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Community college (CC) has traditionally existed as a bridge between high school and a four-year, baccalaureate-awarding, university. With the ever-increasing number of CCs present in the United States and the rising numbers of applicants to medical school, there will inevitably be a substantial proportion of future physicians who have attended CC. Based on previous research, we surveyed the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine (UCISOM) student body to assess how many students had attended CC, when and why they attended, and if they intended to practice with underserved communities in the future. A total of 30 (28.6%) of the 105 survey respondents attended CC prior to medical school. Those students cited Academic Flexibility, Financial Reasons/Affordability, and the inability to enroll in a particular course at their four-year institutions as the top three reasons for attending CC. Ten of those students (30%) reported they were informed that attending CC would negatively impact their medical school application. Older students were more likely to attend CC, and there was no statistically significant correlation between CC attendance and the number of times one applied to medical school or between CC attendance and gender, race, ethnicity, and intention to practice in underserved communities. This article highlights the understanding of the effects of CC attendance on medical school admissions while comparing our sample of 105 UCISOM students to previous research studies.

Introduction: We examined the impact of a geriatric consult program in the emergency department (ED) and an ED observation geriatric care unit (GCU) setting on hospital admission rates for older ED patients.Methods: We performed a retrospective case control study from June 1–August 31, 2019 (pre-program) to September 24, 2019–January 31, 2020 (post-program). Post-program geriatric consults were readily available in the ED and required in the GCU setting. Hospital admission rates (outcome) are reported for patients who received a geriatric consult evaluation (intervention). We analyzed probability of admission using a mixed-effects logistic regression model that included age, gender, recent ED visit, Charlson Comorbidity Index, referral to ED observation, and geriatric consult evaluation as predictor variables.Results: A total of 9,663 geriatric ED encounters occurred, 4,042 pre-program and 5,621 post-program. Overall, ED admission rates for geriatric patients were similar pre- and post-program (44.8% vs 43.9%, P = 0.39). Of 243 geriatric consults, 149 (61.3%) occurred in the GCU. Overall admission rates post-program for patients receiving geriatric intervention were significantly lower compared to pre-program (23.4% vs 44.9%, P < 0.001). Post-program GCU hospital admission rates were significantly lower than pre-program ED observation unit admission rates (14/149, 9.4%, vs 111/477, 23.3%, P < 0.001). In the logistic regression model, admissions post-program were lower when a geriatric consult evaluation occurred (odds ratio [OR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–0.83). Hospital admissions for older ED observation patients were also significantly decreased when a geriatric consult was obtained (GCU vs pre-program ED observation unit; OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.14–0.50).Conclusion: Geriatric consult evaluations were associated with significantly lower rates of hospital admission and persisted when controlled for age, gender, comorbidities, and ED observation unit placement. This model may allow healthcare systems to decrease potentially avoidable hospital admission rates in older ED patients.

Substance use is a significant factor associated with new arrests, detentions and compulsory admissions for patients in forensic assertive community teams (FACT). To enhance community tenure for forensic patients and facilitate their sustainable integration into society, a treatment that offers a community-based alternative to admission following substance use was developed. In this paper, the development of the project, FENIX + is described along with the reporting of a pilot study of all included patients during 12 months (N = 24). Recidivism risk and community integration were assessed utilizing the Short-Term Risk Assessment and Treatability (START) as well as the Measurements in Addiction for Triage and Evaluation (MATE) scales. The included patients avoided 60% of admissions, exhibited positive changes in their desire for assistance, and successfully reduced their risk of recidivism. By accessing the community-based alternative, they were able to delay admissions effectively. These promising results suggest that a community-based treatment could benefit patients at risk of reoffending following substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with a penicillin allergy label are at risk of an associated increase in adverse antibiotic events and hospitalization costs. Aim: We aimed to study the economic savings derived from the correct diagnosis and delabeling inpatients with suspected beta-lactam allergy, considering the acquisition cost of antimicrobials prescribed during a patient's hospital stay. Method: We prospectively evaluated patients admitted to the University Hospital of Salamanca who had been labeled as allergic to beta-lactams and performed a delabeling study. Subsequently, cost differences between antibiotics administered before and after the allergy study and those derived from those patients who received alternative antibiotics during admission and those who switched to beta-lactams after the allergy study were calculated. Results: One hundred seventy-seven inpatients labeled as allergic to beta-lactams underwent a delabeling study; 34 (19.2%) were confirmed to have allergy to beta-lactams. Of the total number of patients, 136 (76.8%) received antibiotics during their hospitalization, involving a mean (SD) cost of €203.07 (318.42) and a median (IQR) cost of €88.97 (48.86–233.56). After delabeling in 85 (62.5%) patients, the antibiotic treatment was changed to beta-lactams. In this group of patients, the mean cost (SD) decreased from €188.91 (351.09) before the change to 91.31 (136.07) afterward, and the median cost (IQR) decreased from €72.92 (45.82–211.99) to €19.24 (11.66–168). The reduction was significant compared to the median cost of patients whose treatment was not changed to beta-lactams (p<0.001). Conclusion: Delabeling hospitalized patients represents a cost-saving measure for treating patients labeled as allergic to beta-lactams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the UK's stratified HE system the question of who is able to access the most selective and prestigious universities is fraught with issues of fairness. This paper explores how decision‐makers in Oxford's undergraduate admissions process construct norms of fairness and how such norms inform their reflexive considerations and actions around admissions decisions. Framing such norms as multiple institutional habituses, the paper considers how decision‐makers compromise and negotiate between institutional habituses in tension. Further, it presents an augmented conception of institutional habitus – the relational institutional habitus – which offers a conceptual tool to make sense of the existence of multiple contested institutional norms and their partial and fragile reconciliation in institutional action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A severe staff shortage and a dearth of professionals from underrepresented backgrounds in the public health workforce are contributing to poor health outcomes in the United States. Schools and programs can mitigate these problems by admitting more graduate public health students overall and from underrepresented backgrounds. We identified predictors of foundational graduate public health course grades and graduate grade point average (GPA), sharing evidence to remove application factors that are admission barriers and do not predict student outcomes. Methods: We conducted a linear regression analysis on demographic and academic factors from 564 graduate public health applications for students at the University at Buffalo who received their degree from January 1, 2016, to February 1, 2021, analyzing age, race and ethnicity, sex, income, undergraduate degree, verbal and quantitative Graduate Record Examination (GRE) percentiles, and undergraduate GPA. Outcomes were grades in foundational public health courses and cumulative graduate GPA. Results: Undergraduate GPA was the best predictor of graduate public health student success, explaining nearly 7% of foundational public health course grades and 29% of graduate GPA. Higher undergraduate GPA contributed to higher course grades and graduate GPA. GRE scores explained <1% of student outcomes. Conclusions: Our findings add to the growing body of research showing that standardized test scores may not predict graduate student outcomes and provide further evidence for the field of public health to consider removing this admission barrier. By doing so, institutions could admit more students to graduate public health programs who can bring needed skills to the market, further diversifying the workforce and public health faculty, to better meet population health needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Physical therapist (PT) education professionals agree on promoting holistic admissions practices to increase student body diversity but lack consensus about what factors in an application should be part of this process. This systematic literature review aimed to understand the value of noncognitive variables in