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Kitchuk comments on ways in which identity threats and identity safety impact 'belongingness' for diverse students, highlighting that there remains need to further explore what is meant by belonging and the effects this has on students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many medical students may encounter a range of academic and personal challenges during their course of study, but very little is known about their experiences. Our aim was to review the literature to inform future scholarship and to inform policy change. Methods: A scoping review was conducted searching PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, British Education Index, Web of Science and ERIC for English language primary research with no date limits. This retrieved 822 papers of which eight met the requirements for inclusion in the review. Data were independently reviewed by two researchers and underwent thematic analysis by the research team. Results: Three major themes emerged. Theme 1: 'Identity preservation' addressed students' aim to preserve their sense of self in the face of academic difficulty and their tendency to seek support. This connected the apprehension many students expressed about their educational institutions to Theme 2: 'The dual role of the medical school'—medical schools are required to support struggling students but are predominantly seen as a punitive structure acting as the gatekeeper to a successful career in medicine. Students' apprehension and attempts to protect their identities within this complex landscape often resulted in 'maladaptive coping strategies' (Theme 3). Conclusion: Understanding and exploring the academic challenges faced by medical students through their own experiences highlight the need for the development of more individualised remediation strategies. Educators may need to do more to bridge the gap between students and institutions. There is a need to build trust and to work with students to enhance their sense of self and remediate approaches to engagement with learning, rather than focusing efforts on success in assessments and progression. Kirtchuk et al review qualitative studies of students' experiences with academic challenges. Their results highlight a need for institutions to build students' trust, enhance their self‐esteem, and improve engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This case series describes use of the Acurate Neo transcatheter aortic valve in patients with symptomatic severe native aortic regurgitation (AR). TAVI is not currently mentioned in either the European Society of Cardiology or American College of Cardiology guidance for management of severe symptomatic AR. There are no randomised trials comparing the outcomes of patients with pure severe AR treated with a TAVI valve vs surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR).Method: We present a case series of four patients with isolated AR treated using the Acurate Neo valve (Boston Scientific). Each case had been turned down for sAVR but deemed suitable for TAVI after review at the structural heart multi-disciplinary team meeting. TAVI implantation was successful in each case with reduction or resolution of their AR and improved cardiac haemodynamics.Results: Three of the patients had significant symptomatic improvement, one had limited symptomatic improvement despite resolution of her AR on aortogram post TAVI.Conclusion: Our case series adds to the growing literature that TAVI is a viable option for patients with pure AR but further long-term follow-up is required to assess the longevity and robustness of the valves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background COVID-19 poses many challenges to healthcare systems and workers. Responding to medical emergencies in patients with suspected COVID-19 will require new guidelines and protocols. Simulation can support their development. Methods We organised seven simulations involving patients with suspected COVID-19 for staff at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals. Participants completed pre- and postsimulation questionnaires. Results Fifty-six staff participated and they reported being significantly less prepared to respond to an emergency in a patient with suspected COVID-19 than in one in whom it is not suspected. The simulations significantly improved the participants' confidence in responding to emergencies in patients with suspected COVID-19. Numerous challenges were identified along the themes of equipment, personnel, communication and procedures. Conclusions Low-fidelity simulation can provide relevant and timely information on how prepared health systems and their workforce are to respond to emergencies. We urge NHS trusts nationally to implement simulations to identify problems and develop effective solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]