Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Work Readiness Scale For Allied Health Graduates, Vidya Lawton, Emre Ilhan, Verity Pacey, Taryn M. Jones, Arlene Walker, Catherine M. Dean

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The transition for allied health graduates from university to the workforce has been perceived to be difficult and overwhelming, leading to early attrition within healthcare professions. Work readiness is a crucial aspect of successful transition to the workforce, however, the elements of work readiness are not clearly defined. The purpose of this project was to refine the measurement of work-readiness in allied health graduates. Method: A 62-item Work Readiness Scale for Allied Health Professionals (WRS-AH), based on a work readiness scale for a generic population of graduates, was validated and refined using an exploratory factor analysis. Results …

A Realist Informed Study On Speaking Up In Healthcare – Supervisors’ Perceptions Of New Graduates Speaking Up, Philippa M. Friary, Suzanne C. Purdy, Lindy Mcallister, Mark Barrow, Rachelle Martin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: For healthcare organizations to adapt and improve, staff need to speak up for patient safety and quality improvement. Speaking up has been explored in nursing and medicine with little known about speaking up in allied health. This study is part of a larger project investigating speaking up in allied health new graduates. This paper is taking a realist position to look at the perspectives of supervisors of allied health new graduates and further develop the Initial Program Theory (IPT) developed from the new graduate study. Method: Data was collected from two focus groups. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to …

Perspectives, Spring 2022, Volume 10, Number 1, Nova Southeastern University

Perspectives

"Perspectives" was the College of Health Care Sciences' official magazine that connects students, faculty and staff from CHCS’s academic programs all over the state of Florida.

Speaking Up In Healthcare: An Exploration Of The Allied Health New Graduate Workforce, Philippa M. Friary, Suzanne C. Purdy Prof, Lindy Mcallister, Mark Barrow Assoc Prof, Rachelle Martin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: All healthcare workers are responsible for patient safety and quality improvement and need to “speak up” to communicate issues. As healthcare systems strain under the impact of reduced staffing and workloads increase, allied health new graduates are feeling under pressure and unsupported. Understanding their experiences of speaking up as they transition into the workforce will identify what support they require to fulfil their patient safety and quality improvement responsibilities. Method: An exploratory study was conducted to investigate how new graduates in allied health speak up. Informed by a realist theoretical position, this study was interested in what contexts and …

Development Of A Digital Health Capability Framework For Allied Health Practitioners: An Australian First, Nikki Littlewood, Sharon Downie, Abbey Sawyer, Kath Feely, Dhruv Govil, Brit Gordon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The value of digital health technologies and their contribution to high-quality and safe clinical care and enhanced health patient experience and outcomes is well established. Digital health technologies are increasingly being used by Victorian allied health professionals (AHPs) in routine service delivery, the uptake of which has been significantly accelerated by the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Objectives: This case study outlines the development of a capability framework to support Victorian AHPs, health services, other employers, and university training partners to measure and expand digital health capability at individual practitioner and workforce levels. Methods: A mixed-methods approach to …

Allied Health Student Engagement In Telehealth Clinical Placements: A Rapid Review, Kate Bridgman, Shane Erickson, Lisa Furlong, Adam Bird

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The engagement of allied health students in telehealth consultations whilst on clinical placement has rapidly increased due to the disruption caused by COVID-19. While this is understandable given the circumstances, it has occurred on the largely unfounded assumption that utilising telehealth is pedagogically appropriate to supplement or replace assessed placements. Method: This rapid review used the Cochrane rapid review methodology to synthesise the literature relating to the perspectives of allied health students whilst on clinical placements utilising telehealth. Results: A systematic search and selection process found three studies. In summary, the combined findings of the research suggest that student …

Clinical Supervision In Singapore: Allied Health Professional Perspectives From A Two-Round Delphi Study, Brena Lim, Kate Cook, Dean Sutherland, Alexandra J. Weathersby, Gina D. Tillard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study investigated Allied Health Practitioners’ (AHPs) perspectives on and consensus of clinical supervision in an acute tertiary hospital in Singapore. Specifically, AHPs’ views on the benefits of and barriers surrounding engaging in clinical supervision, as well as strategies for enhancing clinical supervision experience. Method: A Delphi approach utilizing a two-round process via online questionnaires was employed. A total of 77 AHPs responded to the first round of the Delphi questionnaire and 55 AHPs completed the second round (71% retention rate). Open-ended responses from the first round underwent thematic analysis and resulted in sixty statements (five themes) describing engagement …

Perspectives, Summer/Fall 2021, Volume 9, Number 2, Nova Southeastern University

Perspectives

No abstract provided.

Perspectives, Winter/Spring 2021, Volume 9, Number 1, Nova Southeastern University

Perspectives

No abstract provided.

Feeding Difficulties In Children: A Guide For Allied Health Professionals An Evaluation Report, Carmel M. Blayden, Kate Holland, Sonia Hughes, Jennifer Nicol

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: An evaluation of Feeding Difficulties in Children: A Guide for Allied Health Professionals (2016) was undertaken to determine how the publication has been utilised amongst allied health professionals across NSW. This evaluation aimed to identify the usefulness of the Guide in supporting the assessment and management of children with feeding difficulties. Results will inform future education and support strategies. Method: The evaluation targeted allied health professionals employed by NSW Health. An online questionnaire formed the primary method of data collection. Four semi-structured focus groups also occurred to provide complementary qualitative information. Results: Clinicians from a range of professions and …

Mindfulness Training And Practice In Physician Assistant Education, Catherine K. Sadowski, Leslie Taylor, Erin Sharaf

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to integrate mindfulness, as a compassionate pedagogy, into a physician assistant (PA) program and assess its effects on student depression, anxiety, and stress at the conclusion of the first semester. Method: Fifty-five of 60 first-semester students provided consent. Mindfulness instruction and practice began with a six-hour intensive workshop spread over two days during the first week of the semester. This was followed by seven, brief, 10 to15 minute mindfulness practices integrated across one course. Students completed a demographic questionnaire at the beginning of the project and the DASS 21 survey which measures a …

Clinical Supervision Frameworks For Allied Health Professionals: A Systematic And Critical Review, Marcus Gardner, Carol Mckinstry, Byron Perrin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical supervision is an important element of professional support for allied health professionals and contributes to the provision of safe, high quality patient care and health professional wellbeing. Structured clinical supervision frameworks have been recommended to improve access and effectiveness of clinical supervision for allied health professionals by providing practical guidance and increased consistency. However, there is limited evidence relating to the availability and quality of clinical supervision frameworks for allied health. Method: A systematic and critical review was conducted to identify and appraise clinical supervision frameworks for allied health. Included were peer-reviewed studies and grey literature documents, available …

Perspectives, Summer/Fall 2020, Volume 8, Number 2, Nova Southeastern University

Perspectives

No abstract provided.

The Allied Health Work Readiness Study: Identifying Personal Characteristics Signalling Work Readiness In Allied Health Students, Maxine O'Brien, Kelli Troy, Jayne Kirkpatrick

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical placements associated with university degrees for the allied health professions aim to support the preparation of students for post graduate employment through the practical application of theoretical constructs. However, employers recognise that a range of generic skills and attributes outside of technical and academic achievement impact of work readiness. Allied health clinical educators within Darling Downs Health (DDH) sought to identify these generic characteristics, and their relative importance, with a view to further supporting the work readiness of students completing placements in the district. Method: The study utilised the knowledge and experience of allied health clinical educators, experienced …

An Interprofessional Clinical Placement In A Primary Healthcare Setting: A Pilot Study, Christina Aggar, Beth Mozolic-Staunton, Renee Joyce Lovi, Maggie Scorey, Melissa Kemp, Tara Walker, Sian Lewis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Internationally, and in Australia, interprofessional education (IPE) is becoming typical in primary healthcare delivery and is core to delivering patient-centred care. It is essential that primary healthcare education develop interprofessional capacity in order to produce a skilled workforce. An IPE clinical placement for undergraduate health students was developed and piloted in primary healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the IPE clinical placement in a primary healthcare setting on students’ perceptions of interprofessional education. Method: A pre-post placement validated questionnaire (n=19) indicated overall perceptions of IPE significantly increased over the course of …

Perspectives, Summer/Fall 2019, Volume 7, Number 2, Nova Southeastern University

Perspectives

No abstract provided.

