Digital Commons Network^™

Expanded Cross-Sectional Testing Of Psychometric Properties Of The Kiersma Chen Empathy Scale In Health Professions Students, David B. Gillette, Todd E. Davenport, Tracey Delnero, Deepti Vyas, Jeannene Ward-Lonergan, Rupa Balachandran

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Empathy is important in providing healthcare and should be formed and evaluated during healthcare education. The purpose of these studies was to assess reliability and validity of a no-cost empathy scale and its cognitive and affective subscales in health professions students. Method: For reliability, students in six programs received two administrations of the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale (KCES). A blind researcher analyzed data, using Cronbach’s α to assess homogeneity for total and subscale scores, and Pearson correlation to assess association between subscales and total scores. Two-way intraclass correlation coefficients with random effects were used to determine total and subscale …

Assessment Of Interprofessional Education Competencies: Evaluation Of A New Tool To Assess Sensitivity To Changes Across Training, Anthony J. Goreczny Ph.D., Jodi Schreiber, Melissa L. Bednarek, Mary Dee Fisher, Susan Hawkins, Susan Sterrett, Mark Hertweck

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Interprofessional Education Collaborative introduced specific competencies for interprofessional education to meet the growing need for interprofessional care. These four competencies include teams and teamwork, communication, roles and responsibilities, and values and ethics. With this introduction, a need has emerged for the development of a tool to assess interprofessional proficiency among students in health professions training programs and to evaluate whether such a tool is sensitive to changes in competency as students participate in specific training initiatives. Method: A tool was developed (Interprofessional Education Competency Scale - IPECS) based on the Interprofessional Education Collaborative Competencies and administered to students …

Simulation-Based Assessment Of Blood Pressure By Certified Athletic Trainers, Michael W. Verde, Lindsey E. Eberman, Dawn M. Emerson, Zoë J. Foster, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood pressure (BP) assessment is a key component of pre-participation examinations and can aid athletic trainers (ATs) in diagnosing hypertension. However, the current pedagogical technique, which involves practicing BP assessment on healthy individuals, may not adequately prepare healthcare providers to recognize Korotkoff sounds at abnormal pressures during clinical practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine AT's ability to and confidence in assessing and interpreting BP using a high-fidelity simulator.

Methods: We recruited ATs through conferences, in-services, and postprofessional athletic training programs. In total, 100 ATs from various job settings (age=31±11 years; men=37, women=63, clinical experience=8±10 years; …

Preceptors Perceptions Of Clinical Reasoning: An Investigation Of Athletic Training Practice, Gary W. Cohen, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Julie M. Cavallario, Luzita I. Vela, Bailey C. Jones

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical reasoning is critical for healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and treat injury and illness. The development of this skill starts to form during a student’s clinical education where preceptors serve as the primary clinical role model. Preceptors in athletic training have expressed a desire to learn how to develop and teach clinical reasoning concepts to students. The first step in this process is to understand how preceptors clinically reason. Little investigation has gone into exploring preceptors understanding of their clinical reasoning in practice. The aim of this study was to explore athletic training preceptors' perceptions of their clinical …

A Narrative Review Of Physical Fitness And Injury Research In Equestrians, Jennifer Austin, Erin Schneider-Gaal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This narrative review aims to summarize the body of literature surrounding the topic to best understand performance demands of equestrians, to inform future training recommendations, and to identify areas of research that can optimize the health and performance of equestrians

Study Design: Narrative Systematic review

Methods: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). No limitations were placed on the dates of the searches with the final search completed in January 2024. Keywords were equestrian, strength, training, aerobic training, posture, injury, injury rates, and performance requirements. Forward and …

Effects Of An Educational Intervention On Firefighter Knowledge Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And Prevention, Scott Richardson, Andrew Haight, Kassandra Sanchez, Madison Jepperson, Kelsey Houston, Lauren Schembs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Organized firefighting began in ancient Rome in 300BC, with the first fire engines in the 17^th century. Modern firefighters face extreme personal risk, responding to emergency situations and providing life-saving public support. Cardiovascular disease events account for 45% of on-duty fatalities among firefighters. Cardiovascular health in firefighters is not only important for immediate job performance but also for long-term health. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an educational intervention to influence firefighter knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevention. Method: A literature review determined that cardiovascular health was the leading knowledge deficit among firefighters …

