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Nova Southeastern University

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2015

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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Living The Implicit Curriculum, Leaving A Legacy, Ricardo Carrasco Nov 2015

Living The Implicit Curriculum, Leaving A Legacy, Ricardo Carrasco

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

This paper introduces the inaugural issue of OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry for Stu dents, Faculty & Other Practitioners Advocating for Health through Occupational Studies. The paper asserts that implicit or hidden curriculum partners with the implicit curriculum, especially in health care education that promotes the students’ journey that employs doing, in the transfor - mative process in being and becoming entry-level practitioners.


November 2015 Issue, Occupation: A Medium Of Inquiry For Students, Faculty & Other Practitioners Advocating For Health Through Occupational Studies Nov 2015

November 2015 Issue, Occupation: A Medium Of Inquiry For Students, Faculty & Other Practitioners Advocating For Health Through Occupational Studies

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

No abstract provided.


Global Issue Of Clean Water As It Impacts Occupation, Hillary E. W. Anderson Nov 2015

Global Issue Of Clean Water As It Impacts Occupation, Hillary E. W. Anderson

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

The purpose of this position paper is to explore the global impact of the lack or limited access to clean water on occupational engagement. The majority of the developed world has access to clean water, however, an alarming number of individuals do not have access to s governs, and impedes occupational engagement of millions globally. In order to enforce occupational justice, afforded from clean water, on a global scale, a fueling passion for change must be experienced by a collaborative force in a focused effort. Ultimately, access to clean water should be a basic human right propagated to all.


The Occupational Benefits Of Children Farming, Ellie Edrissi Nov 2015

The Occupational Benefits Of Children Farming, Ellie Edrissi

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

This paper analyses the positive outcomes of youth responsibilities, routines, autonomy, youth programs and scholarships, cultural identity, educational and life experiences through the occupation of farming during seasonal and/or after school hours. The multidimensional context of children willingly working in the agricultural industry allows positive psychological, economical, and cultural experiences while building a stronger family unity. The occupation of farming allows youth participation with the environment, social skills, inter-generational transfer of skills, and increased confidence for future aspirations as they mature to adulthood.


Societal Statement On The Role Of Occupational Therapy With Survivors Of Human Sex Trafficking In The United States, Chelsea Bryant, Lillian Freeman, Meghan Granata, Annie He, Hillarie Hough, Shree Patel, Ashley Stedman, Stephanie Silvia, My-Lynn Tran Nov 2015

Societal Statement On The Role Of Occupational Therapy With Survivors Of Human Sex Trafficking In The United States, Chelsea Bryant, Lillian Freeman, Meghan Granata, Annie He, Hillarie Hough, Shree Patel, Ashley Stedman, Stephanie Silvia, My-Lynn Tran

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

As part of a specialized course, OTD 8340 Wellness and Health Promotion in Occupational Therapy, students from the Nova Southeastern University Entry Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, drafted a Societal Statement on the role of occupational therapy with survivors of human sex trafficking in the United States. The students explored the issue of domestic human sex trafficking from an occupational perspective, under the guidance of their professor, Mirtha Montejo Whaley, PhD, OTR/L. As of the publication of this journal, the document is under review by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)


Access Denied: Barriers For Unauthorized Immigrants Pursuing The American Dream, Kristin Mcmillen Nov 2015

Access Denied: Barriers For Unauthorized Immigrants Pursuing The American Dream, Kristin Mcmillen

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

Millions of immigrants from all around the world are living in the United States without legal authorization. Most have come in search of a better life for themselves or their children, with the belief that through enough hard work, they can achieve the “American Dream.” However, upon arrival, many unauthorized immigrants face cultural, economic, and political barriers that limit their opportunities for community participation and lead many individuals to live their lives in fear. This paper aims to: (a) explore the barriers encountered by unauthorized immigrants in the United States; (b) consider the occupational significance of these barriers; and (c) …


Clinical Supervision In Allied Health In Australia: A Model Of Allied Health Clinical Supervision Based On Practitioner Experience, Sue Fitzpatrick, Megan Smith, Clare Wilding Oct 2015

Clinical Supervision In Allied Health In Australia: A Model Of Allied Health Clinical Supervision Based On Practitioner Experience, Sue Fitzpatrick, Megan Smith, Clare Wilding

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this manuscript is to identify key elements of allied health clinical supervision based on allied health practitioner’s experiences. Method: This study was conducted with qualitative methodology, including content analysis, and draws on hermeneutic interpretation of texts. Data were collected through an online survey in an Australian health service and subsequent focus groups. Results: Findings revealed four key dimensions including accessibility of regular clinical supervision, relationships between the supervisor and supervisee, clarity about the purpose, and roles and a focus on meeting the supervisee’s needs; these dimensions were central to the allied health practitioner’s …


Analysis Of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students' Experience With Thickened Liquids, Mary Gorham-Rowan, Jade Coston Oct 2015

Analysis Of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students' Experience With Thickened Liquids, Mary Gorham-Rowan, Jade Coston

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Thickened liquids are frequently recommended for patients with dysphagia to minimize aspiration. When discussing the use of thickened liquids with graduate students in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD), it is beneficial to discuss the potential effect(s) of this dietary recommendation. Graduate level preparation involving first-hand experience with thickened liquids may help future speech-language pathologists (SLPs) develop a more complete understanding of the effects of diet modification. The purpose of the current study was to examine the reactions of graduate students in CSD to a brief period of thickened liquid use as an experiential learning activity. Methods: Sixty-eight graduate students …


A Comparison Of Static Stretching Versus Combined Static And Ballistic Stretching In Active Knee Range Of Motion, Nathan R. Blackhurst, James C. Peterson, Valerie W. Herzog, Ericka P. Zimmerman Oct 2015

A Comparison Of Static Stretching Versus Combined Static And Ballistic Stretching In Active Knee Range Of Motion, Nathan R. Blackhurst, James C. Peterson, Valerie W. Herzog, Ericka P. Zimmerman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: There is continued controversy related to flexibility gains from different stretching protocols and within single protocols. Stretching methods include static, ballistic, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). A combination of stretching methods may be an improved way to increase active knee range of motion (ROM). This study evaluated a single program formulated with static and ballistic components. Objective: To compare active knee ROM following stretching programs which either included combined static and ballistic stretching (CSBS) or static stretching (SS) alone. It was hypothesized that CSBS would show a greater increase in active knee ROM than SS. Setting …


Faculty And Student Perceptions Of A Physical Therapy Professional Behavior Mentoring Program, Ethel Frese, Cheryl Cavallo, Kelly Hawthorne, Ginge Kettenback, Barbara Yemm Oct 2015

Faculty And Student Perceptions Of A Physical Therapy Professional Behavior Mentoring Program, Ethel Frese, Cheryl Cavallo, Kelly Hawthorne, Ginge Kettenback, Barbara Yemm

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Mentoring is a process and a relationship between a novice and an expert that fosters intellectual, personal, and professional growth. The purposes and scope of this article are to describe 1) the structured professional development component of a comprehensive mentoring program for students in a physical therapy program; and 2) the perceptions of faculty and students regarding this mentoring program. Method: Faculty and students completed electronic questionnaires developed specifically for each group. Results: Return rate was 54.50% (N=286) for physical therapist students and 100% (N=18) for physical therapy faculty. Student positive ratings regarding the mentoring program exceeded 89.00%. Additionally, …


Training Hospital Readiness In Speech-Language Pathology Students Through Simulation, Anna Miles, Selena Donaldson, Philippa Friary Oct 2015

Training Hospital Readiness In Speech-Language Pathology Students Through Simulation, Anna Miles, Selena Donaldson, Philippa Friary

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Simulated learning environments allow students to develop technical and clinical decision-making skills in a safe and realistic setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate speech-language pathology students’ perception of hospital readiness following a one-day simulation-based training day on swallowing management. Nineteen students attended the training day. Training included part-task skill learning and immersive simulated scenarios. Students were asked to complete course evaluation forms and participated in focus groups immediately after the day. Seven students participated in a further focus group after a five-week hospital placement within a month of the training day. Four students participated in a focus …


Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor Self-Reported Evidence-Based Practice Use, Debra Bierwas, Joan Leafman, Lisa Wallace, Donald Shaw, Steven Fehrer Oct 2015

Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor Self-Reported Evidence-Based Practice Use, Debra Bierwas, Joan Leafman, Lisa Wallace, Donald Shaw, Steven Fehrer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Evidence-based practice is a required component of student physical therapist education. Practice applying the five steps of evidence-based practice to patient care (formulate question, retrieve evidence, appraise evidence, integrate evidence, evaluate outcomes), most effectively performed during clinical education, must occur for students to become proficient. Clinical instructor use of evidence-based practice is essential to assure that student physical therapist practice occurs during clinical education. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess self-reported evidence-based practice use by physical therapy clinical instructors and examine whether an association exists between professional characteristics and evidence-based practice use. Methods: This study …


Church Pew Exercise Integrated With Conventional Physical Therapy Following Total Knee Arthroplasty (Tka): Case Report, Randell Gonzales, Jerome Danoff Oct 2015

Church Pew Exercise Integrated With Conventional Physical Therapy Following Total Knee Arthroplasty (Tka): Case Report, Randell Gonzales, Jerome Danoff

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background and Purpose: Physical therapy treatment following Total knee Arthroplasty (TKA) consists of a combination of strengthening and range of motion exercises. The exercise technique, church pew exercise (CPE), has been proposed to enhance quadriceps facilitation and improve function. This is a technique that has the patient standing and rocking forward/back. The backward motion is arrested by engagement of the upper calf against a solid object, creating a sudden flexion torque at the knee and a sudden extension torque at the hip. The combination of CPE with standard physical therapy is claimed to provide better quadriceps control and faster walking …


A Description Of Current Curricular Design Models Used In Physical Therapy Clinical Education And Their Relationship To Pass Rates On The National Physical Therapy Examination, Chalee Engelhard, Christine Mccallum Oct 2015

A Description Of Current Curricular Design Models Used In Physical Therapy Clinical Education And Their Relationship To Pass Rates On The National Physical Therapy Examination, Chalee Engelhard, Christine Mccallum

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop descriptions and identify commonalities of current clinical education models used in physical therapy programs; then, using this information, to examine differences in first-time and ultimate pass rates among the derived formula from Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited programs in 2011-2013. Methods. This mixed methods study captured qualitative and quantitative data from the 204 PT programs located in the United States and Puerto Rico from 2011 to 2013. The data were coded into 11 different clinical education models which represented all programs. The models were then linked to …


Healthcare Student Immunizations: An Overview, Douglas Gardenhire Oct 2015

Healthcare Student Immunizations: An Overview, Douglas Gardenhire

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

All clinical healthcare programs (CHP) in the United States require documentation of many types of immunizations and health information. The key for CHP personnel is to determine if immunization and health information is valid or if immunity exists. Documentation alone does not guarantee a student will be protected. This document will review common immunization and health information collected by many CHP and provide recommendations that programs may consider when adopting or changing polices on student immunization and health information.


Advancements In Treatment For Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Implications For Rehabilitation Professionals, Shawn P. Saladin, Yasar Tasnif, Bianca Cruz, Robert B. Perez Aug 2015

Advancements In Treatment For Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Implications For Rehabilitation Professionals, Shawn P. Saladin, Yasar Tasnif, Bianca Cruz, Robert B. Perez

JADARA

Rehabilitation professionals often work with individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. Sometimes the hearing loss is due to ototoxic medications that are prescribed as treatments for other conditions. An understanding of the types of ototoxic medications at the root of the sensorineural hearing loss combined with an understanding of the advancements in treatments will help the rehabilitation professional better serve consumers who fit this description.


Perceptions Of Physician Assistant Students’ Readiness With System-Based Vs. Problem-Based Physical Diagnosis Curriculum, Kelly Donkers, Carl Garrubba, Laura Daniel, Carol Ennulat Jul 2015

Perceptions Of Physician Assistant Students’ Readiness With System-Based Vs. Problem-Based Physical Diagnosis Curriculum, Kelly Donkers, Carl Garrubba, Laura Daniel, Carol Ennulat

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify students’ perceptions of the curriculum in two different cohorts who received two different delivery styles (system-based or problem-based) of physical diagnosis curriculum to determine if significant differences were present, and to identify how each cohort performed on their clinical experiences (CEs). Methods: One-hundred and sixteen students at one physician assistant (PA) program from two cohorts of students were surveyed using a true/false survey (analyzed by chi-square) regarding their perceptions of their preparedness for clinical rotations with regard to the ability to perform physical examinations. Clinical preceptor evaluations were also analyzed for …


Median Nerve Mobility Measurement Using A Motion Tracking Analysis Program: A Reliability Study, Consuelo Gonzalez-Suarez, Jan Nathleen Dizon, Belinda Cabungcal-Fidel, Ronald Christopher A. Cua, Valentine C. Dones, Peter Lesniewski, John C. Thomas Jul 2015

Median Nerve Mobility Measurement Using A Motion Tracking Analysis Program: A Reliability Study, Consuelo Gonzalez-Suarez, Jan Nathleen Dizon, Belinda Cabungcal-Fidel, Ronald Christopher A. Cua, Valentine C. Dones, Peter Lesniewski, John C. Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: To evaluate relative and absolute reliability and repeatability in assessing median nerve mobility at the level of the wrist and distal upper arm of the right upper extremity during wrist extension. Methods: Six healthy participants participated in the study. Median nerve mobility was captured three times at both sites using Sonocyte Turbo by two sonologists for a total of 72 video clips (36 for each site and 18 by each sonologist). Longitudinal movement was measured using Motion Tracking Analysis Program (MTAP) by the two assessors who were rehabilitation medicine residents. After one month, the assessors remeasured the longitudinal excursion …


A Novel Approach To Lymphedema Management In Upper Extremity Amputations: A Case Report, Katie Polo, Gali Gamble Jul 2015

A Novel Approach To Lymphedema Management In Upper Extremity Amputations: A Case Report, Katie Polo, Gali Gamble

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Many breast cancer survivors experience lymphedema complications from past medical management procedures such as axillary lymph node dissections and/or radiation therapy. These complications negatively affect the patient’s health and overall quality of life. Occupational therapists (OT) certified in lymphedema management can contribute to positive patient outcomes as part of a comprehensive medical team. A case is presented of a 73-year-old female post voluntary trans-humeral amputation due to radiation induced brachial plexopathy. This patient’s treatment was led by an OT certified in lymphedema management and included complete decongestive therapy and analysis of function with a focus on the development of a …


Attitudes Toward Death Anxiety And Dying Among Respiratory Therapy Students: A Pilot Study, Kevin Collins, S. Gregory Marshall, Philip Vaughan Jul 2015

Attitudes Toward Death Anxiety And Dying Among Respiratory Therapy Students: A Pilot Study, Kevin Collins, S. Gregory Marshall, Philip Vaughan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: To evaluate relative and absolute reliability and repeatability in assessing median nerve mobility at the level of the wrist and distal upper arm of the right upper extremity during wrist extension. Methods: Six healthy participants participated in the study. Median nerve mobility was captured three times at both sites using Sonocyte Turbo by two sonologists for a total of 72 video clips (36 for each site and 18 by each sonologist). Longitudinal movement was measured using Motion Tracking Analysis Program (MTAP) by the two assessors who were rehabilitation medicine residents. After one month, the assessors remeasured the longitudinal excursion …


Exploring The Effect A Speaker Series Has On Students Level Of Multicultural Sensitivity And Cultural Competence Awareness, Christine Karpinski, Scott Heinerichs Jul 2015

Exploring The Effect A Speaker Series Has On Students Level Of Multicultural Sensitivity And Cultural Competence Awareness, Christine Karpinski, Scott Heinerichs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The population of the United States continues to become more diverse each day, and this changing demographic impacts our healthcare system, demanding that healthcare providers begin to provide culturally competent services. In order to have culturally competent practitioners, it would be prudent to incorporate the concepts of cultural competence effectively into respective health professions curricula. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a three-part, semester-long cultural competency speaker series on students’ level of multicultural sensitivity and their attitudes toward cultural competence and its effect on healthcare. Methods: A convenience sample of 118 athletic training and …