PT education admissions. Methods: The initial literature search identified 1,592 articles in databases and relevant journals. Of the 39 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 29 reported on noncognitive variables. Results: Commonly used noncognitive variables (interviews, written essays, letters of recommendation, and clinical experiences) were insignificant or inconsistently associated with performance in the PT program or on the National Physical Therapy Examination. Sociodemographic variables appeared to negatively affect the academic qualifications of applicants who were older, identified with underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, and reported English as a second language. Finally, 5 studies identified personal attributes, such as emotional intelligence and grit, as having a significant relationship with successful student outcomes. Discussion and conclusion: Cognitive variables should serve as only one of several factors considered in admissions to achieve a more diverse class of students. Physical therapist education programs may use this evidence to reevaluate their admissions practices to include a balanced consideration of cognitive and noncognitive variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Physical therapist (PT) education programs seek to identify applicants who will be academically successful in the program and pass the licensure examination. Part one of this systematic literature review aimed to understand the value of cognitive variables in PT education admissions. Methods: The initial literature search identified 1,592 articles in databases and relevant journals. Of the 39 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 31 reported on cognitive measures. Results: Seven studies identified one or more sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as significant predictors of students' academic performance in PT programs. Ten studies reported that one or more sections of the GRE predicted National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) performance, wheres 4 studies found no significant relationship. Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) predicted academic performance in the PT program and on the NPTE in more than 10 studies, whereas 4 found no significant relationship. Other components of the academic record, such as prerequisite course grades, undergraduate institution quality, undergraduate degree, and retaking prerequisite courses, had varying relationships with academic and NPTE performance. Discussion and conclusion: These outcomes appear to inform the policies and processes for admissions into PT education programs, evidenced by customary use of applicants' GRE scores and GPAs in admission decisions. The inclusion of both cognitive measures in admission decisions may help ensure that admitted students successfully manage the academic rigor of doctoral education and pass the NPTE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to prepare health professions admissions applications is increasing. These tools can improve writing significantly but raise ethical concerns about application authenticity. Purpose: This scoping review explored the literature on use of AI by applicants applying to health professions programs and by admission reviewers. Methods: Following Joanna Briggs Institute and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, a search was conducted in multiple databases, which identified 1706 citations. After screening, 18 articles were included. Results: Articles included in the review focused on the (1) use of AI to screen applicants or predict ranking and interview invitations, (2) ethical implications of AI-generated personal statements, (3) potential to detect AI-generated applications, and (4) use of AI to write or analyze letters of reference. Conclusions: AI tools can enhance the efficiency of the admissions review process, but clear guidelines are required to address ethical issues. Further research is needed, particularly in nursing education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Introduction.: In contrast to the increased diversity of the US population, historically excluded racial and ethnic groups remain underrepresented in the physical therapist profession. As decision-makers, faculty exert direct influence on enrollment through evaluating applications and determining which applicants are deserving of admission to physical therapist programs. Review of Literature.: Faculty decision-making in admissions is a cultural process which can reproduce inequities and perpetuate underrepresentation if faculty fail to recognize systemic disparities in legitimized forms of merit. No studies within physical therapist education have directly investigated faculty habitus and patterns of thought and behavior which reinforce admissions decision-making. The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of faculty habitus which influence judgments of admission merit and equity in US physical therapist education programs. Subjects.: Sixteen physical therapy faculty across 3 physical therapist education programs. Methods.: Using interpretative research methodology and a constructivist approach, semistructured interviews were conducted with each participant. Faculty social actions were also observed during field observations. Thematic analysis using Bourdieu's social reproduction theory was used for coding and establishment of themes. Results.: Two predominant patterns of faculty habitus with corresponding themes emerged from the data: Transformative habitus oriented faculty toward a sense of responsibility to promote equity, construct a more contextualized understanding of merit, and formulate compelling applicant storylines; gatekeeping habitus positioned faculty to support a meritocratic process, reinforce traditional notions of academic rigor, and support the necessity of adjusting standards to address underrepresentation. Discussion and Conclusion.: Findings revealed contrasting patterns of faculty habitus which legitimized certain criteria, knowledge, and experiences on which decisions of merit were based. Attention to the individual dispositions of faculty decision-makers in addition to criteria and processes used in holistic review may shape equitable access to physical therapist education programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Palliative care evolution focuses on education and medication accessibility. As little as 12% of palliative care needs are met. Assessment of the domains of Palliative care and patients’ and families’ experience are essential in life-limiting conditions. The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), have the National Cancer Centre without offering palliative care services. Aim The aim was to examine pattern of admissions and needs assessment for palliative services among patients admitted into LUTH wards. Materials and method Responses were entered into a data sheet inputted into Epi info version 7.2. Descriptive characteristics of the participants were presented as frequencies and percentages for age, sex, pattern of disease, domains of Palliative care, Advance care Plan, Preparation for home care, death and Education about the illness and category of medical conditions (palliative and non-palliative conditions). Together for Short Lives (TfSL) tool was used to categorize respondents’ conditions into Palliative and Non-palliative conditions. Chi-square test was used to determine association between independent variables (pattern of diagnoses, stage of disease, advanced care plan, preparation for home care/ death and education on illness) and dependent variables (category of medical condition). Chi-square test was also used to explore the association between specialty of the managing doctor (independent variable) and Advance care plan (dependent variable). The level of statistical significance was P-value

Objective: To describe the pattern of morbidity and mortality as seen at the Emergency Paediatric Unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. Methods: A retrospective study in which records of admissions over a two-year period were obtained from the medical and ward records. Information retrieved included age, sex, diagnosis, duration of stay in the unit and outcome. Results: A total of 3,261 patients aged between 29 days and 16 years were admitted into the Children Emergency Room during the period. Of these, 1,835 (56.3%) were males while 1,426 (43.7%) were females. The total number of underfives admitted was 2,289 (70.2% of total admissions). The major causes of admission were malaria (44.4%), respiratory tract infections (17.8%) and gastroenteritis with moderate or severe dehydration (10.1%). There were 992 (30.4%) discharges while 2,126 (65.2%) were transferred tothe paediatric wards for further management. One hundred and forty-three (4.4%) patients died during the period with over 80% being children five years or less. Severe malaria accounted for the largest number of deaths (29.4%) in the unit, followed by meningitis (16.9%) and septicaemia (15.4%) with over 80% of the deaths being from infectious diseases. Conclusion: Infectious diseases are still the major causes of morbidity and mortality especially in underfives in our locality. The role of environmental sanitation, health education and good nutrition in the health of the child must be brought to the fore. The nation's immunisation schedule should include vaccines against infectious organisms like Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae which are major causes of pneumonia and meningitis in childhood. Also, a boost in the coverage of our health insurance scheme would be a step in the right direction.