Exploring Clinical Instructors' Views On Effective Role Modeling In Physical Therapy Education: Insights From A Qualitative Study Through The Lens Of Social Cognitive Theory, Brittney M. Gunterstockman, Kellee Harper-Hanigan, Andrew Bartlett, Ian Rheault, Karen Menard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Acting as a role model is an essential competency and requirement for physical therapy clinical instructors. The social cognitive theory may explain how physical therapy students learn from clinical instructors during clinical education experiences. This theory suggests that individuals learn through observation of models who are competent, credible, enthusiastic, and similar to the observer. This study aimed to explore clinical instructors’ perceptions of effective role modeling. Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study used one-on-one virtual semi-structured interviews with clinical instructors (n=7) to explore effective role modeling in physical therapy clinical education. Inductive coding was used to develop codes and themes …

An Exploration Of Student Experiences And Perceptions Of A Physiotherapy Student-Led Clinic, Donna Wynne, Elizabeth Hancock Professor, Emma Stage, Kay Cooper Professor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Student-Led Clinics (SLCs) offer a structured, real-life learning environment for healthcare students, where they provide services under supervision. SLCs can facilitate increased confidence with clinical reasoning, improve skill development and enhance leadership skills. Existing research has generally captured students' experiences at the end of their SLC participation, lacking a longitudinal perspective and therefore, little is known about how students’ perceptions develop over time. This study aimed to explore physiotherapy students' experiences in a neurological rehabilitation SLC, with a focus on participants’ perceptions captured after attending specific SLC sessions and over the course of multiple SLC sessions. Methods: Using interpretative …

Early Childhood Educator Preparation, Exposure, And Perspectives Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Preschool Hispanic Populations, Karla C. Vidaurri, Ruth Crutchfield, Jessica R. Stewart

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose

With an increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Hispanic population, there is a crucial demand for early identification and servicing of individuals with ASD. Early childhood educators are one profession in the position to identify and provide services to individuals with ASD at an early age. The aim of this study was to explore early educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD specific to preschool Hispanic populations.

Method

A survey methodology was implemented to explore early childhood educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD. The anonymous survey consisted of 23 questions and statements that explored …

Interprofessional Wellness Groups: A Model For Success, Rachel Pittmann, Lesley Smith, Kathryn Sabo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose Interprofessional learning activities foster critical-thinking and shared decision-making while promoting person-centered and team-based care. These activities promote the development of interprofessional collaboration competencies that prepare health profession students to effectively deliver care. This article describes the Interprofessional Wellness Group (IWG) model, an academically robust, sustainable, and versatile model that successfully addresses the competencies required for interprofessional collaboration in today’s demanding healthcare environment. Method The IWG model is designed using adult learning theories, is student-led, and aims to provide disease-specific wellness education to community-based participants. Results Quantitative and qualitative data from both students and participants was overwhelmingly positive: students reported …

Feasibility Of A Prescribed Walking Program In Older Adults With Dizziness: Challenges And Recommendations From A Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial, Amie Jasper, Mary T. Blackinton, Joann Gallichio, Anne Galgon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Walking for endurance is a component of vestibular rehabilitation (VR); however, there is no study on increasing the physical activity of older adults with peripheral vestibular hypofunction through a prescribed walking program. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic randomized controlled trial on a prescribed walking program in a clinical environment; specifically, to determine recruitment, data collection retention, and adherence, and to estimate the variances of treatment outcomes. Method: Seventeen patients were randomly assigned into vestibular rehabilitation with walking with pedometer (VRWP), vestibular rehabilitation with walking without pedometer (VRW), and VR only. Recruitment, data …

Canadian Adolescent And Young Athletes Knowledge Of Pain-Relieving Medications, Jackie Vandertuin, Dalya Abdulla, Stephanie Lowther

