Digital Commons Network^™

Flop To Flip: Integrating Technology And Team-Based Learning To Improve Student Engagement, Diana A. Veneri, Elizabeth M. Mongillo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The first attempt to develop and instruct a new course in evidence-based practice in a physical therapy curriculum proved problematic. The purpose of this paper is to describe the method of revising this traditionally taught course using a combination of flipping the classroom, team-based learning, and technology. Methods: Working with an Instructional Design Specialist, a weekly online preparatory module was created for each content topic using a variety of multimedia learning provisions including micro learning videos (PowerPoint with voiceover), transcript of the PowerPoint, a list of vocabulary words, reading, Quizlet, Flipgrids and Concept Checks. Each week’s module was introduced …

Empathy Levels Correlate With Practical Examination Scores In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Scott Richardson, Danika Aten, Garrett Bennett, Matthew Koster, Hannah Svilar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine if empathy levels correlate with practical examination scores in DPT students. It was hypothesized that students with higher empathy levels would receive better scores on practical examinations. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of 49 first and second year DPT students from Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, AZ. After obtaining informed consent, participants completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to assess personal empathy. These scores were compared with participants’ practical examination scores using a Spearman Rho statistical test with data analysis completed using SPSS software. Results: 49 participants (26 …

Rapid Transition Of An Allied Health Clinic To Telehealth During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Satisfaction And Experience Of Health Professionals, Student Practitioners, And Patients, Michelle A. Krahe, Maya Conway, Simone Howells, Kara Roffey, Sheena Reilly

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: With COVID-19 social distancing measures requiring a shift in how healthcare is delivered, telehealth service provision allows patients to receive care remotely while adhering to relevant safety regulations. This study investigated the perceptions and experiences of allied health practitioners and their patients at a multidisciplinary allied health clinic that rapidly transitioned to telehealth service delivery. Method: Allied health practitioners (both qualified and student) and patients were recruited during the transition to telehealth across a large healthcare facility located on the Gold Coast, Australia. Participants were surveyed after each telehealth session rating their satisfaction and experience across four areas (technical, …

Interprofessional Education At A Distance: The Hybrid Interprofessional Education Model, Melissa J. Lazinski, Lynda Ross, Suzanne Wolf, Megan Finck, Lance Cherry

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) is a critical component of health professions education but planning and implementation are challenged by logistical, physical, personnel, and recently global pandemic COVID-19 barriers. Purpose: This report describes the development and design of the proposed Hybrid Interprofessional Education (HIPE) model, a blended learning IPE model developed to mitigate barriers using a flexible framework and online collaborative technologies to deliver experiences based on Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies. Operational principles, model design, an example of model implementation, and outcomes are reported. Method: Fifty-four student physical therapists and physician assistants attending remote campuses of the same university …

Indoor Cooking Practices And Associated Health Factors Among Participants In The Dominican Republic And Nicaragua: A Collaborative Study Between Respiratory Therapy Students And Comunidad Connect, Rachel Culbreth, Rachel Trawick, Jon Thompson, Douglas S. Gardenhire

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The purpose of this study is to determine factors associated with indoor cooking practices and specific vital signs across two middle-income countries, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. This study used data from Nicaragua (n=76) and Dominican Republic (n=62) (collected in 2018-2019). Multivariable linear regression was utilized to determine factors associated with carbon monoxide levels and systolic blood pressure. Among all participants (n=138), approximately half lived in Nicaragua (n=76, 55.1%) and half lived in Dominican Republic (n=62, 44.9%). The overall smoking prevalence in each country was low (9.2% in Nicaragua and 4.8% in Dominican Republic). Age was associated with higher carbon monoxide …

Addressing Health-Related Myths In The Culturally Diverse African American Population: A Call To Action, Lucson Joseph

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

African Americans (AAs) experience numerous challenges that socially, economically, and physically affect their communities. Recent studies have found that a diverse array AAs encounter many struggles as they navigate the United States (U.S.) healthcare system to access care and receive healthcare services. AA communities are significantly affected by the burden of chronic diseases. They face considerable barriers to healthcare services that contribute to adverse health outcomes. This paper explains the daily struggles many AAs face within their communities to access and navigate the healthcare system due to culturally held myths and barriers. This paper discusses commonly held myths among Afro-Caribbean …

