclusions: This project streamlined the process of tracking our time and facilitated the creation of ad hoc reports. It has made it easier for us to track our time across the unit and it will also make it easier for new hires to account for their time in a logical manner
The Path Forward: Using Canvas Commons for Online Information Literacy Instruction in the Health Sciences
Get PDFQuestion: How can we improve the delivery of information literacy instruction in the health sciences in a virtual environment? This paper examines the integration of Canvas Commons Modules to provide downloadable, open-access information literacy tutorials for students across various disciplines, including the health sciences.
Setting/Participants/Resources: The Murray State University Libraries and multiple disciplines, including Nursing and Communication Disorders.
Brief Description: As higher education offers more online courses, addressing virtual learners’ information literacy needs has become critical. The modules were originally created in Fall, 2019 as an additional mode of instruction and an online substitute for in-person information literacy instruction sessions when necessary. The demand unexpectedly escalated in the Spring of 2020 due to COVID-19, when all classes moved to an online format. This paper describes the pilot year’s planning process, implementation, lessons learned, and future plans for providing online library instruction.
Evaluation Method: Post assessment data comparing face-to-face instruction with online tutorials. A student feedback survey, a faculty feedback survey, and tracking the type and number of courses reached were used to determine the impact of the instruction.
Results/Outcomes: Future longitudinal analysis of the library instruction program will examine the long-term significance of implementing the modules.
Conclusions: As we move forward, current assessment data indicates that in-person and online tutorials can both play a valuable role in our information literacy instruction program
Converting a Small Online Catalog - Improving Service and Satisfaction
Get PDFConverting the online catalog to a cloud-based system. The library’s software-based catalog experienced technical issues whenever the hospital’s Information Technology department performed updates, and remote access to the system was not available. The authors describe the process of successfully converting the online catalog to a cloud-based system with remote access. It was critical for the library staff to preserve data from the former system. The initial step was to download the statistics from the former system to preserve them for future use. While the library staff weeded both the collection and the online records, they checked to ensure the existing catalog reflected the actual holdings. Patron records older than five years were deleted. Prior to importing the records, the library staff determined which fields, branch locations, and spine label abbreviations to use. Although the new system automatically provided barcodes during cataloging, the library staff chose to keep the existing barcodes from the former system. Circulation polices were established for each book and AV category. The Library staff exported the records to the new vendor and notified the previous vendor of the libraries’ decision to select a new product. Once the catalog and patron records were imported, use of the software-based system was discontinued. Emails were sent to patrons asking them to return circulating books. Outstanding materials were signed out using the cloud-based system. Some of the users commented that the cloud-based interface was easier to use. After the staff shifted to telework due to Covid-19, the catalog remained available remotely. The catalog’s conversion eliminated many of the technical problems encountered with the previous system. Users preferred the catalog’s simplified interface. Remote catalog access has allowed the library staff to continue circulation and catalog services while teleworking during COVID-19
Incorporating Cultural Humility in Online Library Instruction
Get PDFPurpose This project aimed to incorporate cultural humility concepts into an existing online grant-writing course offered by NNLM SEA. Cultural humility involves ongoing openness to learning from the experiences of others, particularly members of marginalized groups. This practice is important for librarians’ educational offerings, which are a crossroads for people of many different backgrounds and identities.
Methodology NNLM SEA staff reviewed the course, focusing on content addressing collaborative work and relationships with partner organizations for grant-funded health outreach projects. The course now emphasizes including people from a health outreach project’s target audience in every step of the planning process. It recommends forming relationships with groups serving these audiences outside of any grant application process, so these partners are not treated as a mere means of winning a grant. The course was also reviewed for microaggressions that might create an unwelcoming atmosphere for participants. The updated course debuted on September 30, 2019. NNLM SEA promoted it through its social media accounts that fall.
Results/Outcomes 57 participants enrolled between the updated course’s debut and June 24, 2020, an increase of 21% over the same period one year earlier. 100% of participants who completed an evaluation survey agreed that they would use a resource they learned about, compared to 85% from the previous version. The course completion rate did not differ between these periods: 15% of enrolled participants completed the course, which is comparable to other NNLM on-demand courses.