Commentary: Considering Educational Perspectives And Their Relevance To Allied Health Professional Education: Using Physical Therapy As An Example, Jennifer Audette, Susan Roush Jul 2015

Commentary: Considering Educational Perspectives And Their Relevance To Allied Health Professional Education: Using Physical Therapy As An Example, Jennifer Audette, Susan Roush

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to introduce readers to three educational perspectives: progressive, critical, and professional, and explain their relevance to allied health professional education. Faculty in allied health professional education are often solely educated as clinicians and not as teachers, entering academia with limited background in educational theory. Professional organizations and accrediting bodies, however, are highlighting the need for evidence and theory-based pedagogy and practice in educational settings. Method: An overview of three educational perspectives is provided, as is a discussion of their relevance to allied health professional education, using physical therapist education as an example. Conclusion: …


Beyond The Basics: Providing Continuing Education Workshops For Preceptors; A Commentary, Sara Nottingham, Michelle Cleary, Jason Bennett Jul 2015

Beyond The Basics: Providing Continuing Education Workshops For Preceptors; A Commentary, Sara Nottingham, Michelle Cleary, Jason Bennett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Current Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) standards allow education programs to determine the most appropriate format and content of preceptor workshops. Clinicians, including preceptors, have noted challenges trying to keep their knowledge updated with current standards of care and educational competencies. Clinicians and preceptors in our program and the literature have described challenges trying to keep knowledge current with changing standards of care, research evidence, and athletic training educational competencies. Preceptors also value applicable and easily accessible continuing education opportunities. In order to address these challenges and provide accessible continuing education opportunities for preceptors, the faculty in …


Factors Of Stress, Burnout, And Frustrations Experienced By Athletic Training Students, Justin Mauzy, Thomas G. Bowman, Stephanie M. Mazerolle, Carrie L. Fister Apr 2015

Factors Of Stress, Burnout, And Frustrations Experienced By Athletic Training Students, Justin Mauzy, Thomas G. Bowman, Stephanie M. Mazerolle, Carrie L. Fister

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: College students are at a risk for increased levels of stress and burnout, and those enrolled in healthcare degree programs are more likely to experience higher levels due to balancing demanding roles. Our purpose was to assess sources of stress, burnout, and/or frustration in athletic training students (ATSs) of different academic standings. Methods: Data were collected through the use of an original, 33-question questionnaire. An inductive approach was used to analyze the data and multiple analyst triangulation and interpretive member checks were used to secure credibility. Results: 27 male and female ATSs from freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes …


Staff Perceptions Of The Barriers To Mobilizing Icu Patients, Simone Dafoe, Kathy Stiller, Marianne Chapman Apr 2015

Staff Perceptions Of The Barriers To Mobilizing Icu Patients, Simone Dafoe, Kathy Stiller, Marianne Chapman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Whilst early progressive mobilization is known to be safe and beneficial for patients in an intensive care unit (ICU), barriers still exist to its implementation. As part of a broader quality improvement project that had the overall aim of increasing the frequency of mobilization in our ICU, we conducted a survey of ICU staff to investigate their perceptions of the barriers to the early progressive mobilization of ICU patients. Method: A prospective survey of ICU staff in an Australian, tertiary care, public hospital ICU was undertaken. A total of 93 medical, nursing, and physiotherapy staff participated. A purpose-designed survey …


Implementation Of An Exercise Program In Breast Cancer Rehabilitation To Improve Shoulder Outcomes: A Pilot Study, Dragana Ceprnja, Katherine Maka Apr 2015

Implementation Of An Exercise Program In Breast Cancer Rehabilitation To Improve Shoulder Outcomes: A Pilot Study, Dragana Ceprnja, Katherine Maka

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To examine the effects of a group exercise program on shoulder pain, disability, range of motion, and strength. Method: This was an observational study of twenty-six patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery and were receiving physiotherapy intervention. The intervention was a supervised 8-week exercise group program. The primary outcome measure was shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). Secondary outcome measures were shoulder range of motion of flexion and abduction and strength of shoulder flexion and abduction. Results: The average age of patients referred to the group was 56-years (range of 29 to 71 years). The average time …


