Medicine
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This repository contains the published and unpublished research of the Faculty of Medicine by the staff members of the faculty
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Item Usage of social media as an education resource among medical students at Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2019) Dasanayaka, I.P.E.U.; Wickramaarachchi, G.K.; Hettiarachchi, W.G.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Social media (SM) networks has become a popular educational tool at present. There is limited data in Sri Lanka on SM usage as an educational tool. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usage of SM for academic purposes among medical students of faculty of Medicine University of Kelaniya. METHODS: Stratified sampling with proportional allocation was used to select students from each batch and 287 students were recruited from 1st to 5th year. Informed written consent was obtained and a self-administered questionnaire was given. 255 completed questionnaires were returned. RESULTS: Of 255, 86.95% students used SM for educational purposes with no male and female difference (P=0.06). 90.6%, 61.6% and 56.1% accessed Facebook, Google + and YouTube respectively. Of them, 67.1%, 44.7% and 33.9% respectively accessed them daily for academic purposes respectively. 84.2% students followed medical related web sites through SM. 84.5% had joined educational groups in SM and 44.9% had joined academic discussions or information sharing groups in other local and foreign universities. 43.3% could not find information that they want due to information overload and 38.1% mentioned that SM disturbed their academic work. CONCLUSION: Majority had used SM for educational purposes without gender preference. Facebook, Google+ and YouTube are the commonest SM educational tools and majority had joined educational groups. SM had disturbed academic work of students and difficulty to find correct information was major concern among students.Item E-readiness among first year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Maduwanthi, A.A.H.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, D.S.INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: E-readiness refers to the measurement of the degree of preparedness and willingness of a country to participate in the electronic world. In Sri Lanka there is a lack of research to measure the e-readiness among higher educational students. This study is done to assess the level of e-readiness among first year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was given to all first year students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya in 2017. RESULTS: Among 155 students, 42.6% were males. All have used computers previously and 72% owned a personal laptop. 68% have been using computers more than once a week and another 21% at least once a month. Students’ perceptions on their ability to use computers were as follows: 21% as good, 68% as average and 10% as poor. 68% had formal computer training and 54% had at least some paper qualifications related to the training which they had undergone, where 41% had learnt Information Technology (IT) as a subject during O/Ls, 22% had followed a certificate level course and 5% had diplomas. All could search the web and had e-mail accounts. 96.8% had used the office package. 38.7% and 20.6% could edit videos and images respectively. CONCLUSION: All had used computers and e-mail accounts. Majority had a formal training and were capable of handling the office package.Item Assessment of the capacity to work with data: a cross-sectional study done in first year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Hettiarachchi, W.G.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, D.S.INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Spreadsheets and programming languages (PL) facilitate data storage, organization, retrieval and analysis. Experience in the above builds critical thinking capabilities that are supportive to discerning in students. METHODS: A Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to collect data from new entrants in 2017. RESULTS: Among 155 students, 57% were females. 85% of students [54 (82%) in males vs 77 (87 %) in females, p=0.57] had prior experience in Excel. 20% of students [11 (18%) in males vs 18 (23 %) in females, p=0.27] indicated that they were good in using Excel. 27% students [16 (24%) in males vs 26 (29%) in females, p=0.61] had prior experience in PL. 6% of students [2 (5%) in males vs 4 (8%) females, p=0.61] indicated that they were good in using PL. There were no significant associations between the grade five scholarship results and Z score with Excel use (p=0.98 and p=0.16 respectively) as well as with PL use (p=0.19 and p=0.45 respectively). Spreadsheet usage in students from the Western province was not differerent from the rest of the provinces (83% vs 89% respectively, p=0.46), or PL usage in students from the Western province from the rest (32% vs 22%, p=0.25). CONCLUSION: Majority of students have used spreadsheets but were not competent. One fourth have used PL and only 6% were competent. There were no gender differences in the usage of spreadsheets and PL.Item Experience and confidence with commonly used computer related tasks: survey results of new medical entrants to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Solangaarachchi, D.I.K.; Gunathilaka, H.K.T.S.