Discussion/Conclusion The course showed opportunities to incorporate cultural humility concepts even though the topic is not explicitly related to diversity and inclusion, suggesting that a similar approach could be valuable in a range of topics and settings. Survey results suggest participants might see cultural humility as valuable, but the small number of evaluation respondents prevents firm conclusions about this
Heart Failure 30-Day Readmission Frequency, Rates, and HF Classification
Get PDF30 Day Hospital Readmission Rates, Frequencies, and Heart Failure Classification for Patients with Heart Failure
Background Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability worldwide among patients. Both the incidence and the prevalence of heart failure are age dependent and are relatively common in individuals 40 years of age and older. CHF is one of the leading causes of inpatient hospitalization readmission in the United States, with readmission rates remaining above the 20% goal within 30 days. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services imposes a 3% reimbursement penalty for excessive readmissions including those who are readmitted within 30 days from prior hospitalization for heart failure. Hospitals risk losing millions of dollars due to poor performance. A reduction in CHF readmission rates not only improves healthcare system expenditures, but also patients’ mortality, morbidity, and quality of life.
Purpose The purpose of this DNP project is to determine the 30-day hospital readmission rates, frequencies, and heart failure classification for patients with heart failure. Specific aims include comparing computed annual re-admission rates with national average, determine the number of multiple 30-day re-admissions, provide descriptive data for demographic variables, and correlate age and heart failure classification with the number of multiple re-admissions.
Methods A retrospective chart review was used to collect hospital admission and study data. The setting occurred in an urban hospital in Memphis, TN. The study was reviewed by the UTHSC Internal Review Board and deemed exempt. The electronic medical records were queried from July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 for heart failure ICD-10 codes beginning with the prefix 150 and a report was generated. Data was cleaned such that each patient admitted had only one heart failure ICD-10 code. The total number of heart failure admissions was computed and compared to national average. Using age ranges 40-80, the number of patients re-admitted within 30 days was computed and descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using Microsoft Excel and R.
Results A total of 3524 patients were admitted for heart failure within the six-month time frame. Of those, 297 were re-admitted within 30 days for heart failure exacerbation (8.39%). An annual estimate was computed (16.86%), well below the national average (21%). Of those re-admitted within 30 days, 50 were re-admitted on multiple occasions sequentially, ranging from 2-8 re-admissions. The median age was 60 and 60% male. Due to the skewed distribution (most re-admitted twice), nonparametric statistics were used for correlation. While graphic display of charts suggested a trend for most multiple re-admissions due to diastolic dysfunction and least number due to systolic heart failure, there was no statistically significant correlation between age and number or multiple re-admissions (Spearman rank, p = 0.6208) or number of multiple re-admissions and heart failure classification (Kruskal Wallis, p =0.2553)
Unraveling Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Development of Unconventional T Cells
Get PDFThe thymus supports and guides the generation of a diverse repertoire of mature T cells from precursors derived from the bone marrow. In addition to conventional CD4 and CD8 T cells, innate-like T cells also develop in the thymus and share features of the adaptive and the innate immune system. These ‘unconventional’ T cells have emerging roles in tissue homeostasis and disease, but the molecular mechanisms underpinning their development remain elusive. In this study, we uncovered the roles of the molecules RAPTOR and PTEN in the thymic development of unconventional T cells. Capitalizing on genetic deletion of RAPTOR, we found RAPTOR-dependent mTORC1 signaling couples microenvironmental cues with metabolic programs to orchestrate the reciprocal development of two fundamentally distinct T cell lineages: αβ and γδ-T cells. Loss of RAPTOR impaired αβ but promoted γδ-T cell development while disrupting metabolic remodeling of oxidative and glycolytic metabolism. Mechanistically, we identified mTORC1-dependent control of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as a key metabolic signal that, upon perturbation of redox homeostasis, impinges upon T cell fate decisions. Additionally, we showed that PTEN acts as a cell-intrinsic molecular brake for the thymic development of unconventional T cells. Our results establish mTORC1-driven metabolic signaling as a fundamental mechanism underlying thymocyte lineage choices and uncover PTEN as a cell-intrinsic molecular brake in the development of unconventional T cells
