Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Encouraging students’ engagement and promoting deep learning in immunology through an interactive clinical case problem‑solving (CCPS) approach: Perception among cohort of medical students in Oman

. Mohan B. Sannathimmappa; . Vinod Nambiar; . Rajeev Aravindakshan

Volume 12, Issue 11 , December 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Modern competency‑based medical education emphasizes student‑centeredteaching‑learning strategies where students take responsibility of their own learning. Student‑centeredapproaches ... Read More BACKGROUND: Modern competency‑based medical education emphasizes student‑centeredteaching‑learning strategies where students take responsibility of their own learning. Student‑centeredapproaches facilitate multifaceted learning such as observation, critical evaluation, analysis, deeperunderstanding, and application of knowledge. The current study aims at assessing the students’perception on utilization of clinical case problem‑solving approach (CCPS) to promote their lifelonglearning.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present cross‑sectional study was conducted at College ofMedicine and Health Sciences (CoMHS) during the year 2021‑2022. MD3 students of the academicyear 2021‑2022 were the study participants. The study was approved by institutional Ethic and ReviewCommittee. Students’ performances were assessed through pre‑test and post‑test performances.Students’ feedback was collected through a predesigned questionnaire on a 3‑point Likert scale.Cronbach’s alpha coefficient test was used to assess the reliability of the questionnaire. The data wasentered to Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Paired t‑test was used tocompare pre‑test and post‑test scores and the data was expressed as numbers and percentages.RESULTS: In total, 103 participants were included in the study. Post‑test scores were significantlyhigher compared to pre‑test scores (p < 0.05). Questionnaire results showed that CCPS approachwas accepted as an effective learning strategy. Majority (>90%) of the students expressed CCPSapproach was interesting, motivated to learn, encouraged peer discussion, enhanced knowledge,and clarified their topic‑related doubts. More than 80% students opined that CCPS enhanced theircritical thinking, problem‑solving ability, deep learning, and lifelong learning skills. Nearly 90% ofthe students suggested for including such sessions for more topics in immunology course in future.CONCLUSION: From our study results, it can be concluded that CCPS is an effective learningstrategy to encourage students’ engagement and promote their deep learning skills.

Learning out of the box: Fostering intellectual curiosity and learning skills among the medical students through gamification

. Mohan Bilikallahalli Sannathimmappa,; . Vinod Nambiar; . Rajeev Aravindakshan

Volume 12, Issue 3 , March 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gamification involving application of elements of game play that provides unique opportunities to learners to sail through complex medical concepts is gaining importance ... Read More

Antibiotics at the crossroads – Do we have any therapeutic alternatives to control the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance?

. Mohan Bilikallahalli Sannathimmappa1; . Vinod Nambiar; . Rajeev Aravindakshan

Volume 11, Issue 10 , November 2021, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

Antibiotics once regarded as magic bullets are no more considered so. Overuse of antibiotics inhumans, agriculture, and animal husbandry has resulted in the emergence of a wide range ... Read More

Diabetic foot infections: Profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates in a tertiary care hospital of Oman

. Mohan Bilikallahalli Sannathimmappa,; . Vinod Nambiar; . Rajeev Aravindakshan; . Mohammad Saleem Jawad Al Khabori; . Asma Hamed Sulaiman Al-Flaiti; . Kadhiya Nasser Mohamed Al-Azri; . Ali Khamis Saif Al-Reesi; . Alya Rashid Mohammad Al Kiyumi

