Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Workload And Distance Traveled On Psychological Resilience And Values Among Emergency Healthcare Workers, Rami̇z Yazici, Efe Demi̇r Bala, Ayşe Fethi̇ye Basa Kalafat, Eyüp Sari, Hüseyi̇n Mutlu, Hakan Güner, Hi̇lmi̇ Kaya, Rabi̇a Bi̇rsen Tapkan, Utku Murat Kalafat, Serkan Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel face significant challenges in their daily work, which can lead to burnout and affect their mental well-being. This study aimed to investigate how workload and distance traveled, as specific aspects of EMS work, influence the psychological resilience and values of EMS personnel. The Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and Spiritual and Humanistic Value Scale (SHVS) were utilized to assess psychological resilience and values, respectively.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among EMS personnel in Ankara, Türkiye, utilizing a questionnaire survey distributed between 23 and 30 May 2024. The study was approved by the …

Survival Of Patients With 2014 Figo Stage Iiic High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Who Treated With Platin-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy, Mehmet Ünsal, Meltem Yücesoy, Okan Oktar, Yeşi̇m Uçar, Gülşah Ti̇ryaki̇ Güner, Okan Ayteki̇n, A.Alp Tokalioğlu, Hande Esra Koca Yildirim, Fati̇h Kiliç, Burak Ersak, Caner Çakir, Di̇lek Yüksel, Çi̇ğdem Kiliç, Sevgi̇ Koç, Günsu Ki̇myon Cömert, Özlem Moraloğlu Teki̇n, Yaprak Engi̇n Üstün, Taner Turan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Epithelial ovarian cancer is the second most prevalent type of gynecological cancer. We aimed to investigate prognostic factors related to survival in patient with 2014 FIGO stage IIIC high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC).

Materials and methods: Two hundred fifty eight patients were evaluated retrospectively. The absence of a visible tumor was determined as maximum cytoreduction, and a residual tumor size of 1 cm or less was determined as optimal cytoreduction. Patients who underwent cytoreduction followed by a combination of platinum and taxane adjuvant chemotherapy were included. Exclusion criteria for the study were patients taking neoadjuvant chemotherapy and those with …

A Prospective Study For The Examination Of Peripheral Blood Smear Samples In Pediatric Population Using Artificial Intelligence, Eli̇f Habi̇be Akteki̇n, Mert Burkay Çöteli̇, Ayşe Erbay, Nalan Yazici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Peripheral blood smear (PBS) and bone marrow aspiration are gold standards of manual microscopy diagnostics for blood cell disorders. Nowadays, data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) techniques open new perspectives in digital hematology. This study proposes an AI learning technique for the classification of blood cells over PBS samples while increasing the sensitivity and specificity rates of the experts as a decision support system of a prediagnostic tool.

Materials and methods: The methodology of this study comprises three steps for the creation of an effective learning technique for blood cell disorders. First is the digitization of PBS samples in 100x optical-digital …

Acute Effects Of Virtual Reality-Based Relaxation And Exergaming On Primary Dysmenorrhea Symptoms, Muhammed Şeref Yildirim, Merve Çoğ, Büşra Mehder Akbaş, Si̇nem Salar, Hi̇lal Kekli̇cek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a menstrual disorder with significant physical and psychological impacts. Physical activity and relaxation techniques are proven methods for managing PD. Advances in virtual reality (VR) suggest that immersive relaxation and exergaming could provide new avenues for symptom relief. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of VR-based interventions on PD symptoms and compare them with a control group receiving Jacobson’s Relaxation

Materials and methods: A randomized, controlled, single-blind trial was conducted with 43 female participants aged 18–30 years with regular menstrual cycles and PD. Participants were allocated to three groups: (I) immersive VR relaxation, …

Does Dexmedetomidine Infusion Reduce The Postoperative Analgesic Need In Lumbar Disc Surgery?, Si̇bel Çatalca, Özlem Özmete, Numan Berk, Soner Çi̇vi̇, Emre Durdağ, Caner İncekaş, Nesri̇n Bozdoğan Özyilkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Patients experience moderate-to-severe pain, especially in the first days after lumbar disc surgery. Poorly controlled pain in the postoperative period negatively affects patient outcomes. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2 adrenoceptor agonist with demonstrated analgesic efficacy. However, conflicting results have been reported in the current literature regarding the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in this surgery. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that dexmedetomidine safely improves pain scores and reduces opioid consumption in lumbar microdiscectomy.

