Seminars in Medical Writing and Education
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Investigating Factors Affecting Prosthetic Use and Adjustment in Lower Limb Amputee Rehabilitation
Successful rehabilitation following lower limb amputation relies on effective prosthetic use and adjustment, influenced by various physical, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding these factors is essential for optimizing rehabilitation strategies and improving amputees\u27 quality of life. Research investigates the key factors affecting prosthetic use and adjustment in lower limb amputee rehabilitation, focusing on prosthetic functionality, user characteristics, psychosocial adaptation, and rehabilitation-related influences. A total of 298 adult’s lower limb amputees participated in structured interviews. Patient demographics, amputation-related information, prosthetic use, and the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M) were all evaluated using standardized questionnaires to gather data. Key factors analyzed included physical and health, psychological, activity, functional and lifestyle, personal and social, and environmental factors. Statistical analysis methods, including descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, were conducted to determine significant associations between prosthetic use and adjustment outcomes. Findings show that prosthetic satisfaction was usually positive, and participants reported functional mobility and moderate psychological adjustment. The use of prosthetics, socket fit, residual limb health, and daily prosthesis wear time were important factors affecting prosthetic use. Employment position, psychological resilience, social reintegration, and access to rehabilitation were all substantially correlated with adjustment results. Research emphasizes that to optimize prosthesis use and long-term adjustment, rehabilitation must incorporate medical, psychological, and social support measures
Scientific production in difficult times: keys for a hermeneutic reading of our times
The following essay aims to reflect on the scientific production of a group of six (06) academics in the framework of an environment marked by the global Covid-19 pandemic and the social, economic and political crisis in Venezuela. With this, we seek to interpret the way in which academic production can show the meaning of the vital events of being involved in a social, political, economic and ethical crisis. First, we address the transition between knowledge from life experience and so-called scientific knowledge. Then we review some of the intellectual work that begins with curiosity and pertinent questions always framed by the difficulty of language as the house of being. We do not stop reflecting on the link between science and society, as well as on the productions that constitute “junk science”, according to the author Agin (2008). In this aspect of scientific production, we consider the issue of fraud that at the time generated scandals, as well as plagiarism, which force us to reflect on the ethics of the researcher. We are guided by a qualitative methodology and the hermeneutical method from which we intend to "read" the signs of the times reflected in a group of university graduates and their work as generators of knowledge. To support these objectives, we do not stop resorting to the wisdom of authorities in the field of Hermeneutics such as Gadamer (2003) and Ricoeur (2003), scientists such as Beveridge (1966) and important philosophers such as Burk (1972), Martínez (2017), Maurois (1986), among others, whose references we indicate at the end
Environmental anthropology and health sciences: key aspects in medical education
The intersection between environmental anthropology and medical education has gained relevance in recent decades, especially in the face of global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation and social inequalities. This systematic review identified that environmental anthropology offers conceptual and methodological tools to enrich medical training by integrating cultural, social and ecological perspectives in the analysis of health determinants. However, its incorporation into medical curricula remains limited and fragmented. Critical areas such as the need to address gender inequalities and the impacts of climate change on health, as well as the importance of participatory methodologies and community collaboration, were highlighted. These methodologies, although promising, face challenges such as the lack of systematization and long-term evaluation. In addition, the urgency of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between anthropologists, physicians and educators, and of exploring the role of digital technologies in medical training, was identified. Together, these strategies can promote a more just, equitable and contextualized medical education, preparing health professionals to face the challenges of the 21st century with a comprehensive and human perspective
Knowledge of students of the Faculty of Health Sciences about Music Therapy
