Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Protector, Anna Kafka

be Still

This drawing aims to portray one of the traditional male roles in our society: that of provider and protector. Though much has changed over the past few years regarding gender equality, many males still feel societal or personal pressure to be equally, if not solely, responsible for the happiness and safety of their loved ones.

Physicians, both male and female, serve this role on a much larger scale. We have the unique opportunity to educate a medically naïve patient population. At times we have to maintain a delicate balance between providing all of the relevant information and trying not to …

The Expressive Male Bird, Jeena A. Kar

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In this painting, you find bright and vibrant colors, but the within the tails of the feathers you see the "eyes" of the peacock feather. In greco-roman mythology, the peacock was made from Argus, who had a hundred eyes. This piece is a statement on how the male form is one that naturally seeks to express colors and emotions, but gets interrupted by watchful eyes. Men are constantly "watched" and pressured by society to remain stoic and hold in their feelings. From childhood, if a boy cries, he is told to "be a man" and stop, whereas their sisters are …

In The Death Of A Phoenix, Vatche J. Melkonian

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The "male form" classically elicits thoughts of certain characteristics, including strength, security, power, all of which lie deep within a hardened outer shell. But on closer inspection there is something much more primal to the nature of a "man". Man tends to fall short of their female counterparts when it comes to understanding and verbalizing their emotions. Thus they are faced with strange tumultuous insecurities, fears, judgements, and expectations, with no way to express the struggles they may face within themselves. Man has many stories to tell, but lacks the language to begin speaking. This poem is the closest I …

Be A Shavee, Bhavik Upadhyay

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Children with cancer often lose their hair during treatment. Anthony Dieguez, a second year medical student shows his support by shaving his head voluntarily, and inspiring friends and family to donate money to support childhood cancer research.

New Hopes, New Dreams, Bhavik Upadhyay

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Anteneh Fisseha's old car with more than 200,000 miles finally gave up. Here is a picture of him with his new and reliable ride to get him through medical school.

An Aspiring Radiologist, Bhavik Upadhyay

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Vincent Alexander, a second year medical and an anatomy fellow learning and teaching allied health care students during.

Serving The Community, Bhavik Upadhyay

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Second year osteopathic medical student Hytham Rashid participating in community health fair taking vitals for his patients.

Upside Down, Bhavik Upadhyay

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Third-year osteopathic medical student and Guinness world record participant AshwinKalandurgdemonstrating his handstand walking skills in the NSU GOT TALENTprogram.

Inner Voice, Bhavik Upadhyay

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Third year osteopathic medicine student Michael Stan participating in NSU Got Talentproviding the vocals for the band, “The Heartbeats.”

Play The Moments, Bhavik Upadhyay

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Second year osteopathic medical student Michael Hellman playing his guitar for the band, “The Heartbeats “ during NSU Got Talent.

Colorful Life, Bhavik Upadhyay

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Undergraduate student AhjayBhatia celebrates the festival of Holi along with members of the Indian Student Association.

A Review Of Undergraduate Athletic Training Program Entrance Requirements., Christopher D. Brown, Kelly Potteiger, Kimberly Keeley, Andrew Lundgren, Shannon David

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Athletic Training (AT) education is undergoing a major change with the transition to the professional Master’s degree. This evolution provides opportunity for faculty to reassess programmatic requirements. Admissions criteria is the first benchmark set for students and may predict future success. Currently, there is no evidence describing common AT entrance requirements. Objective(s): To determine current practices in AT admissions, establish best practices for developing admissions criteria, and discuss the potential impact of the transition to professional master’s degree on the admissions process.

