Implementation of an international medical student pen-pal club:survey outcomes of perceptions in cultural competency and global health

Background:Pen-pal clubs(PPC)are used worldwide for students to learn about different cultures and other skillsets without the need for travel.Many medical students are interested in global health opportunities abroad but costs,scheduling,and other barriers allow few to participate in such experiences.It is important that medical students have nuanced global medical perspectives and can contribute to the global medical community.Objective:The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that an international medical student PPC improves medical students'perspectives of cultural competency and global health engagement.Methods:In 2021,a novel medical student PPC was established that began between an American and Japanese medical school.Following a shareholders meeting,it was decided that the number of medical schools involved globally be expanded through previous institutional affiliations and online presences.In total,the club connected 50 American medical students and 52 medical students from 17 high-and middle-income countries.The primary form of communication was online;pen-pals were encouraged to communicate monthly using provided topics,although frequency and way of communication was their discretion.In February 2022,American PPC members were emailed a qualitative survey to assess the PPC's impact.Results:The survey was completed by 42%of American PPC members,95%of which were 22-26 years.Participants were preclinical medical students,60%whom were female and the majority either white(47%)or Asian(43%).Overall,the PPC positively influenced American medical students'perception of global medicine,medical education,and their cultural competency after joining the PPC compared to prior(P=0.004).Conclusion:PPCs encourage medical students to think from a global perspective and foster open-mindedness within varying social and cultural contexts.Having a global communication platform for students during medical school education may be an additional way to train aspiring global leaders.

How Emotion Nurtures Mentality:The Influencing Mechanism of Social-Emotional Competency on the Mental Health of University Students

Social-Emotional Competency(SEC),regarded as a critical psychological resource for individuals to adapt to social environments,is an effective protective factor for students’mental health,impacting their future success and well-being.Analyzing the impact of SEC on university students’mental health can offer valuable insights for nurturing talents with healthy psychological and physical development.Based on data from two large-scale surveys of Chinese university students,this study designed two comprehensive Multiple Mediation Models involving SEC,stress,coping strategies,and stress reaction to explore the pathway of emotion nurturing mentality.Study 1 utilized a parallel mediation model to examine the relationships between SEC,academic stress,interpersonal stress,and stress reactions.The results indicated that SEC negatively predicted academic stress,interpersonal stress,and stress reactions.Additionally,academic and interpersonal stress mediated the relationships between SEC and stress reactions in parallel.Extending these findings,Study 2 further investigated the role of coping strategies.By constructing a multiple-chain mediation model,it examined the predictive relationships among SEC,academic stress,interpersonal stress,three types of coping strategies,and stress reactions.The findings indicated that SEC negatively predicted stress,problemavoiding strategy,and stress reactions,while positively predicting problem-solving and assistant-seeking strategies.Furthermore,the two stress types and three coping strategies significantly mediated the relationship between SEC and stress reactions.This indicated that higher SEC was associated with reduced stress and more adaptive coping strategies and subsequently contributed to more favorable stress reactions.This research explored the impact of university students’SEC on mental health and its relational mechanisms,aiming to provide theoretical reference and practical insights for future efforts in cultivating SEC among university students to adjust academic and interpersonal stress,to enhance problem-solving and stress resistance capabilities,and to maintain their mental health.

Clinical competency:perceptions of nursing interns and clinical mentors

Objective:To assess the clinical competency of nursing interns and the perception of clinical nurse mentors toward student nurses'clinical competency.Methods:A study was carried out among 104 nursing interns and 26 clinical nurse mentors using the purposive sampling technique.A self-repor ted perception scale was used to collect the data.Results:In general,most nursing interns perceived themselves as clinically competent during the internship.The clinical nurse mentors too repor ted that the current internship is helping the nursing interns in becoming competent.Conclusions:Frequent clinical evaluation,buddy system,provision of stipends,good leadership,and coordination between the academic institute and hospital are repor ted as the critical motivating factors for improving the clinical competency of student interns.

