Background: In autumn 2023, COVID-19 vaccination invitations in the Netherlands shifted from self-scheduling to pre-booked appointments for selected groups. While defaulting to pre-booked slots may increase uptake, potential rebound effects remain unclear. We examine preferences between appointment types, their effect on vaccination intentions, and whether effects are different for individuals hesitant about this vaccination round. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to assess vaccination intentions for three groups (<60 with influenza vaccination indication, 60–69 and 70+ years) eligible for pre-booked appointments. In a two-phase formative evaluation study, we examined attitudes around pre-booked appointments in 15 interviews (phase 1) and experimentally tested (phase 2) perceived burden of pre-booked appointments vs self-scheduled appointments and their effect on vaccination intentions in a representative online panel (n = 1.886) and those who experience hesitancy about this vaccination. Findings: Interviews (phase 1) showed that pre-booked appointments are seen as presumptuous or inconvenient by some, but also as a useful aid in support of vaccination uptake, sometimes by the same people. Participants in the experiment (phase 2) indicated to perceive self-scheduling as less burdensome (Coefficient = −0.23) but this perception did not translate to differences in vaccination intentions (Adjusted OR = 1.11) Similar results were observed in the hesitant subgroup (Coefficient = −0.25; Adjusted OR = 0.88). Discussion: In our study pre-booked appointments do not change COVID-19 vaccination intentions. As pre-booked appointments evoked negative and positive sentiments and self-scheduling was found easier and more pleasant, we conservatively recommend its implementation for older adults who received their COVID-19 vaccination the previous year.

Background: For older adults, physical activity is vital for maintaining their health and ability to live independently. Home-based programs can help them achieve the recommended exercise frequency. An application for a tablet computer was developed to support older adults in following a personal training program. It featured goal setting, tailoring, progress tracking, and remote feedback. Objective: In line with the Medical Research Council Framework, which prescribes thorough testing before evaluating the efficacy with a randomized controlled trial, the aim of this study was to assess the usability of a tablet-based app that was designed to support older adults in doing exercises at home. Methods: A total of 15 older adults, age ranging from 69 to 99 years old, participated in a usability study that utilized a mixed-methods approach. In a laboratory setting, novice users were asked to complete a series of tasks while verbalizing their ongoing thoughts. The tasks ranged from looking up information about exercises and executing them to tailoring a weekly exercise schedule. Performance errors and time-on-task were calculated as proxies of effective and efficient usage. Overall satisfaction was assessed with a posttest interview. All responses were analyzed independently by 2 researchers. Results: The participants spent 13-85 seconds time-on-task. Moreover, 79% (11/14)-100% (14/14) participants completed the basic tasks with either no help or after having received 1 hint. For expert tasks, they needed a few more hints. During the posttest interview, the participants made 3 times more positive remarks about the app than negative remarks. Conclusions: The app that was developed to support older adults in doing exercises at home is usable by the target audience. First-time users were able to perform basic tasks in an effective and efficient manner. In general, they were satisfied with the app. Tasks that were associated with behavior execution and evaluation were performed with ease. Complex tasks such as tailoring a personal training schedule needed more effort. Learning effects, usefulness, and long-term satisfaction will be investigated through longitudinal follow-up studies.

Purpose of the study: Pleural diseases are common in clinical practice. Doctors in training often encounter these patients and are expected to perform diagnostic and therapeutic pleural procedures with confidence and safely. However, pleural procedures can be associated with significant complications, especially when performed by less experienced. Structured training such as use of training manikin and procedural skills workshop may help trainee doctors to achieve competence. However, high costs involved in acquiring simulation technology or attending a workshop may be a hurdle. We hereby describe a training model using a simple manikin developed in our institution and provide an effective way to document skill acquisition and assessment among trainee medical officers. Study design: This was a prospective observational study. The need for training, competence and confidence of trainees in performing pleural procedures was assessed through an online survey. Trainees underwent structured simulation training through a simple manikin developed at our institute. Follow-up survey after the training was then performed to access confidence and competence in performing pleural procedures. Results: Forty-seven trainees responded to an online survey and 91% of those expressed that they would like further training in pleural procedure skills. 81% and 85% of responders, respectively, indicated preferred method of training is either practising on manikin or performing the procedure under supervision. Follow-up survey showed improvement in the confidence and competence. Conclusion: Our pleural procedure training manikin model is a reliable, novel and cost-effective method for acquiring competences in pleural procedures.