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A rigorous learning needs assessment (LNA) is a crucial initial step in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) process. This scoping review aimed to collate, summarize, and categorize the reported LNA approaches adopted to inform healthcare professional CPD and highlight the gaps for further research.In August 2020, nine bibliographic databases were searched for studies conducted with any health professional grouping, reporting the utilized LNA to inform CPD activities. Two reviewers independently screened the articles for eligibility and charted the data. A descriptive analytical approach was employed to collate, summarize, and categorize the literature.151 studies were included in the review; the majority adopted quantitative methods in the form of self-assessment surveys. Mixed-methods approaches were reported in only 35 studies. Descriptions of LNA development lacked detail of measures taken to enhance their rigor or robustness.These findings do not reflect recommendations offered by the CPD literature. Further investigations are required to evaluate more recently advocated LNA approaches and add to their limited evidence-base. Similarly, the existing support afforded to CPD developers warrants further study in order to identify the necessary resource, infrastructure and expertise essential to design and deliver effective CPD programs.

The need for continuing professional development (CPD) within the healthcare profession is well established. A rigorous learning need assessment (LNA) is a crucial initial step in the CPD process. Given the scarcity of the systematic and comprehensive approaches to the process of undertaking a LNA, this scoping review aims to collate the reported methods adopted for conducting a LNA in the context of health professional CPD. The authors searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, IPA, APA PsycArticles, and Google Scholar for English studies published from database inception until the end of August 2020. A manual search of the reference lists of the included studies was conducted. Two reviewers screened the articles for eligibility using the inclusion criteria. All authors extracted the key data and a narrative approach to synthesize the data was employed. We included 151 studies in the review. The majority of the studies adopted quantitative methods (85 studies; 56.3%). The most commonly used methods to investigate learning needs were surveys alone (81 studies; 53.6%). The majority of studies reported the needs assessment from the perspective of clinicians (144 studies 95.4%) and it was very rare that individual studies investigated the perspectives of more than one stakeholder. Methods of conducting LNA included assessment of various gaps (e.g. knowledge, skill) in the target audience. Self-assessment of knowledge was the most frequently assessed gap (65 studies; 43%). Majority of the studies provided some details describing how the findings of the learning needs assessment were used. The most commonly reported findings were to inform future CPD content and delivery. The findings from this study demonstrate the lack of published evidence of systematic and comprehensive approaches to LNA for the purpose of informing CPD for healthcare professionals. Future studies that aim for developing systemic LAN approaches are recommended.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prevalence of CVDs within the Gulf Cooperation Council, of which Qatar is a member country, is very high. In today's healthcare system, secondary prevention health management programs have become indispensable approaches for health promotion and disease prevention, because of their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and proven benefits in improving longevity and quality of life. In particular, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a well-established model of care for secondary prevention designed to reduce the burden associated with CVDs. Evidence suggests that CR is cost-effective and significantly reduces cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality in patients with CVDs. Despite this, CR remains largely underutilized, especially in the context of resource-limited countries, with higher income countries more likely to provide CR than lower income countries. Given the documented evidence of benefits, there is a need to increase the development and utilization of CR programs globally. This chapter presents a global overview of CR programs including their benefits, core components, structure and functions, and delivery. The chapter further discusses the role and values of pharmacists in CR programs with a focus on the State of Qatar. Finally, a description of the clinical pharmacy services and activities in a CR program using Qatar as a case study is presented. 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Scopus

Introduction: Continuing professional development activities should be designed to meet the identified personal goals of the learner. This article aims to explore the self-perceived competency levels and the professional educational needs of pharmacists in Qatar and to compare these with observations of pharmacy students undergoing experiential training in pharmacies (students) and pharmacy academics, directors, and managers (managers). Methods: Three questionnaires were developed and administered to practicing pharmacists, undergraduate pharmacy students who have performed structured experiential training rotations in multiple pharmacy outlets in Qatar and pharmacy managers. The questionnaires used items extracted from the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Professional competencies for Canadian pharmacists at entry to practice and measured self-and observed pharmacists� competency and satisfaction with competency level. Results: Training and educational needs were similar between the pharmacists and observers, although there was trend for pharmacists to choose more fact-intensive topics compared with observers whose preferences were toward practice areas. There was no association between the competency level of pharmacists as perceived by observers and as self-assessed by pharmacists (P ?.05). Pharmacists� self-assessed competency level was consistently higher than that reported by students (P ?.05). Discussion: The results suggest that the use of traditional triangulation might not be sufficient to articulate the professional needs and competencies of practicing pharmacists as part of a strategy to build continuing professional development programs. Pharmacists might have a limited ability to accurately self-assess, and observer assessments might be significantly different from self-assessments which present a dilemma on which assessment to consider closer to reality. The processes currently used to evaluate competence may need to be enhanced through the use of well-designed rubrics or other strategies to empower and to better inform respondents and subsequently improve their ability to self-assess their competencies. Scopus

