Showing 3 results for Dashash
Dr Alaa Abou Halawah, Prof. Mayssoon Dashash, Prof Adnan Baddour,
Volume 17, Issue 54 (7-2024)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Medication errors are among the most serious problems affecting health systems worldwide. Pharmacists have an essential role in detecting and reducing these errors. So they should have the vital competencies.
Materials & Methods: An online course was created and uploaded to the Syrian Virtual University platform. After participants electronic registered, the course was presented in 3 modules, each lasting 7 days, making the total course was 21 days long. Subsequently, a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted on 11 students. Data for both tests and questionnaire at the end of the course were collected using Google Forms™ links to evaluate students' responses and learning. The data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: Before the intervention, the mean and standard deviations of 11 participants' results were 55.27 ± 15.61, compared to 81.36 ± 14.63 after the intervention. There is a significant difference between the average grades before and after implementing the course (p = 0.003). There were no statistically significant differences between the average grades of students after taking the online course and their academic year (p = 0.273) or gender (p = 0.059). The overall evaluation of the course was positive.
Conclusion: The course has been efficient and positively received by students with its significant impact on developing students’ competencies that will allow them to work professionally after graduation and reduce medication errors.
Dr Farah Babakurd, Dr Mariam Sharaf, Pro Maysoon Dashash,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Global education is focusing on the significance of developing competency-based curricula nowadays. This study aims to establish a comprehensive set of essential competencies in pediatric dentistry designated for the curriculum at Damascus University to ensure that the graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes to deliver effective pediatric dental care.
Materials & Methods: This qualitative exploratory study used Delphi techniques to build a consensus among experts on the core competencies of the pediatric dentistry curriculum at Damascus University in 2024. This study used two sequential qualitative methods: a focus group and the Delphi technique. A focus group was conducted with one medical education expert and three specialists in pediatric dentistry to develop an initial list of competencies. This list was assessed using a two-round Delphi technique utilized for this purpose. 25 participated in the process, and out of the 34 experts invited, Competencies that garnered at least 80% agreement among the experts were included in the final list. The analysis included descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation.
Results: The study identified 47 core competencies, of which 15 were related to knowledge: facts and concepts in pediatric dentistry; 21 were related to skills: abilities to perform an activity or a task; and 11 were related to attitudes: feelings or opinions that guide behavior.
Conclusion: Identifying a comprehensive framework of essential competencies for the pediatric dentistry curriculum at Damascus University has been successfully established. This framework is good because it aligns differently with global education trends. Still, it aims to improve the dental care provided by future practitioners. The results will be an asset to the curriculum developers and educators in pediatric dentistry to ensure that graduates are better equipped to provide quality care to their young patients.
Dr Kamar Alkurdi, Prof Mayssoon Dashash, Prof Chadi Khatib,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
Background & Objective: The use of natural herbs is steadily increasing worldwide. This increase has led to a growing number of individuals seeking advice and guidance from community pharmacists on natural herbs. Unfortunately, community pharmacists often lack sufficient knowledge concerning the uses, side effects, and drug interactions of these natural herbs. This study aims to develop and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of a mobile application that focuses on common natural herbs and their interactions with medications, enhancing the knowledge of Syrian community pharmacists.
Materilas & Methods: The smartphone application (Herbal Guide) was created and installed on the participants' phones. A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted involving twenty-three participants. They completed both tests to evaluate the application's impact on enhancing the knowledge of Syrian community pharmacists. Statistical analysis involved using the paired- t-test to compare pre-test and post-test results, while Cronbach's Alpha was employed to measure the internal consistency of the evaluation questionnaire statements.
Results: Ninety-six pharmacists participated in this study, with only twenty-three completing both the pre-test and post-test and meeting the criteria. The application significantly improved the knowledge of Syrian community pharmacists regarding common natural herbs and their interactions with medications. The mean and standard deviation of the participants' results before using the application was 17.56 ± 1.22, compared to 22.04 ± 1.47 after using the application. There was a significant difference in average scores before and after using the application (p = 0.002). There were no statistically significant differences between the average grades of participants and their gender (p = 0.34) or their years of experience (p = 0.10). Most participants found the application easy to use, effective, and characterized by high-quality content and design.
Conclusion: The introduction of the new mobile application, "Herbal Guide," resulted in an enhancement of knowledge among Syrian community pharmacists regarding common natural herbs and their interactions with medications, as evidenced by positive feedback from the study participants.