A Study on the Problems and Solution Paths in the Conduct of Elderly Competency Assessment

Exploring the problems existing in the process of carrying out an elderly competency assessment aims to provide useful references for its improvement.Starting from the importance of elderly competency assessment in the field of elderly services,this paper analyses the problems in the process of carrying out elderly competency assessment and explores the corresponding solutions.The analysis finds that problems in the process of carrying out elderly competency assessment are inevitable,but as long as the study continues to explore and innovate and actively seek solution paths,the study will be able to overcome these difficulties and provide the elderly with better and more efficient elderly services.

Necessary prerequisites for evidence-based practice:results of investigating nurses'informatics competency and information literacy skills

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between nursing informatics(NI)competency and information literacy skills for evidencebased practice(EBP)among intensive care nurses.This cross-sectional study was conducted on 184 nurses working in intensive care units(ICUs).The study data were collected through demographic information,Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment Tool(NICAT),and information literacy skills for EBP questionnaires.The intensive care nurses received competent and low-moderate levels for the total scores of NI competency and information literacy skills,respectively.They received a moderate score for the use of different information resources but a low score for information searching skills,different search features,and knowledge about search operators,and only 31.5%of the nurses selected the most appropriate statement.NI competency and related subscales had a significant direct bidirectional correlation with information literacy skills for EBP and its subscales(P<0.05).Nurses require a high level of NI competency and information literacy for EBP to obtain up-to-date information and provide better care and decision-making.Health planners and policymakers should develop interventions to enhance NI competency and information literacy skills among nurses and motivate them to use EBP in clinical settings.

以Competency为导向的临床专科师资培养的构建和教学能力的提升

目的:研究在新形势下以Competency为导向的临床教师理论教学和实践教学在眼科研究生住院医师规范化培训中的应用和评价,及对研究生规培学生在临床过程中以Competency为导向学习和工作态度、能力、思维、运用等多方面受到的影响和作用。方法:选择在校研究生规培学生作为研究对象,随机抽样分为正常组和实验组,正常组采用传统教学方法,实验组采用以Competency为导向的临床教师教学,学习后采用调查问卷和实践技能水平考试评估教学成果。结果:对教师评价,实践技能考试实验照组均优于正常组。结论:以Competency为导向的教学理念在各个层面教学中的应用,可以为不同人才培养层次分别构建系统、连续、阶梯式的人才培养体系,为共性培养下的个性化培养提供理论依据,对于推动我国医学教育的科研创新、临床思维培养,具有一定价值。

Teaching Reform Based on the Competency Model for Software Engineering-related Courses

This paper explores the reform and practice of software engineering-related courses based on the competency model of the Computing Curricula,and proposes some measures of teaching reform and talent cultivation in software engineering.The teaching reform emphasizes student-centered education,and focuses on the cultivation and enhancement of students’knowledge,skills,and dispositions.Based on the three elements of the competency model,specific measures of teaching reform are proposed for some professional courses in software engineering,to strengthen course relevance,improve knowledge systems,reform practical modes with a focus on skill development,and cultivate good dispositions through student-centered education.The teaching reform’s attempts and practice are conducted in some courses such as Advanced Web Technologies,Software Engineering,and Intelligent Terminal Systems and Application Development.Through the analysis and comparison of the implementation effects,significant improvements are observed in teaching effectiveness,students’mastery of knowledge and skills are noticeably improved,and the expected goals of the teaching reform are achieved.

Ultrasound Scanning Competencies in Midwifery Education in Zambia: Findings from a Desk Review and Needs Assessment