Usefulness Of The Managemed Screen (Mms) And The Screening For Self-Medication Safety Post Stroke (S5) For Assessing Medication Management Capacity For Clients Post-Stroke, Jessica J. Bolduc, Regula H. Robnett Apr 2015

Usefulness Of The Managemed Screen (Mms) And The Screening For Self-Medication Safety Post Stroke (S5) For Assessing Medication Management Capacity For Clients Post-Stroke, Jessica J. Bolduc, Regula H. Robnett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Occupational therapists need to efficiently and accurately screen a client’s medication management capacity, especially for clients post-stroke. Most therapists are not aware of, nor do they utilize specific assessments for, medication management capacity. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the results of the ManageMed Screen (MMS), the Screening for Self-Medication Safety Post Stroke (S5), and the Montreal Assessment of Cognition (MoCA) on a population of rehabilitation clients post-stroke to determine the usefulness of the medication assessment tools in clinical practice. These screens were designed for use in occupational therapy practice among other healthcare professions: the MMS was …


Air Displacement Plethysmography And Resistance Exercise, Joan Cebrick Grossman, Ronald W. Deitrick Apr 2015

Air Displacement Plethysmography And Resistance Exercise, Joan Cebrick Grossman, Ronald W. Deitrick

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of resistance exercise (RE) on body composition using air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) within 2 hours of completing RE. Methods: Thirteen university students (9 males and 4 females; 18.8±0.5 yrs; mean ± SD) volunteered for this study. The RE program (55.4±8.7 min) consisted of a combination of upper- and lower-body extremity exercises and abdominal exercises for a total of nine different exercises. Relative body fat (BF) was assessed (1.76+0.4 hr) using ADP before and after the RE along with skinfold (SF) measures, body mass (BM) and respiratory quotient. Results …


Attitudes Of Paramedic Students Towards Specific Medical Conditions: A Four-Year Study, Brett A. Williams, Malcolm J. Boyle, Stuart Howard Apr 2015

Attitudes Of Paramedic Students Towards Specific Medical Conditions: A Four-Year Study, Brett A. Williams, Malcolm J. Boyle, Stuart Howard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the attitude of first year students entering a paramedic course over 4 consecutive yearly intakes toward patients with intellectual disability, substance abuse, attempted suicide, and acute mental illness. Method: The students’ attitude towards four medical conditions commonly encountered in the out-of-hospital setting was assessed using the Medical Condition Regard Scale (MCRS). The MCRS score ranges from 11 to 66. Results: 230 students in Victoria, Australia, participated in the study; 66% were female, and 76% of all students < 21 years of age. Students showed the most negative attitudes towards substance abuse, mean 35(SD+6.6), and the most positive attitude toward intellectual disability, mean 38.2(SD+6.3). Students in 2008 cohort displayed significantly higher regard for all medical conditions (pConclusions: The study findings suggest that these students in Victoria, Australia, entering an undergraduate paramedic or paramedic/nursing course have a relatively poor attitude towards the four reviewed medical conditions, particularly substance abuse.


Decision Making About Rural Physiotherapy Service Provision Varies With Sector, Size And Rurality, Robyn Adams, Anne Jones, Sophie Lefmann, Lorraine Sheppard Apr 2015

Decision Making About Rural Physiotherapy Service Provision Varies With Sector, Size And Rurality, Robyn Adams, Anne Jones, Sophie Lefmann, Lorraine Sheppard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Decisions about physiotherapy service provision occur within the context of organisations, locations, and settings. The uniqueness of rural communities means it is important to consider contextual factors when making decisions about rural health services. As literature describing decision making about rural physiotherapy services is limited, this study sought perspectives on service level decision making (SLDM) from a range of stakeholders. The research approach needed to support consideration of both location and the broader health system. Method: A sequential mixed methods approach within a systems theory-case study heuristic provided the framework to explore rural physiotherapy SLDM. The investigation site, a …