Materials and methods: Medical records of patients who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy with general anesthesia between January 2023 and October 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who …

Cardiac Surgery Dilemmas: Evaluating Outcomes Of Sternotomy Versus Thoracotomy, Muhammet Fethi̇ Sağlam, Emrah Uguz, Kemal Eşref Erdogan, Hüseyi̇n Ünsal Erçeli̇k, Murat Yücel, Mete Hidiroglu, Erol Şener

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes, including reoperation rates, mortality, and valve size measurements, in patients undergoing sternotomy and thoracotomy for cardiac surgery, particularly focusing on tricuspid valve replacements. The study sought to highlight differences in surgical approaches and their impact on patient outcomes.

Materials and methods: A total of 107 patients were included, with 82 undergoing sternotomy and 25 undergoing thoracotomy. Preoperative right ventricular function parameters (mean pulmonary artery pressure, tissue Doppler imaging, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion), valve sizes, and other clinical data were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences in …

Evaluation Of Treatment Compliance In Gout Patients: A Patient-Centered Study, Murat Buğra Görgülü, Riza Can Kardaş, Di̇lara Koç Şeramet, Ridvan Mercan, Mehmet Engi̇n Tezcan, Hami̇t Küçük, Abdurrahman Tufan, Berna Göker, Mehmet Aki̇f Öztürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Most studies on unsuccessful gout treatment suggest that knowledge gaps and inadequate physician interventions are major contributors. However, there is a lack of research on the extent to which patients, educated by knowledgeable and experienced physicians, adhere to these recommendations.

Materials and methods: This study evaluated patients seen in university rheumatology clinics who were adequately informed about diet, target serum uric acid levels, and gout by rheumatologists. We assessed their compliance with treatment, clinical and laboratory findings, and disease status a median of seven years after treatment initiation. A total of 302 gout patients who began treatment in tertiary …

Procedural And Patient-Related Factors Play Differential Roles In The Postdural Puncture Headache, Ece Yanik, Doğa Vuralli, Tuğba Tunç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The incidence of postdural puncture headache varies depending on the multifactorial nature of the risk factors. Patient-related and procedure-related risk factors are still controversial. In this prospective observational study, we aimed to evaluate the risk factors for postdural puncture headache, the effect of previous headache features on the development of postdural puncture headache, and the risk factors for the immediate or delayed postdural puncture headache.

Materials and methods: We prospectively analyzed 116 patients who underwent lumbar puncture for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. All clinical and laboratory findings, previous headache history, and the features and information related to the lumbar …

Benzyl Alcohol Improves Ang Ii-Induced Vascular And Renal Injury, Qi Hua, Zhenyu Gu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The etiology of hypertension in pediatric populations is complex and multifactorial, with metabolic abnormalitiesplaying a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of the condition. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Benzyl alcohol (BA),identified through metabolomics analysis of pediatric hypertension serum, on Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular and renalinjury in murine models.

Materials and methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a vascular remodeling model by continuous 4-week Ang II infusionusing a subcutaneous osmotic pump. Bioinformatics was used to identify target metabolites. The tail artery, common carotid arterydiastolic, and systolic pressures in mice were determined with a blood pressure …

Addressing Pain Management Postoperatively From A Multimodal Approach In Response To The Opioid Epidemic, Victoria Pascoe

Best Integrated Writing

This review article explores the four-wave opioid epidemic across the United States and the postsurgical multimodal pain management approaches being implemented to help combat it. Breaking down the mechanistic approach to pain in the form of opioid-alternative analgesics, cryotherapeutic techniques, cognitive approaches, and more, this paper offers insight into how pain can be managed outside of the historical approach, while also exploring the future directions of the field as physicians and researchers alike search for ways to offer more comfort and quality of life to the patients who walk through their clinic doors.

Vaginismus: Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment Options, Heather Thomas

Best Integrated Writing

This paper provides a current review of the diagnosis, causes, and treatment outcomes for vaginismus. Of particular interest are predisposing factors, like a lack of sex education and a sexually restrictive upbringing, for the development of this disorder. Controversies surrounding US-based diagnostic criteria for female sexual dysfunction are also reviewed, and up-to-date and novel treatment options, like vaginal Botox injections, are described.

