Digital Commons Network^™

The Tailoring Of National Guidelines For Upper Extremity Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Concept In Use., Salem F. Alatawi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: In Saudi Arabia, national evidence-based clinical guidelines (NCG) were created based for healthcare interventions. However, clinicians appear to be slow to incorporate the evidence into practice. As a result, there exists a time-gap between the gathering and presentation of evidence for best practice and the use of that evidence by clinicians. It becomes, therefore, imperative to investigate the gap between the research evidence and clinical practice. The knowledge to action (KTA) framework is available to facilitate the implementation of research evidence. This framework incorporates the theory of tailoring, a concept that is intended to create a fit between …

Feasibility Of Conducting Research In A Student Physiotherapy Clinic In Australia: A Pilot Study, Scott Buckerfield, Felicity Braithwaite, Julie Walters, Maureen P. Mcevoy

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health student clinics are growing in number and scope, providing a potential untapped avenue for clinical research. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a longitudinal research study over four sessions in a student physiotherapy clinic under the supervision of registered physiotherapists as clinical educators.

Method: This feasibility study gathered data on recruitment in a designated time period, attendance rates and adherence of participants to the treatment, with evaluation also of the acceptability of the entire protocol to participants (patients, students, clinical educators) and to the research team.

Results: Data were collected …

Development Of A Healthy Eating And Lifestyle Program (Help) Online Website For Filipinos: A Case Report, Noelle Lyn C. Santos

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background and Purpose: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health problem in the Philippines and around the world. Preventive measures to reduce its continuous rise require improvement in the health system. Utilization of information and communication technology-(ICT)-based tools will allow dissemination of evidenced-based information in the population. This case report contains the description of the development process of a Web-based nutrition Website.

Case Description: ICT-based tools were explored as means of communicating nutrition information to the public because of the increasing access and usage of the Internet among Filipinos. An iterative process with five major phases were followed …

Factors Affecting Student Persistence Into Athletic Training Programs, Heather Hudson, Valerie Herzog

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that contribute to student persistence and gauge prospective athletic training students' perceptions of experiences that contributed to their persistence. Method: The Athletic Training Student Persistence-Revised Survey was developed to gather data about program attributes, social, academic, clinical integration, and program commitment. Institutional demographics, program demographics, and program attributes were collected during interviews. Surveys were administered online through SurveyMonkey. Survey data were returned anonymously by designated contact persons (Athletic Training Program Directors or Clinical Education Coordinators) for all freshmen prospective athletic training students enrolled in the athletic training introductory course/s. …

Training, Diet And Supplement Regimen Of An Elite Female Standup Paddler In Preparation For An Ultra-Distance Event: A Case Study, Victoria Burgess, Pete Bommarito, Jose Antonio Ph.D., Fnsca, Fissn, Cscs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

PURPOSE: Standup paddleboard (SUP) racing is the quintessential power-endurance sport that requires a combination of skill, aerobic power as well as muscular strength and endurance. The purpose of this case study was to examine the training, diet and supplement regimen of an elite paddler in preparation for an ultra-distance Standup paddleboard race (i.e., Molokai to Oahu [M2O) 32-mile open ocean SUP race).

METHODS: The physical characteristics of the paddler are as follows: 32-year old female, 167.6 cm height, 62.7 kg weight and 19% body fat (Bod Pod®). During the six-month training program, the athlete's daily average intake of …

A Correlational Analysis Of Length And Nature Of Relationships Between Applicant And Reference And Strength Of Recommendation For Caspa Letters Of Recommendation, Ty Troxell, John E. Lopes Jr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) application includes a standardized rating form in addition to the ability to submit letters of recommendation. This exploratory study examines the standardized portion of the CASPA letter of recommendation to determine whether there is a correlation between the ratings given and the relationship and length of time the writer knew the applicant. Method: Four-hundred and thirty recommendation forms were evaluated. Variables included length and nature of the relationship between the letter writer and the overall recommendation given by the writer for the applicant. Results: Almost 95% of writers highly recommended the …

An Investigation Of Entry Level Doctor Of Physical Therapy Student Perspectives Of Peer Evaluation, Dawn James, Natalie Weeks-O'Neal, Jennyfer Oh, Teressa Brown

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To describe the perceptions of peer evaluation as an instructional method when used by entry-level doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students as preparation for practical examinations within a clinically oriented course.

