This article focuses on enhancing the quality of training in nursing and midwifery specialties through the application of innovative technologies in education. The widespread integration of innovations into the education process creates expanding opportunities for the implementation of modern, sustainable, and technology-supported training methods. An innovative training system for nurses and midwives was developed and implemented over one academic year. The system incorporated educational video materials, serious games, problem-solving activities, and more. Additionally, the study explored the potential of leveraging artificial intelligence and virtual reality to enhance training effectiveness. Participants in the educational experiment were divided into an experimental group (who received additional training through innovative methods) and a control group (who underwent traditional training). Both groups underwent pre-tests and post-tests to evaluate their practical skills in injection techniques. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the acquisition of patient care skills when modern interactive technologies were integrated into the training process. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of the obtained results. This research provides foundational methodological guidelines for researchers, educators, and curriculum developers interested in incorporating innovative interactive technologies into healthcare education.
5 October 2020 in International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET)
Thе paper presents the inclusion of new innovative methods in medical education in Bulgaria. Recently, schools around the world have had to move to distance learning for their students. The use of modern technologies in the virtual classroom today is the most important part of the educational process. Effective modern devices, user-friendly platforms and appropriate educational pedagogical methods prove to be the key to excellent training. The inclusion of virtual teaching methods and serious educational games contributes to the conduct of high-level training and the formation of future medics of knowledge, skills and experience necessary for the formation of their professional qualities. The paper presents the results of a survey conducted among trainers and trainees at medical universities in Bulgaria. The analysis of the results shows the readiness of teachers and students to apply the methods of virtual learning and serious games in the educational process.
23 August 2021 in International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET)
The article presents the serious educational games and the video materials (video algorithms) as a means to improve the perception and increase the quality of education in Bulgaria of the students among the medical specialties Nurse and Midwife. The issue of creating models of serious educational games is considered. A serious educational game created with the help of the Kahoot learning platform is presented. The introduction of new technological innovations in the educational process is an important step towards the modernization of the education of today's generation of students. According to a study conducted among students, serious games and video algorithms are effective means of raising the level of education of future Nurses and Midwives. Along with traditional education, they contribute to the formation of highly effective knowledge, skills, competencies, and the acquisition of professional qualities.
Background/Objectives: The transformation of nursing and midwifery education through digital technologies has gained momentum worldwide, with algorithm-based video instruction and virtual reality (VR) emerging as promising tools for improving clinical learning. This quasi-experimental study explores the impact of an enhanced flipped classroom model on Bulgarian nursing and midwifery students’ self-perceived competence. Methods: A total of 228 participants were divided into a control group receiving traditional instruction (lectures and simulations with manikins) and an experimental group engaged in a digitally enhanced preparatory phase. The latter included pre-class video algorithms, VR, and clinical problem-solving tasks for learning and improving nursing skills. A 25-item self-report questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention to measure perceived competence in injection techniques, hygiene care, midwifery skills, and digital readiness. Results: Statistical analysis using Welch’s t-test revealed significant improvements in the experimental group in all domains (p < 0.001). Qualitative data from focus group interviews further confirmed increased student engagement, motivation, and receptiveness to digital learning tools. Conclusions: The findings highlight the pedagogical value of integrating structured video learning, VR components, and case-based learning within flipped classrooms. The study advocates for the wider adoption of blended learning models to foster clinical confidence and digital competence in healthcare education. The results of the study may be useful for curriculum developers aiming to improve clinical readiness through technology-enhanced learning.
Retroperitoneal primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) is a rare neoplastic disease of high malignancy with a tendency towards early metastasis, affect young adults irrespective of the gender. We present 81 year old woman, who was admitted in the Urology Department with symptoms of right flank pain and hematuria. Contrast-enhanced computerized tomography scan (CT-scan) showed a large heterogeneous right kidney mass around 12 cm in diameter. The final diagnosis of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) was established based on clinical, pathological, and molecular results.
16 November 2020 in Proceedings of CBU in Medicine and Pharmacy
INTRODUCTION: This paper explores the practices surrounding skin-to-skin contact of mother and child immediately after birth within Bulgarian maternity wards and describes women`s experiences. It takes into consideration the research of Bulgarian experts in breastfeeding and contemporary recommendations for postnatal care worldwide. Obstetric practices in local maternity wards are reviewed and evidenced by the research findings. The results put into perspective the different experiences that Bulgarian mothers have in local wards, and the authors explore these women`s attitudes towards the routine implementation of skin-to-skin contact in postnatal care. The paper also outlines setbacks for introducing the practice in Bulgarian maternity wards due to the lack of midwife-led care and the importance of specialized care in optimizing health and a better understanding of skin-to-skin care. OBJECTIVES: Purposes of this research are: (1) to explore women’s knowledge about skin-to-skin benefits, including their past experiences with the practice, and (2) to assess their own personal motivation and willingness to engage in the practice themselves. METHODS: The methodology applied includes an online-based anonymous survey that aims to explore parents’ current levels of knowledge and gather their viewpoints regarding the practice. The research has been conducted on social media channels between the 26th of January 2020 and the 26th of February 2020 and includes women from varying local parent support groups: both respondents from a focus group, the area of Ruse, Bulgaria, and respondents from other major Bulgarian cities. The research findings are illustrated herein, and the authors discuss attitudes, as evidenced by the respondents’ opinions, expressed through the survey. RESULTS: A total of 771 cases are included, which come from both groups. The research demonstrates common practices in local hospital wards are inconsistent with WHO recommendations and evidence-based medicine. Skin-to-skin care is practically a non-existent practice within immediate postnatal care, with most mothers separated from their baby during this crucial first hour(s). Almost all the women surveyed are willing to engage in, and embrace, skin-to-skin practices to be introduced as part of the routine within local maternity wards. CONCLUSION: Midwives’ numbers in hospitals are dwindling, and women identify this is a worrying trend for the success of skin-to-skin bonding for new mothers. Evidence-based medical research and parental opinion compel us to rethink current postnatal practices, and therefore it is logical to suggest sustainable and realistic strategies for promoting and implementation of effective guidelines.