The Impact Of Perfectionism On Mental, Social, And Physical Health Of Graduate Students In The Health Sciences, Kelly B. Filipkowski, Alicia H. Nordstrom, Triet Pham, Michael Floren, Scott L. Massey

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Perfectionism is considered a multidimensional construct with adaptive and maladaptive features. It was hypothesized that the diverse perfectionism components would predict well-being outcomes of similar valence. Method: The current study investigated perfectionism and mental, social, and physical health outcomes of graduate students in health science disciplines, across two semesters. We utilized two approaches in our empirical analysis. We first examined the continuous relationships between perfectionistic strivings, perfectionistic concerns, and health-related outcomes of graduate students. Additionally, we assessed differences between three perfectionism groups (i.e., adaptive, maladaptive, or non-perfectionist) on these well-being outcomes. Results: Results indicated that generally, adaptive perfectionism was …

Student Perceptions Of Soft Skills Activities In Professional Level Athletic Training Programs, Christina Davlin-Pater, Elisabeth C. Rosencrum

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Educators should not assume that students will acquire the soft skills and professional behaviors that are valued without instruction and guided practice. Early establishment of a positive professional identity may empower and motivate students to work towards excellence. We sought to explore and describe student perceptions of online learning modules designed to promote soft skill development in professional level athletic training students early in their education program. Methods: A qualitative approach was used. We designed a course curriculum using a series of online learning modules to promote the development of soft skills and the appreciation of professional values. It …

Expanding Rehabilitation Beyond The Clinic—Strategies To Increase Total Restorative Therapy Time For Adults With Hemiplegia, Niamh M. Tunney, Ellen R. Perlow

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Positive neuroplastic changes involving cortical reorganization after stroke are experience dependent and are facilitated more effectively when rehabilitation occurs with high volume. Structured experiences to promote adaptive changes can be implemented during scheduled therapies in any rehabilitation setting. However, time spent in supervised restorative therapy is limited regardless of setting. Time spent in therapeutic activity can be extended by a variety of options that patients can engage in independently, that are low-cost, and that have evidence to support their use as a supplement to physical and occupational therapy. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present four …

Physical Examination Findings In Patients With Protracted Concussion And The Impact Of An Integrative Concussion Rehabilitation Protocol, Lauren Ziaks, Chelsea Brown, Maura Iversen

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To describe physical examination (PE) findings of individuals with protracted concussion recovery and evaluate an integrated primitive reflex (PR) disinhibition, vision, and vestibular rehabilitation intervention. Method: Retrospective study of 82 patients with protracted concussion (60.98% female) who received ≥ 2 phases of treatment. Following a baseline PE, patients completed the Post-Concussion Symptom Survey (PCSS), Activities-Based Balance Confidence Questionnaire (ABC), Dizziness Handicap Index (DHI), and Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury (aTBI) Vision Questionnaire. A subset of patients (Group 1), completed a final PE and second questionnaire administration. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample. T-tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests compared characteristics of …

Mentorship Experiences Of Doctoral Students: Understanding Desired Attributes Of Doctoral Student Mentors, Stephanie M. Singe, Lauren Sheldon, Kelsey Rynkiewicz, Ciara Manning, Erica Filep, Emma Zuk, Caitliin Hargrave

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Mentorship is a critical aspect of the professional development of the doctoral student who wishes to pursue a role in higher education. Continued understanding is needed regarding the needs of the doctoral student when it comes to mentorship. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the needs of a doctoral student from their mentoring relationships, as they work towards their terminal degree. Methods: This is a descriptive, phenomenological qualitative research study within universities that offer doctoral education. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted using Zoom video conference technology. Each interview, after transcribed, was analyzed following the step-wise approach …

An Examination Of Employment Model And Policy And Procedure Practices Of Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Micaela Dunbar-Gaynor, Ericka P. Zimmerman, Victor Liberi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the policy and procedure practices of secondary school athletic trainers based on employment models. Methods: Following an online informed consent confirmation, participants completed a Policies and procedures status questionnaire, including demographics. This was distributed to certified athletic trainers currently employed in the secondary school setting in the United States. The survey consisted of 49 questions about the status of policies and procedures being in operation and/or written form. Results from the policies and procedures questionnaire were combined with the recorded employment model type to compare the status of policies and procedures …