Ranking Of The Generic Abilities Among Baby Boomer, Generation X, And Millennial Physical Therapists And Physical Therapy Students, Catherine D. Noonan, Jennifer Bunn, Heidi Shearin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The events and social conditions experienced by a generational cohort are thought to shape values and behaviors. Numerous studies have correlated generational differences with unique professional behaviors and educational preferences. However, few studies have examined this theory in the practice of physical therapy. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess generational differences in ranking of the Generic Abilities, a tool for assessing professional behaviors, as used in physical therapy in the United States of America. Methods: An online survey including demographic information, region of residence, years of experience, and ranking of Generic Abilities was sent via …

Setting Research Priorities Within Allied Health: What Do Clinicians Think?, Annette Davis, Den-Ching Angel Lee, Lisa-Anabell Wenzel, Terry Haines

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Research activity among allied health clinicians working in publicly funded health care organisations is growing, yet little attention has been paid to how these activities are prioritised. Without a specific framework to guide research direction, it is likely that research will be conducted in areas that are prioritised by individual clinicians. However, it is presently unknown what areas are prioritised by clinicians and the reasoning behind their prioritisation. Purpose: The aims of this study were to identify what clinicians identify to be the highest priority research across personal, department, and health service levels, and the reasons why. It also …

Evaluation Of A Peer Group Model Of Supervision For The Allied Health Workforce In Queensland: A Descriptive Overview, Susan C. Pager, Pim Kuipers, Karen Bell, Fiona Hall

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: An evaluation of a large scale implementation of a peer group model of professional supervision was conducted to inform service planning and guide policy and practice. A descriptive overview of the findings is presented. Method: Allied health staff trained in peer group supervision were surveyed about their experience of the model, its challenges and benefits. Interviews were also conducted with senior managers. Results: Analysis of 248 responses indicated that 72% of trained staff had participated in peer group supervision, and that these peer groups had continued for an average of 17.2 months. The majority of groups adhered …

Mentoring Processes In Higher Education: Perspectives Of Junior Athletic Training Faculty Members, Sara Nottingham, Stephanie M. Mazerolle

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Mentorship is a valuable mechanism of socializing faculty members to higher education, but understanding of how mentoring relationships develop is limited. The purpose of this study was to seek a more complete understanding of how mentoring relationships develop for junior faculty members, and how these effective mentoring relationships can be fostered. Method: A qualitative, phenomenological design was used to examine junior athletic training faculty members’ experiences with mentoring. Twenty athletic training faculty members: 14 women, 6 men, 32±3 years of age and averaged 2.4±2.1 years as a full-time faculty member in an accredited athletic training program participated in this …

Food Allergy In Youth: A Primer For Allied Health Professionals, Philip Welch, Lauren Maziarz, Macy Mccartney, Chelsea Raker

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many youth struggle with the physical, mental, and social burdens of food allergy. The exact cause of food allergies is unknown, but several theories exist such as the “couch potato theory”, “hygiene hypothesis”, “microflora theory”, and “alarmins” theory. This non-systematic literature review summarizes the problem of youth food allergy and provides guidance to allied health professionals.

Method: A literature search of the relevant literature from years 2000 through 2017 was conducted using PubMed with the key words “food allergy”, “youth”, and “management”.

Results: Youth with food allergy may experience anxiety, social isolation, bullying, and depression, in addition to life-threatening …

Building Allied Health Research Capacity At A Regional Australian Hospital: A Follow-Up Study., Tilley Pain, Michelle Petersen, Malindu Fernando

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose

This study determined if research experience increased among allied health professionals (AHPs) at a regional tertiary hospital following a research capacity building initiative.

Methods

A cross sectional electronic survey was used to collect data from allied health professionals on their research experience, research support needs, enablers and barriers to research and their perceptions regarding benefits of research. A baseline survey was conducted in 2011 which was compared to a follow up survey in 2015. Comparison of variables between the two surveys used Chi squared tests.

