Self-assessment: with all its limitations, why are we still measuring and teaching it? Lessons from a scoping review. Intro: Self-Assessment (SA) is often assumed to be essential for learning, however this assumption has been extensively rebutted. Research shows SA has significant limitations, including its lack of correlation with competence. Method:We undertook a scoping review of SA in medical education (2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018)(2019)(2020)(2021) and surprisingly discovered substantial research where SA was erroneously assumed to be a valid measure of successful learning, or a skill needing to be taught. Although the initial intent of our scoping review was to explore where SA is being effectively used to advance lifelong learning, we paused to explore the extent of the problem of its misuse, and resulting wasted research, by examining excluded studies.Results: From 1151 articles, we identified 207 which ignored the documented limitations of SA. 39 studies explored SA of learning. This research has limited utility: increasing accuracy of SA does not improve performance or lifelong learning. 168 used SA as an outcome measure to assess a program or intervention, including 63 where self-assessed improvement in knowledge/skills was the sole measure. SA of self-confidence was measured in 62 studies. When confidence was compared with an objective measure of performance, both invariably increased, but confidence did not always align with competence when measured.Discussion: Many researchers mistakenly assume the ability to accurately selfassess is essential for learning, so focus on teaching self-calibration rather than evidence-based methods of advancing learning. Other researchers incorrectly suppose that self-reported improvements in knowledge/skills provides evidence of efficacy of a program/intervention. This is particularly troubling with regards to novices, who may believe that because they self-assess to have improved/gained confidence, they are now competent.

Background and objectiveLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) currently accounts for 70.1% of weightloss surgeries in Australia, according to the Bariatric Surgery Registry. There are limited qualitative studies examining Australian patients' experiences. The aim of this study was to explore patients' perspectives following LSG, providing information for shared decision making. MethodsTwenty-two patients one, two or three years post-LSG were recruited randomly. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth telephone interviews, and responses were analysed inductively. ResultsThree global themes were identified: 1) normality, 2) control and 3) ambivalence, with eight organising sub-themes: 1) weight, 2) physical changes and daily living enhancements, 3) exercise, 4) emotional responses, 5) eating behaviour, 6) societal influences, 7) body image and 8) relationships. DiscussionLSG is generally associated with high levels of patient satisfaction, with physical and psychosocial benefits beyond metabolic improvements. The decision to undergo this elective procedure should be made with an understanding of the significant and permanent effects it has on patients' lives.

No abstract

Little is known about the reproductive ecology of the whale shark Rhincodon typus. On 15 March 2020, a free-swimming neonate whale shark was found in the shallow, coastal waters of Donsol, Philippines. The total length of the male shark was 60 cm, falling within the species known size-at-birth. This is the third occurrence of neonatal whale sharks reported in the area, and coupled with the occurrence of juveniles and adults, and anecdotal mating and precopulatory behaviour reported herein, the importance of the site for this endangered species is highlighted.

No abstract