Evaluating the long-term impact of faculty development programs on MCQ item analysis

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluating the long-term impact of faculty development programs (FDPs) can help monitor the effectiveness of the program and identify areas for development. This study examined long-term differences in confidence, knowledge, behaviors, and policies of faculty members who attended FDPs on multiple choice question (MCQ) item analysis and faculty members who did not attend the FDPs.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, by administering a 24-item survey to a representative sample (simple random selection) of 61 faculty members at King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine.

Results: Among respondents, 34% did not attend FDPs; 53% attended 1–3 FDPs; and 13% attended more than 3 FDPs on MCQ item analysis. Results showed that faculty knowledge on elements of MCQ item analysis was significantly greater (p?=?.01) for members who attended the FDPs. Faculty who attended FDPs on MCQ item analysis were twice more likely to conduct item analysis in general (p?=?.020) and four times more likely to conduct item analysis for more than 70% of module examinations (p?=?.005).

Conclusion: FDPs focused on MCQ item analysis can yield systematic changes on faculty confidence, knowledge, and behaviors. Moreover, FDPs also need support from the department and need sustained strategic support to ensure continued effectiveness.     

Osmotic nephrosis with mannitol: review article

Mannitol is commonly used to lower intracranial and intraocular pressures. Large doses/massive infusions of mannitol have been found to be associated with acute renal failure (MI-ARF), that is, osmotic nephrosis. While many researchers have reported individual experiences with this pathology, we felt that there is need of an updated comprehensive review of all reported cases with elaboration of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management plan for MI-ARF. The purpose of the present communication is to share our own experience with MI-ARF, to review the effect of mannitol on kidney function and to highlight the dynamics of MI-ARF with considerations for the cautious use of mannitol in patients with risk factors for kidney diseases.     

Soy,Soy Isoflavones,and Protein Intake in Relation to Mortality from All Causes,Cancers, and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

ObjectiveWe conducted a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of prospective studies to summarize findings on the associations between intakes of soy, soy isoflavones, and soy protein and risk of mortality from all causes, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.MethodsOnline databases were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published earlier than May 2018. We applied restricted cubic splines using random-effects analysis to assess dose–response associations. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed by I² value and Cochrane Q test. Potential publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots and Begg regression test.ResultsIn total, 23 prospective studies with an overall sample size of 330,826 participants were included in the current systematic review and the meta-analysis. Soy/soy products consumption was inversely associated with deaths from cancers (pooled relative risk 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.99; P=0.03; I²=47.1%, 95% CI 0.0% to 75.4%) and cardiovascular diseases (pooled effect size: 0.85, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.99; P=0.04; I²=50.0%, 95% CI 0.0% to 77.6%). Such significant associations were also observed for all-cause mortality in some subgroups of the included studies, particularly those with higher quality. In addition, higher intake of soy was associated with decreased risk of mortality from gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers as well as ischemic cardiovascular diseases. Participants in the highest category of dietary soy isoflavones intake had a 10% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared with those in the lowest category. We also found that a 10-mg/day increase in intake of soy isoflavones was associated with 7% and 9% decreased risk of mortality from all cancers and also breast cancer respectively. Furthermore, a 12% reduction in breast cancer death was indicated for each 5-g/day increase in consumption of soy protein. However, intake of soy protein was not significantly associated with all-cause and cardiovascular diseases mortality.ConclusionsSoy and its isoflavones may favorably influence risk of mortality. In addition, soy protein intake was associated with a decreased risk in the mortality of breast cancer. Our findings may support the current recommendations to increase intake of soy for greater longevity.     

Persistent Urinary Tract Infections: Prevention and Management

Persistent urinary tract infections (UTIs) present a common and challenging problem for both primary care and urologists. They are either the result of bacterial reinfection or persistence, and the management varies depending on the underlying cause. Appropriate investigations are crucial in ruling out any underlying urinary tract abnormalities and identifying the causative organism. We review the underlying pathophysiology and up-to-date management strategies available to the practising urologist.     

A Health-Based Case against Canadian Arms Transfers to Saudi Arabia

Under the Arms Trade Treaty, state parties must assess the extent to which the export of conventional arms might contribute to, inter alia, serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law. The stated aims of Canada’s arms export licensing decision-making process are, similarly, to assess such risks on a case-by-case basis. This paper examines Canada’s ongoing arms transfer arrangements with Saudi Arabia in light of health-related international humanitarian and human rights law considerations enumerated in the Arms Trade Treaty. It assesses available information suggesting serious violations that implicate acts of commission by the Saudi-led coalition in the conflict in Yemen. The article centers on questions about the potential health-related consequences of Canadian-made, Saudi-coalition-used arms for people in Yemen and how risks are being assessed in export decision-making processes. Ultimately, it argues that Canada is failing to meaningfully take into account the possible negative impacts of its arms exports on people’s health and health care in Yemen. It counters the government’s approach to risk, which it argues is serviceable to exporter interests, with a health-based precautionary approach to exports.