Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Plyometric Training For Young Male Field Hockey Players, Vijaya Krishnan, Twincy Rajawadha

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Field hockey is a team sport requiring a combination of skill set to enhance a player’s performance. Power, Fitness and Agility are few such basic parameters. Newer training protocols are constantly explored to achieve the desired effect and plyometrics is one such method. It is also important to know how long lasting the effects of training are. Methodology: Fifty (50) male field hockey players at interschool and zonal level participated in the study. These sports specific parameters - lower limb power, fitness level and agility - were tested using the vertical jump test, 40-metre sprint test, and shuttle cross …

Effects Of Resistance Training On Smoking Abstinence Self-Efficacy In Sedentary Smokers, Scott Richardson, Brent Alvar, Daniel Dodd, Uma Nair, Ryan Seltzer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is prevalent with 40 million Americans smoking and one in five deaths attributed to this behavior. Aims: This study examined effects of a resistance training (RT) program on smoking abstinence self-efficacy. Methods: Forty (40) participants were randomized into intervention or control groups. Smoking abstinence self-efficacy, withdrawal symptoms, and smoking behavior were measured. Results/Findings: RT group presented with statistically significant greater increases in self-efficacy compared to control. RT group participants also presented with non-significantly greater decreases in smoking behavior and withdrawal symptoms compared to control. Conclusions: This study demonstrates effectiveness of …

What Is The Evidence For The Effectiveness Of Scapulothoracic Strengthening Exercises In Individuals With Neck Pain: A Systematic Review, Anna-Maria Zacharakis, Lauren Mia Zanelli, Holly Rose Watkins, Lea Victoria O'Brien, Evan James Wolfendale, George Harry White, Matt Ransom

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Neck pain is a highly prevalent issue, ranked as the fourth greatest issue worldwide in terms of overall disease burden, and consequently, places a substantial impact upon the healthcare system. Scapulothoracic exercises appear as a promising avenue for the treatment of neck pain amongst the various treatment options currently available. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness and clinical application of this approach. Purpose: The aim of this review was to establish the evidence surrounding the clinical application and effectiveness of scapulothoracic strengthening exercises to reduce neck pain. Methods: A systematic search of four electronic databases, including Ovid Medline, Scopus, …

A Pilot Study Exploring The Impact Of Interprofessional Simulation On Role Clarity And Student Readiness For Collaborative Clinical Practice, Shira Schecter Weiner, Laura Hagan, Julie F. Kardachi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional collaboration is recognized as a healthcare practice paradigm that may decrease overall costs and minimize errors. Yet it remains common for practitioners to provide care within silos, inadequately considering the impact of their decisions on other providers and overall costs, which ultimately may negatively impact the patient. Integrating interprofessional collaboration in school curricula can establish the importance of this approach to healthcare. For optimal efficacy, every professional in the healthcare team must recognize their unique role and the roles of others, to allow for seamless interprofessional collaboration. Simulation is a teaching tool that provides students with the opportunity …

Cognitive Evaluation: Is It Time To Require Standardized Assessments?, Daniel P. Swiatek, Vanessa D. Jewell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Mounting evidence from across the medical community supports standardized cognitive assessment and intervention. This manuscript presents a clinical perspective on the benefits of utilization of standardized assessments to inform clinical practice. Today’s value-based care initiatives demand standardized testing to support evidence-based practice. Standardized cognitive assessment would wisely be adopted into practice to help practitioners fully identify impairments preventing patients from achieving successful outcomes.