Introduction: Ultrasound is an essential component of antenatal care. Midwives provide most of the antenatal care but they do not perform ultrasound as it has been beyond their scope of practice. This leaves many women in Low and Middle-Income Countries without access to ultrasound scanning. The aim of this study was to identify competencies in ultrasound scanning in midwifery education. Methods: A desk review and needs assessment were conducted between July and October 2023. Articles and curricula on the internet, Google scholar and PubMed were searched for content on ultrasound scanning competencies. A Google form consisting of 20 questions was administered via email and WhatsApp to 135 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Results: The desk review showed that it is feasible to train midwives in ultrasound scanning. The training programs for midwives in obstetric ultrasound were conducted for 1 week to 3 months with most of them running for 4 weeks. Content included introduction to general principles of ultrasound, physics, basic knowledge in embryology, obstetrics, anatomy, measuring foetal biometry, estimating amniotic fluid and gestational age. Experts like sonographers trained midwives. Theory and hands on were the teaching methods used. Written and practical assessments were conducted. Needs assessment revealed that majority of participants 71 (53%) knew about basic ultrasound training for midwives. All participants (100%) said it is necessary to train midwives in basic ultrasound scan in Zambia. Some content should include, anatomy, measuring foetal biometry, assessing amniotic fluid level, and gestational age determination. Most participants 91 (67%) suggested that the appropriate duration of training is 4 - 6 weeks. Conclusion: Empowering every midwife with ultrasound scanning skills will enable early detection of any abnormality among pregnant women and prompt intervention to save lives.

Studies on the Weight Algorithm on Seafarers＇ Competence Assessment Index

The purpose for seafarers＇ competence assessment is to evaluate the practical operational ability of the applicants and the weight of the index directly influences the accuracy of the assessment results. This paper takes the assessment of route making as an example, makes use of the analytic hierarchy process in determining the weight of the indexes to provide theoretical reference for the perfection of seafarers＇ competence assessment.

A Comparative Study of the L2 Pragmatic Competence of University Students in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland:The Contributions of Sociocultural Context and Linguistic Proficiency

This study investigates the differences in pragmatic competence between Hong Kong and Chinese mainland university students.Participants included 19 native speakers of English,115 Chinese mainland students,divided into those who had spent time abroad in an English-speaking country(CM A)and those who had not(CM NA),and 97 Hong Kong students,divided into those from an English-medium secondary school(Hong Kong EMI)and those from a Chinese-medium school(Hong Kong CMI).Linguistic proficiency was measured by a C-test,and pragmatic competence by a Metapragmatic Knowledge Test,an Irony Test and a Monologic Role Play.Group scores were compared using ANCOVAs to control for differences in proficiency.The results point to a continuum of pragmatic competence—EMI>CMI>CM A>CM NA—reflecting the groups’access to English in real-life contexts.The differences between the Hong Kong groups and the Chinese mainland groups were clearest in those tests measuring processing capacity(i.e.,Irony Response Time and the Monologic Role Play).CM A,but not CM NA,performed as well as the Hong Kong groups on measures of metapragmatic awareness.The results are discussed in terms of Bialystok’s(1993)distinction between analyzed representation and control of processing.

From Theoretical Grammar to Grammatical Competence:An Empirical Study

In China,English teachers usually take a three-step approach to grammar teaching,namely,the presentation—practice—production principle(3P Principle).This method consists of both“morphology”and“syntax.”It adopts the traditional mode of grammar teaching,including knowledge presentation,grammar exercises,and grammatical competence production,which will inevitably lead to time consumption and low efficiency in grammar learning.This study is about cultivating English majors'grammatical competence through the theoretical mode of grammar teaching.The research results show that the theoretical mode of grammar teaching helps cultivate learners'grammatical competence.

A Study of Innovative College English Teaching Model for Global Competence

Against the backdrop of globalization and deepening international cooperation,countries are putting forward higher demands on the global competence of talents.In this context,college English teaching,as an important part of the higher education system,faces the challenge of cultivating globally competent talents.This study analyzes the core components of global competence through literature review,analyzes the deficiencies in existing college English teaching,and aims to explore and construct a college English teaching model that is compatible with the global competence framework.This study explores how to integrate global competency development into college English teaching from three aspects:curriculum content,teaching methodology,and assessment system.We expect that the proposed teaching model can effectively improve students’English application skills,intercultural communication skills,and critical thinking skills,so as to better meet the demand for global competence in the context of globalization.

College English Teaching Based on the Theory of Core Competencies

The core competencies of college students can influence their further learning,employment,and personal development.This paper explores college English teaching from the three aspects of core competencies:cultural foundation,self-development,and social participation.Adapting to the challenges posed by the new era for the cultivation of foreign language talents,the paper aims to improve students’cultural literacy,independent learning,the ability of problem discovery and problem solving,and critical cultural thinking,so as to make them more competitive in employment and entrepreneurship.

