How to enhance the transfer of training remains an important question, and to some extent, post-training interventions can provide an answer. The purpose of this study was to validate inconclusive findings on the effectiveness of two post-training transfer interventions. This study used Solomon four-group design to filter out the effects of pretest sensitization and history, which are threats to the internal and external validity but have rarely been checked in previous transfer studies. Management study undergraduate students were randomly divided into two groups: pretested and unpretested groups. After a time management workshop, the students were randomly subdivided into three additional groups based on the following conditions: full relapse prevention (RP); proximal plus distal goal setting (GS); and the control group. Although results from both intervention groups were not significantly different from those of the control group, a significant difference was found between full RP and proximal plus distal GS in terms of self-reported time-management behavioral change. It is difficult to conclude whether post-training interventions enhance the transfer of training. Further ideas for improving research designs were explored, such as increasing the time intervals between training and interventions so that trainees have opportunities to attempt transfers before the interventions.
Micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) has traditionally been recommended as part of the preoperative evaluation of all cases of hydronephrosis. Several studies have shown that the majority of cases with pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) and concomitant vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were of low-grade and generally resolved spontaneously. We therefore retrospectively evaluated the need for routine MCUG in all cases of PUJO. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of clinical records of all patients who underwent pyeloplasty in our institution between 2003 and 2015. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, radiological procedures performed, operative details as well as postoperative outcomes. Results: A total of 119 patients underwent pyeloplasty for PUJO during this study period. MCUG was performed in 88 patients (74%), of whom eight patients had VUR. All eight patients had unilateral PUJO and two patients had bilateral VUR. Only two patients had high-grade VUR (grade 4). These two patients also had hydroureter detected on ultrasound scan (US). All patients with VUR had spontaneous resolution of reflux. While comparing outcomes for patients with and without VUR, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of the need for redo surgery and improvement in differential renal function post-pyeloplasty. Conclusion: The outcome of pyeloplasty appears to be independent of the presence of concomitant VUR. Therefore, we conclude that MCUG does not need to be performed routinely for all PUJO patients. However, patients with history of recurrent urinary tract infection or findings of hydroureter on US should still be investigated with MCUG.
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