Objectives: To determine the causes of hospitalization and outcome of children with sickle cell disorders at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Methods: Case files of patients with sickle cell disease who were admitted between March 2009 and February 2012 were analysed. Data extracted include demographic variables, diagnoses, types of crises, associated infections, complications and outcome of treatment. Results: There were 174 admissions of 161 children with a male female ratio of 1.3:1. Their ages ranged from nine months to 18 years with a mean of 7.3(4.0) years. Vasoocclusive crisis was present in 107 (61.5%), hyper haemolytic crisis in 29 (16.7%) and acute splenic sequestration in 12 (6.9 %) of all admissions. Associated infections were septicaemia in 56 (32.2 %), malaria in 49 (28.2 %), acute osteomyelitis in 24 (13.8%), pneumonia in 23 (13.2%), urinary tract infection in 12 (6.9%) and septic arthritis in 10 (5.7%). Haematocrit was less than 15 % in 36 (20.7%) and blood transfusion administered in 68 (39.1%) of admissions. There were three (1.7%) deaths from cerebrovascular accident, adverse reaction to blood transfusion and meningitis. Conclusion: Prevention and prompt management of crises and infections in sickle cell disease is recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Objective: To describe the pattern and outcome of childhood illnesses seen in a paediatric emergency ward of a tertiary centre in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Methods: Admission records of all children seen in the Children’s Emergency Ward (CHEW) between the 1st of January 2008 and 31st of December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed and analysed. Results: A total of 1756 children were admitted into the emergency ward over a four year period (1st January 2008 to 31st December 2011). The age range was one month o 18 years with a mean of 36.6 months. There was a male preponderance with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1. Majority, 1386 (78.9%) of the patients were below the age of five years. The mean duration of stay was 2.2 days. The major causes of admission were malaria, 562 (32.0%), diarrhoeal disease 389 (22.2%), respiratory tract infections 162 (9.2%) and anaemic heart failure 112(6.4%). Peak admissions period and mortality were in the months of January, May and December. There were 799 transfers, 710 discharges, 94 discharges against medical advice and 20 referrals. Over the period, 133 children died giving a mortality rate of 7.6%. Major causes of mortality were anaemic heart failure 32(24.1%), malaria 26 (19.6%), septicaemia 17 (12.8%) and diarrhoeal disease 15 (11.3%). Conclusions: Infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the study environment with the under-fives being the most vulnerable.

Background: Palliative care evolution focuses on education and medication accessibility. As little as 12% of palliative care needs are met. Assessment of the domains of Palliative care and patients' and families' experience are essential in life-limiting conditions. The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), have the National Cancer Centre without offering palliative care services. Aim: The aim was to examine pattern of admissions and needs assessment for palliative services among patients admitted into LUTH wards. Materials and method: Responses were entered into a data sheet inputted into Epi info version 7.2. Descriptive characteristics of the participants were presented as frequencies and percentages for age, sex, pattern of disease, domains of Palliative care, Advance care Plan, Preparation for home care, death and Education about the illness and category of medical conditions (palliative and non-palliative conditions). Together for Short Lives (TfSL) tool was used to categorize respondents' conditions into Palliative and Non-palliative conditions. Chi-square test was used to determine association between independent variables (pattern of diagnoses, stage of disease, advanced care plan, preparation for home care/ death and education on illness) and dependent variables (category of medical condition). Chi-square test was also used to explore the association between specialty of the managing doctor (independent variable) and Advance care plan (dependent variable). The level of statistical significance was P-value < 0.05. Results: 80.6% of the respondents had palliative care conditions, 83.7% had family members as their caregiver while 13.2% of the participants had no caregiver and 65.9% had no advance care plan. There was no preparation for home care or death in 72.1%, 70.5% had education about their illness, and 68.2% were in the advanced stage of their disease. Participants attending the surgery non-trauma unit (51.6%) were more likely to have advance care plans. Adults were more likely to have palliative care conditions (79.8%) compared to children (20.2%), and was statistically significant. Conclusion: Majority of the participants need palliative care services but are unavailable and unmet and the most predominant condition was cancer. Majority had no advance care plan or preparation for home care or death despite having advanced stage of the disease. This survey emphasized the need for symptom management, communication and provision of support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many medical schools utilize the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) to help select a diverse student body, we know little about MMI assessors' roles. Do MMI assessors carry unique insights on widening access (WA) to medical school? Herein we discuss the hidden expertise and insights that assessors contribute to the conversation around WA. Ten MMI assessors (1-10 years' experience) participated in semi-structured interviews exploring factors influencing equitable medical school recruitment. Given their thoughtfulness during initial interviews, we invited them for follow-up interviews to gain further insight into their perceived role in WA. Fourteen interviews were conducted and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Assessors expressed concerns with diversity in medicine; dissatisfaction with the status quo fueled their contributions to the selection process. Assessors advocated for greater diversity among the assessor pool, citing benefits for all students, not only those from underrepresented groups. They noted that good intentions were not enough and that medical schools can do more to include underrepresented groups' perspectives in the admissions process. Our analysis reveals that MMI assessors are committed to WA and make thoughtful contributions to the selection process. A medical school selection process, inclusive of assessors' expertise is an important step in WA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to characterize risk factors and groups at risk among people with diabetes and prediabetes for increased hospital utilization. Electronic health records for all people who visited the emergency department (ED) and had type II diabetes mellitus (PWD) or prediabetes (PWPD) were collected. ED use, hospital admissions, demographics, and clinical characteristics were compared between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the odds of ED high utilization (HU) (3+ visits per year) and hospital admissions between PWD and PWPD with interactions for socioeconomic status, race, marital status, and total comorbidities. PWD had higher mean ED visits per year compared with PWPD (1.5 vs. 1.2) and were more likely to be admitted (57.3% vs. 34.9%). PWD had higher odds of ED HU (2.1 [1.6, 2.7]) and hospital admissions (1.9 [1.6, 2.1]). Among PWD, Black, not married, and those with more than one comorbidity had the highest odds of ED HU. Among PWPD, those of low SES, Black, and divorced had the higher odds of ED HU. Hospital admissions were a risk for PWD and PWPD with increasing comorbidities. Early recognition and identification of prediabetes and clear criteria for diagnosis could reduce ED visits and hospital admissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article sets out and critically analyses the state of current knowledge on Widening Participation at higher education institutions in Scotland and sets forth avenues for further research. Through a semi‐systematic review of the literature, six discrete but overlapping themes relating to Widening Participation are identified, namely, (1) factors affecting the decision to apply to