Attenuation of Interferon Responses in the Obese Host and Ramifications for Influenza Virus Evolution
Get PDFThe most insidious pandemic of modern life does not arise from an infectious agent but rather from malnutrition. With its global incidence tripling over the past three decades, obesity is a major public health concern. Obesity’s rising prevalence has also illuminated its impact on communicable diseases. Following the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus pandemic, obesity was identified as a risk factor for increased disease severity and mortality in infected individuals. Obesity causes a chronic state of meta-inflammation with systemic implications for immunity, including delayed antiviral responses to influenza virus infection, poor recovery, and impaired immunological memory. However, the majority of past work neglected the innate responses, especially the impact on the epithelium. To better understand the innate response to influenza infection, obese animal models and human respiratory epithelial cells were inoculated with influenza viruses to quantify the innate responses. In obese hosts, antiviral effector production, including type I and type III interferons, was consistently blunted across all model systems and linked to a highly oxidative, pro-inflammatory environment. This interferon-deficient state altered the host microenvironment in which influenza replicated, spread, and caused disease. Due to the inherent mutability and segmented nature of influenza virus, this altered microenvironment also had implications for the genetic drift and shift of the viral population. Compared to infection of lean hosts, minor variants rapidly emerged within the viral population in obese hosts which exhibited increased viral replication, enhanced virulence, and antiviral resistance. The delayed action of interferon also permitted greater rates of reassortment. Together, this suggested obesity permitted the emergence of novel, and potentially pathogenic, viral variants. Influenza viruses pose constant seasonal and pandemic threats with high morbidity and mortality suffered by overweight and obese patients. If current trends continue, nearly half of the worldwide population will be obese by 2050. This population will have growing impacts on both non-communicable and communicable diseases and may affect global evolutionary trends of influenza virus
Journal Usage Level Changes at Morehouse School of Medicine Library 2011-2020
Get PDFOBJECTIVE: To determine faculty and researcher journal usage levels and their implications on library’s journal collection and access models for the past five years and compare to previous usage and implications.
1. The librarians would like to investigate changes made in the journal collection as we moved to fewer print based resources through a comparison of usage levels prior to the changes to usage levels after the changes. We had sought to seek optimum pathways for supporting the school’s curricula, research agendas, and health care enterprise. Our ultimate question is ‘How have changes correlated and compared to previous usage and needs of our users?’
2. METHODS: Using counter statistics (resources such as ScienceDirect, Ovid, Wiley, Nature, and others), ILL records, in-house usage statistics, and interviews, librarians will determine for the past five years (2016-2020) and compare to the previous five years (2011-2015) the:
1. 20 most and 20 least used journals by department and major subject division;
2. 20 most needed, but not owned, journals by department and major subject area;
3. Emerging areas of interest among faculty and researchers;
4. A short survey is to be released to all patrons to determine their preferred resources;
5. Two focus group sessions will be held with faculty and researchers and two with students to solicit additional feedback;
6. Descriptive statistics will be used to show patterns of usage;
7. Comparisons of levels of usage and costs will be made using analyses of variance in mean levels of usage and mean costs;
8. Correlations (Pearson’s r) will be determined between relative costs and usage;
9. Level of MSM related published articles.
RESULTS:
FY2011-15: 20 journals with the highest numbers of successfully retrieved articles over past 5 years included 2 that were on the list for all 5 years (Journal of Virology and Nature), accounting for 10 of the 20 slots.
FY2016-20: All journals in the top 20 used in FY2016 remained for each of the 5 years.
FY2011-15 successful use trend was up and down, while for FY2016-20, the trend generally increased until 2020.
The sum of the usage of the top 20 journals for each year trended in different ways for 2011-2015 and 2016 and 2020:
FY2011-15 successful use trend was up and down,
FY2016-20, the trend generally increased until 2020.
FY2011-2015 averaged 52,044 successful retrievals per year, while FY2016-2020 averaged 68,549 successful retrievals per year.
The sums of the usage of the top 20 journals for 2015 and 2020 totaled 11,776 and 18,908, respectively, representing a 60.51% increase.
For FY2019-2020 there were 8 publishers for the 20 most used journals.