The Effectiveness Of Kinesiotaping For Patients With Fractured Ribs: A Single-Subject Experimental Design, Simone Dafoe, Leigh Rushworth, Kathy Stiller

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Kinesiotape is an elastic, adhesive tape applied to the skin that has been used extensively to reduce pain associated with various musculoskeletal conditions. Its use in the setting of fractured ribs is less clear. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the effect of kinesiotaping for patients with rib fracture(s) on pain levels, pulmonary function, and mobility. Method: We prospectively evaluated five patients admitted with fractured ribs using a single-subject experimental ABAB design. Each phase lasted 24 hours with kinesiotape applied during B phases. All participants received usual medical, nursing, and allied health care. Outcome measures included …

Educational Perspectives: Integrating A Student Post-Stroke Clinic Within A First-Year Occupational Therapy Kinesiology Course, Mark Blanchard, Barbara M. Doucet

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT
Purpose: In many occupational therapy graduate programs, student experiences with actual patient evaluation and intervention typically occur following several semesters of didactic instruction. We explored the impact of an early immersive and reflective hands-on patient experience on student learning and clinical skill development. Method: Following participation in five task-specific occupational therapy clinical sessions that were embedded into an applied kinesiology course, students performed reflections on the experience. These reflections included thoughts on kinesiology course content and clinical skill development through patient sessions over the semester. Results: A qualitative thematic analysis of student reflections was conducted. Findings reflected …

An Exploration Of Quality Of Life Contributors For Stroke Survivors: Potential Implications For Service Delivery Within The Community Rehabilitation Context, Gaylea Fritsch, Sarah Patterson, Anita Blight, Renaye Daniells

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Community rehabilitation services typically assist stroke survivors with function, participation, and quality of life. Many factors have been found to influence the overall quality of life including self-identity, control, social supports, personality, and participation in valued activities. This review explored the possible contributing quality of life factors for stroke survivors within a community rehabilitation context to assist with further development of service delivery within this clinical area. Method: A purposive sample of clients with stroke (n=20) was selected based on their overall quality of life change during their rehabilitation program as measured on the World Health Organisation Quality of …

Where’S Social Work? A Critical Analysis Of Gender Invisibility, Ethical Conflict, And Advocacy In Medical Teams, Roxanna Duntley-Matos, Robert M. Ortega, Maria M. Matos

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The traditional biomedical and person-in-environment (PIE) perspectives are often found in conflict when framed within broader gender discrimination and consumerist health care practices. Our critical feminist analysis addresses the case of Katie, a vulnerable health care recipient, whose intersecting identities fall outside of the “margins of acceptability.” Communication deficits among team members and a lack of clear care protocols become evident. Insurance demands to justify coverage undermine the processes of beneficence and the ethic of care required for emancipatory advocacy. We present the tripartite paradigm of transformative complicity, cultural humility, and systems-based empowerment to address the complex ethical dilemmas that …

An Interprofessional Approach To Teaching Evidence-Based Practice, Jennifer L. Gresham - Anderson, Kathleen M. Williamson, Satyanarayana Ayinagadda

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to identify students’ engagement and implementation of EBP competencies after exposure to EBP content in an interprofessional online research course. In this research, a diverse, convenience sample of nursing, respiratory care, and social work students were selected. The results aim to assist educators in preparing the next generation for their first professional role in providing care using the best evidence. The research questions that guided the study were: (1) What are the levels of practice, attitude, knowledge and skill regarding EBP among the sample? (2) What are the barriers and facilitators …

Student Experiences With Engagement In A Nursing And Physical Therapy Interprofessional Education Simulation, Sarah Koplow, Melissa Morris, Shari Rone-Adams, Heather Hettrick, Bini Litwin, Lisa B. Soontupe, Archana Vatwani

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional Education (IPE) incorporated into healthcare discipline instruction has been shown to be successful in improving the understanding perceptions of complimentary professions. The purpose of this mixed method study was to measure differences in perceptions of early Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) students and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with participation in a immersive interprofessional education experience. Method: Students completed a pre and posttest survey consisting of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale and several short answer qualitative questions. Cohorts of BSN and DPT students participated in a computerized mannequin simulation experience or a hybrid simulation. Results: Students …