Objective: this study aims to evaluate the knowledge that students in the Medicine, Nursing, and Kinesiology programs at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Business and Social Sciences (UCES), City of Buenos Aires, possess regarding music therapy during the second semester of 2023.Methodology: descriptive study with a quantitative, cross-sectional approach. The instrument used consisted of 24 closed-ended questions and was answered by 61 students.Results: the majority of individuals were students enrolled in the Kinesiology program (44,26 %). The results indicate that 83,61 % of participants were familiar with the concept of music therapy, and 73,77 % considered it to be a safe therapy. There was no correlation found between the level of knowledge and gender, age, or academic program. The study revealed a correlation between the level of knowledge and the likelihood of referring a patient to the music therapy service (p<0,001). The study found a strong association between the intention to recommend music therapy treatment and its perceived benefits in reducing pain (p=0,006), improving quality of life (p<0,001), reducing arousal (p<0,001), and enhancing emotional expression (p<0,001).Conclusion: the students report having a high level of knowledge about music therapy, but their self-assessment categorizes it as "poor". The knowledge of music therapy treatment and its applications correlated with the intention to refer patients to the music therapy service in the future. It is recommended that interventions be implemented to enhance the knowledge of future health care professionals about music therapy. This will foster interdisciplinary collaboration and aim to benefit patient
Interactive formats: considerations for scientific publications
Introduction: in the digital age, information retrieval is dominated by digital data and the demand for digital media is continually growing, consequently the dynamics are very different and e-journals can take advantage of this transition phase as an opportunity to explore ways more effective.Methods: a bibliographic review was carried out in the main databases and other search services. The terms “interactive formats”, “data visualization”, “interactive graphics”, “scientific publication” were used as search descriptors.Results: an interactive publication could contain many multimedia objects: text, video, audio, bitmap images, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, or animation sequences. These objects can be in different file formats. Interactive media can be defined as the integration of various digital media content, including multimedia elements (text, graphics, audio, animation and video) into structured and engaging computerized digital content, facilitating dynamic interaction for specific purposes. An interactive approach is interesting and desirable, because users will get dynamic reactions. They have been revealed and demonstrated that the use of 3D technology for academic publications is useful and necessary. However, widespread application is yet to come. The new academic contexts can serve as a starting point for many scientific journals to redefine their position and open new fields of dissemination and financing.Conclusions: scientific journals must take advantage of the new virtual scenarios to reorganize their communication processes and face new formats of scientific disseminatio
Analyzing Surgical Competency Development through Robotic and Laparoscopic Simulation-Based Training
Minimally invasive surgery is becoming increasingly common, yet laparoscopic techniques often present a steep learning curve. Robotic surgical systems can offer a more efficient training pathway. The research compared robotic and laparoscopic simulation-based training in developing surgical competency among surgical trainees and medical students. A total of 230 participants were randomly assigned to two groups: surgical trainees (Group 1, n=115) and medical students (Group 2, n=115). Group 1 received 6 hours of laparoscopic or robotic simulation training before completing three surgical tasks with cadaveric varieties. Group 2 underwent 3 hours of training on either platform and completed a single surgical task. Performance was assessed using the Surgical Competency Assessment Tool (SCAT, maximum score of 30), the time taken to complete each task and the number of suture errors. The results showed that Group 1 demonstrated significantly better performance after robotic training, with a median SCAT score of 27.00 for the robotic group compared to 18.00 for the laparoscopic group (P < 0.001). The robotic group also made fewer errors in both continuous and interrupted sutures (P < 0.001). Similarly, Group 2 completed more interrupted sutures with fewer errors and less time when trained on the robotic platform (P < 0.001). Additionally, both groups reported reduced fatigue and greater physical comfort with robotic training (P < 0.001). Using SPSS (version 25), data were analyzed by applying descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests for non-parametric data, and independent t-tests for continuous variables. These findings suggest that robotic simulation-based training enhances the development of surgical competency more effectively than laparoscopic training
Examining the Learning Outcomes of Multimedia-Assisted Instruction in Surgical Training for Medical Students
Surgical training has traditionally relied on hands-on experience with cadavers or animal models; however, these methods have limitations, leading to the exploration of synthetic and virtual reality models as alternatives. Multimedia-assisted instruction has emerged as a promising approach for teaching complex surgical procedures, such as the design and construction of synthetic skin flaps.A total of 126 volunteer of final-year medical students were distributed at random to two groups: a control group (Ctrl grp) (n=63), which studied a text-based article, and a test group (Test grp) (n=63), which used multimedia software to learn how to create a rhomboid synthetic skin flap. Both groups then performed a synthetic skin flap procedure on a training bench model. IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 was used to do the statistical analysis, with paired t-tests to contrast pre-and post-test results, and independent t-tests to compare the performance among the two groups. Test grp demonstrated significantly better performance, with higher objective checklist scores, global assessments, procedural accuracy, time taken to complete the procedure, and confidence levels in performing the procedure (p < 0.05), contrasted to the Ctrl grp.Multimedia-assisted instruction significantly enhances both subjective and objective learning outcomes in surgical training for medical students, particularly when using synthetic skin flap models. These findings support the adoption of multimedia tools for teaching complex surgical procedures
