OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current status of clinical genetics specialization development and the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for hereditary diseases across medical institutions in Shanghai, and to assess the necessity and feasibility of establishing training bases for clinical genetics specialists. METHODS: By employing a cross-sectional survey design, the Clinical Genetics Committee of Shanghai Medical Association has conducted questionnaire surveys from March to April 2025 across 54 healthcare institutions in Shanghai (including 33 tertiary hospitals and 21 secondary hospitals). The survey involved administrative departments and medical personnel from 15 clinical specialties. The survey has covered current genetic disease diagnosis and treatment practices, relevant and specialised disease types, genetic department establishment, testing capabilities, personnel teams, and training requirements. RESULTS: The results revealed that 78.0% of clinical departments surveyed had treated patients with hereditary disorders. Shanghai possesses diagnostic and therapeutic expertise for over 95% of hereditary diseases listed in its rare disease catalogue, reflecting both the practical clinical demand for such conditions and the city's overall diagnostic and therapeutic strengths in this field. Nevertheless, significant disparities exist in the development of genetics departments across different tiers of healthcare institutions. Resources for genetic testing capabilities (including molecular, cellular, and biochemical testing) are also unevenly distributed across different tiers of hospitals. The survey further revealed that only 26.0% of departments believe that their current physician structure fully meets the diagnostic and treatment demands. Over 90% of departments consider standard training for clinical genetic specialists necessary, with 74.0% expressing willingness to participate in establishing training bases. Based on above findings and thorough deliberation, the Clinical Genetics Committee of the Shanghai Medical Association proposes advancing specialist training and discipline development through establishing a standard training system. The committee has drafted a three-year training protocol featuring a "joint training"-centered model, recommending a pilot-first, dynamically optimized strategy for steadily advancing training base development. CONCLUSION Shanghai faces substantial demand for genetic disease diagnosis and treatment, yet exhibits shortcomings in clinical genetics specialization development, resource allocation, and talent pipeline cultivation. To establish a standard training system holds significant practical importance and is underpinned by a broad demand.
Humans ; China ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Genetic Diseases, Inborn/genetics* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Genetics, Medical/education* ; Genetic Testing

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education worldwide, prompting a rapid shift to emergency remote teaching that challenged students’ learning and mental health. Nursing students, in particular, faced heightened pressures due to the suspension or online adaptation of essential clinical experiences, alongside the need to master theoretical and practical competencies. Emerging evidence indicates that such stressors adversely affect students’ emotional and psychological well-being, potentially influencing academic outcomes. Understanding the relationship between mental health and academic performance among nursing students is crucial for developing targeted interventions that support their well-being and professional readiness.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the mental health status and academic performance of graduating nursing students during the challenging period of remote learning amid the pandemic in a government school in Leyte.

METHODS

The study utilized a descriptive correlational design to explore the relationships between mental health status and academic performance among nursing students. A modified self-administered questionnaire was utilized to gather data. Ethical approval from Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development ConsortiumEthics Review with ERC number 2023-024 was secured, and data collection occurred through various methods. Data analysis used SPSS version 24, emphasizing the importance of understanding these relationships in educational settings.

RESULTS

The study assessed the demographic profile, online learning attributes, mental health status, and academic performance of 20 nursing students during the pandemic. All students passed their courses, despite reporting moderate emotional loneliness and irritability, but minimal fear of COVID-19. Significant correlations were found between demographic factors and mental health indicators. The null hypothesis, suggesting no relationship between demographic factors and mental health, is void, as significant associations were identified. Recommendations include enhancing mental health support in nursing education to address these challenges.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the experiences of 20 nursing students from a government college in Leyte during the COVID-19 pandemic. Predominantly young women from rural, low-income backgrounds, these students faced challenges like poor internet access but successfully completed their academic requirements, showcasing resilience. While they reported low fear of COVID-19, moderate emotional loneliness and irritability indicated underlying mental health issues. The findings stress the need for educational institutions to provide mental health support and address the digital divide to enhance student well-being and success.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Statistics As Topic ; Psychological Well-being ; Indicators And Reagents ; Students, Nursing ; Suspensions ; Academic Performance ; Learning ; Pandemics ; Nursing ; Education, Nursing ; Covid-19 ; Mental Health