university, (2) the transition from high school or further education into university, (3) contextualised admissions, (4) completion and level of attainment, (5) economic, social and cultural capital and (6) equality, diversity and inclusion. The study finds that while clear progress has been made by higher education institutionstowards achieving quantitative government targets for student recruitment from underrepresented groups, there is an absence of studies and knowledge about the qualitative lived experiences of students as they transition through university, how students negotiate a sense of fit with institutional systems, and what targeted supports they may require to succeed. Avenues for further research which addresses these gaps in the knowledge base are put forward, namely, (1) broaden the academic base and interdisciplinarity of Widening Participation research, (2) reform and extend measures of success beyond admissions and attainment, (3) evolve institutional level support for transition into higher education, (4) develop more nuanced understandings of contextualised admissions and (5) investigate and gain deeper understandings of how the lived experiences of Widening Participation students shape and inform their journey through, experience of and attainment at university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate a strategy designed to optimize care and increase uptake of urate-lowering therapy (ULT) during hospitalizations for gout flares. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate a strategy that combined optimal in-hospital gout management with a nurse-led, follow-up appointment, followed by handover to primary care. Outcomes, including ULT initiation, urate target attainment and re-hospitalization rates, were compared between patients hospitalized for flares in the 12 months post-implementation and a retrospective cohort of hospitalized patients from 12 months pre-implementation. Results One hundred and nineteen and 108 patients, respectively, were hospitalized for gout flares in the 12 months pre- and post-implementation. For patients with 6-month follow-up data available (n  = 94 and n  = 97, respectively), the proportion newly initiated on ULT increased from 49.2% pre-implementation to 92.3% post-implementation (age/sex-adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 11.5; 95% CI 4.36, 30.5; P  < 0.001). After implementation, more patients achieved a serum urate ≤360 μmol/l within 6 months of discharge (10.6% pre-implementation vs 26.8% post-implementation; aOR 3.04; 95% CI 1.36, 6.78; P  = 0.007). The proportion of patients re-hospitalized for flares was 14.9% pre-implementation vs 9.3% post-implementation (aOR 0.53; 95% CI 0.22, 1.32; P  = 0.18). Conclusion Over 90% of patients were initiated on ULT after implementing a strategy to optimize hospital gout care. Despite increased initiation of ULT during flares, recurrent hospitalizations were not more frequent following implementation. Significant relative improvements in urate target attainment were observed post-implementation; however, for the majority of hospitalized gout patients to achieve urate targets, closer primary–secondary care integration is still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Admission to selective colleges has grown more competitive, yielding student bodies that are unrepresentative of the U.S. population. Admission officers report using sorting (e.g., GPA, standardized tests) and concertedly cultivated (e.g., extracurricular activities) and ascriptive status (e.g., whether an applicant identifies as a member of a racially minoritized group) criteria to make decisions. Using latent class analysis, we identified three groupings of institutions based on the admission criteria they claim to value. Public institutions largely practiced a "coarse sieve" approach that relied on sorting criteria. Some private institutions practiced "fine sieve" admissions by emphasizing concertedly cultivated and ascriptive status criteria. A few privates employed the "double sieve" that combined sorting and concertedly cultivated criteria. Results illuminate the shape of the admissions sieve, identifying institutional contexts that inform the admissions practices selective colleges claim to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: To establish the hospital visit history of patients who die with alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD). To determine if patients with ArLD present to hospital early or in the terminal phase of their disease. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients with a history of ArLD who died as an inpatient at three tertiary Western Australian hospitals from February 2015 to February 2017. Hospital records were reviewed to identify the number and cause of emergency department (ED), inpatient and outpatient attendances in all Western Australian public hospitals in the 10 years prior to death. Results: One hundred fifty‐nine patients (23% female) had a total of 753 ED, 3535 outpatient appointments, 1602 hospital admissions and 10 755 admission days. Twelve months prior to death, 82% of patients had a public hospital contact and 74% an admission. Patients who had their first hospital contact within 12 months prior to death were significantly more likely to have a liver‐related cause of death (P < 0.01). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients (15% of cohort) died at a significantly younger age (M = 49.2, SD = 10.5 years) than non‐Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients (M = 59.9, SD = 10.2 years, P < 0.01). Despite having more ED attendances and hospital admissions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients had significantly less (P = 0.04) outpatient appointments (Mdn = 5.5, interquartile range [IQR] = 1–18 vs Mdn = 11, IQR = 3–33). Conclusions: Most patients with ArLD have multiple early attendances, which present an opportunity for early interventions. There are missed opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients for outpatient hospital engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Undergraduate Medical Doctor (MD) Programme at McMaster University (Hamilton, Canada) was unable to run in‐person medical school interviews in March 2020, prompting an alternate solution that maximised admission opportunities for Indigenous applicants, prioritised admission for those rated most highly in the interview determination process, and allocated subsequent offers via lottery. Methods: A short survey was administered to applicants who had been offered an admissions interview and were subsequently impacted by the admissions adaptations. The survey elicited perceptions of the adaptation through Likert scale ratings and free‐text responses. Survey data were analysed via a sequential (quantitative to qualitative) mixed‐methods design. Results: 196 of 552 potential participants completed the survey. Across quantitative and qualitative analyses, respondents reported that the adaptation had a negative impact on their professional development and personal life. Ratings of negative perception were greater for those who did not receive an offer than for those who accepted or declined an offer. Free text responses emphasised considerable criticism for the lottery portion of the adaptation and displeasure that efforts made in constructing applications were less relevant than anticipated. Discussion: The negative responses to this unexpected change highlight the profound upstream impact admission policies have on the preapplication behaviours of aspiring medical students. The outcomes support a refined understanding of the value candidates place on the interview in appraising their own suitability for a career as a physician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colleges identify prospective students by purchasing "student lists." Student list products are selection devices that use search filters to select students. Drawing from the sociology of race, we conceptualize some filters as "racialized inputs," defined as inputs that are correlated with race because disadvantaged racial groups have historically been excluded from the input. Using a national sample of high school students, we explore the relationship between racialized search filters and the racial composition of included versus excluded students. Using data about actual lists purchased by public universities, we investigate how college administrators utilize racialized search