Digital Commons Network^™

Holistic Review In Health Professions Education Program Admissions: A Concept Analysis, Andrea N. Bowens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Health professions education programs often use holistic reviews to promote a more diverse student body, leading to a more diverse healthcare workforce. Although many organizations and educational institutions advocate for holistic reviews of applicants, there are inconsistencies in the literature as to what this practice entails. Thus, the purpose of this concept analysis was to identify the defining attributes of holistic reviews and provide an operational definition. Methods: Walker and Avant’s description of a concept analysis served as a guide for this review. This systematic process included an analysis of current literature, legal proceedings, and organizational documents; identification of …

Who Moved My Cheese?, Cheryl J. Hill

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

No abstract provided.

Sleep Disturbances Effect On The Development Of Disability Following A Motor Vehicle Collision: A Cohort Study, Bradford Callan, Morey J. Kolber, Joshua Cleland, James M. Elliott

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sleep disturbance and calculate its effect on long-term outcomes for people with whiplash associated disorder (WAD) following a motor vehicle collision (MVC). Methods: A secondary analysis of data for 97 people (females = 72) diagnosed with WAD was collected at 10%. Logistic regression was used to calculate significance and odds ratios (OR) for the variables of age, body mass index (BMI), sex, and sleep disturbance. Results: With logistic regression age and BMI were non-significant factors, however, sex (ꭕ² = 9.37, p = 0.025; OR = 4.3) and …

Interprofessional Readiness Of Athletic Trainers And Collaborating Sports Medicine Health Professionals, Michael J. Nolan, Jason S. Jordan, Kelly L. Potteiger, Anthony P. Breitbach

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is pivotal in modern healthcare, emphasizing collaboration among diverse health professionals for comprehensive patient care. While IPC has been extensively studied, a notable gap exists in understanding the readiness of athletic trainers (ATs) for IPC within hospital system settings. Purpose: This study seeks to address this gap by comparing the IPC readiness of ATs to colleagues from the same setting. Methods: The University of The West of England Interprofessional Questionnaire (UWE-IP) was administered to ATs and colleagues in hospital systems. This validated questionnaire measures aspects of IPC readiness across four constructs: 1.) communication and teamwork, 2.) …

Exploring The Relationships Between Musculoskeletal Problems And Job Satisfaction, Quality Of Life, And Sleep In Physiotherapists, Melis Usul, Sevgi Pehlivan, Yağmur Aydın, Deniz Tuncer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Aim: The aim of our study was to explore the relationship between musculoskeletal problems and job satisfaction, quality of life and sleep in physiotherapists.

Method: Eighty-six actively working physiotherapists (63 female, 23 male) participated in our study. Sociodemographic Information Form, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMSQ), Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale (MJSS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Short Form-36 Quality of Life Scale (SF-36) were delivered to the participants via Google Forms. Data were evaluated using SPSS-20.0 statistical program.

Results: In our study, there was no significant correlation between the NMSQ global score and MJSS general satisfaction and intrinsic-extrinsic satisfaction parameters for …

Effectiveness Of Low-Level Laser Therapy On Pain And Function In Individuals With Musculoskeletal-Related Disorders, A Pilot Study, Daniel Curtis, Alexis Gillett, Alex Habegger, Lavona Traywick, Reed Handlery, Antonio Varela, Teressa Brown, Dawn James

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on pain and function in individuals presenting with pain associated with musculoskeletal dysfunction. A secondary purpose is to examine the effects of age on observed outcomes associated with using LLLT. Methods: The study protocol included 12 sessions of LLLT using a class 3-B laser device. Treatment dosage for the LLLT was determined according to recommendations published by the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT). Physical therapists determined treatment locations for LLLT application during a pre-intervention evaluation. Following completion of the intervention protocol, participants …

Professional Identity Formation Through A Peer Learning, Integrated Clinical Experience, T.R. Goins, Michelle Green, Bridget Eubanks

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of first-year DPT students related to professional behaviors and professional identity formation after an integrated clinical experience facilitated by peers. Methods: Forty-one first-year DPT students from an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program participated in a class assignment designed to collect qualitative data regarding their experiences with professional behaviors and professional identity formation after completing an integrated clinical experience. Incident coding processes analyzed responses to open-ended assignment prompts. Results: The most frequent professional behaviors students felt they could demonstrate during the integrated clinical experience were “communication” and …

Where’S The Etiquette? Telehealth Etiquette In Health Professions Education And Practice: A Scoping Review, Rachel Pittmann, Bobbie Ann Adair White, Nicole Danaher-Garcia, Anne Thompson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Past research on in-office provider professionalism has shown an association between patient-provider relationship, patient satisfaction, and healthcare outcomes. Less research has been conducted on the topic of professionalism and communication in telehealth. Telehealth etiquette, or the skills that combine professionalism and communication used during a virtual healthcare visit, has recently emerged in the literature. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to map the evidence of telehealth etiquette within health professions education and practice. Method: A full search using keywords and synonyms of “webside manner” and “telehealth” was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo. Search results initially identified 263 …

The Impact Of Relationship Building Through A Structured Coaching Program For Mentors And Mentees Within A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Post-Professional Residency Program, Francois A. Prizinski, Tonya Miller

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The focus of this study was to explore the impact of relationship building with a structured coaching program, using DISC, for mentors and mentees within a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) post-professional residency program. The medical education literature supports the use of coaching for developing Master Adaptive Learners (MAL) and modeling for lifelong learning. The purpose of this research was to introduce a DISC Focused Coaching Program (DFCP) to both mentors and mentees within a DPT post-professional residency program to understand the impact of coaching from their perspective. Methods: Qualitative phenomenological methods were used to understand the …

Effect Of Virtual Reality Mood State Videos On Balance Performance, Luis Torres, Skylar Paletta

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

PURPOSE: Poor balance performance is significantly associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury across various age groups. Mood states have been shown to impact the extent to which active individuals are predisposed to and successfully recover from musculoskeletal injury. Virtual reality (VR) technology is a tool that can be used to simulate an environment to elicit certain mood states. This study sought to explore if virtual reality mood state videos could affect balance performance to help better inform physical rehabilitation clinicians in their development of rehabilitative programming for active individuals in relation to balance training. METHODS: Twenty-six participants ( …

How Allied Health Programs Can Integrate Pharmacists Into Didactic Education Medication Curriculum: Benefits, Challenges, And Implementation, Dawn M. Battise, Susan M. Smith

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Many allied health professionals are required to receive medication-related education. As the “medication experts,” pharmacists are uniquely qualified to provide such training. Although pharmacy involvement in interprofessional education is frequently described, there is limited data about the pharmacist's role in the allied health didactic setting. This paper describes how two allied health programs leveraged the medication knowledge of pharmacy educators to enhance delivery of medication related content. Strategies are provided for pharmacy and allied health educators who are considering implementing a similar interprofessional model.

Effect Of Segmental Expansion Exercises On Pulmonary Function In Patients With Upper Abdominal Surgery- A Randomized Controlled Trial, Pranali R. Gaikwad, Manish P. Shukla

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Following upper abdominal surgeries, restricted pulmonary function and limited chest expansion often occur due to incisions near the diaphragm. This study aimed to assess the influence of segmental expansion exercises on pulmonary function among individuals recovering from upper abdominal surgery. Method: The study involved 88 patients who underwent elective upper abdominal surgery, randomized into two groups. Over a five-day postoperative period, Group A received standard physiotherapy, including diaphragmatic exercises, splinted huffing/coughing, and ambulation. In contrast, Group B received routine physiotherapy along with segmental expansion exercises. The study evaluated pulmonary function through measurements of forced vital capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume …

Making Reflection Assignments Meaningful And Enjoyable For Health Professions Students And Faculty, Karen A. Gibbs, Megan L. Trad, Shannon R. Herrin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Recognizing the professional and personal benefits of self-reflection, health professions programs routinely incorporate reflection activities into their curricula. However, designing, administering, and grading engaging, meaningful reflection activities that can be utilized for in-person or online teaching can be challenging for faculty and less than enjoyable for students. This study explored student perceptions of a shared activity using photovoice to stimulate individual and group reflection and discussion of learning during clinical experiences. Methods: Second year, doctor of physical therapy students were asked to reflect on their clinical experiences. During the semester-long assignment, each student completed a photovoice slide …

Sources Of Information That Introduced Undergraduate Students To Their Allied Health Major, Erin Vanderbunt

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Selecting a college major can be overwhelming for undergraduate students. The factors influencing major selection not only impact student success and degree completion time but also affect university recruitment and retention strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the most influential sources of information that first introduced undergraduate students to their current major of nutrition, public health, or speech pathology and sought to determine if any differences existed between the academic majors or by the demographic variables of gender or racial/ethnic backgrounds. Methods: A total of 121 undergraduate students from a regional, midwest institution participated in …

Gynecological Cancers And Quality Of Life, Shaina E. Ettinger

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Background: Every five minutes a woman in the United States receives a gynecological cancer diagnosis. On average, 88,128 women in the United States are diagnosed with gynecological cancer yearly and 12,158 of those women, or 7% require hospital readmission. Although patient readmission rate is relatively low for this population, a better understanding of how patients frame quality of life (QoL) may decrease readmission stemming from QoL complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the QoL issues that contributed to hospital readmission following surgical intervention in women newly diagnosed with gynecological cancer. Method: The study used a …

Adult Learner Theory In Physical Therapy Residency Programs: Strategies To Foster Effective Residency Education, Cassie Young, Casey Unverzagt

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This educational perspective manuscript discusses the concept of andragogy, or adult learner theory, in residency education for physical therapists. Physical therapy residency programs serve as a principal pathway to clinical specialization. Physical therapy residents possess unique educational needs as they are autonomous practitioners engaged in patient care. Learner-centered educational theory, with an emphasis on characteristics of the adult learner, can serve as a guide to developing and implementing effective residency educational programming. Andragogy in its historical and current applications are described with proposed strategies for incorporating key tenets of adult learner theory into residency education and linking it …

Primary Prevention And Motivational Interviewing: Patterns In Athletic Training, Mark C. West, Justin P. Young, Matthew J. Rivera, Kenneth E. Games

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The BOC practice analysis defines the first domain as Risk Reduction, Wellness and Health Literacy including, “Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors with effective education and communication.” There is limited evidence on primary prevention measures athletic trainers (ATs) use to address health-related behaviors. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based patient-centered style of communication used to help patients modify detrimental health behaviors to improve health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge and practice patterns of primary prevention and motivational interviewing in athletic training. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT). The survey contained demographic questions, …

Recent Graduates’ Perceptions Of Immersion And Its Effect On Preparation For Professional Practice, Dana Karlene Bates, Jessica L. Moore

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Programs now requires students to complete an immersive clinical educational experience. There is limited research in athletic training education on recent graduates’ perceptions of the impact of these immersive experiences. The purpose of our study was to explore recent graduates of a masters’ athletic training program perceptions of an immersive experience as it relates to preparation for professional practice. Method: A qualitative inquiry was utilized for this study to explore athletic trainers’ perceptions following an immersive clinical experience. Ten recent graduates (1 male, 9 female) who completed a 10-week …

Obstacles To Physical Therapy Clinical Instruction: A Qualitative Study Of Clinical Instructors, Alicia K. Rabena-Amen, Bhavana Raja, Todd E. Davenport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical instructors (CIs) are essential contributors to clinical education. Limited literature exists describing CI perceptions of supervising students. The purpose of this research was to identify CI challenges and possible solutions when supervising student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants. Methods: A convenience sample of 99 CIs in the Northern California Clinical Education Consortium participated in this study. A phenomenological approach obtained CI perceptions of the barriers to supervising students. Researchers employed a web-based survey to obtain demographic information and pose two open-ended questions that allowed for up to three responses. Thematic analysis using a coding framework was …

The Endocannabinoid System Signaling, A Precursor To Homeostasis: A Scoping Review, Madison Sikyta, Jeff G. Konin, Matthew Kutz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The Endocannabinoid System is a physiological system in the body that includes several receptors and ligands. Due to its relatively recent discovery, there is a need for healthcare professionals to be formally educated on the function of this system in the body. The endocannabinoid system is seen as having an increased research interest since the early 1990s given its current status of uncertainty amongst many. The goal of this scoping review is to provide a synoptic analysis of how the Endocannabinoid System functions and integrates within and between different systematic relationships in the body.

How Have Occupational Therapy Services Been Delivered During The Covid-19 Pandemic?, Hulya Yucel, Selen Aydoner

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The provision of traditional healthcare services has encountered obstacles due to the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The inability of healthcare professionals and clients to survive the pandemic and the inadequacy of personal protective equipment have created uncertainties regarding the appropriate practices for addressing individuals' health conditions. Furthermore, the field of rehabilitation, including occupational therapy, has experienced changes in the delivery of traditional practices. Therefore, this review aimed to examine occupational therapy services delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the literature review, the most commonly provided services by occupational therapists during COVID-19 were discussed and a total of …

Scoping Out Leadership Opportunities And Motivational Factors Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Laura Stephens, Ronald Childress

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to open investigation into the scope of leadership opportunities available to students at a physical therapy educational program and to identify factors that motivated students to pursue leadership development opportunities during their pre-professional education. Methods: This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews to investigate the experiences and perspectives of current and former student leaders. Participants were queried regarding what leadership opportunities were available to them and what motivated them to pursue those specific roles. Results: Findings revealed the scope of leadership development opportunities included experiences within and external to the Doctor of Physical Therapy …

Incorporating Transparency Into An Online Respiratory Care Curriculum, Kristen Mchenry, Adrian Hoyal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework has been shown to impact student academic success, improve retention rates, and increase reported course satisfaction. This instructional strategy has demonstrated effectiveness in traditional, online, and underrepresented student groups. This project aimed to revise one elective 7-week course in an online undergraduate degree advancement (DA) program in Respiratory Care to incorporate the TILT infrastructure and assess retention and satisfaction pre and post-implementation. Methods: The methodology can be characterized as evaluative, non-experimental research. An objectives-oriented approach was used to retrospectively evaluate the pedagogical change (TILT) and its degree of instructional impact on …

Physical Therapy Management Of Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Study, Erin Hung, Gwendolyn Juha, Todd E. Davenport, Joy Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that involves dysfunction of the neuromuscular junction, and commonly involves fluctuating muscle weakness and central fatigue. Current literature lacks consensus on the benefit of exercise in addressing central fatigue in this population. This case report explores the role of physical therapy in an individual with MG for whom fatigue is a primary concern. Methods: This case study describes the physical therapy management of a 62-year-old Caucasian male recently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Physical therapy intervention focused on strength and balance training as well as patient education on energy conservation and activity pacing. …

Physical Therapy Management For An Individual With Stiff Person Syndrome In The Acute Care Setting: A Case Report, Paul Kim, Christina Berdoulay, Todd E. Davenport, Joy Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disease which is characterized by progressive rigidity and painful spasms of axial and limb muscles. We report here on the physical therapy management as well as medical complications which impacted the physical therapy plan of care for a patient with paraneoplastic SPS in the acute care setting. Method: This case report describes rehabilitation management of a 71-year-old woman who presented in the acute care setting for complaints of progressively worsening stiffness in the bilateral lower extremities leading to multiple falls as well as dysphagia. Primary interventions for this patient included passive …

Clinical Instructor And Student Reports Of Affective Behavior Issues During A Clinical Experience, Bruce N. Elliott, Jon J. Rizzo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical Instructors (CIs) have optimal opportunity to support non-cognitive attributes while observing and assessing student interactions with staff and patients because of the time spent with their students. There is a dearth of literature related to how items in the professional practice section of the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) are truly addressed during a clinical affiliation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to record the occasions when lapses occur with respect to a student’s accountability, communication, or professional behavior, as well as assessing student and CI interpretations of how these instances were addressed, and subsequently corrected within …

The History And Development Of Doctor Of Health Science (Dhsc) Programs In The United States Part Iii – Future – Needs, Foundational Factors, And Principles., Helen Ewing, Richard Davis, Randy D. Danielsen, Eric Sauers, Robin Reesal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This three-part article series will advance the understanding of the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programs in the United States. Method: Part I discussed relevant historical information about higher education and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). It described the transition of PhD philosophies to professional doctorates by following the historical postgraduate program paths in Education, Nursing, and Public Health. There was a brief discussion about the rapid growth of professional doctorates. Part I ended by identifying the origins of DHSc programs in the United States. Part II looked at the evolutionary stages of professional doctorates and DHSc programs. This …

The History And Development Of Doctor Of Health Science (Dhsc) Programs In The United States - Past, Present, And Future Part Ii – Present – Comparing Dhsc Programs, Helen Ewing, Richard Davis, Randy D. Danielsen, Eric Sauers, Robin Reesal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This three-part article series will advance the understanding of the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programs in the United States. Method: Part I discussed relevant historical information about Higher Education and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to reach this goal. It described the transition of PhD philosophies to professional doctorates by following the historical postgraduate program paths in Education, Nursing, and Public Health. There was a brief discussion about the rapid growth of professional doctorates. Part I ended by identifying the origins of DHSc programs in the United States. Part II looks at the evolutionary stages of …

The History And Development Of Doctor Of Health Science (Dhsc) Programs In The United States - Past, Present, And Future Part I - Past, Helen Ewing, Richard Davis, Randy D. Danielsen, Eric Sauers, Robin Reesal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This three-part article series will elucidate how the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programs in the United States were envisioned and introduced. Method: Part I discusses relevant historical information about Higher Education and the traditional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree to reach this goal. It describes the transition of PhD philosophies to professional doctorates by following the historical postgraduate program paths in education, nursing, and public health. Included is a brief discussion about the rapid growth of professional doctorates. Part I ends by identifying the origins of DHSc programs within the United States system of higher education. Part …

The Lived Clinical Experiences Of Expatriate Athletic Trainers, Emily K. Mulkey, Elizabeth R. Neil, Trisha Cousins, Mary Murray

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

One of the ways that healthcare systems have adapted to the needs of patient care is to expand the role of allied healthcare professionals. The utilization of these clinicians, with wide-ranging skill sets, allows for increased adaptability and improved patient outcomes.¹ Expansion of physician reach through allied health professions provides improved connectivity to patients.² While medical communities all have a common goal, the healthcare system varies among nations in terms of the representation of allied healthcare professions.² Within the United States (US), one of the most versatile allied health professions is athletic training. With a skill set …