Abilities and Competences of Students and Seafarers for Education Supported by Modem ICT

The purpose of this paper was to find out whether the higher education has met the necessary requirements for the implementation of the ICT system, in particular the e-learning system in higher education of seafarers. The goal was to explore to what extent the technical and organisational prerequisites for introducing the system have been fulfilled at the very institution--E-learning system provider, and to what extent the full-time maritime students and part-time students-seafarers are ready and trained to adopt such a system. In order to gather insights and make conclusions, the analytical method and the survey of students were used. A total of 930 full-time and part-time students （seafarers） were surveyed. The goal of these surveys was to find out the educational needs of both student groups, as well as their technical preconditions （e.g., having a PC at work or at home, access to the intemet, and the like） and competencies （e.g., computer literacy） that are necessary for active involvement in the e-learning system. A particularly interesting part of the research tackled the psychological predisposition of students, i.e., whether they were willing to use the system at all. A special part of the research was focused on issues regarding the costs and the available time that the students/seafarers have for using the e-learning system. The research has revealed that there are neither obstacles nor initial constraints for the implementation of the e-learning system in education of maritime students and seafarers at the University of Split. Moreover, the students have a positive attitude towards the e-learning system, and most of them are very enthusiastic about its implementation. The scientific contribution of this paper is provided by an analytical model exploring and defining the necessary prerequisites for introducing the e-learning system. The advantage of the model lies in its wide and multi-disciplinary approach to all these prerequisites, ranging from psychological to purely technical, financial, time, organisational and other aspects. An interesting issue is the question of＂good will＂ for launching such systems at the institutions which obviously meet all necessary prerequisites for their introduction, including the enthusiasm of their students and teachers. The case study shows that, apparently, the university management and the wider community have not recognised many a benefit of the e-learning system. This sounds paradoxical as it is precisely the very academic community that should act as the designer and the initiator of social changes, in social systems in general and in education systems in particular.

Current Status of Key Competencies among Medical Students: A Latent Profile Analysis

The purpose of this study was to understand the overall level of key competencies of medical students and explore the potential profile of key competencies, promoting quality education, and improving the quality talent cultivation in medical colleges. A stratified random sampling method selected 734 medical students from four medical colleges in Chongqing Province of China. A general information questionnaire and a key competencies survey questionnaire were used to conduct the survey. The overall score and scores of each dimension of key competencies were analyzed. Latent profile analysis was conducted to classify the key competencies of medical students and compare the distribution differences of demographic variables among different categories. The results showed that 26% of medical students have never heard of the concept of key competencies, and 59% of them are not familiar with the content related to key competencies. The score of key competencies is 3.66 ± 0.60, with the highest score in the dimension of responsibility and the lowest score in the dimension of humanistic accomplishment. The latent profile analysis classified them into three categories: “low key competencies group (14.71%)”, “medium key competencies group (36.79%)”, and “high key competencies group (48.50%)”. The R3STEP regression analysis results showed statistically significant differences in educational level and whether they served as student cadres among different key competencies categories of medical students. This paper discusses three different potential key competencies categories among medical students, and the overall level of key competencies is relatively good. However, medical students lack a comprehensive and systematic understanding of key competencies. Humanistic accomplishment, healthy living, and practical innovation are the three dimensions with lower scores and should be given more attention. Medical colleges should integrate the concept of key competencies into teaching and implement it in medical practice to cultivate more high-quality medical talents for society.

Analysis of The Impact of The Healthcare Roundtable Model on the Major Disease Perceptions and Competencies of Cardiovascular Medicine Nursing Staff

Objective: To analyze the impact of the healthcare roundtable model on the major disease perceptions and competencies of cardiovascular nursing staff. Methods: Forty female nursing staff working in the hospital from April to June 2023 were selected and were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 20 in each group. For 60 days, the control group used the conventional learning and communication model and the observation group used the medical and nursing roundtable model. The cognitive scores of cardiovascular disease-related knowledge, competency scores, and satisfaction with the learning and communication model before and after the implementation of the model in both groups were compared. Results: After the implementation, the cognitive scores related to cardiovascular disease-related knowledge, competency scores, and satisfaction with the learning and communication model in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The healthcare roundtable model improved the knowledge and competence of cardiovascular internal medicine nursing staff in major diseases, and it is worth popularizing.