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In diabetic foot infections (DFIs), the diversity of microbial profile and ever‑changingantibiotic‑resistance patterns emphasize accurate characterization of microbial ... Read More BACKGROUND: In diabetic foot infections (DFIs), the diversity of microbial profile and ever‑changingantibiotic‑resistance patterns emphasize accurate characterization of microbial profile and antibioticsusceptibility pattern. The aim of the study was to investigate the pathogens associated with DFIand their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary‑carehospital, Oman. The socio‑demographic and microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibilitypatterns of pathogens isolated from patients with DFIs from January 2013 to December 2018 werereviewed. Quantitative and qualitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviationand percentages, respectively. A Chi‑square test was used for testing the association betweenmultidrug‑resistant (MDR) organisms and variables.RESULTS: In total, 233 isolates recovered from 133 clinical specimens with an average of1.8 organisms per specimen were included in the study. Fifty‑six and forty-four percent of specimensshowed monomicrobial and polymicrobial growth of two or more organisms, respectively. Thefrequency of isolation was predominant among males (65%). Aerobic Gram‑negative rods werepredominantly (75%) isolated compared to Gram‑positive organisms (25%). Staphylococcus aureusand Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most frequently isolated Gram‑positive and Gram‑negativebacteria, respectively. Thirty‑eight percent of them were MDR strains. Gram‑negative organismsshowed fairly good susceptibility ranging from 75% to 100% to carbapenems, aminoglycosides,and piperacillin‑tazobactam. While doxycycline and trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole showed goodsusceptibility toward Gram‑positive organisms.CONCLUSION: DFIs are often polymicrobial with a predominance of Gram‑negative pathogens. Thisstudy recommends the use of carbapenems and doxycycline for empirical therapy of Gram‑negativeand Gram‑positive bacterial DFIs, respectively.

Profile and antibiotic‑resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from endotracheal secretions of mechanically ventilated patients at a tertiary care hospital

. Mohan Bilikallahalli Sannathimmappa; . Vinod Nambiar; . Rajeev Aravindakshan; . Nashwa M. Al‑Kasaby

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients on mechanical‑ventilation are always at a higher risk ofacquiring ventilator‑associated respiratory infections. The current study was intended ... Read More BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients on mechanical‑ventilation are always at a higher risk ofacquiring ventilator‑associated respiratory infections. The current study was intended to determinethe antibiotic‑resistance pattern of bacteria recovered from the endotracheal (ET) specimens ofventilated patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single‑centered, retrospective study carried out in a 400‑bedtertiary care hospital in Oman. The data of profile and antibiotic resistance pattern of bacterial isolatesrecovered from ET aspirates of ventilated patients during the period from January 2017 to August2019 were retrieved from hospital database. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Packagefor the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22 (IBM, Armonk, New York, USA). Descriptivestatistics were applied to find the frequencies and percentages. Charts and tables were constructed.RESULTS: In total, 201 bacterial isolates recovered from ET secretions of 154 ventilated patients werestudied. The rate of isolation was predominant among males (65.6%) and in elderly people (50%).Gram‑negative bacilli (GNB) were predominantly (88.6%) isolated. Acinetobacter baumannii (31.3%)was the most common isolate and 86% of them were multidrug‑resistant strains. Klebsiellapneumoniae (23.9%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.9%) were the other common GNB, whereasStaphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated Gram‑positive bacteria. Gentamicin showedgood in vitro activity against S. aureus and all the GNB except A. baumannii reflecting good choicefor empirical therapy.CONCLUSION: Gram‑negative bacteria were the predominant isolates in ET secretions of ventilatedpatients. There was an alarmingly high rate of antimicrobial resistance among GNB. A rational useof antibiotics, regular monitoring of antibiotic resistance and use of right combination of drugs, inaddition to refining of existing infection control practices are critical to control the emergence ofdrug‑resistant strains.

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Author = . Vinod Nambiar

Encouraging students’ engagement and promoting deep learning in immunology through an interactive clinical case problem‑solving (CCPS) approach: Perception among cohort of medical students in Oman

Abstract

Learning out of the box: Fostering intellectual curiosity and learning skills among the medical students through gamification

Abstract

Antibiotics at the crossroads – Do we have any therapeutic alternatives to control the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance?

Abstract

Diabetic foot infections: Profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates in a tertiary care hospital of Oman

Abstract

Profile and antibiotic‑resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from endotracheal secretions of mechanically ventilated patients at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract