Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Developing Healthcare Practitioners’ Professional Expertise Through Effective Continuing Education: Commentary, Caroline Faucher

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Development of professional expertise is the transition from novice to expert within a profession through deliberate practice with feedback. While this development is actively stimulated during undergraduate studies, encouraging practicing healthcare professionals to pursue their development towards expertise doesn’t seem as obvious. This commentary briefly describes the development of professional expertise and the possible decline in performance that can occur with time. It then gives insight into the roles of continuing professional education in healthcare practitioners’ acquisition and maintenance of professional expertise.

The Benefits Of Alternative And Augmentative Communication: A Quality Of Life Issue, Richard Dressler, Lauren Bland, Meghan Baumgartner

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This article summarizes the need for alternate forms of communication for those who are unable to use verbal speech. The importance of allied health professionals in understanding alternative communication is critical in patient care. The authors describe the various forms of augmentative and alternate communication devices that can be used to help a non-verbal individual communicate their wants, needs, and thoughts. Financial and social consequences for using these devices is discussed.

Commentary: The Worst 4-Letter Word In Healthcare, Peter G. Holub

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

“Wait” is a four-letter word to patients who are rarely patient when it comes to waiting. What can caregivers do to help patients cope with waiting while their entire lives are put on hold?

Commentary: There Are Medical Dilemmas And Then There Are Firearms, Peter G. Holub

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

When faced with a medical dilemma, the right decision depends on how the relevant ethical principles are prioritized. Prioritization of ethical principles in a medical dilemma often depends on contextual features, such as the patient’s age, economic impact, and public safety. Firearms should be as much a part of medical research and patient education as alcohol and tobacco, seat belts and car seats, safe sex and condoms. The problem with firearm research and patient education is twofold: a). government funded research on gun violence is currently prohibited by Congress¹ and b). states and wellness programs actually prohibit doctors and …

Commentary: Filling The Empathy Gap, Peter G. Holub

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Some health professionals save lives; however, all health professionals have the power to save humanity. By saving humanity, I mean restoring mankind’s humaneness, which is the capacity to act with benevolence and compassion towards each other. The daily news, which is rarely new anymore, is all about war, terrorism, migrant crises, human trafficking, child abuse, mass shootings, and stories that reflect mankind’s inability to get along with each other and the planet. The remedy for our ailing humanity is right under our noses.

The Abcs Of Ebp: Opportunities And Challenges For Evidence-Based Practice Education In Developing Countries, Ramprasad Muthukrishnan, Tatjana Ille, Saravana Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The importance of embedding evidence-based practice as part curricula and practice is now well recognised in health disciplines. However, despite this recognition there continues to be ongoing challenges. Nowhere are these challenges more evident than in developing countries where a tsunami of challenges confronts health care stakeholders. This commentary sheds some light on opportunities and challenges for evidence-based practice education in developing counties.

Have We Forgotten Just Who Controls Us?, Robert Grosz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Do we take full responsibility for our actions? Have we lost touch with whether or not we rely on our government, family, religion, profession, “boss” to control our actions? We should keep in mind that when we talk or think about control of our behavior we infer making a decision. There is a difference between influencing and controlling. Self-Control is an aspect of behavior that is independent of self-image; self-worth; self-value; self-esteem; and self-respect, even though all are frequently used interchangeably, and may influence each other.

Enhancing Entry-Level Physiotherapy Student Learning In Interpreting Radiology – An Action Research Project, Courtney R. Clark, Andrea Bialocerkowski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In Australia, the ability to interpret orthopaedic x-rays is an entry-level skill for physiotherapists. Yet there is a paucity of evidence in the literature which details effective learning and teaching methods to optimise confidence and competence in x-ray interpretation. The aims of this study were to describe the content contained in an orthopaedic radiology module within an Australian 2-year graduate entry Master of Physiotherapy degree; approaches to learning and teaching used in this module; student satisfaction associated with this module over a 2-year period. Method: The University’s framework for quality assurance, which is based on the Plan-Implement-Review-Improve underpinned this …

Opportunities And Challenges In The Use Of An External Interprofessional Reviewing Body In A Curricular Review Process In A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Curriculum, Jill Fitzgerald, Kelly Hawthorne

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe the opportunities and challenges of a curricular review process in an entry-level doctor of physical therapy geriatric curriculum. The curricular review process utilized an external interprofessional reviewing body, in conjunction with an established internal curricular reviewing body, to determine inclusion of Essential Competencies in order to prepare students for best clinical practice in the care of the older adult. Method: The methodology of our curricular review process included both internal and external reviewing bodies but the intent of this article is to highlight how the review process was implemented including an …