Dispatches From Bed: On The Intersection Of Disability Justice And Palestinian Liberation, I. B. Bedrotting

Toyon: Multilingual Literary Magazine

None.

Pandemic Mythmaking: Covid-19 And Mythological Symbolism In Indian Folk Art, Ishani Anwesha Joshi, Sathyaraj Venkatesan

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

Through a comprehensive analysis of Durga Bai Vyam’s “Samura Manthan” and Rupsona and Bahadur Chitrakar’s “Corona Rakshasa,” this article aims to investigate how mythological stories and themes have been used in the Indian context in folk art during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation will offer insights into how artists have leveraged mythological symbolism to infuse their works with richer layers of meaning, thereby engaging readers in a deeper exploration of the pandemic’s impact on society and the human psyche. By close-reading the aforementioned paintings, this study aims to illustrate the evolving visual representation of cultural narratives …

Long-Term Relief: Sustained Benefits And Strategies Of Pnf Techniques For Plantar Fasciitis With Restricted Dorsiflexion: A Kinovea – Software Based Gait Analysis, Koteeswari Arumugam, Dr. Kamalakanan M, (Professor Saveetha College Of Physiotherapy, Simats), Sundar Rajan Ms, (Saveetha College Of Physiotherapy, Simats), Hariharan J, (Tutor, Simats), Shenega K, (Saveetha College Of Physiotherapy, Simats)

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: This prospective longitudinal study aimed to investigate the long-term effectiveness and maintenance strategies following proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique interventions in individuals with plantar fasciitis and limited dorsiflexion which is one of the conditions affecting the community. The primary objectives included quantitatively comparing pain levels, functional mobility, and patient adherence to prescribed strategies over an extended follow-up period. Methods: A cohort of 120 participants with plantar fasciitis and limited dorsiflexion, previously treated with PNF interventions, were enrolled in the study. Follow-up assessments were conducted at three-month intervals over a one-year period. Pain levels were measured using a Visual Analog …

Physical Therapy Management Of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Using A Pacing-Forward Clinical Approach: A Case Report, Clayton D. Powers, Nicole A. Miranda, Todd E. Davenport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of autonomic dysfunction that affects hemodynamic responses to position and movement, characterized by excessive tachycardia and orthostatic intolerance. Aerobic exercise historically has been recommended to improve cardiovascular function. However, some individuals living with POTS may not tolerate aerobic exercise due to post-exertional malaise (PEM). This case report describes the effect of pacing in the context of a pragmatic multimodal approach applied to a person living with POTS, vasovagal syncope, and PEM.

Case Description: A 16-year-old female diagnosed with POTS and vasovagal syncope presented to physical therapy with goals to tolerate a …

Development Of A Scale To Evaluate Key Attributes Of Academic Advisors Essential To Physical Therapy Students, Robin M. Baker, Jamie L. Greco

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Acknowledging the crucial role of academic advising in enhancing student success, professionalism, and personal growth, this paper advocates for a shift from traditional reactive methods to proactive, personalized advising strategies that have been shown to improve retention and satisfaction rates in higher education. Our study highlights the development of a comprehensive scale through rigorous validity assessments to measure key attributes of academic advisors essential to physical therapy students (PTS). This scale, refined through extensive feedback from faculty and PTS over two development phases, consists of 18 items on a 4-point Likert scale, which together map the complex landscape of effective …

Self Perception Of Leadership Styles And Behavior In Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Kelly A. Coleman, Stephanie M. Singe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Leadership has been considered an important part of advancing the profession, but investigations into leadership styles of clinically practicing athletic trainers (ATs) are scant, with none in the secondary school setting. The purpose of this study was to explore the leadership styles of secondary school ATs and to determine if differences in leadership style practices exist across demographic characteristics. Methods: We used a cross-sectional web-based survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT). Leadership style was assessed via the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ)-5x where transformational, transactional, and passive/avoidant leadership behaviors were measured on a five-point Likert scale (0=not at all; 1=once in a …

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

Study Design: Narrative Systematic review

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose

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

Method

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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