Doctor-Patient Trust and Communication: A Dyadic Perspective on Relationship Interdependence and Reciprocity
Interpersonal trust shows a fundamental role in shaping the quality of doctor-patient interactions, directly influencing communication effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and adherence to medical recommendations. Understanding the dynamic interplay between doctor and patient trust levels can provide deeper insights into how communication processes unfold and how trust influences these exchanges. This exploration aims to explore the association between interpersonal trust and the quality of dyadic communication in healthcare settings. 200 participants were selected and participated in structured interviews and completed trust and communication quality assessments. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26) and AMOS for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis were performed to explore associations among the variables, while SEM was applied to test the structural relationships between trust perception, communication effectiveness, and adherence. The findings revealed a regression analyses of trust perception (β = 0.68, t =8.92) and doctor’s responsiveness (β = 0.64, t = 8.11). SEM results confirmed that higher trust perception significantly improves doctor communication (β = 0.68, p < 0.01), enhances patient trust (β = 0.64, p < 0.01), and doctor responsiveness (β = 0.63, p < 0.01). Additionally, improved communication effectiveness acted as a mediator between trust perception and patient adherence, reinforcing the importance of trust-building efforts. The investigation highlights that interpersonal trust plays a crucial role in enhancing doctor-patient communication. Higher trust levels lead to clearer information exchange, stronger emotional support, and greater adherence to medical advice
Analyzing the Ethical Implications of Resource Allocation and Patient Autonomy in Rehabilitation Medicine
Ethical dilemmas in rehabilitation medicine, especially around resource allocation and patient autonomy, play a critical role in clinical decision-making. The challenge of limited resources makes it essential to understand how physicians navigate these issues in their daily practice. The objective is to analyze how resource constraints affect ethical decision-making in rehabilitation, focusing on balancing patient autonomy with the allocation of limited resources. A survey was conducted with 73 rehabilitation doctors, assessing their views on key ethical issues in resource-limited settings. Chi-square tests were used to identify associations among demographic factors and ethical attitudes, Correlation Analysis examined the relationship between views on resource allocation and patient autonomy. Regression Analysis was employed to identify significant predictors of ethical decision-making, with an emphasis on experience and professional background. Chi-Square Tests showed that Patient Autonomy Priority (χ² = 5.12) were more likely to prioritize patient autonomy, while Resource Allocation Efficiency (χ² = 6.21), more experienced doctors leaned toward resource efficiency. Correlation Analysis revealed a moderate relationship between attitudes toward resource allocation and patient autonomy, suggesting potential conflicts in decision-making. The findings underscore the influence of demographic factors on ethical decision-making in rehabilitation medicine. Understanding these influences can guide interventions aimed at fostering a more balanced, patient-centered approach to care in resource-limited environments, offering valuable insights for improving ethical practices in clinical settings
Personalized Medical Diet Recommendations for Disease Management and Improved Patient Outcomes
Personalized health diets play a crucial role in infection management by tailoring diet recommendation systems to routine data, genetic factors, and specific medical conditions. Research introduces the Intelligent Nutcracker Optimized Effective Decision Tree (INO-EDT) model, designed to provide individualized nutritional guidance for managing chronic illnesses, particularly diabetes and heart disease. Medical files, questionnaires, wearable devices, and food journals serve as sources of patient data standardization and cleaning to ensure accuracy and stability. Machine Learning (ML) techniques analyze individual patient profiles to develop personalized nutrition plans that are effective, sustainable, and adaptable. The INO-EDT model incorporates a nutcracker-inspired optimization technique to enhance decision tree accuracy, fine-tuning diet recommendations based on patient-specific factors. This optimization ensures proper diet interventions with enhanced efficacy of dietary interventions in disease organization. The outcome confirms that the INO-EDT model was more accurate (98.40%), demonstrating its ability to generate proper, data-backed dietary advice. By optimizing personalized nutritional interventions, the INO-EDT model enables healthcare providers to offer more effective, patient-centered solutions, reducing complications connected with chronic diseases. This approach enhances patient outcomes by integrating intellectual algorithms that consider multiple health parameters to create a customized diet strategy. The results highlight the potential of AI-driven dietary recommendation systems in enhancing disease management, improving adherence to medical diet systems, and elevating overall quality of life. Future research will aim to expand the model\u27s capabilities by integrating additional health markers for broader clinical applications.