Objective: The scarcity of successful implementation of integrated modular curriculum in Pakistan created a lack of evidence-based insight into the process of curriculum transformation. We explored the issue by exploring challenges faced by faculty in implementing integrated modular curriculum. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in 2019-2020, data collected from November 2019 to August 2020, at undergraduate medical colleges in Lahore and Rawalpindi, with semi-structured online interviews of well experienced 11 faculty members. Two levels of faculty were sampled; one completed a successful implementation in two medical colleges, and another in transition process. Transcribed interviews were analyzed on Atlas.ti software. Results: Challenges were identified in five inter-connected dimensions: integrated modular curriculum (IMC) development, implementation, faculty transformation/change, institutional and regulatory body context. Conclusion: The curricular shift precipitates demoralizing challenges at multiple levels & directions. The identified themes and connections provide the framework for a well-informed curricular shift. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6730 How to cite this: Aziz S, Wajid G, Khan RA, Zaidi FZ. Dimensions of challenges in transformation from traditional to integrated modular curriculum - Experiences from Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):1730-1736. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6730 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
30 December 2022 in Journal of Shalamar Medical & Dental College - JSHMDC
Students generally have little to no understanding of the memory processes, resulting in an inability to study effectively. To perform better, it is imperative to take control of memory by understanding how memory works, how information can be committed to memory, and how forgetting can be avoided. Some insight into the cognitive load theory can also be applied to improve learning.
Objective: This cross-sectional-survey-based study aimed to investigate the severity of side-effects from Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna), viral vector DNA (Oxford-AstraZeneca, J&J/Janssen), inactivated virus (Sinopharm, Sinovac), and other vaccines among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia, focusing on their impact on work attendance. Methods: A total of 894 HCWs residing in Saudi Arabia participated in this study from March 2023 to May 2023. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing demographic information, vaccination status, comorbidities, vaccine side-effects, and missed work information after vaccination. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Results: The majority of participants were female (83.7%) and aged 25–34 years (42.8%). Most participants were predominantly vaccinated with mRNA vaccines. Common side-effects included pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever, and chills. However, no significant association was found between vaccine type, side-effects, and work absenteeism. While demographic factors such as age and healthcare profession did not influence work absenteeism, variations were observed among different racial groups. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination among HCWs in Saudi Arabia is associated with common side-effects, but their impact on work attendance is not significant. Understanding these implications can inform strategies to support the healthcare workforce and mitigate the impact on patient care and staffing during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.