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, D.S.INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: In today’s world, skills related to usage of computers play an important role in the academic life of students. A survey was conducted with the objective of comparing the level of experience and confidence on a selected set of commonly used computer related tasks between male and female new entrant medical students to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHODS: Data was collected from 155 first year students in 2017 using a Moodle based selfadministered questionnaire. Chi square test was used in calculating statistical significance. RESULTS: Male students represented 43% of those surveyed. Previous experience with performing tasks related to day-to-day computer usage were all reported at a statistically significant (p<0.01) higher rate among males compared to females: installing software (91% vs 48%), installing a printer (54.5% vs 26%), taking printouts (71% vs 55%), scanning documents (30% vs 13.5%), scanning a pen drive (94% vs 73%) and writing a CD/DVD (73% vs 47%). With regard to those with reported high level of confidence in performing these tasks, males were again ahead of females: installing software (50% vs 12%), installing a printer (27% vs 2%), taking printouts (35% vs 21%), scanning documents (15% vs 3%), scanning a pen drive (51.5% vs 22.5%) and writing a CD/DVD (44% vs 12%). Except for taking printouts and scanning documents, all other tasks showed a statiscally significant difference between the sexes. CONCLUSION: Past experience and level of confidence in frequently required computer based tasks are significantly lower among female new entrant medical students compared to their male colleagues.Item ICT literacy among new medical entrants(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2016) Dassanayaka, I.P.E.U.; Bandara, M.R.P.M.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The ICT literacy has become a fundamental cornerstone of modern education, learning and health care delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the prior exposure on Internet, Email, Microsoft Office package, Social Networking (SN), Internet telephony (IT) and Cloud Storage Services (CSS) among new entrants to Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHOD: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to new entrants during the orientation program. RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. 99% had accessed Internet previously (n=157 and n=146, P=0.6). Those who surfed Internet daily were 42% (n=53, n=74, P<0.01)95% had email accounts (n=146, and n=144, P=0.02). 13% accessed emails daily (n=21 and n=19, P=0.94). 57% used CSS (n=82, n=92, P=0.05) and 94% had been SN (n=149, n=135, P= 0.53) and 62% used IT (n=99 n=99, P= 0.35). 98% had used MS WORD (n=156, n=143, P=0.63), 82% had used MS EXCEL (n=130,n=132,P=0.05) and 96% had used PPT (n=153,n=137,P=0.23) before entering to the University. There was no significant difference between usage of WORD and PPT (P=0.06) but significantly lower usage of EXCEL compared to WORD (P<0.01) and PPT (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of students had used internet and internet based services including email, CSS, SN, IT. Their exposure to MS office package was satisfactory. Daily Internet browsing and utilizing email were significantly (p<0.01 for each batch) lower in comparison to the number utilizing the services.CSS and IT we e not popular when compared to other services.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item Usage of Internet among new entrants at 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 Internet has become a fundamental cornerstone of modern education, learning and health care delivery. OBJECTIVES: To describe the usage and confidence in the use of Internet, email and cloud storage services (CSS) among new medical entrants at the Faculty of Medicine University of Kelaniya. METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given new entrants in 2015 and 2016 batches. RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively Proportions who had previously accessed Internet were 99% (n=157) and 97% (n=143). Those who indicated confidence in browsing it were 50% (n=80) and 64% (n=94). Those who surfed it daily were 33% (n=53) and 50% (n=74). Proportions who had personal email accounts were 92 %( n=146) and 98% (n=144). Those who indicated confidence in using emails were 40% (n=63) and 58% (n=85). Those who accessed it daily in each batch was 13% (n=21 and 19 respectively). Proportions who had used CSS were 52% (n=82) and 63% (n=92). Those who indicated confidence in using CSS were only 4% (n=7) and 13% (n=19). Level of confidence in utilization of above services was significantly (p<0.01 for each batch) lower in comparison to the number utilizing the services, Significant differences were also observed with regard to students’ confidence in Internet browsing compared to using email (p= 0.04) and CSS (p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of students have accessed internet and were in possession of email accounts. CSS are not popular among them. A proper training is recommended to improve the level of confidence in the use of Internet, email and CSS.Item Prior experience of office package among new entrants at Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Hettige, S.; Dasanayaka, I.P.E.U.; Bandara, M.R.P.M.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.BACKGROUND: Skill to work with an office package is essential for students. OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of confidence and frequency of usage on Microsoft Word (WORD), PowerPoint (PPT) and Excel (EXCEL) among new entrants. METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to new entrants in 2015 and 2016 batches. RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. Proportions who had used WORD before were 98% (n=156) and 97% (n=143). Those who used it more than once a week were 24% (n=38) and 35% (n=52) and 22% (n=35)) and 20% (n=29) were reported to have confidence in working with WORD. Proportions who had used PPT before were 96% (n=153) and 93% (n=137).Those who used it more than once a week were 14% (n=22) and 22% (n=33) and 19% (n=30) and 22% (n=33) were reported to have confidence in working with PPT. Proportions who had used EXCEL before were 82% (n=130) and 90% (n=132).Those who used it more than once a week were 7% (n=11) and 9% (n=13) and 6% (n=9) and 9% (n=13) were reported to have confidence in working with EXCEL. Level of confidence using WORD and PPT was not significantly different (P=0.9), but was significantly higher compared to EXCEL, p value being <0.01 for both comparisons. Frequency of using WORD was high compared to PPT (P<0.01) and EXCEL (P<0.01), and PPT compared to EXCEL (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: New medical entrants were more confident in using WORD and PPT and were regularly using WORD compared to PPT and EXCEL.