Commentary: Just Why Do We Eat What We Eat?, Robert Grosz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Mr. Smith presents with a complaint about his knee, and while solving his knee problem, you decide to tell him that his nutrition intake is wrong and he needs to change his eating habits. Mrs. Jones presents with upper respiratory congestion, and during the course of managing her problem, you decide that her blood workup shows some flaws that could be dealt with by changing her eating pattern. John J. comes into the office wanting you to help him overcome his weight problem, so you start the measurements: number of calories taken in, percent of protein taken in, types and …

Workplace Access To Journals: Is It Sufficient To Support Quality Healthcare Practice In Medical Imaging Workers?, Madeleine C. Shanahan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Journals are important tools for disseminating new knowledge to health professionals. The purpose of this study was to investigate workplace access to journals. Medical imaging workers (MIWs) were the allied health professional group studied. Methods: A two phase sequential exploratory mixed methods design was adopted to collect data from MIWs to develop a list of professionally relevant journals and to examine accessibility of journals across the profession. In addition, the derived list of journals was further examined to determine open access and open article availability. Results: Twenty-seven percent (n=88) of survey respondents (N=362) reported that they have access to …

Athletic Training Students' Perceptions Of Electronic Textbooks And Computer Use In The Classroom, Christopher D. Brown, Shannon David, Michele Monaco

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Academia is currently seeing a surge in technology integration in the classroom. Electronic textbooks (e-textbooks) is expected to grow exponentially in the future. Although there is a rush in use of technology in academia, few studies have evaluated perceptions of electronic textbooks especially among athletic training students. The purpose of this study is to identify athletic training student computer use, if athletic students are using electronic textbooks, and to help understand their perceptions of those electronic texts. Method: A cross sectional survey design was utilized. Participants completed a self-reported online survey. A survey link was emailed to …

Aphasia Rehabilitation Service Delivery In A Stroke Rehabilitation Unit In Australia: A Clinical Audit Of Speech Pathology Practices, Laleh Rej, Sebastian Doeltgen, Amy Rodriguez, Willem Van Steenbrugge

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To investigate service delivery of aphasia rehabilitation in a metropolitan rehabilitation hospital by speech pathologists and assess adherence to both the National Stroke Foundation (NSF) Clinical Guidelines and the Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre (AROC) database of benchmarks. Method: A retrospective audit of 34 discharged patients was conducted within a dedicated stroke rehabilitation unit from March 2012 to July 2013 in Australia. Discharge reports, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores and clinical time statistics derived from the organization’s electronic database were studied and compared with NSF’s Clinical Guidelines for best practice recommendations and AROC benchmarks. Results: Patients with aphasia were admitted …

The Effects Of Plyometric Training On Spinal And Supraspinal Motor Control, Jeffrey R. Doeringer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of plyometric training on spinal and supraspinal motor control in healthy active females. Methods: A 2 (Group) x 2 (Session) x 2 (Stance) mixed model design was used for homosynaptic depression (HD) and recurrent inhibition (RI) data. A 2 (Group) x 2 (Session) mixed model design was used for H:M ratios and V-waves (V:M ratios) data. Thirty-one participants were recruited to participate in the study. Participants participated in either the training or control group for 6-weeks. All participants were measured pre- and post-intervention on H:M ratios, HD, RI, …

Assessing Self-Reported Interprofessional Competency In Health-Care Education: Impact Of New Curriculum, Anthony Goreczny, Melissa L. Bednarek, Susan R. Hawkins, Mark L. Hertweck, Jodi Schreiber, Susan E. Sterrett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Interprofessional Education Collaborative Expert Panel (IPEC) has identified four competencies essential for interprofessional functioning in the health professions. Those four competencies are (a) values/ethics for interprofessional practice, (b) roles/responsibilities, (c) interprofessional communication, and (d) teams and teamwork. Design of effective curricula to develop competence in these skills will improve interprofessional functioning in healthcare. The purpose of this study at a small northeastern university was to examine impact of a small group interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum on student awareness of one of the competencies, understanding roles and responsibilities. Methods: The quantitative study data consisted of student completion of a …

The Effectiveness Of Equine-Based Therapy In The Treatment Of Social And Behavioural Aspects Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Courtney Wiese, Rebecca Simpson, Saravana Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with impairments in social interactions, communication, restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. Equine-based therapy is used as a treatment with children with disabilities. There have been no systematic reviews conducted on the effectiveness of equine-based therapy in children with ASD. Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of equine-based therapy on behavioural and social interactions in the treatment of children with ASD. Methods: A systematic search of Cochrane, OT Seeker, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Informit health databases and Proquest central were conducted. Studies of participants, aged 4-16 years, with professional …

The Effectiveness Of A Group Motor Skill Intervention Program In Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: Program Frequency Matters., Priscila M. Caçola, Melvin Ibana, Michael Romero, Jennifer Chuang

