This paper presents a literature review into the use of technology in healthcare education. A search of three electronic databases resulted in 20 articles for inclusion in the review. The articles were synthesised into a narrative review. The review identified four key themes across the literature: the types of technologies used in healthcare education; the integration of technology into the healthcare curriculum; the skills and knowledge of the healthcare educators; and the benefits of using technology for the learners. The literature demonstrated that a wide range of technologies are now used within healthcare education, and this requires educators to adapt their practice and develop their technical skills to be competent users. The successful integration of technology into healthcare curriculums can be beneficial for healthcare learners by developing their clinical and professional skills, and enhancing their learning experience.
Inflammasomes have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory disorders, such as diabetes and obesity. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the possible role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify studies investigating NLRP3 its related components (Caspase 1, ASC and IL-1β) in adipose tissue and/or blood from obese individuals compared to non-obese controls. Another search was conducted for studies investigating NLRP3 in PCOS women and animal models. The ssearched databases included Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, the EU Clinical Trials Register and the WHO International Clinical Trials Register. The quality and risk of bias for the included articles were assessed using the modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Data were extracted and pooled using RevMan software for the calculation of the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Twelve eligible studies were included in the obesity systematic review and nine in the PCOS review. Of the obesity studies, nine (n = 270) were included in the meta-analysis, which showed a significantly higher adipose tissue NLRP3 gene expression in obese (n = 186) versus non-obese (n = 84) participants (SMD 1.07; 95% CI, 0.27, 1.87). Pooled analysis of adipose tissue IL-1β data from four studies showed significantly higher IL-1β gene expression levels in adipose tissue from 88 obese participants versus 39 non-obese controls (SMD 0.56; 95% CI, 0.13, 0.99). Meta-analysis of adipose tissue ASC data from four studies showed a significantly higher level in obese (n = 109) versus non-obese (n = 42) individuals (SMD 0.91, 95% CI, 0.30, 1.52). Of the nine PCOS articles, three were human (n = 185) and six were animal studies utilizing PCOS rat/mouse models. All studies apart from one article consistently showed upregulated NLRP3 and its components in PCOS women and animal models. In conclusion, obesity and PCOS seem to be associated with upregulated expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components. Further research is required to validate these findings and to elucidate the role of NLRP3 in obesity and PCOS.
Background Responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic, Health Education England (HEE) mobilised a group of expert searchers from NHS libraries in England to develop a platform for librarians to share peer reviewed search strategies and results on the Knowledge for Healthcare website. Objectives (1) To document the origins of the COVID‐19 search bank, (2) evaluate attitudes of NHS librarians in England towards the search bank and (3) identify lessons learned and consider whether the initiative might be developed further. Methods Structured interviews with the peer reviewers ( n = 10) were conducted, and a questionnaire survey of the NHS library community using the search bank was undertaken. Results The interviews confirmed the value of collaboration. Expert searchers worked in pairs to peer review submitted search strategies. The survey (85 responses) indicated that a majority had used the search bank, and approved of the project, with some differences of opinion on functionality and future developments. Discussion Collaborative working for the search bank probably saved time for individual NHS librarians. The quality of the searches submitted was variable as were librarians' approaches to presentation and development of search strategies. Peer review benefits from a buddy approach among expert searchers and agreement about feedback provided to contributors. Conclusion Search strategies are the most useful element of a search bank. Peer review can be challenging and would benefit from a formal structure, but it is professionally rewarding.
PurposeNHS 111 is a non-emergency telephone triage service that provides immediate access to urgent care 24 h a day. This study explored the recruitment, retention and development of one integrated urgent care (IUC) workforce in England, specifically the NHS 111 service and Clinical Hub.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was distributed to the NHS 111 and Clinical Hub workforce. The data from 48 respondents were summarised and analysed thematically.FindingsThe survey respondents held a variety of clinical and non-clinical roles within NHS 111 and the Clinical Hub. The findings indicate that the IUC workforce is motivated to care for their patients and utilise a range of communication and cognitive skills to undertake their telephone triage roles. In total, 67% of respondents indicated that their work was stressful, particularly the volume and intensity of calls. Although the initial training prepared the majority of respondents for their current roles (73%), access to continuing professional development (CPD) varied across the workforce with only 40% being aware of the opportunities available. A total of 81% of respondents stated that their shifts were regularly understaffed which indicates that the retention of IUC staff is problematic; this can put additional pressure on the existing workforce, impact on staff morale and create logistical issues with managing annual leave entitlements or scheduling time for training.Originality/valueThis small-scale study highlights some of the complexities of telephone triage work and demonstrates the challenges for IUC service providers in retaining an appropriately skilled and motivated workforce.
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