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Adolescent knowledge of pain-relieving medications (PRM) and opioids is scant, particularly from a Canadian perspective. Research indicates that athletes will often resort to PRM and opioids to manage their pain, but it is unknown whether athletes are fully informed as to its use and misuse including adverse events that may occur. The purpose of this study is to understand what elite level male athletes know about use, contraindications, and recommendations of pain-relieving medications; particularly opioids to manage their pain. Methods: Using a qualitative, grounded theory approach, we interviewed male athletes to understand their level of knowledge regarding pain-relieving medications, …

Simulation Based Learning And Development Of Clinical Decision-Making Skills, As Perceived By Dpt Students, A Qualitative Analysis, Fabian Bizama, Kristy Demers, Mansoor Alameri, Derrick F. Campbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulation-based learning (SBL) has been shown to help Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students transfer academic skills to a range of clinical settings. However, the perceived beneficial and not beneficial elements of SBL have not been fully explored. While most research has focused on acute care settings, previously published findings demonstrated that an SBL course with outpatient-based scenarios can have a significant impact on the development of clinical decision-making (CDM) skills in DPT students; however, details on perceived successful elements were not explored. The purpose of this study was to explore what factors DPT students perceive as helpful and …

Purposeful Integration Of Artificial Intelligence In Evidence-Based Practice Course For Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Qing Zhang, Mary Jane Rapport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly relevant in education and research, offering opportunities for personalized learning, real-time feedback, and research support. In healthcare education, AI has been shown to enhance comprehension of complex concepts and support decision-making. The integration of AI into Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula is widely supported by therapists and identified as a strategic priority for advancing the profession. However, limited research has been published on how AI can be effectively integrated into DPT education or what the potential outcomes are of using AI. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of AI integration on students’ …

Quantifying Afo Use, Fit, And Function Via Outcome Measures By Physical Therapists, Jennifaye V. Brown, Julie Suhr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: For individuals with cerebrovascular accident (IwCVA), there is no outcome measure considered as the gold standard to justify ankle foot orthosis (AFO) use, fit, and function and that takes into consideration inherent properties of the AFO. Data is lacking indicating AFO effectiveness, which can be used to justify insurance reimbursement for the cost of more efficient mechanisms to produce person-centered AFOs using scanning and 3D printing technology, as is commonly done for individuals with lower extremity amputation requiring a prosthesis. Methods: This study surveyed physical therapists (PTs) via electronic medium to inquire about their knowledge and use of AFO-specific …

Dysphagia And Covid-19 In Adults: A Prospective Clinical Trial With Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation Of Swallowing, Gökhan Can Törpü, Müberra Tanrıverdi, Nahide Öztoprak, Ömer Faruk Çalım, Orhan Özturan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is distinguished by its impact on various tissues and organs across the body. It is known that COVID-19-related conditions are associated with swallowing function. This prospective study aimed to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 and dysphagia in adults. Methods: Adults who applied to the swallowing disorders outpatient clinic participated in this study. According to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, participants were divided into two groups: COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 group. Swallowing disorders were evaluated using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and scored with the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). PAS score > 1 was considered as dysphagia. Oral …

Development And Validation Of A Professional Behavior Assessment Instrument For Undergraduate Exercise Science Students, Christina Davlin-Pater, Patrick M. Filanowski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Professional behaviors are important for professional success in undergraduate students. Accurately evaluating these behaviors can help identify strengths and weaknesses for targeted development. Evaluation of professional behaviors is challenging. Self-evaluation coupled with reviews from internship supervisors could provide students with feedback from different viewpoints which can be used to foster self-awareness and encourage reflection. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a professional behavior assessment instrument for undergraduate exercise science students. Methods: The development and validation of this assessment instrument involved three stages: 1) defining and operationalizing professional behaviors, 2) seeking feedback for internal validity, and …

Biopsychosocial-Based Exercise Model For Rheumatic Diseases Via Telerehabilitation: A Case Series With A One Year Follow Up, Nazlı Elif Nacar, Nur Banu Karaca, Zeynep Irem Bulut, Erkin Oguz Sarı, Senem Bulut, Yavuz Yakut, Sevim Oksüz, Sedat Kiraz, Edibe Unal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aims to examine the sustainability of the biopsychosocial exercise performed by telerehabilitation on individuals with rheumatic disease, with and without supervision, and investigate the effect of the biopsychosocial-based exercise model on biopsychosocial status, general health status, and anxiety-depression levels of individuals. Method: Twenty patients with rheumatic diseases performed a biopsychosocial-based exercise model Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach via telerehabilitation with physiotherapist-supervised and unsupervised exercises who continued for three sessions per week for 12 months. Outcome measures were Health Assessment Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach -Biopsychosocial Questionnaire. Patients were assessed at baseline, 3rd, …