filters. We discuss implications for federal and state policy. We motivate policy research about structural racism embedded in selection devices that allocate students to opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have identified factors that influence genetic counseling applicants' decisions to initially apply to certain schools. However, research on the factors that influence their Genetic Counseling Admissions Match (GCAM) rank order preferences are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate these factors via an online survey sent to current students and recent graduates who participated in the GCAM. Participants (N = 415) were asked to rank factors within six categories (faculty, students, didactic curriculum, clinical training, cost of attendance, and general program information) on a 7‐point Likert scale. Factors related to clinical training were most influential to applicants (M = 5.68), while factors related to didactic training were least influential to applicants (M = 4.63). Several significant differences existed between underrepresented and overrepresented applicants; overrepresented was defined as White, non‐Hispanic female. Underrepresented applicants were more influenced by the diversity of program faculty (p = 0.016), students (p ≤ 0.001), and the location/patient population (p = 0.003), while overrepresented applicants are more influenced by program graduation and board pass rates (p = 0.021). The results of our study suggest that GCAM rank preferences are influenced by a large number of factors. Additionally, by demonstrating significant differences in the influence of program diversity on underrepresented applicants, the results of our study suggest that JEDI efforts of genetic counseling training programs should continue to be an area of focus, in order to create a more welcoming environment for all students and to further diversify the genetic counseling profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clearance with personal consent is a common problem in healthcare systems. Clearance with consent individuals increases mortality, disability, and disease exacerbation. This study investigates the extent and causes of discharge with personal consent in patients admitted to the emergency department of Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in 2019 in the emergency room of Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran was performed. The research community of all hospitalized patients discharged with personal consent in the summer and autumn of winter was from the emergency room. The research sample was selected by census. A checklist with confirmed validity and reliability was used to collect the data. Results: Based on the findings, the discharge rate with personal consent in the emergency room of Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran in the summer-autumn-winter of 2019 was equal to 1.82%. Most of the patients were male, employed, and native to Tehran. They were hospitalized in the acute care ward. Most have armed force insurance and are discharged on a night shift with an average age of 40 and a standard deviation of 62. This document was truncated here because it was created in the Evaluation Mode. Conclusion: The residence of patients discharged with personal satisfaction has a significant relationship with factors related to the patient. Also, the residence and life of patients discharged with personal satisfaction are significantly related to the patient's reason and the job. Patients discharged with personal satisfaction have a significant relationship with the factors related to the hospital condition. The insurance of patients discharged by personal satisfaction has a significant relationship with the factors related to the hospital. Also, the place of residence and emergency departments of patients discharged by personal satisfaction with related factors. It has a significant relationship with the hospital staff, the job, and the reason for hospitalization of discharged patients with personal satisfaction, which has a significant relationship with the factors related to the hospital's condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on how admissions at selective colleges and universities represent key racialized organizations. We analyzed data from 50 individual interviews of admissions professionals, through a theory of racialized organizations to recognize admissions as practices that consistently reproduces systemic inequities. We reveal how organizational structures centering an array of institutional priorities can maintain the systemic reproduction of intersectional racial inequalities, by privileging priorities like budgetary constraints, geographic diversity, and other interests, minimizing racial diversity as a priority. Our study bears key implications for future research and practice, by demonstrating that much like a Möbius strip, admissions organizations are difficult to fundamentally change for diversity and equity goals. Even with seemingly dramatic alterations to practices (e.g. test-optional policies) in isolation, Möbius strips generally maintain their structure. Institutional priorities, especially fiscal priorities, maintain the durability in racially unequal admissions outcomes through logics of racial capitalism. Unless institutional priorities fundamentally change, admissions processes will likely continue to reproduce inequalities. Research and systemic change efforts in college admissions should go beyond focusing on isolated elements (e.g. test requirements) and approaches to admissions (e.g. percent plans) to confront admissions and enrollment management systems, by interrogating underlying institutional logics and routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with increased risk of mortality, but little is known about the risk of inpatient admissions and mortality outcomes in individuals with diagnoses of both AN and other psychiatric and somatic conditions. We aimed to investigate the inpatient admissions and mortality among people with AN and other diagnosed conditions using Danish national registers. Method: This retrospective cohort study included individuals diagnosed with AN in Denmark, born 1977–2010. We identified other mental and somatic conditions in this population. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the risk of inpatient admission and mortality, focusing on (i) the number of other diagnosed conditions, and (ii) specific combinations of conditions diagnosed prior to the AN diagnosis. Categories of inpatient admissions considered were due to: (i) AN, (ii) any psychiatric disorder, and (iii) any somatic disorder. Additionally, competing risks survival analysis was used to calculate the cumulative incidence of inpatient admission and all‐cause mortality over the follow‐up period. Results: The study population included 11,489 individuals. The most common conditions individuals had prior to their AN diagnosis were other eating disorders (34.5%) and anxiety disorders (32.7%). During the follow‐up, 3184 (27.7%), 4604 (40.1%), and 6636 (57.8%) individuals were admitted for AN, any psychiatric disorder, and any somatic disorder, respectively; and in total 106 (0.9%) died. The risk of all outcomes was highest among those who had received a higher number of other diagnoses. For most combinations, the risks of admission and mortality were increased. Discussion: Our study presents the prevalence of other conditions in patients with AN in Denmark and elucidates their association with higher rates of inpatient admission and mortality. Our findings highlight the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary care of patients with AN considering the spectrum of other diagnosed conditions to improve health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home hospital programs continue to grow across the United States. There are limited studies around the process of patient selection and successful acquisition from the emergency department. The article describes how an interdisciplinary team used quality improvement methodology to significantly increase the number of admissions directly from the emergency department to the Advanced Care at Home program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis examined the validity of an alternative to traditional assessments called the Wonderlic which is a brief measure of general mental ability. Our results showed significant, positive correlations between Wonderlic