No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Use case modeling is a popular technique for representing the functional requirements of an information system. The simple graphical notation of use case diagrams, accompanied by well-structured narrative descriptions, makes use case models fairly easy to read and understand. This simplicity, however, belies the challenges associated with creating use case models. There is little, if any, theory underlying use cases, and little more than loose guidelines for creating a complete, consistent, and integrated set of use cases. We argue that there is a need for more rigor and consistency in the grammatical constructs used in use case modeling. Toward this end, we present a theoretically-and practice-based assessment of use case modeling constructs, and make recommendations for future research to improve and strengthen this technique.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to provide information to assist students, faculty, and staff in making critical career-determining decisions regarding the residency NRMP “Match©” process. Method A 47-item survey questionnaire was developed and piloted on a regional campus in 2015. The questionnaire also incorporated a request for comments about the interviewing experience and suggestions to improve the process. The questionnaire was distributed each year in late February to early March from 2016 to 2020, after rank lists had been submitted but before announcement of Match© results. Results The overall response rate was 86.1% (897/1042). Annual response rates ranged from 70.0% in 2020 to 97.0% in 2018. Respondents’ average age was 27.3 (± 2.7) years and 50.0% (448/897) were male. Most applied to family medicine (164/897: 18.2%) and internal medicine (140/897; 15.6%). Eight specialties had fewer than ten applicants over the six-year period. The number of students applying to individual specialties fluctuated, but no specialty showed a consistent upward or downward trend over the study period. Conclusion This study indicates a huge difference in numbers of applications, expenses, and days interviewing. Students crave more guidance, a more efficient system, transparent communication with programs, and less pressure during the process. Reducing the escalating volume of applications is central to improving to system. Despite efforts to better inform applicants, student behavior is unlikely to change until they feel safe in the belief that lower, more realistic numbers of applications, and interviews are likely to result in securing an appropriate residency position.

No abstract

INTRODUCTION. Burnout among resident physicians has been an area of concern that predates the COVID-19 pandemic. With the significant turmoil during the pandemic, this study examined resident physicians’ burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress as well as the benefits of engaging in activities related to  wellness, mindfulness, or mental wellbeing. METHODS. The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey of 298 residents from 13 residency programs sponsored by the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, in October and November 2021. Authors used a 31-item questionnaire to measure levels of burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress. A mixed method approach was used to collect, analyze, and interpret the data. Descriptive statistics, One-way ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis tests, adjusted odds ratios (aOR), and immersion-crystallization methods were used to analyze the data. RESULTS. There was a 52% response rate, with 65.8% (n=102) of the respondents reporting manifestations of burnout. Those who reported at least one manifestation of burnout experienced a higher level of emotional exhaustion (aOR=6.73; 95% CI, 2.66-16.99; P<.01), depression (aOR=1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.41; P=.01), anxiety (aOR=1.14; 95% CI, 1.00-1.30; P=.04), and stress (aOR=1.36; 95% CI, 1.13-1.64; P<.01). Some wellness activities respondents engaged in included regular physical activities, meditation and yoga, support from family and friends, religious activities, time away from work, and counseling sessions. CONCLUSIONS. The findings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a significant and worsening prevalence of burnout and other negative mental health effects on residents. Appropriate wellness and mental health support initiatives are needed to help resident physicians thrive in the health care environment.

Purpose To assess the impact of virtual interviewing during the COVID-19 pandemic on the residency application process and to compare applicant costs and time spent interviewing during the 2020–2021 application cycle with prior years. Method Fourth-year medical students at the University of Kansas School of Medicine applying for first-year residency positions via the National Resident Matching Program Match completed an electronic 46-item survey after submitting their rank lists during each application cycle from 2015–2016 to 2020–2021. The authors used descriptive statistics and t tests to analyze and compare responses to demographics questions and questions regarding number of submitted applications, offered and completed interviews, ranked programs, costs, and time spent interviewing. They used thematic analysis to code respondents’ narrative comments about the virtual interviewing experience. Results From 2015–2016 to 2020–2021, 994 (of 1,190; 83.5%) respondents completed the survey. From 2019–2020 to 2020–2021, the average total cost of applying to residency per applicant dropped by $3,566 (P < .001) and the average time spent interviewing dropped by 13.3 days (P < .001). At the same time, the average number of applications per applicant dropped by 3.4, and applicants completed the same number of interviews and ranked 2.3 fewer programs, none of which were statistically significant differences. Narrative comments from 113 (79%) respondents in 2020–2021 revealed 4 themes related to virtual interviewing: convenience of time and cost, positive aspects of the process, negative aspects of the process, and overall impressions of the program. Conclusions Virtual interviewing during the 2020–2021 application cycle resulted in an approximately 80% reduction in cost for applicants and an approximately 50% decrease in time spent interviewing compared with previous years but was not associated with large increases in number of submitted applications, completed interviews, or ranked programs. Applicants generally perceived virtual interviewing as positive although they raised notable concerns.