25th Anniversary International Scientific Conference-2016

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Plenaries, Symposia and free papers presented at the 25th Anniversary International Scientific Conference, held on 6-8th April 2016, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya to celebrate the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of Faculty of Medicine

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    Impact of a practical workshop on the knowledge and skills of caregivers on usage of mobility devices
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Tunpattu, T.M.U.S.
    BACKGROUND: Mobility devices are essential for many senior citizens living in senior citizen centers for their mobility. In the process of using mobility devices they are assisted by the caregivers. But majority of the caregivers are untrained or under trained of handling the mobility devices. OBJECTIVES: To describe the impact of a workshop on knowledge and skills of caregivers on usage and handling of mobility devices. METHODS: The workshop was a part of a series of training programs for caregivers. 30 caregivers serving in the elder care homes participated to the study. The training was a one day workshop consisting of lectures, group discussions, demonstrations and practical sessions on walking sticks, crutches, walking frames and wheel chairs. The knowledge and skills of the participants were measured pre and post workshop by written and practical assessment. RESULTS: Only 3 (10%) of the participants had received a training on mobility devices before. Among the participants 21 (70%) had worked less than 2 years, 6 (20%) for 2-4 years and 3 (10%) for more than 4 years as caregivers. Regarding skills, the number of participants who obtained pass marks at pre and post training assessments were one and 28 respectively. Same for knowledge were zero and 27. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in the structured workshop had improved the knowledge and skills of caregivers on usage and handling of mobility devices. Similar training is recommended for all the care givers.
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    The knowledge and preparedness on maternal and child health during disasters among Public Health Midwives serving in Medical Office of Health areas covered by National Institute of Health Sciences
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Madarasinghe, H.P.; Hemachandra, D.K.N.N.
    BACKGROUND: In a disaster situation, pregnant women and children are at a higher risk and the presence of an experienced health worker, with good knowledge and preparedness on how to handle their special needs is essential. OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge and preparedness and associated factors related to maternal and child health during disasters among Public Health Midwives (PHMs) serving in Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas covered by National Institute of Health Sciences(NIHS). METHODS: Between July to September 2015, PHM in NIHS area (74) were selected and they were surveyed on information about their field, history of occurrence of disasters, knowledge on maternal and child care in disasters, level of disaster preparedness and training received on disaster management. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software. The association between knowledge and preparedness were analyzed against socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Proportion of PHMs with good knowledge was 47.3% and adequate preparedness for disasters was 33.8%. There was no significant association between the age, educational qualifications, field experience, MOH area and past experience in disasters with the knowledge and preparedness. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge on natal, newborn and infant care was lacking in the PHM in NIHS area and they were not prepared to handle disasters in their field with a proper response plan. Recommend inclusion of disaster management into their basic curriculum and conduct of regular in-service training programmes and drills to ensure sustainability of knowledge and skills on disaster preparedness and management.
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    Evaluating the effectiveness of life skills development training among Sri Lankan Public Health Midwives
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wijetillake, M.
    BACKGROUND: Training of Public Health Midwives (PHM), the grass root level primary healthcare workers, on life skills development (LSD) is vital in order to deliver the best possible healthcare services to the community. Published literature on the topic in Sri Lanka are limited. OBJECTIVES: To identify improvement in life skills (LS) application of PHM following a LSD training program. METHODS: LSD training is a five-day activity based training program for healthcare workers, conducted by Education, Training & Research Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. The existing training module , containing ten core LS (self- awareness, empathy, effective communication, good interpersonal relationships, coping with stress, coping with emotions, analytical thinking, creative thinking, decision making and problem solving) was used by a team of Medical Officers who were trained as master trainers. An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was conducted before and after the training to ascertain the pre and post training LS application on family planning counselling, antenatal care and pre-pregnancy care among 61 PHMs in three selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas. Evaluation was done according to a global rating scale. RESULTS: The difference between the average scores obtained at pre and post OSCE was significantly higher (P<0.001), indicating an improvement on application of LS. Improvement among PHMs with shorter work experience was greater than PHMs with longer work experience (correlation coefficients P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of the training program decreases with advancing service, several adjustments are needed to make the program suitable even for senior midwives.
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    The prevalence of selected symptoms and probable risk factors of anxiety among medical undergraduates of the Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kulathunga, M.M.; Thennakoon, S.; Rajapaksha, T.; Kelum, G.K.C.; Kishorkumar, A.; Kolamunne, K.N.S.; Kularathna, G.M.V.D.; Kulasingha, A.D.S.; Kulathilaka, W.K.; Rajapaksha, R.W.M.D.; Kuruwita, K.A.P.R.; Jamtsho, Y.; Pradhan, U.