This study explores the impact of perceived stress on the academic performance of orthopaedic surgery residents in the Philippines. Conducted as a cross-sectional investigation, it involved 126 residents who participated in the 2024 Philippine Board of Orthopaedics In-Service Training Examination (ITE). Stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), while ITE scores served as the measure of academic performance. A significant negative correlation was identified between stress and academic performance (r = -0.3138, p = 0.00010). Residents experiencing high stress achieved lower scores (55.2%) compared to those with low to moderate stress (61.8%). Other demographic variables such as sex, age, marital status and type of training institution (public and private) were not significantly associated with stress level findings. On the other hand, key factors contributing to elevated stress included insufficient sleep (0–4 hours nightly; OR = 5.83, p = 0.0289) and limited awareness of mental health issues (OR = 13.34, p = 0.0014). These results highlight the pressing need for stress reduction initiatives, improved mental health education and strategies to address challenges posed by sleep deprivation and extensive work hours. This study provides a foundation for improving both academic outcomes and overall well-being in residency programs.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; World Health Organization ; Sleep Deprivation ; Internship And Residency ; Health Education ; Cross-sectional Studies ; Marital Status

BACKGROUND

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has instigated a profound public health crisis, particularly affecting professionals like dentists who, due to their close interaction with saliva—a potential viral reservoir—and the aerosols generated during specific procedures, face elevated risks of infection. To mitigate this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) have established guidelines for averting cross-infection in dental settings

OBJECTIVE

This study, conducted in an urbanized Metro Manila City, delves into the infection control practices of dentists amid the pandemic.

METHODS

Dentists from a Metro Manila city dental chapter were invited to participate in an online survey (Google Forms) consisting of participants' demographics, patient triage, engineering, administrative controls, disinfection personal hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and waste management practices. Descriptive statistics, employing frequency distributions and percentages, summarized the dentists' adherence to infection control protocols.

RESULTS

Out of forty-nine respondents (49), the majority (92%) provided their teams' orientation on COVID-19 infection control protocols before reopening. Notably, 57% deferred elective procedures and 43% postponed aerosolgenerating procedures (AGPs). Only 39% utilized rubber dam isolation during AGPs. Most respondents reported full implementation of recommended administrative controls during the pandemic, with 92% isolating their treatment areas from other parts of the clinic. Most respondents adopted high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration units (82%) as one of their clinic’s engineering controls, and an extraoral vacuum machine, accounting for 71% of the respondents. The most common disinfection product used by the participants was alcohol, which was at 94%. Additionally, over 90% adhered to all recommended hand hygiene practices for both dental staff and patients. For the waste management protocols, only 55% of the respondents have their infectious waste collected by third-party Treatment Storage and Disposal (TSD) facilities.

CONCLUSION

The data shows that with the guidelines posted by both the PDA and CDC, the city’s dental practitioners could still provide services to the community in the safest manner at the time by being updated and following the infection control practices suggested by both organizations. Although some areas could have been improved, such as third-party waste management and the utilization of RT-PCR testing, some of these problems could have been attributed to the lack of availability in their areas.

Public Health ; Philippines ; Interprofessional Education ; World Health Organization ; Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, U.s. ; Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (u.s.)

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the interplay of three Filipino cultural values—hiya (modesty/self-restraint), pakikisama (conflict-avoidance dimension of social harmony), and pakikipag-ugnayan (professional engagement, characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption)—among Generation Z nurses in Quezon City. Specifically, it assessed their levels, examined interrelationships through correlation and path analysis, and developed a framework to illustrate their influence on nursing practice. In the Filipino context, hiya encompasses both positive dimensions, such as conscientiousness, moral accountability, and social responsibility, and constraining dimensions, including excessive self-restraint, fear of criticism, and inhibition. Pakikisama, while fostering harmony, may discourage assertiveness and limit open communication. Pakikipag-ugnayan, conceptualized here as engagement, reflects dedication, vigor, and absorption, which are vital for performance, patient safety, and workforce retention.

METHODS

A descriptive–correlational design was utilized to assess the relationships among hiya, pakikisama, and pakikipag-ugnayan. Data were gathered through a structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising validated scales for each construct, distributed in online formats to accommodate participants’ availability and work schedules. The purposive sample consisted of 115 Filipino Generation Z nurses engaged in direct patient care in various healthcare facilities in Quezon City. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to summarize variable scores, Spearman’s rho to examine bivariate correlations, and path analysis to determine the direct and indirect effects among the variables. The results of the path analysis were used to develop a proposed framework illustrating the interplay of these cultural values in nursing practice.

RESULTS

Path analysis revealed distinct patterns in the interplay of hiya, pakikisama, and pakikipag-ugnayan among Generation Z nurses in Quezon City. Very high hiya scores (mean = 5.32) reflected both moral accountability and restraint-oriented tendencies. Despite these positive indicators, hiya showed a negative correlation with pakikipag-ugnayan, suggesting that its inhibiting side—marked by fear of criticism and avoidance of mistakes—may overshadow its constructive moral aspects. In contrast, the path analysis identified a moderate positive direct effect between hiya and pakikipag-ugnayan (β = 0.400, pCONCLUSION

Among Generation Z nurses, hiya demonstrates a dual role: while its ethical and conscientious aspects can strengthen pakikipag-ugnayan, its inhibiting side may suppress pakikipag-ugnayan. Pakikisama, operationalized as conflict avoidance and withholding dissent, emerged as a barrier to pakikipag-ugnayan by discouraging open communication. These findings informed the development of the Hiya–Pakikisama– Pakikipag-ugnayan Cultural Dynamics Framework, which illustrates how cultural values can simultaneously enable and constrain professional engagement. The framework has potential applications in nursing education and organizational practice, particularly in designing reflective learning, mentorship, and communication strategies that balance cultural sensitivity with assertiveness. Further validation across generations and healthcare settings is recommended to refine its applicability.