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 …

Athletic Training Assessment Of Knowledge Inconsistent With Perceptions Of Knowledge Needs: Part Ii, Jessica R. Edler, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Continuing education (CE) is intended to promote continued competence beyond the level required for entry-level practice. Previous research suggests that athletic trainers are unable to identify their knowledge gaps regarding their clinical practice. The purpose of this research study was to determine if athletic trainers’ perceived need for CE aligns with their performance on an actual knowledge assessment. Method: We used a correlational design conducted on Qualtrics, a web-based platform. Four hundred, forty-four (444) athletic trainers completed all the CE Needs Assessment and over 60% of the athletic training assessment of knowledge. The CE Needs Assessment determined participant’s perceived …

Changing Weight Management Self-Efficacy Among Obese Puerto Rican Adults: A Quantitative Study Using A Health Coaching Intervention, Richard Valentin Ayala, Josh Bernstein

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Obesity and associated healthcare-related issues continue to increase. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise, which has led many health professionals to find ways to improve health interventions. Health coaching can be a viable tool to reduce the obesity epidemic. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the effects of an 8-weekhealth coaching intervention in obese individuals from Puerto Rico and to determine if self-esteem and body image influence weight managementself-efficacy. Method: A pretest-posttest design using a weight management self-efficacy scale helped the researcher evaluate the effectof the coaching sessions. In addition, body image …

Empathy And Regard: Perspectives Held By Graduate Students Of Rehabilitation Sciences, Alexia E. Metz, Allison Christoff, Otd, Otr/L

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Empathy and regard are understood to be critical to high-quality health care. The purposes of this study were: 1) to increase the representation of the rehabilitation sciences within the literature, 2) to refine the distinctions between empathy and regard, and 3) to examine the relation between empathy and regard within the context of two medical conditions with disparate amounts of associated stigma (cerebrovascular accident [CVA] and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [HIV/AIDS]). Method: Utilizing the Jefferson Scale of Empathy – Health Professions Student version and the Medical Condition Regard Scale, levels of empathy and regard were assessed twice in …

Educational Impact On Therapists’ Knowledge, Beliefs, And Actions: A Pilot Study, Elena Wong Espiritu, Natalie N. Michaels, Steven Busby

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Collaborative goal setting has been shown to be an effective way to promote client engagement leading to improved outcomes; however, healthcare professionals face challenges when implementing collaborative goal setting into their clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational workshops to 1) increase a therapist’s knowledge of motivational interviewing and action planning, 2) promote collaboration between therapists and their patients/clients, 3) promote collaboration between therapists and their interdisciplinary team and 4) increase the ease of implementation of motivational interviewing and action planning skills into a therapist’s clinical practice. Method: A mixed-methods design …

Student Perceptions Of Barriers To Professional Exam Success, Kathryn E. Webster

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many Allied Health education programs have shifted attention toward program outcome measures, including professional exam pass rates. The purpose of this study was to solicit the opinions of students, in order to better understand how they perceive their barriers to professional exams, what resources have proved helpful for them, and ultimately what advice programs can give to students to increase exam success. Method: A survey was sent to 104 alumni of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program at a large Midwestern university to determine what they perceived as barriers in preparing for and taking their certification exam(s), and the …

Physician Assistants’ Views Of Direct-To-Consumer Advertising Effects During Patient Encounters, Anna A. Filipova

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) has become an important tool for disseminating drug information that directly impacts the patients and providers in the delivery of health care. Limited research shows that DTCA has both benefits and drawbacks that impact public health. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence of the effects of DTCA information discussed during an office visit from the perspective of physician assistants. The purpose of the study was to examine physician assistants’ general views of DTCA benefits and drawbacks, as well as the effects DTCA information discussed during patient encounters on physician assistant-patient relationship, physician assistants’ prescriptive …

A Survey To Guide The Emerging Role Of Allied Health Teams In A Regional Tertiary Hospital Emergency Department, Bede M. Ashley, Tilley Pain, Heidi Clark, Ellen O'Connor, Liana Schnierer, Kathryn Laspina, Meghan E. Fitzpatrick

