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Introduction: The impact of online medical education using videoconferencing platforms on the education environment during the present COVID-19 pandemic is not known. The objectives were to evaluate the impact of online teaching using videoconferencing platforms on the education environment, satisfaction, and perception of the medical undergraduate students to online teaching. Methods: This prospective observational survey undertaken at a medical college included voluntarily participating medical undergraduate students from first (2nd semester), second (4th semester), and third year MBBS (6th and 8th semesters). The education environment was evaluated using the validated Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). The perception of the students was evaluated using questionnaire with five point Likert scale response. Results: The response rate in our survey was 77.5% (465 out of 600 students). The mean DREEM score of medical undergraduate students was 132.3 ± 19.8. Domains of DREEM evaluated were students' perception of learning (30.1 ± 6.3), students' perception of teachers (29.7 ± 4.6), students' academic self-perception (21.3 ± 4.9), students' perception of atmosphere (32.5 ± 6.2), and students' social self-perception (18.7 ± 3.5). Two hundred and fifty five students (54.8%) were extremely satisfied and quite satisfied with the online teaching--learning modalities. Two hundred and fifty eight students (55.5%) rated online learning methods to be very useful and quite useful during the lockdown period. Conclusion: The educational environment at our medical college was positive and students had a positive perception and attitude toward the role of the videoconferencing platforms for learning (telemedicine) during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: National family health survey-4 data suggests alarmingly high prevalence of anemia among adult population. Hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemias and structural hemoglobin (Hb) variants are the commonly seen autosomal, recessively inherited, monogenic disorders of Hb production, and pose a significant health burden in India. Premarriage screening for thalassemia would help to prevent such marriage, reduce health and financial burdens. Objectives: To assess the burden of anemia and hemoglobinopathies, among newly admitted college students through a University-level screening program. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among college students of the University. The study was part of regular health check-up of all new admissions. Sample frame included all the 4197 students who appeared for health screening and were screened for anemia and hemoglobinopathies. Results: Out of 4197 students, 73.2% were male and a total of 19.5%were anemic. Gender-wise prevalence among males and females was 13.6% and 35.7%, respectively. Among anemic, the proportion of mild, moderate, and severe anemia was 69%, 29%, and 2%. Prevalence of typical beta thal minor and sickle cell trait was found to be 2.6% and 1.4%. Conclusions: Anemia and hemoglobinopathies are significant public health challenges. University setup offers a unique opportunity for modeling and pilot testing integrated interventions for screening and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Videoconferencing has been used as a modality of online medical teaching by various institutes. There is a paucity of studies reporting the perception of medical teachers toward teaching using teleconferencing platforms. The objective of this survey was to evaluate the perception of medical teachers toward teaching using videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom meet, Google meet, and Google classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our hypothesis was teaching faculty would have a positive perception and experience toward web-based teaching modalities., Materials and Methods: Medical teachers of a medical college were invited to participate in a prospective observational cross-sectional online survey. The faculty demographic information, perception, experience, and satisfaction were noted. Perception data were presented as proportion and percentage., Results: 104 out of 160 faculty members participated in the study (response rate = 65%). 61 male (58.7%) and 43 female (41.3%) faculty members participated in the study. The mean age of the faculty members was 39.3 years ± 13 (range: 27-69 years). Laptop ( n = 73 [70.2%]) was the most commonly used electronic device by the faculty members for conducting e-teaching sessions followed by smartphone ( n = 25 [24%]). Google meet was the most preferred videoconference tool for online teaching. Ninety-six faculties (92.2%) were satisfied with the e-teaching method adopted by the institute. Eighty-three faculty (79.8%) perceived the e-teaching method to be very useful and quite useful as a modality for teaching during the lockdown period., Conclusions: The teaching faculties had a positive perception toward digital education methods adopted for teaching of undergraduate medical students at our institute., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.)

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-1) 9 pandemic is spreading like a wildfire across the globe. For its containment, measures such as isolation and quarantine are followed. The patients tested positive for COVID-19 disease are kept in isolation with no interaction with the family members leading to negative mental health consequences. To address this, Parul Sevashram Hospital adapted to a more holistic approach to treatment., Methodology: A process documentation of the best practices was undertaken. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were used to gather responses of the project implementers ( n = 2), physiotherapists ( n = 2), dietician ( n = 1), Ayurveda practitioners ( n = 2), and staff nurses ( n = 2) who were mainly involved in tailoring the package of services to be offered as well as their implementation. In addition, KIIs were also conducted with the patients ( n = 10) their views on the additional package of services offered to them and the overall level of satisfaction with the care., Findings: The holistic care services involved diet therapy, physiotherapy and yoga, AYUSH medicines for boosting immunity, music therapy and books and indoor games. Few implementation challenges include convincing healthcare workers for providing care to COVID patients, availing raw materials for preparing AYUSH medicines during lockdown. Trainings were also provided to HCW on infection control practices, provided monetary incentive and mobilised the existing resources for addressing the challenges., Conclusion: The holistic care has potential influence on patient's mental health, recovery rate, and satisfaction of COVID-19 patients. These approaches can be up-scaled with a minimum investment and has a potential to benefit patients both in public and private hospitals., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)