Background Autism impacts the lives of the family looking after a child with the condition in different ways, and forces family members to modify their daily lives to suit their reality. To our knowledge, no previous research investigated concern and considerations of parents/caregivers of children with autism in Qatar or the Arabic speaking Middle Eastern region. Methods Caregivers of a child who was between the age of 3 to17 years old at the time of the study and who was diagnosed with ASD (Autistic Group or AG) were recruited from the two main developmental pediatric and children rehabilitation clinics in Qatar. The control group (non-autism group, or NAG) was represented by caregivers of a non-autistic child between the age of 3 to 17 years old at the time of the study and who were visiting a family clinic of a primary health care facility for routine medical check-up. Data collected from both groups included related to the child (e.g. the child’s date of birth, his/her relation to the caregiver, number of siblings, number of hours of sleep in a day, number of hours spent watching television or videos prior to age 3, time spent indoors prior to age 3, absenteeism from school, and use of a nanny to care for the child) and to the caregiver (education level, profession, level of consanguinity using the phylogram method). In addition to these questions, caregivers in the AG were asked specific questions around maternal concern and considerations in respect to the future of their children and the specialized services they receive. Results Children in the autism group spent more time indoors, watching television, or sleeping than children in the non-autism group. Only around 40% of caregivers in the autism group said they would encourage their child to get married and become a parent when s/he grows up. A number of caregivers of children with autism frequently utilize specialized rehabilitation services; others did express their needs for these services and made comments about having to wait a long time before they were provided with some of the services. Religious faith helped caregivers in accepting having a child with autism. General health-related quality of life did not differ significantly between the caregivers of the two groups, although mental health was consistently poorer in the autism group of caregivers. Conclusions The study draws attention to the concerns of the families of children with autism and their expectations about the future of their children. The findings can be used by policy makers in planning services to support these families in Qatar.

Introduction: Caring for a child diagnosed with autism could affect the quality of life of the caregiver in various different ways. No previous research has assessed the quality of lives of caregivers of children with autism in Qatar. Methods: Caregivers of a child with autism between 3 and 17 years old were recruited from child rehabilitation clinics in Qatar. The non-autism group was represented by caregivers of a typically growing child visiting a primary health care facility for a routine medical examination. Data collected from both groups included demographic and quality of life information for caregivers. Results: A total of 98 participants consented to take part in the study. Fifty-six of these were caregivers of a child with autism and 42 were caregivers of a typically growing child. There was no significant difference between quality of life domains between the two groups of caregivers, but caregivers of autistic children rated their health as poor and likely to get worse (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study provided some evidence for the impact of caring for a child with autism on the life of the caregiver. The findings should help health policy-makers in Qatar to provide better and more focused support to children with autism and their caregivers.