Methods: Design: Cross-Sectional Study. Setting(s): Web-based survey in the fall of 2014. Participant(s): 361 undergraduate program directors …

Patient Experiences When Preparing For Discharge Home After Total Knee Replacement, Renee Causey-Upton, Dana M. Howell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Following total knee replacement (TKR), patients must prepare quickly for discharge to home via education and rehabilitation. Patient needs may not fully be met prior to discharge after TKR surgery. The purpose of this descriptive study using transcendental phenomenology methods was to understand patients’ experiences when preparing to return home after TKR surgery. Method: Data was collected using semi-structured interviews that occurred 1 to 2 days prior to discharge in patients’ hospital rooms. Four participants were interviewed prior to discharge and interviews were transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Data analysis and data collection were concurrent, permitting subsequent interviews to …

A Physical Therapist And Physical Therapist Assistant Learning Activity To Examine Student Collaboration And Collaboration Readiness: An Intraprofessional Educational Process, Salome V. Brooks, Renae Gorman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

BACKGROUND: Workforce responsibilities in the clinical setting between the physical therapist (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) emphasize the necessity to develop intraprofessional skills fostering discipline collaboration. These skills impact the team process and the achievement of interprofessional patient centered outcomes. Collaboration is a skill that is sought after in inter- and intraprofessional teams. Intraprofessionalism is occurring within teamwork and collaborative activities labelled or described in interprofessional terms and tools. Health science professional programs have received recent mandates to address interprofessional collaboration skills within curricula. But disciplines that contain multiple professional roles need to address the within discipline, prerequisite intraprofessional …

A Novel Approach To The Safe And Effective Mobilization Of A Super-Obese Patient: A Case Report, Jessica Anaf, Amy Wigmore, Kathy Stiller

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The incidence of obesity is rising worldwide, as is the presentation of these patients to the acute hospital setting. As a result of their complex nature, including medical co-morbidities, psychosocial issues, and healthcare resource limitations, management of these patients requires a coordinated and intensive multi-disciplinary approach. Although there are considerable data reporting the surgical management of obese patients, there is very limited literature regarding non-surgical interventions, including approaches to safe and effective mobilization. Methods: A case report is presented of a 55-year-old super-obese male transferred to a major tertiary referral healthcare centre for management of his overall medical condition …

Combining Online Education With International Service Learning To Increase Cultural Competence, Elaine Keane, Ingrid Provident

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

PURPOSE: Although international service learning has the capacity to promote a variety of important professional behaviors, merely visiting another country does not automatically result in these benefits. METHODS: This article describes an evidenced-based course which used pre-trip preparation in combination with a nine day service learning trip to Ecuador to develop cultural competence among 6 occupational and 6 physical therapy students. Pre-trip preparation included online and in-person components to increase self-awareness, awareness of other cultures, knowledge about Ecuadorian culture and skill-building. On-site activities included exploration of the physical and social context in addition to providing occupational and physical therapy treatment …

Aquatic Therapy For A Patient With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Case Report, Christine Tito, Judith Burton Hess

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background and Purpose: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can have a debilitating effect on an individual’s quality of life. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of interval training in an aquatic environment to decrease the symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Aquatic therapy provides benefits for individuals with cardiovascular issues, mainly through the principle of hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure aids in shunting the blood from the extremities back to the heart, thus increasing cardiac output while reducing the individual’s heart rate. Description: An 18 year-old female high school student who had been experiencing …

Community Engagement With Older Adults To Evaluate Interprofessional Education In Allied Healthcare Students, Scott Heinerichs, Mary Beth Gilboy, Stacie Metz, Melissa A. Reed, Barbara E. Harrison

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To examine students’ perceptions of interprofessional education (IPE) as a result of their participation in a community engagement experience with older adults. Methods: Thirty-six students enrolled in the undergraduate majors of athletic training, exercise science, and nutrition participated in an 8-week fall prevention program in two community dwelling senior centers. A one-group pretest-posttest evaluation design was used to assess the IPE experience of the students. Students completed the University of the West England Interprofessional Questionnaire pre and post intervention. Results: Both pretest and posttest student self-assessments of communication and teamwork skills ranged from slightly positive to neutral (means from …

A Review Of The Use Of Massive Open Online Courses (Moocs) In Medical Imaging Education, Kevin R. Clark, Beth L. Vealé, Lynette K. Watts