Methods/Description: Forty first year, entry-level doctor of physical therapy students participated in structured peer-skills checks prior to practical exams as part a clinically based course. Each student was required to observe and provide critical feedback for at least four other students as they performed simulated patient care activities. Peer-evaluators rated the students on their level of competency with the skills using a Visual Analog Scale and …

High-Fidelity Simulations Offer A Paradigm To Develop Personal And Interprofessional Competencies Of Health Students: A Review Article, Nava Livne

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulation instruction is an effective method to help health professional students develop personal and interprofessional competencies. The purpose of this review was to summarize the literature on high-fidelity mannequin simulation using methods that develop various personal and interprofessional competencies of health students in profession-specific and interprofessional health settings.

Method: This review was conducted using 10 databases, and articles published in English from January 2008 through January 2018 were reviewed. Keywords and terms from the Medical Subject Headings [MeSH] thesaurus were used to create keyword combinations. Of 95 articles that resulted from this search, 44 research studies were chosen for …

Students' Perception Of The Educational Environment In An Indian Physiotherapy College, Prachita Walankar, Vrushali Panhale, Sayli Situt

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Educational environment has a significant impact on students' behavior, academic progress and quality of learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the students’ perception of their learning environment in an Indian physiotherapy college and compare their perceptions in terms of demographic attributes and academic level. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 undergraduate physiotherapy students. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM), a 50-item, self-administered inventory was employed to assess the student’s perception of learning environment. It comprises of five domains: students’ perceptions of learning; students’ perceptions of teachers; students’ academic self-perceptions; students’ perceptions of atmosphere …

A Community-Dwelling Older Adult With Concurrent Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus And Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report., Kevin Kohl, Tara Ferguson, Shane O'Malley, Tamara S. Struessel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) may be idiopathic, iatrogenic, or be caused by any number of chronic diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). PN is of particular interest to physical therapists, because it contributes to an individual’s risk of falling. Purpose: (1) To describe a community-dwelling older adult with HIV, DM1, PN, and neurotoxic medication use (2) Highlight the pathophysiology of each diagnoses and resulting neuropathy and describe their effect on clinical decision-making when they are both present. Case Description: A seventy-two year-old man presented to outpatient physical therapy with PN and concurrent …

The Experience And Perception Of Physiotherapists In Nigeria Re: Fall Prevention In Recurrent-Faller Older Adults, Perpetua Chinenye Obi, Henrietha Chibuzor Nwankwo, Diaemeta Emofe, Isreal Adandom, Michael E. Kalu

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Effective fall prevention practices are essential for reducing falls among older adults. Rehabilitation professionals like physiotherapists are essential members of the fall prevention team, yet little is known about the experiences of physiotherapists practicing fall prevention in developing nations. Objective: To explore the experiences of physiotherapists in Nigeria who practice fall prevention among older adults. Method: We adopted a phenomenological approach to the traditional qualitative design in this study. We purposefully selected and conducted face-to-face interview with twelve physiotherapists who have treated at least one older adult who reported falling two or three times within last six months. Data …

Mapping Evidence From The Literature About The Experience Of Internationally Educated Health Professionals To Canadian Professional Competency Profiles Of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Physicians, And Pharmacists., Michael E. Kalu, Ukachukwu O. Abaraogu, Kathleen E. Norman Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract

Purpose: To review experiences of internationally educated healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physicians and pharmacists) in their new country and to map these experiences using a competency framework.