Parental Awareness Of Early Intervention For Hispanic Children With Communication Disorders, Ruth Crutchfield, Sonya N. Salinas, Roy K. Chen

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Children at risk of delayed speech and language development and speech-language disorders come from a broad range of demographic backgrounds, including ethnicities, sexes, and socioeconomic statuses. A vast body of research in speech-language pathology has demonstrated that early intervention is crucial for helping children acquire the necessary communication skills they need to become effective communicators, successful students, and ultimately accomplished adults. Currently, commercials, billboards, online sources, and personal referrals are the methods most often used to promote awareness of early childhood intervention services. Method: This study aimed to identify whether the current promotional methods used to increase parental awareness …

Students’ Self-Perceptions Of Self-Awareness/Self-Regulation When Experiencing Unexpected Situations In An Interprofessional Clinical Simulation, Elena Wong Espiritu, Steven Busby Phd, Fnp-Bc, Julie W. Hunt, Renee Brown, Beth F. Hallmark, Keri Cochran, Carol Krueger-Brophy

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The healthcare environment is becoming increasingly complex and demanding; therefore, providers need to possess both technical and non-technical skills to respond in unexpected circumstances. Self-awareness and regulation are non-technical skills where an individual becomes aware of personal and others’ emotions and then modulates those emotions to effectively act during a challenging situation. Educational programs need to embed more opportunities for students to develop these skills to enhance patient outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this research study was to explore student self-perceptions of self-awareness and self-regulation when experiencing unexpected situations in an interprofessional clinical simulation. Methods: Healthcare students (n = …

Occupational Therapy In Primary Care -- Barriers, Pivots, And Outcomes: A Pilot Study, Sue Dahl-Popolizio, Gretchen Anne Roman, Felicia Trembath, Bradley Doebbeling, Alyssa Concha-Chavez

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Habits, roles, and routines are important behaviors that affect lifestyle and can lead to the development of chronic disease such as diabetes mellitus. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have limited time, suggesting an interprofessional team approach would be beneficial in helping patients modify behaviors for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Occupational therapists (OTs) specialize in addressing health behaviors, and literature supports including OTs on the primary care team to improve the self-management techniques of patients with chronic disease. This study was guided by Lifestyle Redesign®, an evidence-based program that addresses the health behaviors of patients with diabetes …

Implementation And Assessment Of A New Program Requirement To Promote Professional Development, Christina Davlin-Pater, Elisabeth Rosencrum

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Requiring students to complete and record professional development type activities similar to the requirements of certified athletic trainers may help promote the values and behaviors associated with life-long learning in the evolving practice of athletic training, as well as prepare students more practically for the expectations of credential maintenance. We sought to design, implement, assess, and improve a new professional development program requirement in a professional-level athletic training program that closely mirrored the process and re-certification requirements for certified athletic trainers. Methods: a quasi-experimental mixed-methods approach was used. Data were collected over two consecutive years at a private …

Designing A 3d Printed Prosthetic To Meet Task-Specific Needs: A Case Study, Daniel Panchik, Gina C. Feeney, Angeline A. Springer, Cristina G. Vanbrocklin, Hannah E. Winters

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The purpose of this case study is to explore the ease of utilizing task-specific design in computer-aided, open-source 3D printed design software. Two participants were recruited and assessed using subjective and objective measures to guide the prosthetic designs. Hand measurements were obtained and entered into computer software to create computer-aided design drawings of the digit prosthetics. Field notes were taken throughout this process by the interdisciplinary team and analyzed to address the ease of utilizing this technology. Objective assessments showed that both participants experienced decreased expansion, grip, and prehension strength of their affected hands. Semi-structured interviews with the participants identified …

The Precaution Adoption Process Model In Describing Emergency Action Plan Adoption, Samantha E. Scarneo-Miller, Douglas J. Casa, Shuang Yin, Timothy E. Moore, Yuki Murata, Johna Kay Register-Mihalik, Lindsay J. Distefano

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the ability of the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) to classify athletic trainers (ATs) and athletic directors (ADs) readiness to act with regards to adopting an emergency action plan (EAP), and describe factors influencing PAPM stages. Method: We used a cross-sectional questionnaire design to evaluate readiness to act for developing an EAP among ATs and ADs working in United States high schools. The PAPM is a participant-driven model to identify someone’s readiness to act or change and has seven stages: Unaware, Unengaged, Undecided, Decided not to Act, Decided to Act, Acting …