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this review article is to describe the benefits and challenges associated with massive open online courses (MOOCs) and to discuss the implications specific to medical imaging education and training. Methods: Peer-reviewed journal articles pertaining to MOOCs in higher education were analyzed to identify commonalities, relationships, and possible gaps in the literature. Results: Analysis revealed several repetitive themes and concepts regarding the use of MOOCs in higher education: theory of connectivism, instructors’ and students’ perspectives, and benefits and challenges. Implications for medical imaging education and training were also discussed. Conclusions: As web-based education and technology integration continue …

An Investigation Of Service Providers’ Understanding, Perspectives And Implementations Of The Transdisciplinary Model In Early Intervention Settings For Children With Disabilities, Eimear Fitzmaurice, Janet E. Richmond Phd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The transdisciplinary practice model is currently being promoted as best practice in early intervention therapy for children with disabilities. However, supporting literature is limited. Thus, the question is asked, “What are service providers' understanding and perception of the transdisciplinary model in early intervention settings for children with disabilities?” Method: A systematic review was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. An electronic search was conducted via six databases. Eight articles were selected. Results: Four studies predominantly focused on service providers’ perspectives of the model using semi-structured interviews or surveys. Many studies were of adequate to low …

A Case Report Discussing The Options For Placement Of Glaucoma Drainage Devices In The Presence Of Corneal Decompensation, Marlon J. Demeritt, Beata Lewandowska

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to discuss how the various placements of glaucoma drainage implants relate to corneal decompensation. Method: A 58-year Hispanic female presented for evaluation of decreased vision in the left eye for 2 years. This is a case report of a patient who underwent a secondary surgery to replace the anterior tube shunt implantation with a posterior shunt implantation following development of severe corneal decompensation. Results: Glaucoma tube shunt implants inserted into the ciliary sulcus of pseudophakic eyes shield the cornea offering protection against decompensation and avoid the risk of posterior …

Interprofessional Collaboration Within Teams Comprised Of Health And Other Professionals: A Systematic Review Of Measurement Tools And Their Psychometric Properties, Julia Jacob, Kobie Boshoff, Rebecca Stanley, Hugh Stewart, Louise Wiles

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background and Purpose: Measuring collaboration within interprofessional teams allows professionals to evaluate their practice, set benchmarks and improve outcomes. In the context of healthcare, most research has focused on teams comprised solely of health professionals, with limited attention given to collaboration between health and other professionals. Given the escalating complexities of healthcare, and the growing need for interprofessional collaborative practice involving team members external to health care, this represents a considerable gap in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to identify tools that measure collaboration within interprofessional teams comprised of members from health and other disciplines, and …

The Use Of Simulation Training To Improve Knowledge, Skills, And Confidence Among Healthcare Students: A Systematic Review, Ahmad A. Alanazi, Nannette Nicholson, Sheila Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The use of simulation has become a routine part of education and training for health professionals in many health education facilities. The increased awareness of patient safety and recent advances in technology are the main incentives to use simulation to teach and evaluate clinical competencies. The primary purpose of this study was to review the best available evidence (level and quality) for the use of simulation training to improve clinical skills, knowledge, and self-confidence among healthcare students. Method: A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative literature published between 2000 and 2016 was undertaken using databases including PubMed, CINAHL®, and …

Implementation Of Competency Based Educational Strategies Into A First-Year Seminar For Interprofessional Healthcare Science Majors, Melissa M. Snyder, Amy Murphy-Nugen, Amy Rose, Gayle Wells, Carol Mackusick

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The Health Educators Academy at Western Carolina University was developed by the Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. Interdisciplinary fellows in the 2015 HEA focused on competency based education (CBE), which naturally incentivizes collaborative, interdisciplinary and interprofessional work. The 2015 Health Educator Academy Fellows researched healthcare competencies and designed curriculum changes that aligned within these parameters. This article discusses the creation of a first-year, interprofessional healthcare course that emphasizes CBE as well as interprofessional practice. Interprofessional Goals: The 2015 Academy Fellows believed that a collaborative course in the first-year curriculum that builds upon integral …