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two group programs on visual-motor integration, motor proficiency, gross-motor skills, and parental perception of motor difficulties in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). We compared whether the frequency of two programs (10 one hour sessions - once/week for 10 weeks verses 24 one hour sessions – twice/week for 12 weeks) produced different changes in motor skills. Methods: Children in the two programs were assessed before and after each program with the MABC-2, DCD-Q, BOT-2, Beery-VMI-6, and the TGMD-2 assessments. The emphasis of the programs was on group activities …

Lessons Learned From A Major Near Miss: A Case Report Including Recommendations To Improve Future Patient Safety In Rehabilitation, Chelsea R. Van Zytveld, Jennifer W. Rodriguez, Tamara S. Struessel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Most medical errors can be traced to system failure, but often individual providers are blamed. Few articles in the allied health literature address the topic of error or the analysis of error using a system approach. Purpose: This case report analysis illustrates how both individual and system factors contribute to error in rehabilitation settings and how identification of these factors allows development of methods to improve future patient safety. Case Description: A young male was admitted to a rehabilitation hospital with residual impairments following recent surgical resection of a benign meningioma. He was treated daily by a physical …

Effectiveness Of An Interprofessional Education Event For Graduate Health Professional Students, Lisa J. Knecht-Sabres, James F. Gunn, Christine Conroy, Sarah E. Getch, Susan M. Cahill, Michelle M. Lee, Mae J. Ciancio, Jayne Jaskolski, Lisa Palmisano, Kolbrun Kristjansdottir

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a single, optional, half-day, interprofessional education (IPE) event for a myriad of graduate-level health professional students (n=44) at a university in Illinois, USA. Methods: The researchers in this study examined students’ performance on two out of six of the domains on the Interprofessiomnal Collaborator Assessment Rubric (ICAR): Roles and Responsibilities and Communication Strategies. This study also investigated quantitative and qualitative findings related to student perceptions regarding this IPE opportunity. Results: Results indicated that students met or exceeded the minimum competency for the ranking of “developing” for …

Evaluation Of Current Heparin Weight Based Protocol In Obese Patients, Marie Lafosse, Simon Leung, Carla Hawkins, Madeline Camejo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To evaluate the difference in achieving goal activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) within 24 hours utilizing the institutional heparin weight based protocol between obese and non-obese patients. Methods: Retrospective, non-randomized, open label chart review in a community based hospital. Patients age 18 years or older receiving heparin therapy for greater than or equal to 24 hours identified. Patients were excluded if the protocol was utilized for acute coronary syndrome or interrupted within the initial 24 hours of therapy. Patients were also excluded if any deviations from the protocol were identified. The primary endpoint evaluated the difference in achieving goal …

Stress Among Bachelor Physical Therapy Students In Israel During Clinical Practice And Its Association With Academic Achievements– Results Of A Longitudinal Study, Tamar Jacob, Ofira Einstein

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purposes: This study aimed 1) to evaluate perceived stress of a cohort of bachelor physical therapy (PT) students from Ariel University in Israel across three clinical practice periods; 2) to evaluate the relationship between perceived stress and academic achievements; 3) to evaluate the relationship between students' perceived stress and clinical practice periods' order and content; and 4) to identify clinical and socio-demographic variables related to perceived stress. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted among a cohort of undergraduate PT students during their first, second, and third clinical practice assignments. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. The Perceived Stress Scale …

Caregivers Of Stroke Survivors: Exploring The Role Of Spousal Caregivers Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Lisa J. Knecht-Sabres, Karley Kammer, Matthew K. Kilian, Kim Veverka

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the occupational needs of caregivers of stroke survivors and to identify potential implications for occupational therapy’s role with this population. Methods: Focus groups and a semi-structured interview were used to gather an in-depth perspective on caregivers’ needs and level of participation in valued activities. Interactions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis included open coding, formulation of categorical patterns, and thematic analysis. Rigor was enhanced through peer review, multiple coders, member checking, and triangulation. Results: Four primary themes emerged: (1) the essential need for additional services and support; (2) the amount …

Clinical Educator And Student Perceptions Of Ipad™ Technology To Enhance Clinical Supervision: The Electronically-Facilitated Feedback Initiative (Effi), Suzanne J. Snodgrass, Darren Rivett, Scott Farrell, Kyle Ball, Samantha E. Ashby, Catherine L. Johnston, Kim Nguyen, Trevor Russell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Growing demands placed upon healthcare systems require more health professionals to be trained. Clinical placement education is an integral component of health professional training, however accommodating increasing numbers of student placements is a challenge for health services. Personal digital assistants such as iPads™ may assist in delivery of clinical education, by facilitating transfer of knowledge and skills from clinical educators to health professional students, however such an initiative has not been formally investigated. The present study sought to explore perceptions of clinical educators and allied health students regarding the impact of an iPad™-based feedback delivery system on student …