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: A multidisciplinary allied health team has worked in The Townsville Hospital Emergency Department for seven years. Patients are referred to the allied health team by medical and nursing staff with the aim of reducing patient admission and improving patient outcomes. However, the type and number of referrals received by the allied health team suggest there is a lack of detailed interdisciplinary knowledge by the referrers. Therefore, the Emergency Department Allied Health Team surveyed other emergency department health professionals to ascertain their knowledge of allied health roles. The results will be used to develop education sessions to fill …

An Examination Of 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 and describe the status of P&P practices of secondary school athletic trainers. 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 P&Ps using one of the following responses: the practice is in operation and it appears in written form; the practice is in operation but does not appear in written form; the practice …

Interprofessional Peer Teaching: Assistive Device Training And Medications Impacting Safe Ambulation, Niamh M. Tunney, Melissa Chesson, Gina J. Ryan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: An interprofessional peer teaching activity was designed and implemented to provide students with an opportunity to practice interprofessional education collaborative (IPEC) competencies while improving student knowledge of assistive devices for gait and medications impacting safe ambulation. Method: During the activity, second year physical therapy students instructed third year pharmacy students in the accurate fit and counseling for use of canes, crutches, and walkers. Pharmacy students then demonstrated these skills and were checked off on their ability to accurately fit and instruct consumers on basic gait patterns. The pharmacy students in turn educated the physical therapy students about medications …

Transforming Through Reflection: Use Of Student-Led Reflections In The Development Of Intercultural Competence During A Short-Term International Immersion Experience, Diane Ceo-Difrancesco, Leah S. Dunn, Nathalie Solorio

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Curricular integration designed to include cultural competence standards for health care professionals is paramount to preparing students to meet the needs of a growing diverse population in the U.S. The purpose of this research is to examine the cultural competency development of occupational therapy students, and to report on their reflections and perspectives during a two-week immersive and service-learning experience in Guatemala. Methods: As intercultural competence is a highly personal trait, the study used a descriptive qualitative research design gaining participants’ perspectives of the short-term international immersion experience through student-led reflective focus groups, using an open discussion format, …

The Prevalence And Characteristics Of Physical Therapy Pro Bono Services Involving Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Catherine E. Crandell, Jill D. Black, Robin L. Dole, Kerstin M. Palombaro

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The offering of pro bono services has been a historical practice in a number of professions including law and medicine. Medical literature suggests pro bono services provide a vital safety net for individuals who are underinsured or uninsured. Medical students commonly participate in pro bono services, however, little is known about doctor of physical therapy (DPT) student involvement. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of physical therapy (PT) programs accredited or in candidacy in the United States to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pro bono services involving DPT students. Method: A 30-item electronic survey …

Lived Clinical Education Experiences Of Professional Master’S Athletic Training Program Graduates, Laura A. Wamsley, Kimbery Brown, Jill A. Nolan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical education has been identified as a key aspect in the professional preparation of athletic trainers. The literature, however, has focused on clinical education at the undergraduate level rather than the graduate level, which is the future population of all CAATE-accredited athletic training programs. This study sought to describe the experiences of those who have completed athletic training clinical education at the master’s level, specifically focusing on the type of learning experiences they were granted and what influence the preceptor and the setting played in the overall experience. Method: This was a phenomenology study. Twelve graduates of CAATE-accredited professional …

Predicting Pance Outcomes From First Year Evaluative Measures In A Pbl Curriculum, Anthony Goreczny, Susan Hawkins, John R. Laird

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Previous research has explored various Physician Assistant (PA) student evaluative measures to see if they have predictive validity with regard to Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) scores. Recent literature has begun to evaluate how measures from the first year of didactic education might be helpful in identifying at-risk individuals early in the program. The purpose of this paper was to extend work in that area within a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum. Method: Participants included 140 students from two consecutive PA classes. Data were imported regarding each student’s evaluative measures of multiple choice question (MCQ) examinations, patient management assessments …