Therapeutic Alliance: Exploring The Patient-Clinician Relationship Through The Experiences Of Collegiate Student-Athletes With Athletic Trainers, Paulina Torres, Sean M. Stoeppel, Justin Young, John Kiesel, Lindsey E. Eberman, Matthew J. Rivera

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between patient and provider, consisting of bonds, goals, and tasks. A positive therapeutic alliance enhances care and leads to improved outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of college student-athletes relating to the development of the therapeutic alliance with athletic trainers. Methods: Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) with semi-structured interviews. We used a semi-structured interview to explore the therapeutic alliance and lived experiences of participants. Participants included twelve college student-athletes who were currently under the care of an athletic trainer. Participants completed a semi-structured interview. We …

All In A Day’S Work: Using Simulation To Prepare Athletic Training Students For Clinical Practice, Matthew Donahue, Hannah L. Stedge

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Athletic training educators must prepare students to transition to practice as competent clinicians. Authentic, diverse patient interactions at clinical sites may not occur for all students to prepare them for their career demands. Utilizing simulations in athletic training education may improve students’ transition to practice, but little research has examined interventions to prepare students for a team-based work environment. This paper describes the development process and perceived impact of a student, team-focused athletic training simulation educational technique. Method: This cohort study employed a quasi-experimental research design. A holistic, four-unit athletic training simulation capstone project was designed for final-semester athletic …

Exploring Clinician Understanding Of Therapeutic Alliance, Melissa Cole, Robert Welsh, Susan Shore

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background. Therapeutic alliance is being discussed more readily in allied health literature regarding its potential to improve functional outcomes and patient satisfaction with care. The construct was imported from psychotherapy literature, and the degree and depth of familiarity among practicing physical therapists have not been fully explored. Purpose. This study aims to gain insight into the general level of familiarity and perceptions of therapeutic alliance among practicing clinicians. Methods. A survey was designed to capture a broad professional point of view and distributed using an anonymous link. Results. 73 surveys were completed. 43.3% of respondents reported they were not familiar …

Impact Of Shift Length On Burnout And Job Or Life Satisfaction Among Allied Healthcare Professionals, Tareq F. Alotaibi, Abdulmohsen Altayyar, Muteb Al Muflih, Nawaf Alqahtani, Naif Alhawiti, Badi A. Alotaibi, Sami Al Ossaimi, Hassan Y. Aljohani, Mobarak Alqahtani, Taha Ismaeil, Mohammed Al Qahtani, Saleh Al Garni

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Healthcare professionals are critical to community well-being, but the 12-versus 8-hour shifts on their stress and burnout are unclear. This study examines the effects of work patterns on the quality of life, job satisfaction, and burnout among allied healthcare professionals. Method: a validated questionnaire was used. A descriptive analysis, independent samples t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used, and the significance level was p < 0.05. Results: Among the 340 participants, the mean age was 28 years, and most were women (63.5%), single (58%), and worked 8-hour shifts (54.4%). Most (78%) of the participants reported their job satisfaction …

Crafting Effective Prompts For Chatgpt: A Tutorial, Bonnie Slavych, Greg Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This tutorial explores prompt engineering in artificial intelligence, with a focus on developing effective and efficient prompts for ChatGPT. The content examines the nuances of crafting prompts that are precise and contextually appropriate, offering comparisons between ineffective and effective examples to guide the reader. Through this analysis, readers gain insights into optimizing prompt structure for improved responses from ChatGPT. The tutorial also addresses the ethical considerations and inherent limitations of utilizing AI in professional settings, emphasizing responsible and thoughtful application. By providing practical strategies for prompt engineering, this resource aims to support allied health professionals, educators, and clinicians in integrating …