Review Of Best Practice In Cardiac Rehabilitation For Women, Osaimi Alosaimi, Angelica N. Reyes Mscot, Cary A. Brown Phd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Cardiovascular disease is defined as damage to, or narrowing of, arteries due to atherosclerosis and is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women worldwide. Cardiovascular disease is recognized to be both a leading cause of mortality and an undertreated condition for women. The goals of this review manuscript are to present the current background literature specific to cardiac rehabilitation programs for women and serve as a knowledge translation strategy to help raise therapists’ awareness of the need for cardiac rehabilitation programs specifically designed for female patients. Methods: A review of best practice literature in cardiac rehabilitation for …

Perceptions Of Non-University Affiliated Dietetic Internship Program Directors Regarding Education Requirements To Obtain A Master’S Degree As An Entry-Level Dietitian, Abigail Sullivan, Roschelle A. Heuberger

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Commission on Dietetic Registration announced that entry-level eligibility requirements to become a registered dietitian would increase to include obtaining a Master’s degree. The objective of this study was to explore perceptions of non-university affiliated dietetic internship program directors regarding proposed education requirements. Methods: Directors participated in a phone survey of structured questions related to the topic. The population of focus was non-university affiliated dietetic internship program directors. Results: Program directors expressed viewpoints of positive, negative, and mixed regarding the increase in education requirements. Diversity and autonomy were among concerns expressed by program directors. Conclusion: The research found that …

A Retrospective Review Of The After-Hours Social Work Service In A Tertiary-Care Public Hospital In Australia, Manoj Pereira, Georgina Wire, Kathy Stiller

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: After-hours social work (SW) services seem to be provided in many major healthcare centres but there appear to be no data describing these services, in terms of the number of patients seen, their characteristics, types of problems, SW interventions provided, their effectiveness or the impact of providing after-hours services on the provider. The aim of this study was to investigate the patient characteristics and types of interventions provided to patients who received an after-hours SW service and the effect of providing these services on the service-provider. Method: A retrospective review of data collected on patients who had received after-hours …

Effectiveness Of A Wearable Fitness Tracker: Practice Implications In Allied Health -- A Single Case Study, Thomas William Miller

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this single case study was to examine the effectiveness of utilizing a wearable fitness tracker device in self-monitoring behavior change in complying with prescribed treatment. It was hypothesized that using a wearable self-monitoring device while involved in the treatment of multiple medical conditions will be beneficial to behavioral compliance and behavioral change in an overweight type 2 diabetic, geriatric subject being treated by a multidisciplinary health team utilizing an integrated treatment model.

Methods: An exploratory single case study research design is employed to explore those situations in which the intervention, a wearable monitoring device, is …

Use Of The Kawa Model For Teambuilding With Rehabilitative Professionals: An Exploratory Study, Jennifer E. Lape, Brian D. Scaife

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The KAWA model, a culturally-sensitive model of occupational therapy practice, can enhance patient-provider collaboration, but its use as a tool for teambuilding and collaboration among an interprofessional group has not been studied. Teambuilding has been positively correlated with job satisfaction, and quality of client care. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to identify potential uses of the KAWA model and areas for future research related to teambuilding. Method: Trainings on the model, including a review of model components, its potential utility with clients, and an interactive activity, were provided to two rehabilitative teams (N=26) within two skilled …

Influence That Service In A Pro Bono Clinic Has On A First Full-Time Physical Therapy Clinical Education Experience, Daria Porretta, Jill Black, Kerstin Palombaro, Ellen Erdman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Physical therapist education programs strive to prepare their students for full-time clinical experiences in a variety of ways. Experiential and service learning in authentic contexts reportedly help students make connections between the classroom and the clinic. The purpose of this study was to explore the influences that service in a physical therapy pro bono clinic has on a first full-time clinical education experience.

Methods: Participants were all third year doctoral physical therapy students at Widener University who were entering their first full-time clinical education experience. Sixteen participants kept journals throughout their first full-time clinical experience regarding the impact …