Research on Enhancing Students’Intercultural Awareness and Competence in English Teaching

With the deepening of globalization,intercultural communication has become an important part of people’s daily lives and work.English,as an international language,plays a vital role in intercultural communication.However,simple language knowledge can no longer meet the needs of modern society.Students need to have intercultural awareness and competence to better adapt to the development of globalization.Therefore,it is particularly important to improve students’intercultural awareness and competence in English teaching.This paper will discuss how to improve students’intercultural awareness and competence in English teaching,which includes three parts.The first part introduces the definition of intercultural awareness and competence.The second part explores the importance of intercultural awareness and competence to students,which can help students better understand and respect different cultures,stimulate students’innovative thinking and creativity,and cultivate critical thinking skills,and is also of great significance to students’professional development,personal growth,and social responsibility.The third part discusses the effective methods and strategies to improve students’intercultural awareness and competence in teaching,including carrying out cultural discussion and debate,introducing diverse materials,creating intercultural experience teaching activities,and using virtual learning tools.To a certain extent,this study can enrich the theoretical research in the field of intercultural awareness and competence,help to improve students’intercultural awareness and competence,and provide certain practical guidance for educators to teach intercultural courses.

Core competencies and perceived training needs of nurses in the background of Internet plus nursing service:a qualitative descriptive study

Background:The Internet plus nursing service program is being piloted in China,which has become a new home nursing service model led by nurses.To enable safe and effective homecare service delivery,nurses working in the program need a high level of competency.However,the content of these core competencies and the training needs of nurses for Internet plus nursing services are still unknown.Aim:To describe nurses’perceptions of core competencies and training needs to work in the Internet plus nursing service program,thereby providing a reference for the development of training programs.Methods:A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was conducted on 15 nurses with experience of working in the Internet plus nursing service program.Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim,and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results:Core competencies involved comprehensive assessment competence,direct care practice competence,health education and consulting competence,risk estimation and response competence,and communication competence.Training needs involved complex operational items,knowledge of chronic disease management,professional communication,risk identification and response,nursing standards,norms,and procedures,and utilization of information technology.Conclusions:The training system may be developed based on nurses’core competencies and their training needs to promote professional development of the Internet plus nursing service.

Research on the Status Quo and Improvement Needs of Foreign Language Teachers’ Teaching Competence in Curriculum-Based Ideological Education in Xinjiang Colleges and Universities

This study investigated the status quo and further improvement needs of foreign language teachers’teaching competence in curriculum-based ideological education(CIE)in Xinjiang colleges and universities.The results show that the teachers’teaching competence in CIE is generally good,with the“cultivating quality”being the highest and the“scientific research quality”the lowest;there still exist several problems,such as teachers’lack of theoretical knowledge in CIE,lack of teaching resources,and insufficient abilities in teaching design and research.It is hoped that with the support and efforts from university administrations,teachers can improve their teaching competence in CIE through various approaches adopted and multiple measures taken,thus optimizing their teaching effectiveness,promoting the construction of CIE in Xinjiang colleges and universities in the new era,and contributing to Xinjiang’s high-quality development.

Online International Peer Interaction:An Exploration of Impacts on Comprehensive Competencies,Global Perspectives,and Cross-Cultural Communication Skills

With the increasing trend of globalization and the rapid advancement of information technology,online learning platforms such as Zoom are becoming increasingly influential in the field of education.The focus of this study was the online international peer interaction based on the Zoom platform,detailing how such interaction programs are conducted and exploring in depth the specific impacts of this interaction mode on students’comprehensive competencies,global perspectives,and cross-cultural communication skills.This research not only provides new practical references for online learning and international education but also offers new research perspectives and directions for educators and researchers.