Method: Database (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO ) were systematically searched to include articles published between 2000 and 2017 and described the experiences of internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs) in physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physicians and pharmacist in attaining registration in new country. The data were synthesised using conventional content analysis. Emerging themes were mapped across a competency framework based on the profiles of the selected professions.

Result: Thirteen articles were included; …

Athletic Training Student And Student Aide Clinical Task Allowance In The Secondary School Setting, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Robert A. Huggins, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Athletic training student aides (SA) are minors in high school that participate in an athletic training experience under the supervision of secondary school athletic trainers (SSAT). The NATA published an official statement on the proper supervision of SAs related to task allowance. As SSATs may also supervise athletic training students (ATSs), it is important to understand the differences in both. Therefore, the objective was to explore the training, task allowance, and perspectives of SAs and ATSs by SSATs during clinical experiences. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey for this study. SSATs (n=3,567) from the ATLAS database were recruited …

Elbow Injury Prevention In Youth Dominican Baseball Players: A Training Intervention Pilot Study, Chelsey Erbaugh Franz, Dawn Hall-Bibb, Myra Stockdale, Aliya Thompson, Bailey Biggs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Research suggests deficits in shoulder and elbow strength and flexibility may explain the role of elbow injuries in overhead athletes, specifically ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury in baseball players. Significant damage to this ligament typically requires operative care for continued activity in the sport. Several studies have demonstrated the success of rehabilitation programs post-surgery; however, few studies have examined the role of UCL injury prevention programs. A recognized upper extremity (UE) injury prevention method is the Thrower’s Ten Program. This program may create elbow stability when pitching and throwing, theoretically reducing the risk of UCL injury. Purpose: The purpose …

The Effects Of Saddle Alignment And Pedal Stroke Training On A Competitive Cyclist With Anterior Knee Pain: A Case Report, Tim Evens, Jerome Danoff

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Among competitive cyclists, anterior knee pain is a common overuse injury. Alignment of the rider on the bicycle and the loading pattern on the pedals are proposed as factors in this pain. The patient was a 23-year-old competitive female cyclist who was riding up to 200 miles weekly and had developed bilateral anterior knee pain within the 3 months preceding our examination. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate the effectiveness of adjusting this patient’s static alignment (ie. position while seated on bicycle, but not actively pedaling) on the bike and modifying her habitual pedaling pattern. Methods …

Animal Assisted Therapy In Pediatric Speech-Language Therapy With A Preschool Child With Severe Language Delay: A Single-Subject Design, Heather K. Anderson, Sandra L. Hayes, Julie P. Smith

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The application of animal assisted therapy (AAT) in provision of services is an emerging area of research in the allied health literature. Prior investigators have called for additional research concerning applications of animal assisted therapy in specific settings and patient populations.

Objectives: to (a) investigate the effect of animal assisted therapy on the quantity of vocalizations in a single child participant with severe speech delay, and (b) identify optimal animal assisted therapy practices in pediatric group speech-language therapy.

Design: A case study was conducted using ABA single-case design. The number of vocalizations produced by the participant was measured …

Cultivating Acute Care Rehabilitation Team Collaboration Using The Kawa Model, Jayme L. Ober, Jennifer E. Lape

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Effective healthcare team collaboration is imperative for quality client-centered care, job satisfaction, and overall morale. Rehabilitation team collaboration can be impacted by high productivity demands, differing backgrounds of individual team members, and the unpredictable healthcare environment. The Kawa (river) model, a culturally-neutral model of occupational therapy practice, has been shown to improve communication and collaboration with its use of metaphors, but its utility in various contexts to enhance collaborative practice is still being explored. The purpose of this study was to implement an evidence-based teambuilding intervention with use of the Kawa model to investigate the impact on acute care …

Critical Appraisal Of “Immediate Changes In Spinal Heights And Pain After Aquatic Vertical Traction In Patients With Persistent Low Back Symptoms: A Crossover Clinical Trial” By Simmerman Et Al -- An Opinion Piece, David C. Berry, Nicole Miela