scores and academic performance in general (r̅ =.26), between Wonderlic scores and undergraduate GPA in particular (r̅ =.27, ρ ¯ =.33), and between Wonderlic scores and retention (r̅ =.09, ρ ¯ =.12). We also identified several significant moderators of the relationship between Wonderlic scores and relevant outcomes (e.g., test publisher reported coefficients were larger than those reported by other sources). Subgroup differences in test scores were in the same range as other post-secondary admissions assessments (e.g., ACT and SAT scores). Overall, the Wonderlic has similar levels of subgroup differences and is less strongly related to GPA than traditional assessments but still retains useful levels of predictiveness and is a shorter, less expensive assessment that requires less preparation than the ACT or SAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of holistic admissions in higher education has been demonstrated to increase the diversity of incoming student classes; yet, in occupational therapy (OT) research, admissions processes remain under-explored. This phenomenological study aimed to explore the process of OT admissions from the perspective of students, faculty, and staff at a single OT program with the goal to create a more inclusive, equitable, and holistic process. Focus groups were conducted with first-year students, and an online survey was sent to faculty to explore perspectives on the admissions process, necessary qualities for an OT graduate student, and suggestions for increasing inclusion and equity in the admissions process. Several key themes emerged: the cost of applying, lack of uniformity across different institutions' admissions requirements, and preconceived notions of institutions; flexibility in admissions requirements, connections with the institution, and the need to recruit more diverse participants. Findings of this study are consistent with the literature regarding the use of holistic processes in graduate education, recommending less focus on student academic achievements and increased view of the student as a multifaceted individual with numerous talents. As a result, recommendations can be made to change admissions processes at this institution and in OT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Design Methods Results Conclusion Impact Patient or Public Contribution Previous studies have shown the COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with reductions in volume across a spectrum of non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 hospitalizations. In the present study, we examine the impact of the pandemic on patient safety and quality of care.This is a retrospective population‐based study of discharge abstracts.We applied a set of nationally validated indicators for measuring the quality of inpatient care to hospitalizations in Ontario, Canada between January 2010 and December 2022. We measured 90‐day mortality after selected types of higher risk admissions (such as cancer surgery and cardiovascular emergency) and the rate of patient harm events (such as delirium, pressure injuries and hospital‐acquired infections) occurring during the hospital stay.A total 13,876,377 hospitalization episodes were captured. Compared with the pre‐pandemic period, and independent of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, the pandemic period was associated with higher rates of mortality after bladder cancer resection (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.20 (1.07–1.34)) and open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm (aRR 1.45 (1.06–1.99)). The pandemic was also associated with higher rates of delirium (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.04 (1.02–1.06)), venous thromboembolism (aOR 1.10 (1.06–1.13)), pressure injuries (aOR 1.28 (1.24–1.33)), aspiration pneumonitis (aOR 1.15 (1.12–1.18)), urinary tract infections (aOR 1.02 (1.01–1.04)), Clostridiodes difficile infection (aOR 1.05 (1.02–1.09)), pneumothorax (aOR 1.08 (1.03–1.13)), and use of restraints (aOR 1.12 (1.10–1.14)), but was associated with lower rates of viral gastroenteritis (aOR 0.22 (0.18–0.28)). During the pandemic, SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive admissions were associated with a higher likelihood of various harm events.The COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with higher rates of patient harm for a wide range of non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 inpatient populations.Understanding which quality measures are improving or deteriorating can help health systems prioritize quality improvement initiatives.No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction.: Lack of access for minoritized groups to health care providers with a similar background negatively affects health outcomes. Adequate representation in the workforce begins with representation in health care education. The purpose of this study was to describe Black applicants' primary reasons for pursuing physical therapist education. Review of Literature.: Prior surveys of enrolled Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students have categorized factors influencing the decision to pursue physical therapy, with consideration of student demographics. Subjects.: One thousand eight hundred nine Black applicants who applied to DPT programs through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Methods.: In this retrospective holistic narrative analysis, essay responses from the 2020–2021 PTCAS application cycle (n = 17,801) were categorized by 2 reviewers into one of 9 categories based on the primary reason for applying to a DPT program. Interrater reliability was almost perfect (Kappa 0.946) based on a sample of 48 essays. Racial demographics were compared with US Census and DPT program acceptance and enrollment data from the same year. Results.: Black individuals are underrepresented among both applicants to and enrollees in DPT programs when compared with US census data from the same year. Black applicants indicated personal experience with the field (33%, n = 597), observation in the field (28.7%, n = 520), and alignment with personal values and interests (27.6%, n = 500) as the most common reasons for applying. Discussion and Conclusion.: Experience with the field and alignment with values and interest were the most commonly cited reasons among Black applicants for pursuing physical therapist education. Understanding why Black students apply to a DPT program is important for developing strategies to increase the number of Black students enrolled in physical therapy programs and ultimately the workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular healthcare in Croatia remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to compare the utilization and provision of cardiovascular services during the pre-pandemic (2017–2019) and pandemic (2020–2021) periods, leveraging nationwide data from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund, which covers 95% of all insurance claims in the country. Our findings reveal that while the use of coronary angiographies decreased during the pandemic, there was a notable increase in the utilization of advanced heart failure treatment modalities and percutaneous coronary interventions, particularly in the context of acute myocardial infarction. Additionally, transcatheter aortic valve implantations saw a significant rise during the pandemic period. Furthermore, laboratory diagnostic testing for troponin and natriuretic peptides experienced a marked increase, while the utilization of most other cardiovascular services remained stable or showed only minor declines compared to the pre-pandemic era. These observations suggest that the Croatian cardiovascular healthcare system displayed resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully maintaining and even expanding access to various diagnostic and interventional procedures despite facing widespread societal and logistical challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Older adults have complex medical needs that causes increased use of resources at the emergency department (ED). The prevalence of non-specific complaint (NSC) as a chief-complaint in the ED is common among older adults and is not prioritized even though possibly having worse clinical outcome. The objective was to study hospital admission and mortality for older adults visiting the ED with NSC compared to specific complaints such as dyspnea, chest pain and abdominal pain. Methods A retrospective observational study of older adults visiting the ED with NSC and specific complaints; dyspnea, chest pain and abdominal pain was performed. Chief-complaint were collected from electronic medical records. Fatigue, confusion, non-specific complaints, generalized weakness and risk of falling were defined as non-specific complaint (NSC) when registered as chief-complaint at the ED. Admission rate and 30-days mortality were the primary outcomes. Results A total of 4927 patients were included in the study based on chief-complaint; patients with chest pain 1599 (32%), dyspnea 1343 (27%), abdominal pain 1460 (30%) and NSC 525 (11%). Patients with dyspnea and NSC had the highest hospital admission rate 79% vs 70% compared to patients with chest pain (63%) and abdominal pain (61%) (p =