From FY2010-2011 to FY2019-2020 the fluctuating pattern of faculty publications appear to loosely follow the pattern of journal usage as reflected in the JR1reports. Correlation of publication to use was moderate at .666 and significant at .036.
Data shows successful retrievals declined over time for top 20 for FY2011-15, but tended to increase for FY 2016-20 until FY2020.
FY2011-2015 averaged 52,044 successful retrievals per year, while FY2016-2020 averaged 68,549 successful retrievals per year.
When looking for a relationship between journal cost and usage, only moderate correlations of .406, .638, and .407 were found for FY2016, FY2018, and FY2020, respectively. However, none of the correlations were statistically significant (p = .177, .065, and .133, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS:
Data shows successful retrievals declined over time for top 20 for FY2011-15, but tended to increase for FY2016-20 until AY2020.
FY2011-2015 averaged 52,044 successful retrievals per year, while FY2016-2020 averaged 68,549 successful retrievals per year.
When looking for a relationship between journal cost and usage, only moderate correlations of .406, .638, and .407 were found for FY2016, FY2018, and FY2020, respectively. However, none of the correlations were statistically significant (p = .177, .065, and .133, respectively).
A significant (p= .036) and devilishly moderate correlation (r=.666) between faculty publication levels and journal use levels was found
Come COVID or High Water: How Being an Online MLIS Student Prepared Me for Virtual Professional Participation During COVID-19
Get PDFObjective
Mirroring the start of my graduate program, which began with a hurricane evacuation, this year has required me to be flexible and persevere in the face of new circumstances. The technology and communication skills I have developed as an online MLIS student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) helped me adapt to remote professional participation as necessitated by COVID-19 and will help me navigate the future employment landscape. Here, I will share my experiences and my perspective on how to authentically connect with one another remotely.
Methods
I am currently living in Charleston, SC while taking classes toward my MLIS in a program that was fully virtual prior to the pandemic. I started in fall 2019 and will be graduating in spring 2021. In August, I attended MLA \u2720.
Results
As UIUC was already using Zoom when the spring 2020 semester started, I became experienced using it. I was then comfortable attending the MLA \u2720 virtual events and social activities. After the meeting, I used email to follow up on connections I made and conducted informational interviews. Throughout, several strategies helped me feel more connected to my fellow students and enabled me to get to know people in the field of health sciences librarianship. Some of my recommendations are to always upload a profile picture, utilize direct messages, use the microphone when possible, and arrive early in order to make conversation.
Conclusions
In addition to becoming prepared for future remote work, as a result of this experience I am a strong believer in the potential of online education to increase access to information, and I aim to learn how to provide high-quality virtual educational experiences
Creating a focus on Rigor and Reproducibility in a Health Sciences Library
Get PDFOBJECTIVE For the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library to determine if creating a focus on Open Science or Rigor and Reproducibility would be possible and accepted by researchers at Emory University.
METHODS A working group of three librarians was created to determine if there was a need for the library to create a focus/culture of Open Science or Rigor and Reproducibility on campus. The working group interviewed 4 faculty/admin members including: the Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, an Associate Professor of Pharmacology, who teaches a course on Rigorous Research Methods, the Director of the CTSA’s Medical Ethics Section, and the Director of the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Data Science Initiative, to determine the need for the library to be a resource for Open Science or Rigor and Reproducibility.
RESULTS The working group determined that creating a focus on Rigor and Reproducibility was a more important focus for the Library than Open Science. The group decided that in order for the Library to be seen as a resource for Rigor and Reproducibility, the library must employ the principles of Rigor and Reproducibility to its own research. The group created a training plan for the librarians in the Library in which the initial step was for all Librarians to attend a training session from the Center of Open Science entitled “Openness and Reproducibility Research Practices”. The group also determined the Library should hold at least one public outreach event a year based on the theme of Rigor and Reproducibility. The group worked with the Director of the Data Science Initiative to create a virtual seminar series based around Rigor and Reproducibility.
CONCLUSIONS The Health Sciences Library deciding to create a focus on Rigor and Reproducibility has been an effective way to engage with faculty and researchers across campus to begin to create conversations around Rigor and Reproducibility and research on campus