Authors: Thiruselvi Subramaniam, Mohammad Arshad Ikram, Shamala Ramasamy.

ABSTRACT

Background: The spread of COVID-19 forced many countries including Malaysia to switch from on-campus learning to exclusively online learning. The modality of the synchronous session allows the learners to interact with the instructor and obtain instant feedback. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of synchronous simulation among medical students in clinical years in the absence of hospital-based clinical education.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study involving 54 clinical year students, conducted in the simulation lab at International Medical University. Scenarios for each session were built around clinical skills targeting specific learning outcomes. The perception of the simulation session was evaluated using a 5-point Likert Scale. Synchronous debriefing followed each simulated session allowing active participation by all students. Focus group discussion was conducted among 6 students who volunteered representing online participants to obtain feedback on their learning experience.

Results: The highest mean scores were obtained for the items referring to team communication (4.09±0.734), debriefing (4.06±0.811) and timetabling (3.92±1.007). Results from the focus group discussion revealed that: simulated sessions assisted in application of knowledge by observing their peers; the repetitive process of observing and performing was preferred over observing per se; observing the performance of peers from the same cohort was preferred, and critiques on technical logistics were reported.

Conclusion: The synchronous simulation sessions were well received by the students. It is believed that this will be a novel teaching modality to adopt even after the passing of the pandemic.

Keywords: Clinical teaching, medical student, medical education, simulation, synchronous, teaching modality.

Citations: IeJSME 2023 17 (1): 02-08

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.17.1.2

Authors: Woan Ching Chang, Elvina Yuh Harn Lau, Yi Xuan Goh, Yen Wen Tan.

ABSTRACT

Background: The community plays a crucial role in practising effective hand hygiene to prevent disease transmission. Several studies conducted on hand hygiene practices among healthcare practitioners show positive outcomes in decreasing disease transmission particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, studies related to hand hygiene among adults in the local communities are scant.

Aim:  This study aimed to determine 1) the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of hand hygiene, and 2) the relationship between demographic factors and hand hygiene practice among adults in a local community in Penang.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional quantitative survey combined with direct observation of hand hygiene practice. A self-administered questionnaire on knowledge and attitude towards hand hygiene, and an observational checklist of hand hygiene practice were adapted to measure the variables studied. Non-random quota sampling technique was used to recruit the required 398 sample size.

Results: The study found that the level of knowledge using an internationally commonly used 12 item questionnaire was good. Attitude towards hand hygiene measured on another 7 item questionnaire was also good. A majority of the participants (73.9%) had a good level of hand hygiene practice. No significant relationship was found between age, gender, level of education, and hand hygiene practice.

Conclusion: Local health authorities are urged to continue to emphasise to the public on the importance of hand hygiene to reduce disease transmission in the community. Further studies are recommended to explore the possible barriers that hinder people from adopting good hand hygiene practice.

Keywords: adults, attitude, hand hygiene, knowledge, practice

Citations: IeJSME 2023 17 (1): 09-18

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.17.1.9