This paper makes a novel contribution to international doctoral education scholarship by offering a detailed examination of pre-application doctoral communications (PADC) between prospective applicants and various university staff members. While PADC is currently an under-considered phenomenon within extant research literature, the paper argues that it ought to be conceived of as an important subset of doctoral admissions practices. Given the possible gatekeeping effects of informal communication, PADC should be understood as a key avenue for addressing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) agendas in doctoral recruitment. The article is in two parts. First, we undertake a literature review to track the extent to which PADC features in the scholarly and grey literature to date and to characterise existing nomenclature and representations. Second, we draw on data from an empirical single-institution case study in a UK university with doctoral supervisors (19), doctoral programme officers (8) and directors of doctoral programmes (12), to understand how these actors engage in PADC as part of their respective roles. The paper sets out the forms PADC took, what role key stakeholders play, and prevalent topics of communication. Ultimately, the paper establishes definitional clarity around PADC and establishes its importance as a key stage of doctoral recruitment alongside formal admissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older adults have complex medical needs that causes increased use of resources at the emergency department (ED). The prevalence of non-specific complaint (NSC) as a chief-complaint in the ED is common among older adults and is not prioritized even though possibly having worse clinical outcome. The objective was to study hospital admission and mortality for older adults visiting the ED with NSC compared to specific complaints such as dyspnea, chest pain and abdominal pain. Methods: A retrospective observational study of older adults visiting the ED with NSC and specific complaints; dyspnea, chest pain and abdominal pain was performed. Chief-complaint were collected from electronic medical records. Fatigue, confusion, non-specific complaints, generalized weakness and risk of falling were defined as non-specific complaint (NSC) when registered as chief-complaint at the ED. Admission rate and 30-days mortality were the primary outcomes. Results: A total of 4927 patients were included in the study based on chief-complaint; patients with chest pain 1599 (32%), dyspnea 1343 (27%), abdominal pain 1460 (30%) and NSC 525 (11%). Patients with dyspnea and NSC had the highest hospital admission rate 79% vs 70% compared to patients with chest pain (63%) and abdominal pain (61%) (p = < 0.001). Patients with NSC had a mean LOS 4.7 h at the ED which was significantly higher compared to chest pain, dyspnea and abdominal pain. Mean bed-days for the whole population was 4.2 days compared to patients with NSC who had a mean LOS of 5.6 days. NSC and dyspnea were both associated with the highest 30-day mortality. Conclusion: Older patients who present with NSC at the ED are associated with a high risk for admission and 30-days mortality. In addition, patients with NSC have a longer LOS at the ED, a high admission rate and the highest number of bed-days once admitted. This study indicates that ED staff should be more vigilant when an elderly patient presents with NSC at the ED. Further studies and guidelines are needed to improve the management of these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-cognitive traits should be considered when selecting candidates to study medicine. However, evaluating these traits remains difficult. We explored whether measuring undesirable non-cognitive behaviour ('Red Flags') added value to a medical school admissions system. Red Flags included rudeness, ignoring the contributions of others, disrespectful behaviour, or poor communication. Following an admissions interview testing non-cognitive attributes in 648 applicants to a UK medical school, we measured the association between interview score and Red Flag frequency. We tested linear and polynomial regression models to evaluate whether the association was linear or non-linear. In total, 1126 Red Flags were observed. While Red Flags were concentrated among low-scorers, candidates in the highest- and second-highest deciles for interview score still received Red Flags (six and twenty-two, respectively). The polynomial regression model indicated candidates with higher scores received fewer Red Flags, but the association was not linear (F(3644) = 159.8, p =.001, adjusted R2 = 0.42). The non-linear association between interview score and Red Flag frequency shows some candidates with desirable non-cognitive attributes will still display undesirable–or even exclusionary–non-cognitive attributes. Recording Red Flag behaviour reduces the likelihood such candidates will be offered a place at medical school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We audited the websites of all 57 undergraduate medicine course websites at UK universities for 2020 entry, looking in particular for the clarity of information regarding contextual admissions (CA). 49 programmes featured 47 distinct CA policies, using 26 different contextual markers, 8 programmes had no CA policy. Half (51%) of these courses with CA described clearly how they used CA, some allowed candidates to evaluate their own eligibility. However, the burden currently falls on individual applicants to understand the CA system at each medical school. Medical schools should present CA information clearly and accessibly so that applicants can make informed choices where to apply, having a one-stop for accessing all CA information across medical schools would also lessen the research burden on applicants. This could increase applications from a more diverse range of applicants. Other degree courses might use this study as a springboard to reflect on their CA policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States ("SCOTUS") ruled on addressing the legality of race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions programs in Students for Fair Admission, Inc. Based on the ruling, our study examined the literature to answer one research question: How will the SCOTUS affirmative action ruling affect the integrity of university leaders? We now understand how post-affirmative action could affect the integrity of university leaders. We now know more about (1) leaders' perspectives post-SCOTUS ruling, (2) leaders' influences on the educational culture, and (3) the effects that leaders' integrity could have after the SCOTUS Title VI 2023 ruling. We make five conjectures about what we believe will guide university leaders' integrity post-SCOTUS ruling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: When elderly patients are admitted to a hospital, they may require support from medical social workers during hospitalization. This study examined the association between patient characteristics and support provided by medical social workers in applications for social welfare benefits during hospitalization. We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients aged 65 years or older between October 2018 and September 2021 who had involvement by a medical social worker during their hospitalization at a tertiary care hospital in Japan. We evaluated associations between background factors and support in applying for social welfare benefits by medical social workers using logistic regression analysis. Findings: Among 485 eligible patients, 79 (16.3%) received support from a medical social worker in an application