Agreement In Walking Speed Measured Using Four Different Outcome Measures: 6-Meter Walk Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, 2-Minute Walk Test, And 6-Minute Walk Test, James Roush, John D. Heick, Tanner Hawk, Dillon Eurek, Austin Wallis, Daniel Kiflu

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Walking speed is considered the sixth vital sign because it is a valid, reliable, and sensitive measure for assessing functional status in various populations. Purpose: The current study assessed agreement in walking speed using the 6-meter walk test, (6MWT) 10-meter walk test (10MWT), 2-minute walk test (2minWT), and 6-minute walk test (6minWT). We also determined differences in walking speed. Methods: Seventy-three healthy adults (44 females, 29 males; mean [SD] age=31.36 [10.33] years) participated. Lafayette Electronic timing devices measured walking speed for the 6MWT and 10MWT. Measuring wheels and stopwatches measured walking distance and speed for the 2minWT and 6minWT. …

Predictors Of Success On The Credentialing Examination In Radiography For First- And Non-First-Generation Students, Michael F. Iorio, William J. Edmunds, Benjamin J. Becerra

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Identifying predictors of student success is fundamental across higher education in the United States, particularly for historically underserved first-generation students. In radiologic technology programs, the literature suggests that variables prior to and during matriculation in these programs affects scores on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing examination in Radiography. However, the evidence in this area has not considered the educational patterns for first-generation students. Purpose: This study sought to improve our understanding about how select student background characteristics and experiences prior to and during the years enrolled in radiologic technology programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee …

Are Youtube Videos In Turkish Useful As An Information Source For Dental Treatment During The Covid-19 Pandemic?, Gözde Işık, Meltem Özden Yüce

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Since the start of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients with dental conditions find it difficult to consult their physicians and to preserve the continuity of dental treatment. All routine appointments were suspended and postponed indefinitely so that infection control procedures could be administered. This study aimed to assess the value of Turkish videos for patients seeking information on dental treatments during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Videos on YouTube were screened using the following keywords: ‘Coronavirus, diş tedavileri’, ‘COVID-19, diş tedavileri’ and ‘SARS-Cov-2, diş tedavileri’. The search results were limited to the first 100 videos. Videos were analysed independently …

Students’ Retention Of Biophysical Agents Curriculum From First To Third Year Of Study, Jamie L. Greco, Eric M. Lamberg

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Biophysical agents (BPA) are widely used in physical therapy clinical practice and is a content area included in entry level physical therapist education programs. Retention of this content is critical for clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to measure to what extent 3^rd year physical therapist students (PTS) were able to recall knowledge of BPA content after a 2 -year gap by repeating an examination that was given during the first year. Specifically, 1) Is there a significant difference in retention of BPA content/material between the 1^st and 3^rd year of curriculum, and 2) …

“Where I Am Weak, They Are Strong”: Students’ Perceptions And Attitudes Toward Interprofessional Education, Christen G. Page, Karina Christopher, Leah Shea Simpkins, Casey E. Humphrey, Lisa G. Jones, Aaron D. Sciascia

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Healthcare professionals strive for interprofessional practice to achieve optimal patient care. Extant research suggests that to best prepare students for interprofessional practice, interprofessional education (IPE) should be a key element in curriculum. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to evaluate the impact of an IPE activity on participants’ attitudes and perceptions of IPE across five academic programs. Methods: This study utilized a modified version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale Questionnaire (RIPLS) pre and post IPE and reflective essays. Participants included 67 students from nursing, occupational therapy, athletic training, dietetics, and speech-language pathology programs. After reviewing a …

An Audit Of The Use Of Simulation In Australian And New Zealand Physiotherapy Curricula, Tayne Ryall, Elisabeth Preston, Niruthikha Mahendran, Bernie Bissett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The aim of this exploratory research was to investigate the use of simulation in physiotherapy curricula across Australia and New Zealand. The key areas of focus were whether simulation was being used, the forms of simulation used for training and assessment, evidence for educational simulation practices, and the enablers and barriers to implementing simulation into the curricula. Method: All Australian and New Zealand Universities offering a physiotherapy degree were invited to participate in an electronic survey. As no pre-existing tool was available to answer the aims of the study, a custom designed survey was developed. The survey was pilot …