Human ; Weights And Measures ; Sensitivity And Specificity ; Retention (psychology) ; Education, Nursing ; Social Responsibility ; Appointments And Schedules ; Conflict (psychology)

BACKGROUND

Internationalization in medical education aims to align programs with global standards, foster intercultural competence, and expand academic collaboration. In private medical schools in Northern Luzon, clarifying how internationalization is conceptualized and enacted can enhance the medical curriculum.

OBJECTIVE

To explore how private medical schools in Northern Luzon conceptualize and implement internationalization, identify associated challenges, and propose curriculum inputs to enhance delivery of the medical curriculum.

METHODS

The qualitative study utilized a multiple case study design. The study was approved by the Saint Louis University Research Ethics Committee. Using purposive sampling, 45 participants from private institutions in Northern Luzon Philippines consented to engage in focus group discussions and in-depth interviews from February to April 2025. Data were analyzed through inductive content and thematic techniques.

RESULTS

Participants conceptualized internationalization as (1) alignment with international quality and practice standards; (2) global engagement and exchange encompassing knowledge, skills, culture, institutional networking, and collaboration; (3) inclusivity and multicultural responsiveness; and (4) pursuit of global recognition and accreditation. Implementation occurred via “internationalization at home” (embedding global perspectives in local learning environments), “internationalization abroad” (student/faculty mobility and external exposure), and alignment of philosophical and curricular frameworks. Reported challenges included institutional and curricular constraints, language and cultural barriers, sociocultural and financial limitations, and external/contextual pressures.

CONCLUSION

Addressing the identified barriers and scaling the documented practices can enhance the delivery of the medical curriculum. The study offers actionable curricular revisions that private institutions may adopt to strengthen internationalization in medical education.

Schools, Medical ; Reference Standards ; Mental Competency ; Education, Medical ; Case Reports ; Education ; Curriculum ; International Cooperation ; Cultural Competency

BACKGROUND

Burn injuries remain a significant global public health problem, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cases occur. Despite the importance of timely and appropriate first aid in reducing complications, community responses to burn injuries in many settings continue to rely on traditional or non-evidence-based practices.

OBJECTIVES

This qualitative phenomenological study explored community-based knowledge and responses related to the causes and first aid of burn injuries.

METHODS

The study involved ten (10) purposively selected informants residing in South Mangga Dua Urban Village, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was used.

RESULTS

Three (3) core domains were identified: (1) community perceptions of burn causes and classifications, (2) indigenous first aid practices used in domestic settings, and (3) sources of knowledge and information pathways related to burn first aid. Participants commonly attributed burns to incidents involving fire, hot liquids, and electrical faults. Their understanding of burn severity was limited to superficial assessments, with little awareness of clinical classifications. First aid responses were largely based on traditional practices such as the application of toothpaste, honey, or aloe vera, while evidencebased practices like using running water were rarely mentioned. Notably, most participants relied on familial teachings and informal community experiences as their primary sources of knowledge, with limited exposure to health professionals or verified media content.

CONCLUSION

Community knowledge is culturally rooted but misaligned with medical standards, potentially leading to unsafe practices. Culturally sensitive health education integrating traditional beliefs and accurate information is essential to improve outcomes in burn injury management.

Wounds And Injuries ; Residence Characteristics ; Public Health ; Mortality ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Income ; Financial Stress ; Burns ; Health Education ; Attitude ; First Aid ; Medicine ; Health Communication ; Urban Population

BACKGROUND

Continuing Medical Education (CME) serves as a cornerstone for maintaining clinical competence and improving patient care. In the Philippines, CME has become increasingly digital, with the UP Med Webinars emerging as a leading platform for physician education over the past decade. Despite this growth, there has been limited evaluation of how well these webinars align with national health priorities, particularly those reflected in PhilHealth hospital admissions and claims data, which provide insights into the country's disease burden and healthcare utilization patterns.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the extent to which the topics and reach of UP Med Webinars correspond with the Philippine health system’s most pressing clinical demands. Specifically, it aimed to analyze the trend in number of webinars by year; analyze the distribution of webinar topics by medical field; assess physician attendance as a proxy for clinical interest and engagement; evaluate the alignment between UP Med Webinar content and national health priorities based on PhilHealth’s top conditions, procedures, and reimbursed claims.