    BACKGROUND: It is believed that Medical Faculties have stressful conditions that often exert a negative effect on academic performance and physical and psychological well-being of the undergraduates, which can lead to anxiety. Persistent anxiety would cause anxiety disorders. It is important to know most prevalent risk factors and symptoms of anxiety. OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of selected symptoms and probable risk factors of anxiety among medical undergraduates. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among undergraduates of Faculty of Medicine Peradeniya. Data pertaining to the previous one month period was collected by self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: Most prevalent symptoms were poor concentration (88.82%), irritability (85.23%) and bad temper (81.54%). Least reported symptoms were erectile dysfunction (1.4%), difficulty in breathing (16.57%) and feeling of chest tightness (16.77%). The prevalence of probable risk factors ranging from highest to lowest were, heavy academic workload (44.71%), fear about upcoming examinations (35.53%), inability to cope well with language during academic work (26.35%). fear of consequences of using alcohol and illicit drugs (2.59%) and ragging (2.79%). CONCLUSIONS: As the probable risk factors described were modifiable, early detection and application of relevant preventive measures should be adopted.
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    Usage analysis of student interactions in an online learning platform conducted at Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya: Pedagogical considerations for implementing e-Learning
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Karunaratne, W.C.D.; Chandratilake, M.N.; Heiyantuduwage, S.
    BACKGROUND: Learning Management Systems (LMS) designed to support teaching and learning has changed how education is offered and consumed in higher education. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted with the aim of identifying what inferences, educators can make through student usage statistics of the Moodle Learning Management System termed as the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) on developing a pedagogical model for online learning. METHODS: Student and staff course usage statistics were recorded from the VLE of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya for all the modules, and related resources and activities conducted from first to the fourth year students during the year 2015 and analyzed. RESULTS: A majority of students (88-90%) access the materials available in the VLE. The mean student access during the module is higher than following the completion of the module while the frequency of student access during faculty hours is similar to the frequency of use after faculty hours. As expected, student access was increased with availability of more learning materials in the modules and with incorporation of student activities and links to web resources. The mean usage frequency of staff were considerably low and limited whereas the support staff usage being more than ten times higher. CONCLUSIONS: The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) of the faculty can be used as an effective platform to supplement didactic learning and to promote self-learning among students. It also highlights the necessity to form an eLearning development team for the institution consisting of instructional designers, graphic artists, multimedia developers and instructors with whom the content experts can work together to realize there requirements.
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    Teaching Anatomy in a unique setting: innovative methods to overcome challenges
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Weerasundera, B.
    BACKGROUND: Teaching of Anatomy at the Northern Territory Medical Programme (NTMP) of Flinders University, Australia is by retaining traditional methods as well as modern techniques using the latest technology to overcome the disadvantages of distant learning. It occurs in the first two years of the medical curriculum. It is provided by lectures via video conferencing from Flinders University in Adelaide and practicals, dissections and other teaching sessions conducted in Darwin. Incorporating such remote as well as on-site teaching presents numerous challenges, requiring constant review and modification to ensure quality of training. In the dissection component, students are expected to dissect a cadaver during their first two years of learning. After evaluating student feedback, changes were introduced to the teaching methods used in this process over three years. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of, changes introduced to the teaching methods in Anatomy in the Northern Territory Medical Programme (NTMP) of Flinders University, Australia METHODS: Changes were made in consultation with the Body Donation Programme of University of Adelaide, Audio Visual Unit of the NTMP and the curriculum committee of the University of Flinders. They included the incorporation of novel teaching methods and introducing changes to the timing of the dissection programme. Performances in Anatomy of the three batches of students at examinations and their feedback were analysed to determine the effect of these changes RESULTS: It revealed improved performances and a higher level of student satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Feedback from students and their performance at examinations suggest that the changes had an overall positive impact. Constant monitoring and review of teaching methods is of significant value.
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    An efficient inventory management system for the blood banks in Sri Lanka
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kumari, D.M.S.; Wijayanayake, A.
    BACKGROUND: Over the past decades, the requirement for platelets seems to be increasing continuously around the world, while the number of potential donors is decreasing. However, due to its very short life span of just five days, a large volume of platelets expires while they are on the shelves, resulting in unnecessary shortages. Moreover, it is very costly and borrowing platelets from other blood banks with short notice is not feasible. These unexpected shortages may place the life of patients at risk. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop an efficient blood inventory management model to reduce platelet shortage while minimizing wastage. METHODS: Currently, the blood banks are managing platelet inventory according to their own methods. As a solution we propose a model to manage the daily supply of platelets by forecasting the daily demand. Considering the past daily demand, the Weighted Moving Average method was used to forecast the future demand. Ten different models were developed and tested to find the optimal solution that minimizes shortages of platelets. These models were tested using 60 days data obtained from two different levels of blood banks; a General and Base Hospital. RESULTS: The study was able to come up with two different inventory management models for the different types of blood banks. The model that best fits the General Hospital blood bank will be able reduce the shortages by 89.37% and, the model that best fits the Base Hospital one will be able reduce the shortages by 100%. CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded that the same models can be adopted by other blood banks with similar characteristics to manage their blood inventories efficiently.