Assessing Participant Feedback To Dental Screenings Provided By Dental Hygiene Students And Follow-Up Dental Hygiene Care In New York City, Susan H. Davide, Margarita Rivera

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to validate the association between dental screenings and follow-up care to support the level of awareness of dental hygiene services available in the community by increasing access to care and determine patients’ knowledge of dental insurance status. Methods: A first-time dental screening was conducted, and complimentary care was provided for those who followed through with dental hygiene care at the clinic. Survey questionnaires were administered to participants following screening and clinic care. Results: Ten participants of the 50 screened received care at the clinic. Less than half of those screened (41 %) had …

Interracial Dialogues In Dixie: Expressing Emotions To Promote Racial Reconciliation, Jeneve R. Brooks Phd, Sharon Everhardt Phd, Samantha Earnest Phd, Imren Dinc Phd

Peace and Conflict Studies

Given the legacy of racial injustice and mistrust that continues to plague race relations in the United States, it is important that citizens of different racial backgrounds come together to share their feelings and thoughts about race issues in order to advance racial reconciliation in their own communities. Saunders (1999) asserts that such dialogues can transform interracial relationships that could inspire the larger community to change itself. This study presents the results of nine interracial focus groups from two dialogues on race relations events held in Dothan, Alabama in 2015 and 2016. Our findings illustrate that many Black respondents displayed …

Teaching Peace By Using Nonviolent Communication For Difficult Conversations In The College Classroom, Sara Koopman, Laine Seliga

Peace and Conflict Studies

Having empathy and respect for oneself and others when engaging in difficult dialogue is an essential part of peace education. Gandhi emphasized that involving emotions was more transformative than purely intellectual approaches to education. Nonviolent communication (NVC), as developed by Marshall Rosenberg, is a tool for fostering empathy and building connection across difference. Using NVC for difficult conversations in any college classroom is a way of mainstreaming peace education across the curriculum. Though there is literature on difficult conversations in the college classroom, and on the effectiveness of NVC in general and in K-12 classrooms, there is very little on …

Making It Work For Everyone: Developing Flexible Digital Clinical Communication Modules For Health Disciplines In An Australian Context, Nayia Cominos, Kerry Thoirs, Rowena Harper, Giordana Cross, Megan Cooper

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This paper discusses an innovative multi-disciplinary approach to the development and evaluation of flexible, digital clinical communication learning resources to support students in twelve health disciplines to develop clinical communication skills in preparation for their clinical placements. Methods: A modified Delphi survey was sent to all stakeholders in the Division of Health Sciences to identify the most important communication skills from the list of 61 communication skills identified by Bachmann et al in 2013. Lecturers, clinical educators, clinicians, and students were invited to rate the importance of each skill. Results: A set of digital resources was created for teaching …

Infusing A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (Cure) Into An Allied Health Curriculum, Deborah A. Johnson, Beverly J. Barham, Susan R. Franzen

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Infusion of a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) into an existing research design course in an applied science curriculum allowed medical laboratory science students (n=22) to each be a contributing team member in a hand’s-on research experience, where most of the work was completed during the class time on campus. This design allowed for equal access, an equitable experience, and inclusion of all students enrolled in the course. Methods: Students and instructors worked together to develop a research question. The group agreed that the research question would be to determine the number of environmental specimens that were …

Therapeutic Management Of A Patient With Necrotizing Fasciitis Resulting In Quadrilateral Amputation And Critical Illness Myopathy In The Intensive Care Setting: A Case Report., Mallory A. Kargela, Annette J. Siebens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this case is to illustrate the best available evidence to provide early therapeutic intervention for a critically ill patient presenting with cardiovascular and pulmonary complications due to multi-system compromise. Case Description: A 19-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis and necrotizing pneumonia. He experienced numerous additional medical complications ultimately leading to tracheostomy, delirium, critical illness myopathy, and quadrilateral amputation secondary to necrotizing fasciitis and critical limb ischemia following prolonged veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Outcomes: Patient was discharged to an outside rehabilitation hospital after 103 days in the acute setting …