METHODS

The study used a qualitative content analysis of all Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited UP Med Webinars from 2015 to 2024, supported by descriptive statistics. Webinar titles were coded thematically and categorized by topic and medical field. Attendance figures were analyzed to identify high-demand topics. These results were compared with PhilHealth Claims Reports (2020–2024), focusing on the top reimbursed medical diagnoses and procedures, to assess alignment with disease burden and health service delivery trends. These findings can help inform strategic planning for CME programs to ensure they remain responsive to the country's evolving public health needs.

RESULTS

From 2015 to 2024, a total of 686 CPDaccredited UP Med Webinars were conducted, attended by 685,994 participants. The annual number of webinars and attendees steadily increased, peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022) with heightened demand for virtual CME and pandemic-related topics. Internal Medicine consistently emerged as the most frequently covered field, accounting for 54.1% of webinars and 48.8% of total attendance, followed by Obstetrics and Gynecology (14.4% of webinars; 19.6% of attendance) and Pharmacotherapeutics (6.0% of webinars; 6.9% of attendance). Certain fields, including COVID-19 and Psychiatry, attracted disproportionately high attendance despite fewer sessions, indicating strong interest during periods of public health urgency. The top 10 webinar topics included Diabetes, Pregnancy, Cancer, Hypertension, Reproductive Health, COVID-19, Heart Disease, Antimicrobial Treatment, Vertigo, and Vaccination, reflecting a mix of chronic disease management, maternal health, infectious diseases, and emergent health concerns.

Comparison with PhilHealth claims data (2020– 2024) revealed a high disease burden in Internal Medicine, Obstetrics, and Pediatrics, with top medical conditions including Pneumonia, Dengue, Hypertensive emergencies, and Stroke. These findings indicate a strong alignment between the most covered webinar topics and national healthcare utilization trends, particularly in high-burden clinical areas.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that the UP Med Webinars have generally aligned with national health priorities, as indicated by PhilHealth claims data, particularly in highburden fields such as Internal Medicine and Obstetrics. However, gaps in coverage for certain high-priority conditions and procedures point to opportunities for more inclusive and data-driven CME planning. Aligning CME content with evolving health system needs can enhance its relevance, support clinical practice improvements, and ultimately contribute to better population health outcomes in the Philippines.

Education, Medical, Continuing ; Medicine ; Health Priorities

BACKGROUND

Blended teaching and learning (BTL) integrates face-to-face and online learning environments to enhance flexibility and engagement for students and teachers. In recent years, BTL has been progressively adopted globally, with the Philippines aligning its implementation with the Commission on Higher Education guidelines. However, data regarding its utilization and effectiveness in the Philippine context, especially in health-allied education, remains limited. This study will provide valuable insights and aid future curriculum development and the improvement of BTL practices.

OBJECTIVES

This study will evaluate the quality of BTL implementation in the Interprofessional Education course (IPE) at the University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences (UST-CRS) during Academic Year 2025-2026 by assessing student satisfaction.

METHODS

The study will utilize an observational cross-sectional design to assess the satisfaction of third-year UST-CRS students enrolled in the IPE course during Academic Year 2025-2026. Total enumeration sampling will be used, with data being collected using the Blended Learning Delivery Assessment Tool (BLDAT). The recruitment and data gathering processes will be conducted online, with measures in place to ensure data privacy. Data gathered will be analyzed using descriptive statistics to examine satisfaction levels across the five dimensions of BTL as mentioned in the BLDAT.

EXPECTED RESULTS

This study will yield results regarding satisfaction with BTL implementation in the IPE course during Academic Year 2025-2026 among third-year UST-CRS students gathered using the BLDAT.

Human ; Interprofessional Education

Abstract Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is increasingly recognized as a vital, non-invasive tool for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its real-time assessment capabilities and patient comfort. However, the lack of standardized training pathways remains a significant barrier to its widespread adoption, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. This editorial evaluates the implementation of a mastery learning-based workshop in Indonesia designed to enhance IUS skills among physicians. The mastery learning framework—incorporating flipped learning, deliberate practice, and real-time feedback led to significant improvements in technical performance with large effect sizes. Despite these gains, only about two-thirds of participants achieved competency in sigmoid colon scanning, and only half met the standard for terminal ileum assessment. This suggests that while short-term intensive workshops are effective for early skill acquisition, they may be insufficient for ensuring consistent proficiency in technically demanding tasks. Mastery learning offers a structured and reproducible approach to gastroenterology procedural training. To translate these initial educational gains into durable clinical expertise, future programs should consider longitudinal curricula that include sustained practice, mentorship, and ongoing assessment.
Intestinal ultrasound ; mastery learning ; Inflammatory bowel disease ; medical education ; competency-based training ; gastroenterology