Background In Qatar, home diagnostic tests are available over the counter in community pharmacies. While possibly beneficial, these tests have the potential for harm if they are used in the absence of pharmacist counseling. Objectives To determine the public views, level of awareness and use of home diagnostic tests and to evaluate the extent of community pharmacists’ involvement in educating the public about these tests in Qatar. Setting Qatar’s Supreme Council of Health lists 245 community pharmacies in Qatar. Ten community pharmacies were randomly selected from the list as study sites. Method The investigators visited selected pharmacies on different weekdays and at different times of the day. Members of the public who appeared to be over 16 years of age and able to communicate in English or Arabic were randomly approached, provided with the study objectives, and requested to participate. Those who offered oral consent were anonymously interviewed using a multipart survey. Main outcome measures Measures include the public awareness and use of home diagnostic tests and the extent of community pharmacist involvement in educating the public about these tests. Results During the 5-month study period, 297 patients answered the survey (60 % response rate). Most respondents were aware of at least one home diagnostic test (98 %). The top four home diagnostic tests that the respondents had ever heard of included: thermometers (91 %), blood pressure monitors (91 %), blood sugar tests (86 %) and regular pregnancy tests (72 %). Seventy-one percent of respondents had performed at least one home diagnostic test. When asked about the factors that influenced their choice of the home diagnostic tests, the pharmacist was only cited by 7 % of respondents. The majority of respondents (>80 %) agreed that using a home diagnostic test is convenient, comfortable and helps them in early diagnosis and treatment of healthcare conditions. Only 31 % agreed that the pharmacist offered sufficient information on what to do in case the test result turns to be positive. The study results suggest that generally, the public has good attitudes and awareness of home diagnostic tests. However, the results indicate that Qatar community pharmacists are not sufficiently involved in public education about home diagnostic tests. Pharmacists should take a more active role in counseling the public on the proper use of these tests.

Background and Objectives: Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of various diseases including renal injury. Curcumin has been shown to exert antioxidant activity in various experimental models. Thus, the objectives of this study are to standardize and establish an in vitro model of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced renal cell injury using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293), and to evaluate the cytoprotective role and antioxidant properties of curcumin against the established in vitro model. Methods: HEK293 cells were incubated at 37°C with different concentrations of H₂O₂ (ranging from 100 µM to 100 mM) over 15-45 minutes. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion assay using a hemocytometer to select an optimal concentration of H₂O₂ for our study. Cells were then divided into four different groups: control, H₂O₂-treated, curcumin-treated, and curcumin + H₂O₂ treated. The cytoprotective role and antioxidant properties of curcumin were assessed by measuring cell viability and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (using native gel electrophoresis) respectively. Results: Compared to the control, 2.5 mM H₂O₂ treatment in HEK293 cells caused a significant decrease in cell viability (98.55% vs. 68.8% respectively; P value

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects children at around the age of 3 years old and last throughout the person's lifetime. ASD imposes great burden on the family, and forces family members to considerably modify their daily lives to suit their reality with autistic child(ren). To our knowledge, no previous research assessed the burden of ASD on the lives of parents/caregivers of autistic children in Qatar or the Gulf region. Methods: Caregivers of a child with autism between 3–17 years were recruited from children rehabilitation clinics. The control group was represented by caregivers of a typically-growing child visiting a primary health care facility for a routine medical examination. Data collected from both groups included demographic information of caregivers and children and quality of life information. The Lebanese Arabic version of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life. Results: Children in the AG spent more time indoors, watching TV, or sleeping than...

Background: Caring for a child diagnosed with autism is strongly linked to maternal caregiving burden. It forces family members to modify their daily lives to suit their different reality and it imposes social, psychological, and economical hardships. No previous research has assessed the burden associated with caring for a child with autism on the lives of caregivers in Qatar or the Gulf country region. Objective: To assess the burden of autism on the lives of caregivers of children with autism in Qatar. Methods: Two groups of caregivers of children between 3 to 17 years old were recruited. The caregivers of children with autism (Autistic Group, or AG) were recruited from two developmental pediatric and children rehabilitation clinics in Qatar. The caregivers of typically-growing children (Non-Autistic Group, or NAG) were recruited during their visit for a family clinic of a primary health care facility for routine medical check-up. Data collected from both groups included demographic informatio...

Background: Caring for an autistic child places significant stress on the lives of family members. To date, no study has evaluated how looking after a child with autism affects quality of life (QoL) of caregivers in Qatar or the Gulf country region. Our study is aimed at quantifying the health-related QoL of caregivers of children with autism in Qatar. Methods: We recruited two groups of caregivers of children between 3 to17 years old. The first group was formed of caregivers of children with autism from two developmental paediatric rehabilitation clinics, and the second group was formed of caregivers of typically-growing children and who were visiting a family clinic for routine medical check-up. Demographic information of all caregivers and children were collected. The Arabic version of the Short Form-36 (SF-36), which is a generic type questionnaire, was administered to caregivers in both groups to assess QoL. Results: A total of 98 participants consented to take part in the study. 56 were car...