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    Social networking is popular among new medical entrants of Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dasanayaka, I.P.E.U.; Hettige, S.; Bandara, M.R.P.M.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
    BACKGROUND: The rapid growth and adoption of social networking and internet telephony had affected many fields including education. OBJECTIVES: To assess the usage of social networking services (SNS) and Internet telephony (IT) and confidence in using SNS among new entrants to the Faculty of Medicine. METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to new entrants in the 2015 and 2016 batches. Results: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. 93% (149(94%) in 2015 and 135(92%) in 2016, P= 0.53) had been SN and 52% (70(44%) in 2015 and 88(60%) in 2016, P<0.01) stated that they were confident in SN, among them 60% (21(49%) in 2015 and 36 (70%) in 2016, P<0.01) were males and 48% (49(42%) in 2015 and 52(55%) in 2016, P= 0.07) were females, where males were more confident in SN than females (P= 0.05). 65% (99(62%) in 2015 and 99(67%) in 2016, P= 0.35) had used IT and 23% (26(16%) in 2015 and 45(31%) in 2016, P<0.01 ) were confident, among them 29% (9(21%) in 2015 and 19(37%) in 2016, P= 0.09) males and 20% (17(15%) in 2015 and 26 (27%) in 2016, P= 0.02) were females, where the level of confidence was not different between males and females (P= 0.18). SN was high compared to IT usage (P< 0.01) and 2016 entrants showed high level of confidence in SN (P= 0.01) and IT (P= 0.01) compared to 2015. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the SN and IT are popular among students, confident level is low compared to the usage.
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    Computer literacy among new medical entrants to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Hettige, S.; Gunarathne, M.G.S.S.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
    BACKGROUND: Computer literacy is essential for students. OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of computer literacy among new entrants to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given new entrants (159 in 2015 and 147 in 2016). RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. Proportions who had used computers were 99% (n=157) and 98% (n=144). Those who had formal training in computer literacy were 68% (n=108) and 65% (n=96) and 46% (n=73) and 45% (n=66) were in possession of paper qualifications related to the training undergone. Proportions who used computers daily were 19% (n=31) and 31% (n=46) and 9% (n=14) and 13% (n=19) used it ≤once/month. Students’ perceptions on their ability to use computers were as follows: 1) Competent - 14%(n=23) and 17% (n=25), 2) Average - 75%(n=119) and 78%(n=114) and 3) Poor - 11%(n=17) and 5%(n=8). Relevance of computer literacy for medical students was as follows: 1) Essential - 48%(n=77) and 56%(n=82), 2) Very important - 42%(n=66) and 36%(n=53) and 3) Reasonably important - 9%(n=15) and 8%(n=12). Only two (1%) students from 2015 batch stated that computer literacy is of very little important to function as a doctor. CONCLUSIONS: Majority had used computers before entering the Medical Faculty and almost two thirds has had formal training and less than one half had paper qualifications on computer literacy. Majority believed computer literacy is important for them as medical students as well as doctors.
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    Ability to use computer software among new medical entrants to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Solangaarachchi, D.I.K.; Kumara, A.A.K.B.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
    BACKGROUND: Computer software is essential to enhance academic life of students. OBJECTIVES: To describe the level of confidence and ability on using computer software among new entrants to Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to new entrants in 2015 and 2016 and their perception on the level of confidence, ability and usage were recorded. RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. Proportion of males were 27% and 35%. Proportions who could install software in each batch was 20% (n=32 and 29) and could not were 15.7% (n=25) and 27.2% (n=40). Those who could and could not install a printer were 10.1% (n=16)/ 16.3% (n=24) and 30.8% (n=49)/ 34% (n=50) respectively. Proportions who could and could not install a pen drive were 28.9% (n=46)/ 40.1% (n=59) and 15.7% (n=25)/ 17% (n=25) respectively. Nine percent (n=14) and 13.6% (n=20) had used, 63.5% (n=101) and 50.3% (n=74)) were aware but had not used and 27.7% (n=44)) and 36.1% (n=53) were not aware of open source software. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of students had no awareness on software installation and pen drive scanning and have not used open source software at the point of entry to the Medical Faculty.
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