Vijatha Thomas

Abstract

Introduction: The closure of educational activities around the world due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unplanned shift from traditional learning to a setup that exclusively involves digital teaching and learning. Within this context, the present study aimed to explore undergraduate medical students’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of synchronized online learning at DM WIMS, Wayanad, Kerala. Materials and Methods:  A cross sectional study was done in DM WIMS, Wayanad, Kerala and included 120 first MBBS students. First a five point Likert scale questionnaire specific to their level of training was sent online via Google form. Next, 3 focus group were conducted on 3 different days. Number of students in each group were 8. Duration of each focus group discussion was 1 hr. Focus group discussion was done in the department of Biochemistry. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed for thematic contents. Results: Various challenges to learning as agreed upon by majority of students included not familiar with Google meet (80%), could not concentrate for long during sessions (75.8%), less interaction, not able to clarify doubts, network and connectivity issues (70%) and not adequate feedback given during the sessions (59.1%). Various benefits to learning during COVID -19 pandemic as agreed by students included: online ppt shared via Whatsapp were useful (86.6%), better time management (65.9%), and use of videos and pictures during sessions enhanced understanding the concept better (41.5%). A thematic analysis yielded three core themes: (1) Overall learning experience, (2) Quality of teaching and learning, (3) Difficulties encountered. Majority of participants said it was good learning experience and new for them. They said they were reluctant and anxious about going online initially but eventually they picked up and were satisfied with most of the sessions. Majority of students were satisfied with the teaching and agreed that the lectures were well taken. Conclusion: It is true to say that all facets of health education and clinical training is harshly affected by the pandemic. Despite all these barriers and challenges, it has been demonstrated that online learning holds certain advantages over traditional learning.   Keywords: Barriers, Challenges, COVID- 19 pandemic, Digital teaching, Focus group discussion, Medical students perspective, Online learning, Sudden transition

Open full article page

Abstract

Hypertension is the most prevalent chronic medical condition seen in primary care. It is a silent disease because of its asymptomatic nature and is usually diagnosed at advanced stage. It effects various organs like heart, kidney, etc. It is responsible for 10.8% deaths in India. Over the years many biomarkers are identified to understand the pathophysiology of hypertension. Biomarkers have unique role in prognosis as the level rises before the onset of overt hypertension. Clinically it is beneficial as it helps in identifying the high risk patients for better treatment and prognosis. In this review we have highlighted the importance of various biomarkers of hypertension in early diagnosis, before the onset of overt hypertension, which is associated with long-term end-organ diseases.   Keywords: Hypertension, Biomarker, Early diagnosis.

Open full article page

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is a serious health problem and is widespread in individuals irrespective of age, gender, race and geography. Despite being studied so much its deficiency is still missed by clinicians. This study was done to find vitamin D status of patients attending DM WIMS, Wayanad, Kerala, irrespective of the department they attended. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was done and the data for 1 year was extracted from HIS (hospital information system) and reviewed. The subjects were divided into three groups: Group A: level insufficient) and Group C: level between 30-100 (vitamin D sufficient). Result: Out of total 498 subjects in our study, 27% were males and 73% were females. Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 57.4% males and 72.5% females. The most affected age groups were 20 -40 years (28.7%) and 41-60 years (28.3%). Conclusion: In the present study vitamin D deficiency was found to be more in females compared to males. Also the most affected age groups were 20-40 years. Routine screening for vitamin deficiency and its supplementation starting at all ages should be recommended to improve vitamin D status. Keywords: Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency, Wayanad.

Open full article page

Abstract

Producing a reliable, reproducible, accurate, timely, and correctly interpreted test results by clinical laboratory is very important, since physicians’ decisions mostly depends on it for screening, diagnosis and monitoring diseases. To provide quality report, routinely in all clinical laboratories internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment (EQA) programs are done which helps to evaluate and continuously improve analytical quality. Recently new quality assessment (QA) systems, six-sigma became more popular because it offers a different approach to problems. Sigma metrics allow comparison of different processes with each other and thus improving the quality of testing processes. This study was done to evaluate clinical chemistry laboratory performance using sigma metrics. Keywords: Internal quality control, External quality assessment programs, Laboratory, Sigma metrics, Six-sigma.

Open full article page