for social welfare benefits. Early elderly age (65–74 years) and living alone were independently associated with receiving support from medical social workers (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–3.37, P =.012; 3.86, 95% CI 2.26–6.62, P <.001, respectively), regardless of sex, activities of daily living before admission, and presence of a regular doctor. Application: The findings suggest that early elderly individuals who live alone may not be able to utilize the available welfare benefits and not have adequate support from family members when admitted to a tertiary care hospital, even if they have adequate activities of daily living and a regular doctor. Early intervention to improve social vulnerability may be required for early elderly individuals who live alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose To analyze a radiography program's use of the Health Education Systems Incorporated Admission Assessment (HESI A2) and the HESI Exit Exam for preparing graduates to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration exam for radiography. Methods The program collected exam scores from the HESI Exit Exam for radiography and the ARRT radiography certification and registration exam for a 10-year period. The study included scores of 171 students who graduated from the radiography education program. The program administered the HESI A2 exam during the last 4 years of the study period, which included 81 students. The authors analyzed the data using mean differences, correlations, and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results The correlation of HESI A2 scores with final HESI Exit Exam scores was 0.58 and with ARRT exam scores it was 0.64, which are extremely high correlations in an admissions context. The correlation of final HESI Exit Exam scores with ARRT exam scores was 0.73, which also is a strong correlation for predicting ARRT exam success. More than 94% of students who scored above the recommended performance level of 750 on the second HESI Exit Exam passed the ARRT exam on the first attempt. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the final HESI Exit Exam score was a strong predictor of pass or fail status on the ARRT exam. Discussion The HESI A2 and Exit Exam are effective measurement tools when used with cogent testing policies. Such policies include strong proctoring practices such as rigorous in-person testing or online proctoring with an attentive, live proctor. Having practice exam results count for a reasonable amount of a course grade (eg, less than 30%) also could be a good policy for the HESI Exit Exam. Conclusion The HESI A2 and Exit Exam are effective tools for helping radiography educators select students for admission and measure student knowledge to help achieve positive certification outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Racism is a challenge for nursing education. • Nursing educators must evaluate their program for practices that present barriers. • Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment requires intentionality. In order to combat discrimination in nursing, educators must approach their work with intentionality to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds. It is important to critically appraise program data to identify trends in how different students experience the program. Recruitment and admission practice should be evaluated for disparate impacts, particularly on historically marginalized and excluded students. Program policies and educational resources should be assessed for bias. Nursing education program must be deliberate in their attempts at inclusivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accepted by: Aris Syntetos Accurate forecasts of daily Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) admissions are critical for healthcare planners and decision-makers to better manage scarce resources during and around infection peaks. Numerous studies have focused on forecasting COVID-19 admissions at the national or global levels. Localized predictions are vital, as they allow for resource planning redistribution, but also scarce and harder to get right. Several possible indicators can be used to predict COVID-19 admissions. The inherent variability in the admissions necessitates the generation and evaluation of the forecast distribution of admissions, as opposed to producing only a point forecast. In this study, we propose a quantile regression forest (QRF) model for probabilistic forecasting of daily COVID-19 admissions for a local hospital trust (aggregation of 3 hospitals), up to 7 days ahead, using a multitude of different predictors. We evaluate point forecast accuracy as well as the accuracy of the forecast distribution using appropriate measures. We provide evidence that QRF outperforms univariate time series methods and other more sophisticated benchmarks. Our findings also show that lagged admissions, total positive cases, daily tests performed, and Google grocery and Apple driving are the most salient predictors. Finally, we highlight areas where further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School-choice programs may increase schools' incentives for marketing rather than improving their educational offering. This article systematically reviews the literature on the marketing activities of primary and secondary schools worldwide. The 81 articles reviewed show that schools' marketing has yet to be tackled by marketing academics or other social scientists outside the education field. Market-oriented U.S. charter schools and their international equivalents have stimulated recent research, but geographical gaps remain, particularly in countries with long-established school-choice policies and in rural areas. Schools deploy a range of marketing techniques with the intensity of activity directly correlated to the level of local competition and their position in the local hierarchy. Studies have analyzed schools' use of market scanning, specific words and images in brochures, branding, segmentation, and targeting. These marketing activities are rarely accompanied by substantive curricular change, however, and may even contribute to social division through targeting or deceptive marketing activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Performance of admission pathways for medical patients are not routinely reported. • We evaluated clinical quality indicators specific to acute internal medicine services. • Quality indicators were associated with time of patient arrival to hospital. • Higher performance was seen within same day emergency care services. • Performance in all clinical quality indicators was lower than in previous years. Urgent and emergency care services face increasing pressure, impacting patient care. We evaluated the performance of acute medicine services, assessing clinical quality indicators for unplanned medical admissions to acute hospital services. 152 acute UK hospital services accepting unplanned admissions to acute and general internal medicine completed a day-of-care survey incorporating organisational structure questionnaire and patient-level data over a pre-defined 24-hour period in June 2022. Clinical quality indicators were: Early Warning Score (EWS) measurement within 30 min of hospital arrival; clinician assessment within 4 h; assessment by consultant physician within 6 h (daytime) or 14 h (night-time). Results were compared with 2019, 2020, 2021. 7293 sequential patients were included (and compared with 19,817 patients across 2019–2021). In 2022, 69% of patients (95%CI 67.7–69.9%) had an EWS documented within 30 min. 79% of patients (95%CI 77.8–79.7%) were reviewed by a clinical decision maker within 4 h of hospital arrival. Patients assessed in Same Day Emergency Care services were more likely to meet this target than those assessed in Acute Medical Units or Emergency Departments (OR 2.4, 95%CI 2.02–2.87, p <0.001). Overall, 50% of patients received consultant physician review within the target time (3065/6161, 95%CI 48.5–51.0%); performance varied with time of arrival and location of initial assessment. Performance against all three clinical quality indicators was lower than 2019, 2020 and 2021 (p <0.001 for all). Performance against all quality indicators within acute medicine services is deteriorating. However, performance in Same Day Emergency Care Units is greater than in Acute Medical Units or Emergency Departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]