Damian Duffy

Lights, camera, surgery: a novel pilot project to engage medical students in the development of pediatric surgical learning resources

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE It is important to engage junior medical students in the pediatric surgical environment to showcase possible future career choices. Our aim was to assess how the students valued their experience in the realm of clinical learning, exposure to surgical careers, and development of skill sets necessary for creating learning resources. METHODS A novel pilot project entitled Lights, Camera, Surgery engaged 13 medical students in the production of instructional videos of basic surgical procedures. An electronic survey questionnaire allowed the students to provide formal feedback on the project outcomes. RESULTS Of the students who responded, 87.5% expressed appreciation of the enhanced clinical experience. All of the students either agreed or strongly agreed that the project afforded them valuable leadership experience, practical skills in creating educational learning resources, and opportunities to explore careers in surgery. All of the students either agreed or strongly agreed that the project allowed them to gain valuable skills in educational video production. The project videos are now available as educational tools. CONCLUSIONS Engaging medical students in the production of surgical videos potentially improves leadership skills and promotes the use of educational resources while affording them opportunities to explore pediatric surgery as a future career choice.

Engaging youth in rural Uganda in articulating health priorities through Photovoice.

Youth living in rural Uganda represent over 20% of the country’s population. Despite the size of this demographic segment of the population, there is a paucity of data on their health priorities. Engaging people in understanding their own health status has proven to be an effective mechanism for health promotion. The objective of this study was to use Photovoice, a community-based, participatory action research methodology, to understand the current health priorities of youth living in rural Uganda. Thirty-two students between the ages of 13 and 17 were recruited from four schools within the region of Soroti, Uganda. Participants were given a disposable camera and were asked to photograph situations that contributed or detracted from their health status. The cameras were then returned to the investigators and each photo taken by the participant was reviewed with the investigators during a semi-structured interview. Codes were applied to the photographs and organized into overarching themes. Each participant chose one to two photos that were most representative of their health priorities for a secondary analysis. Participants provided 499 photos that met the eligibility criteria. The most common themes presented in the photographs were ‘hygiene’ (n = 73, 12.4%), ‘nutrition’ (n = 69, 11.7%), and ‘cleanliness’ (n = 48, 8%). ‘Hygiene’ (n = 6, 14.6%) and ‘exercise’ (n = 6, 14.6%) were the most common priorities articulated in the representative photographs. Photovoice proved to be an effective method to assess and express the health concerns of youth in rural Uganda. Study participants were able to articulate their health concerns and priorities through photographs and reflect on opportunities for health promotion through subsequent interviews.

504 EVALUATION OF AN ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM IN A REMOTE FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITY

Background Poor oral hygiene is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, coronary artery disease and premature labor; all major issues for First Nations populations. For over 3 years our university has shared a collaborative health prevention and education partnership with a remote Tsimshian community in Northern British Columbia promoting oral health amongst their children and providing unique educational opportunities for pediatric residents. Method After an extensive dialogue between the Band Council and our Residency Training Committee, a school-based program centered on brushing, flossing, and topical fluoride began. Pre-intervention assessment and training were done jointly by the departments of Dentistry and Pediatrics. Residents and a faculty supervisor stay in the community every 2 months to contribute ongoing support, age-appropriate educational modules for the children, and collaborative health care services (acute and preventive) with the Health Director and the local nursing station. Multidisciplinary evaluation is ongoing and includes oral, general health, community awareness and involvement and educational parameters. Results 80 children (100% of those of school age) were enrolled. Initially the majority of children had evidence of poor oral health, and knowledge and practices were limited. Less than 20% of the children were decay free, and the mean decay missing filled score (DMFS) for preK children was 9.9 (SD 12.1); for school aged children (k–12) the DMFS score was 5.7 (SD 6.2). One year later, 41% of the children enrolled in the study have no new cavities. Currently, all the children in the community remain enrolled in the program. The results are seen as significant by the community. 45 pediatric trainees and 18 faculty members have spent time in the community; our trainees evaluate their involvement as an educational highlight in their training; and the program has received awards from Aboriginal and University agencies. Conclusion The ‘Brighter Smiles program’ has synergistically combined the culture and knowledge of a vibrant First Nation’s community with those of a University Residency program committed to advocacy for child health and innovative resident education. Key attitudes have changed for both groups and a measurable improvement in oral health has occurred.