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to critically review the article, Immediate changes in spinal height and pain after aquatic vertical traction in patients with persistent low back symptoms: a crossover clinical trial. PM R.2011 May;3(5):447-57. [PMID: 21570033] doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.01.010. Methods: Study, key evidence including study design, sample population, procedure, outcome measures, and results were summarized. Critical appraisal of the study's internal, external, and statistical validity followed. Results: In a crossover study of 61 total subjects, mean age 59.6 years, fifteen minutes of supine land-based flexion and weighted aquatic vertical traction were applied in both groups preceded by …

Pelvic Physical Therapy For Chronic Pain And Dysfunction Following Laparoscopic Excision Of Endometriosis: Case Report, Jennifer B. Hunt

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Background: Pelvic pain and abnormal pelvic floor muscle (PFM) tension frequently are present in individuals with endometriosis and often persist even after surgical excision of the endometriosis lesions. Physical therapists are educated in improving muscle tone and function for individuals who have sustained injury, have had surgery, or have required rehabilitation for various pelvic health conditions. More scientific evidence is needed to support the benefits of physical therapy (PT) interventions for individuals with a history of endometriosis. Case Description: The 50-year old female patient presented in this case report underwent laparoscopic excision of endometriosis, yet she continued to …

Organizational Socialization: Experiences Of Junior Faculty In Athletic Training Education Programs, Stephanie M. Mazerolle, Sara Nottingham, Kelly Coleman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: New faculty members become oriented to their new positions through numerous methods, such as institutional mechanisms as well as networking with various individuals. The process of acculturation is often complex, and best understood from a socialization framework. Role transition for the faculty member is often accomplished through professional socialization, or the experiences prior to beginning a faculty position. However, role transition also continues once the newly minted doctoral student is catapulted into employment. This dynamic, on-going process is often seen as organizational socialization. Objective: We sought to understand how Athletic Training faculty members navigate role transition, from doctoral student …

Integration Of Vision And Vestibular Therapy For Vestibulo-Ocular Post-Concussion Disorder – A Case Study, Lauren Ziaks, Rosemary Giardina, Anne Kloos

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to examine the effectiveness of integrated vision and vestibular therapy for an individual with oculomotor and vestibular system impairments secondary to a concussion further defined as vestibulo-ocular post-concussion disorder. A secondary purpose was to suggest an appropriate timeline to introduce vision therapy and integrate vestibular rehabilitation therapy based on protocol used in an outpatient concussion rehabilitation clinic.

Method This was a case study on a 16-year-old female with protracted concussion recovery. Treatment consisted of 9 in-clinic visits for vision therapy with the final 6 visits addressing vision and vestibular deficits. A home …

Communication Sciences And Disorders Graduate Students' Strengths And Vulnerabilities Related To Resilience: A Survey Of Graduate Programs, Janet Tilstra, Megan Coffman, Teresa Gonia, Caroline Koziol, Ellen Liebe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Burnout in health care professionals may pose a threat to the quality of care provided in any setting. The purpose of this project was to examine dimensions related to future resilience in CSD graduate students. METHODS: In this project, 146 master’s degree students from Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) programs in the Midwest completed an online survey regarding lifestyle stresses affecting resilience, and patterns in five areas correlated with resilience. RESULTS: Top lifestyle stresses affecting academics were general stress, maintaining mental health, and sleep difficulties. Notably, more than half of the participants reported feeling rested three or fewer days …

Development Of A Program To Educate Physician Assistant Students On Performance Of A Comprehensive Breast Exam, Pamela B. Jaffey, Diana Cherkiss, Mara Sanchez, Patrick Hardigan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a new program to educate physician assistant (PA) students on the performance of a comprehensive breast exam and to test its effectiveness as compared to the previous program. Methods: The preexisting educational program for the performance of a clinical breast exam was evaluated during the term prior to the start of clinical rotations for the class of 2015. Baseline data were obtained from this control group by evaluation of student competency using a skills examination, utilizing a Nasco Advanced Breast Exam Simulator, and using a female standardized patient. An innovative …