Effectiveness Of A Gait Assessment Model In Enhancing Understanding And Learning In Healthcare Education, Seema Saini, Arsh Shikalgar, Neelam Tejani, Tushar J. Palekar, Praveen Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Traditional teaching models often fail to adequately convey the complexities of concepts such as gait analysis, a cyclic biomechanical process. This study introduces and evaluates a gait assessment system device as an educational model for healthcare students. The system aims to enhance learning through active experimentation with educators, focusing on teaching fundamental concepts like torque, potential energy, and kinetic movements. Methodology: A total of 80 fourth-year healthcare students specializing in physiotherapy participated in this study. The primary educational approach employed was the gait assessment model, designed to enhance understanding of basic biomechanical concepts such as torque, potential energy, and …

Comparison Of Cognitive Functions, Sleep Quality, Emotional State, Balance And Physical Activity Levels Of University Students According To Academic Success, Sevim Oksuz, Ozde Depreli, Aytül Ozdil, Gozde Iyigun, Ender Angın, Betül Fatma Bilgin, Ayşen Karaman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study was planned to compare the level of attention, dual-task abilities, sleep quality, emotional state (anxiety, depression, stress), dynamic balance, and physical activity level in low and high-academic success university students. Method: A total of 134 international undergraduate students between the age of 18 and 25 (low academic success group n=67, high academic success group n=67) were recruited for this study. The Trail Making Test (TMT) – A and B was used for attention assessment, the TMT While Walking – A and B was utilized for dual-task performance, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was utilized to assess …

Prolonged Impact Of Simulation Education On Athletic Training Students’ Perceived Self-Confidence In Recognizing And Managing Exertional Heat Stroke: A Follow-Up Study, Hannah L. Stedge, Valerie Herzog, Beth L. Kinslow, Malissa Martin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Research on simulation education in athletic training has shown promise for preparing future clinicians with clinical skills, confidence, and patient communication after initial interventions. Little is known regarding the lasting impact of these simulation interventions. Recent qualitative studies have explored the longitudinal impact of simulation interventions on athletic trainers’ professional clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of simulation education on self-confidence in recognizing and managing exertional heat stroke (EHS) among athletic training students (ATS) 18 months after their initial simulation encounters. Method: This study used a non-experimental, exploratory research design. Participants were …

The Impact Of Energy Intake And Macronutrient Distribution On Recovery Rates In Young Women With Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, Hadley Day, Rebecca Lyons, Taylor Vas

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is characterized by irregular or absent menstrual cycles due to disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Young women ages 18-25 are particularly vulnerable to FHA, which can have long-term consequences on bone health, fertility, and overall well-being. While meeting energy needs is essential for recovery, the question arises of whether different macronutrient distributions within an energy-sufficient diet influence the recovery rate. This study aims to evaluate the impact of varying macronutrient compositions on the recovery of young women with FHA. The study will be conducted using a randomized controlled trial design to examine whether diets with …

The Impact Of Paternal Obesity On Placental Development And Function During Pregnancy, Delaney G. Wolfe, Delaney G. Wiolfe

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Paternal obesity is a rising concern in conception and reproductive health, with increasing evidence suggesting its impact on pregnancy outcomes. While maternal obesity's effects on fetal development and placental function are well-documented, the role of paternal obesity remains less understood. The placenta, crucial for nutrient exchange and fetal development, can be disrupted by inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic modifications, potentially leading to long-term health implications for both maternal and fetal health. Understanding the paternal influence on placental development is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes and offspring
health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between paternal obesity on placental function …

Illustrative Storytelling And Social Sciences: Reconsidering Boundaries, Extensions, And Meanings Of Qualitative Research, Veronica Moretti, Francesco Della Puppa

The Qualitative Report

Comics are increasingly recognized as a flexible and multimodal medium capable of eliciting, constructing, analyzing, and disseminating qualitative data. Far from being merely illustrative or humorous, comics offer complex visual-narrative forms that can reflect and critique social realities, stimulate reflexivity, and engage diverse audiences. This approach highlights the scientific, ethical, and epistemological implications of using comics in research, particularly in relation to representation, positionality, and the visual construction of meaning. Comics can serve as tools for pedagogy, public sociology, and participatory inquiry, especially in areas such as health, gender, and digital cultures. From autoethnography and zine-making to the co-production of …

The Current - Volume 35 Issue 12, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.