Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Hypogonadism is estimated to account for over 10% of male-factor infertility. However, due to conflicting data regarding the relationship between testosterone levels and sperm quality, hormone evaluation is not consistently requested during initial assessment of the infertile male. Hypogonadism is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and has been linked to an increased risk of mortality The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypogonadism...

Background: With increasing ethnic diversity in the Western World, it is important to establish the safety of religious practices such as fasting during Ramadan. There is limited information about severity and outcome of diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA) during Ramadan outside Middle East.Objective: We studied differences in severity, DKA-related complications and outcomes of DKA before (Shaban), during (Ramadan) and after Ramadan (Shawwal).<p clas...

Introduction: Simulation via Instant Messaging – Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is a simulation-based training model shown to have increased clinicians’ confidence in managing cases in diabetes and endocrinology, as well as sustained clinical knowledge.1 Traditional simulation models have typically focussed on a specific group of healthcare professionals. We evaluated if there is a difference in performance between different training groups during SIMBA.<p...

Background: Simulation via Instant Messaging - Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is an online simulation learning modality designed to recreate clinical scenarios, allowing participants to increase their confidence in a safe environment without compromising patient safety. The global rating scale (GRS) is a commonly used assessment tool in medical schools to assess participant competence and skills. Following SIMBA sessions, an independent assessor anonymously scores participants&#14...

Introduction: Simulation via Instant Messaging -Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is a virtual platform which simulates anonymised, real-life clinical cases to train healthcare professionals. Participants’ competence is assessed using an adapted version of the global rating scale (GRS) commonly used in medical schools.Aims: To compare GRS scores of participants according to country of residence and domains assessed as part of simulation.<p class="abste...

Background: SIMBA is a simulation-based learning platform designed to increase clinicians’ confidence in managing various clinical scenarios. The restriction of face-to-face learning during the COVID-19 pandemic led to switching Simulation via Instant Messaging – Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) to entirely virtual sessions.Objective: To explore SIMBA’s effectiveness to sustain medical education in endocrinology during the pandemic.<p class=...

Introduction: The delivery of medical education has transformed from in-person to remote teaching, accelerated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Simulation is a useful teaching modality increasingly used to develop healthcare professionals’ knowledge and skills while protecting patients from unnecessary risks. Although simulation has traditionally occurred face-to-face, many of its principles can be adapted for remote teaching. Simulation via Instant Messaging – Birm...

Background: There is a differential clinical learning opportunity for healthcare professionals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs). Barriers to learning include cost, time and accessibility. Simulation via Instant Messaging - Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is a free virtual simulation-based model aimed at improving clinicians’ professional development, without compromising patient safety. The study compared the impact of SIMBA ...

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic restricted face-to-face teaching leading to increased use of virtual learning platforms. Launched in 2019, Simulation via Instant Messaging – Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) delivers simulation-based learning to increase clinicians’ confidence in managing various clinical scenarios.Objective: To explore SIMBA’s effectiveness to sustain medical education in endocrinology during the pandemic.<p class="abstext...