The Use Of An Experiential Educational Activity To Promote Interprofessional Education In Physical And Occupational Therapist Students, Amy L. Brzuz, Beth Gustafson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

In many healthcare settings, interprofessional collaborative practice is expected of healthcare professionals to facilitate optimal patient outcomes. To prepare healthcare professionals to provide this collaborative practice, institutions of higher education are infusing interprofessional education activities into their healthcare curricula. While interprofessional education activities have been demonstrated to be beneficial for students, the creation and implementation of these types of activities by higher education faculty can be challenging. Factors such as logistics, curricular differences, and already busy course schedules can sway faculty from developing interprofessional experiences for their students. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and implementation …

Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Among High Risk African American Women: A Systematic Review, Shirley Ann Spencer, Carolyn Rodgers, Vickii Coffey

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

African American women are disproportionately impacted by breast cancer and its associated effects. They have the highest breast cancer mortality rate of all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., yet, many high risk African American women do not follow-up with genetic testing despite, having a shorter survival rate and more likely to develop malignancies or aggressive forms of breast cancer than white women. Purpose: This review explored breast cancer genetic follow up and barriers among African American women and made recommendations for designing tailored high risk breast cancer programs. Method: The Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction framework provided …

Clinical Instructor Perceptions Of The Collaborative Clinical Education Model: Providing Solutions For Success In Physical Therapy Education, Katherine Myers, Alice Davis, Shelene Thomas, Catherine Bilyeu

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The most common approach to physical therapy clinical education is the one-to-one (1:1) model. The collaborative clinical education model (CCEM) offers an alternative and beneficial approach to education but is not widely utilized within physical therapy. The primary aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of clinical instructors (CIs) teaching within the CCEM while also receiving structured support from an academic program. Methods: This study used semi-structured interviews before and after the CCEM experience to explore CI perceptions. CIs received formalized support that included pre-experience meetings, a CCEM Toolkit resource, scheduled follow-ups during the experience, …

Best Practices For Occupational Therapy Fellowship And Physical Therapy Residency Programs: A Mixed Method Study, Morgan Chapman, Emily Lehman, Lauren Pedersen, Anna Sibson, Jianqiu Xiao, Anna Domina

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this sequential mixed methods study was to investigate occupational therapy fellowship and physical therapy residency directors’ perceptions of components of a successful residency program. Methods: A pilot survey was administered to occupational therapy fellowship and physical therapy residency directors prior to the study. A 17-item self-report survey was used to gather fellowship and residency director perceptions on the success of their respective programs. Directors of approved occupational therapy fellowship programs and accredited physical therapy residency programs were invited to participate. Following completion of the survey, follow-up interviews were conducted to deepen the understanding of director …

Reviewing The Diagnostic Classifications Used For Low Back Pain In Physiotherapy-Related Research., Steve Milanese, David Worth

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The evidence-to-practice gap, where clinical practice does not reflect the findings from research evidence, has been identified as a concern in allied health disciplines such as physiotherapy. Failure to provide care according to current (research) evidence raises the potential that patients are receiving care that is either not needed, is ineffective, less effective than current research indicates, or potentially harmful. For research evidence to be translatable to clinical practice, the research should be seen to be applicable, i.e. the clinician should be able to recognise that the research study sample reflects their patient population. Method: This study presents …

Mbti® Type And Interprofessional Communication In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Laura J. Smith, Christin P. Curtis, Morgan Perry, Laura Lovasco, Amy M. Yorke, Susan A. Talley

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) improves patient outcomes and health care by use of appropriate communication. Personality factors may affect communication in interprofessional collaborations. The purposes of this study were to identify common Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality types of entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy students along with gender difference and to make recommendations as to how the MBTI® assessment can used to help develop the interprofessional communication competency domain among student physical therapists. Method: Thirty-two entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy students in the first semester of their third year of study completed the paper based, MBTI® Form M Self-Scorable. Results: …

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 …