Cultural Competency: Integrating An Evidence-Based Course For Increasing Inclusive Practices, Tracy A. Chappell, Ingrid Provident

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

PURPOSE: The United States is rapidly becoming more culturally diverse; thus, therapists need to be equipped with an adequate skill set to provide culturally inclusive services. Although educational institutions and continuing education courses provide some form of cultural competency training, there is no standardized approach currently for occupational therapists. METHODS: This article describes an evidenced-based course which was used to develop cultural competence among 11 occupational therapy practitioners. The online components included activities to increase knowledge, skills, comfort, awareness, and resources for practice settings. A pre-test/post-test format using the Clinical Cultural Competency Questionnaire (CCCQ) was used to gather quantitative information. …

Knowledge Levels, Attitude And Beliefs Of Men Towards The Digital Rectal Examinations (Dre): A Study In Trinidad, Philip C. Onuoha, Gloria Mootoo-Ramdeen, Melany Romany, G La Fleur-Roseman, J Roopnarine, D Diaspia-Murrell, K Martin-Boucaud, P Hypolite

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Trinidad and Tobago have been ranked as having one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the Caribbean. Prostate cancer was identified as the most common cancer in men, with a higher mortality than any other cancer. At least 1 in 9 men in Trinidad and Tobago will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine knowledge levels, attitudes, and beliefs of men aged 40 years and over regarding digital rectal examination (DRE). The investigators considered this crucial following the scourge of prostate cancer in Trinidad and Tobago and an …

Simulation-Based Learning To Improve Athletic Trainers’ Knowledge Of Exertional Sudden Death Conditions: A Pilot Study, Zachary K. Winkelmann, Elizabeth R. Neil, Kenneth E. Games, Stacy E. Walker, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Continuing education for the practicing clinician typically involves reading peer-reviewed journals and attending professional conferences. These mechanisms do not allow for practice and real-time evaluation of healthcare skills. Simulation-based learning has been widely used in professional education yet is not common in the continued development of the clinician in their lifespan. Method: We used a cross-sectional, repeated measures pilot study. The participants included 11 athletic trainers (age=40±14 years; certified experience=17±14 years) that engaged in a multi-modal continuing professional development session that included a lecture, large-scale simulated learning experience, and debriefing session at a healthcare conference. The outcome measures included …

Survey Of Attitudes, Knowledge, And Barriers To Evidence-Based Practice Among Thai Physical Therapists, Mantana Vongsirinavarat, Witaya Mathiyakom, Warin Krityakiarana, Ninwisan Hengsomboon, Ratchanok Kraiwong

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Healthcare professionals are encouraged to use evidence-based practice (EBP) to improve the quality of care and the patient’s quality of life. Knowledge and skill set specific to EBP, critical resources such as time and accessibility to databases, and clinician’s attitude toward EBP are needed for successful implementation of EBP. However, little is currently known about these factors among Thai Physical Therapists (PTs). This study aimed to explore the patterns of attitudes, perceived knowledge, and barriers toward EBP in Thai PTs. Method: An online questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding attitudes, knowledge, and barriers from Thai PTs. Descriptive statistics …

Development Of A Survey Instrument To Explore The Characteristics Of Australian Private Physiotherapy Practitioners’ Interprofessional Interactions, Jack A. Seaton, Anne Jones, Catherine L. Johnston, Karen Francis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Interprofessional collaboration is a complex process defined by the relationships and interactions between health practitioners from diverse professional backgrounds. Although the benefits of a collaborative health workforce are widely acknowledged, it is currently poorly understood to what extent private physiotherapy practitioners engage in interprofessional collaboration as a part of their clinical practice, and whether they consider to be adequately trained in this area. Information regarding the frequency, modes of communication, and perceived level of satisfaction associated with private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions is also limited. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a survey …