Interprofessional Simulation In Accredited Paramedic Programs, Kim D. Mckenna, Elliot Carhart, Daniel Bercher, Andrew E. Spain, John Todaro, Joann Freel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Healthcare leaders advocate for interprofessional education as a means to promote collaborative practice, enhance interdisciplinary communication, and improve patient safety in the health professions. There is little evidence specific to interprofessional simulation in paramedic education. Methods: The National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) surveyed paramedic programs that were accredited or in the process of becoming accredited. Program respondents were asked to characterize their resources and their use of those resources, and then were asked about their perceptions pertaining to simulation in their program. Chi-square analysis was used to compare characteristics of programs that participated in interdisciplinary simulation with those …

Interprofessional Scenario-Based Learning For New Graduates In A Regional Setting: A Pilot Study, Priya Martin, Matthew Newby, Monica Moran, Matthew Browne, Saravana Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Globally there is an increased emphasis on the provision of high quality healthcare and improved productivity under mounting financial constraints. Interprofessional collaboration and practice are considered crucial in promoting teamwork and optimising patient outcomes. However, there is a lack of structured, evaluated interprofessional learning opportunities for graduates in regional and rural health services in Australia. This pilot study reports on a novel interprofessional new graduate learning program that was developed and implemented to address the lack of structured post-qualification interprofessional learning opportunities in the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service. Methods: Twenty-one participants enrolled in the six-month program, which …

The Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs And Knowledge Of Physical Therapy Clinical Instructors, Debra A. Bierwas, Joan Leafman, Donald K. Shaw

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: For evidence-based practice to occur in patient management or clinical instruction, a knowledge of evidence-based practice principles is needed, including how to retrieve, appraise, and apply evidence. Attitudes and beliefs are also important, since for effective change in practice to occur it must be consistent with beliefs and needs. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the evidence-based practice beliefs and knowledge of physical therapist clinical instructors and to determine whether differences in self-reported beliefs or knowledge existed based upon respondent characteristics of highest degree, age, association membership, and certification. Methods: For this cross-sectional descriptive study an …

Designing A Curriculum To Meet The Needs Of Caregivers Of Patients Who Had A Cerebral Vascular Accident (Cva) Living In Local Communities In Zimbabwe, Farayi Kaseke, Amelia Challender, Mary Jane Rapport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), or stroke, has become an epidemic in Zimbabwe with the incidence rising significantly over the past two decades. Most patients in Zimbabwe who have had a CVA are initially admitted into a hospital for the acute phase of care and later discharged back to the community and into the care of their family. Although caregivers are forced to suddenly take on a critical role in the daily care and rehabilitation of the person who has had a stroke and continues to have disabilities, there is little to prepare someone for these responsibilities at the time …

Non-Medical Use Of Cognitive Enhancing Prescription Medications Among Occupational Therapy And Speech Language Pathology Health Care Students: A Pilot Study, Randy P. Mccombie, Hannah Slanina

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This research was designed to serve as a pilot study to generate baseline data on non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) for cognitive/academic enhancement purposes among students representing two healthcare professions, Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Language Pathology (SLP) and to assess students’ opinions regarding whether use of these medications constitutes academic “cheating.” Introduction: NMUPD, such as Adderall ® or Ritalin ®, to reduce fatigue, improve memory, and increase concentration to ultimately improve grades has increased among college students in recent years, with estimated use put as high as 35% on some campuses. These drugs appear to be readily …

The Use Of An Online Module To Increase Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Evidence-Based Practice Knowledge And Skills, Brad E. Egan, Susan Cahill, Cheryl Huber-Lee, Minetta Wallingford

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of an optional, self-paced, online module to increase occupational therapy practitioners’ knowledge and skills related to evidence-based practice (EBP). Method: Participants’ EBP knowledge and skills were evaluated using the Adapted Fresno Test (AFT) after they completed the online module. Results: Twenty-nine occupational therapy practitioners (25 OTR/L, 4 COTA/L) completed the entire 17-month initiative. Nineteen practitioners (65.5%) used the supplemental online module and 10 (34.5%) did not. Analyses of AFT scores revealed a mean test score of 83.00 (n = 19, SD + 31.11) for participants who utilized the online EBP module and …

Factors Influencing The Use Of Evidence-Based Practice Among Physiotherapists And Occupational Therapists In Their Clinical Work, Sofi Fristedt, Kristina Areskoug Josefsson, Ann-Sofi Kammerlind

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a process through which research is applied in daily clinical practice. Occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs) are expected to work in line with EBP in order to optimise health care resources. This expectation is too seldom fulfilled. Consequently, research findings may not be implemented in clinical practice in a timely manner, or at all. To remedy this situation, additional knowledge is needed regarding what factors influence the process of EBP among practitioners. The purpose of the present study was to identify factors that influence the use of EBP and the experienced effects of the …