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Background: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a pivotal tool for assessing health care professionals and plays an integral role in medical education. Objective: This study aims to map the bibliometric landscape of OSCE research, highlighting trends and key influencers. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted for materials related to OSCE from January 2004 to December 2023, using the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric analysis and visualization were performed with VOSviewer and CiteSpace software tools. Results: Our analysis indicates a consistent increase in OSCE-related publications over the study period, with a notable surge after 2019, culminating in a peak of activity in 2021. The United States emerged as a significant contributor, responsible for 30.86% (1626/5268) of total publications and amassing 44,051 citations. Coauthorship network analysis highlighted robust collaborations, particularly between the United States and the United Kingdom. Leading journals in this domain— BMC Medical Education, Medical Education, Academic Medicine, and Medical Teacher —featured the highest volume of papers, while The Lancet garnered substantial citations, reflecting its high impact factor (to be verified for accuracy). Prominent authors in the field include Sondra Zabar, Debra Pugh, Timothy J Wood, and Susan Humphrey-Murto, with Ronaldo M Harden, Brian D Hodges, and George E Miller being the most cited. The analysis of key research terms revealed a focus on "education," "performance," "competence," and "skills," indicating these are central themes in OSCE research. Conclusions: The study underscores a dynamic expansion in OSCE research and international collaboration, spotlighting influential countries, institutions, authors, and journals. These elements are instrumental in steering the evolution of medical education assessment practices and suggest a trajectory for future research endeavors. Future work should consider the implications of these findings for medical education and the potential areas for further investigation, particularly in underrepresented regions or emerging competencies in health care training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) is an approach that can improve health care quality, contribute to the qualification of health care professionals, and train undergraduate students. Although this strategy has made significant progress in the last decade, integration, sustainability, and institutional growth are still priorities worldwide. Thus, maintaining strategies is essential for their full development and evolution., Objective: This study aimed to identify discussions about the sustainability of IPE and map its actions or strategies (or both)., Methods: The scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. This scoping review protocol follows the JBI Reviewers' Manual, with 6 stages: identifying the research question; identifying relevant studies; study selection; data extraction and coding; analysis and interpretation of results; and consultation with stakeholders. Two independent and blind reviewers will evaluate and select studies available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish based on the eligibility criteria. Searches will be conducted on LILACS, Embase, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, ERIC, Web of Science, CINAHL, Google Scholar databases; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, and Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. The main research question is as follows: What have been the sustainability strategies for IPE actions? This scoping review will incorporate studies (empirical or theoretical-reflective) that address strategies or actions (or both) for IPE sustainability. They must present a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods approach and be available in full text. Data on strategies or actions for IPE sustainability will be extracted and inserted into a spreadsheet for analysis. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative analysis will identify meanings and patterns through thematic analysis. Thus, the aim is to present the compiled findings in tables and charts., Results: The database search was conducted on March 22, 2024. In April and May 2024, duplicate studies were excluded. From July to November 2024, study selection will be carried out. In December 2024, data extraction and tabulation will take place, as well as consultation with stakeholders. The aim is to publish the results in scientific journals in January 2025., Conclusions: This protocol will guide this scoping review to identify discussions on the sustainability of IPE and map its actions or strategies (or both); summarize the definitions and institutions that develop or promote IPE; and present the main recommendations for the area under study. Additionally, possible research gaps can be identified to guide future studies. This review will shed light on existing knowledge gaps and the current state of research, which could provide support for future research, programs, and policy responses to foster collaboration and interprofessional practice and, consequently, improve the quality of user care. This information will be useful in supporting decision-making by government officials, managers, teachers, facilitators, and students in the implementation, maintenance, and development of IPE., Trial Registration: Open Science Framework 5VNJS; https://osf.io/5vnjs/., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/60763., (©Nathalia Hanany Silva de Oliveira, Renata Fonsêca Sousa de Oliveira, Juliana Pontes Soares, Janete Lima de Castro. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 09.12.2024.)

Background: In 2016, seniors accounted for 16.9% of the Canadian population. As Canadians age over the next 30 years, emergency room visits are predicted to increase by 40%, outpacing the expected 30% population growth. Avoiding this increase could save the nation about $210 million annually. A recent US study reported that the ability of seniors to carry out self-care actions predicted lower likelihood of emergency department use within 3 months. Materials and methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis based on a province-wide, cross-sectional Saskatchewan (Canada) Telephone Survey of seniors' self-care needs conducted in March–June 2018 (N=1,000). Results were analyzed using qualitative thematic content analysis. Data were charted and coded separately by two researchers; coding conflicts were resolved by consensus. Results: A total of 533 seniors answered the open-ended question. Content analysis resulted in 11 contextual content areas with 956 total suggestions. Five key themes emerged, which included the following: feasible healthcare access, being proactive toward healthy living, having social support systems, being more open to alternative medicine, and other self-care options, and having more trained healthcare professionals to care for seniors. Conclusion: This study reveals facilitators and challenges that currently face seniors. Seniors want equitable access to professional healthcare services and an environment that fosters self-care actions in everyday living. There is a gap in supports that would assist seniors to engage in their health and healthcare. Additional research on this issue could further inform health and human service providers to develop patient-centered strategies for promoting self-care among seniors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: International studies have shown that the best strategy for the long-term staffing of rural facilities is the recruitment and training of students of rural origin. However, the crisis in education in South Africa means that these rural students are the least likely to access institutions of higher learning to train as healthcare professionals (HCPs). The aim of this study was to explore the educational experiences of six HCPs of rural origin working in rural areas. Methods: This was a qualitative study using unstructured interviews supplemented by photomemory and collage development. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and themes were developed. Appropriate ethical permission was obtained prior to the study. Results: HCPs of rural origin found the journey from rural scholar to HCP to be tough. Personality characteristics such as tenacity, determination, problem-solving skills, self-belief and hard work were essential for success — but not sufficient on their own. In addition these HCPs needed social support, academic and social mentoring as well as comprehensive financial support. Conclusions: HCPs of rural origin have the potential to provide long-term staffing for rural hospitals. However, if rural healthcare institutions are serious about finding long-term solutions to their staffing challenges, attention needs to be given to finding and appropriately supporting local scholars.

Background: International studies have shown that the best strategy for the long-term staffing of rural facilities is the recruitment and training of students of rural origin. However, the crisis in education in South Africa means that these rural students are the least likely to access institutions of higher learning to train as healthcare professionals (HCPs). The aim of this study was to explore the educational experiences of six HCPs of rural origin working in rural areas. Methods: This was a qualitative study using unstructured interviews supplemented by photomemory and collage development. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and themes were developed. Appropriate ethical permission was obtained prior to the study. Results: HCPs of rural origin found the journey from rural scholar to HCP to be tough. Personality characteristics such as tenacity, determination, problem-solving skills, self-belief and hard work were essential for success -- but not sufficient on their own. In addition these HCPs needed social support, academic and social mentoring as well as comprehensive financial support. Conclusions: HCPs of rural origin have the potential to provide long-term staffing for rural hospitals. However, if rural healthcare institutions are serious about finding long-term solutions to their staffing challenges, attention needs to be given to finding and appropriately supporting local scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]