Results

The response rate for the 2011 survey was 43% (n=248) while the 2015 …

Medical Ethics Is More Like Chess Than Checkers, Peter G. Holub

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Some naysayers say, “Ethics can’t be taught and good character can’t be learned.” This belief is based on the notion that there is a small window of opportunity, sometime between birth and the teenage years, when a person either develops moral character or doesn’t. Parenting gets most of the credit…or all of the blame. If this perspective is true, then what’s the point of trying to teach ethics to medical, nursing and allied health students?

An Initiative To Build Research Capacity Within A Physiotherapy Department: Hits And Misses Over A 20-Year Period, Kathy Stiller, Naomi Haensel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Building research capacity within a busy clinical allied health department is important but can be limited by time, resources and expertise. In 1995, a role was created in our Physiotherapy Department whereby an individual with an interest and expertise in clinical research was identified and a proportion of their workload (12 hours/week) designated to fulfil a research co-ordination role. The aim of this role was to foster research and build research capacity within the Physiotherapy Department. This paper reports the achievements associated with this initiative to highlight its successes, difficulties and failures. Method: A retrospective descriptive review of research …

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 …

Formative Assessment Practice In Health Science Education, Shreemathi S. Mayya

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

To explore the extent of practices of formative assessment in health science education, a self-report questionnaire was administered to faculty members of nursing and allied health sciences of a south India university. Simple percentages were computed to explore the extent of practice of formative assessment and the ways in which it is currently used to help students learn in nursing and allied health science courses. The study revealed that there is room for improvement in the way formative assessment is practiced currently in health science education.

Factors Identified By Physiotherapists That Influence The Retention Of Regional Clinicians: A Qualitative Investigation, Elli Miles, Robyn Adams, Sophie Anaf, Lorraine Sheppard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: To identify factors influencing the retention of physiotherapists in one regional setting. Design: A qualitative framework using semi-structured interviews was used to collect data. Data were evaluated using thematic analysis. Setting: A regional city located on the coastline of Queensland, Australia, more than six hours drive from the capital city, Brisbane. Participants: Practicing physiotherapists employed by Queensland Health, the main public health employer. Main Outcome Measures: Retention themes identified from the interview transcripts. Results: The advantages of remaining employed in the regional city were centred on personal issues. Forty-four responses described personal advantages while 33 described professional advantages. The …

'It's All Part Of The Package' In Rural Allied Health Work: A Pilot Study Of Rewards And Barriers In Rural Pharmacy And Social Work, Julaine Allan, Judith Crockett, Patrick Ball, Margaret Alston, Kerri Whittenbury

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to identify personal and professional factors that influence health workers’ commitment to remaining in rural and remote areas with the aim of identifying research directions for a larger study and informing workforce recruitment and retention strategies. Design: Accidental sampling then qualitative interviews with pharmacists and social workers. Setting: Six rural communities with populations less than 5,000 in New South Wales, Australia. Methodology: Deductive and inductive analysis of data. Results: Common rewards included the value attached to pharmacists’ and social workers’ contributions to rural communities, ability to assist people to solve problems, and …

The Nature Of Career Advice Provided To Undergraduate Allied Health Sciences Students At The University Of South Australia, Marie Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of career advice, especially advice concerning postgraduate research training degrees, provided to and by students in five health professional bachelor’s degree programs at the University of South Australia. In addition, differences between professional disciplines in terms of career advice and knowledge of current research activities of staff and research degree students were explored. Method: A cross-sectional survey of final year students in five disciplines within the School of Health Sciences was used in this study. Information was sought on demographics, the nature of career advice received, advice the respondent …

The False Wisdom Of Tuition Based Ranking Of Allied Health Programs: Is Your Program Affordable?, Tamara L. Little

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the extent to which the ranking of programs based on total tuition cost changes when housing and program length were added to total tuition. Method: To accomplish this, the cost of tuition at 13 physical therapist education programs was compiled. Programs were ranked from most expensive to least expensive. The costs associated with housing, program length, and lost opportunity to earn wages were then added to total tuition. Programs were again ranked from most expensive to least expensive. Results: Regional differences in the cost of living and the total length of …