Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Liberating Insight By Walking In Other People's Shoes, Gail Rathbun, Jane Leatherman, Rebecca Jensen

Rebecca S Jensen

The researchers framed this program evaluation project as an investigation of the influences on teaching practices of a teaching center program participants and non-participants. Changes in teaching practices and the motivations for these changes of fifteen randomly chosen faculty were studied. Session participants will develop and analyze brief case studies using abbreviated data sets and three of the methods that were used in the study. Through hands on analysis of data, session participants will enhance their ability to evaluate the conclusions drawn by the researchers and become familiar with useful analytical frameworks that they can use in their own research. …

I Don't Believe It, But I'D Better Do Something About It: Patient Experiences Of Online Heart Age Risk Calculators, Carissa Bonner, Jesse Jansen, Ben Newell, Les Irwig, Paul Glasziou, Jenny Doust, Haryana, Kirsten Mccaffery

Jenny Doust

Background: Health risk calculators are widely available on the Internet, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk calculators that estimate the probability of a heart attack, stroke, or death over a 5- or 10-year period. Some calculators convert this probability to "heart age", where a heart age older than current age indicates modifiable risk factors. These calculators may impact patient decision making about CVD risk management with or without clinician involvement, but little is known about how patients use them. Previous studies have not investigated patient understanding of heart age compared to 5-year percentage risk, or the best way to present heart …

University Campus Accessibility Measure, Lea E. Klinger

Lisa Klinger

No abstract provided.

Physical Accessibility Measure For Schools, Lea E. Klinger

Lisa Klinger

No abstract provided.

General Practitioners' Use Of Different Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Strategies: A Qualitative Study, Carissa Bonner, Jesse Jansen, Shannon Mckinn, Les Irwig, J. Doust, Paul Glasziou, Andrew Hayen, Kirsten Mccaffery

Jenny Doust

Objectives: To identify factors that influence the extent to which general practitioners use absolute risk (AR) assessment in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. Design, setting and participants: Semi-structured interviews with 25 currently practising GPs from eight Divisions of General Practice in New South Wales, Australia, between October 2011 and May 2012. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Results: The study identified five strategies that GPs use with patients in different situations, defined in terms of the extent to which AR was used and the reasons given for this: the AR-focused strategy, used when AR assessment was considered useful for the …

Developing Outcomes Assessments For Collaborative, Cross-Institutional Benchmarking : Progress Of The Australian Medical Assessment Collaboration, Daniel Edwards, David Wilkinson, Benedict Canny, Jacob Pearce, Hamish Coates

Dr Daniel Edwards

The Australian Medical Assessment Collaboration (AMAC) began in 2010. This article charts the development of the collaboration over its initial years. AMAC was instigated as a way of improving the quality of medical education through the recognition of the need for tools for comparison and evaluation of learning outcomes, acknowledgement of the need for high quality assessment, and to share expertise in these areas. In a climate of increasing regulation and accountability, this collaboration was formed as a means of increasing assessment practices by, with and for medical schools. This article provides an overview of the background issues stimulating the …

Now That You Have Created A Great Video, How Do You Know If Anyone Is Learning From It?, Claudia J. Dold

Claudia J. Dold

Video offers a wide range of benefits a useful teaching tool, and librarians are using it to make all kinds of information available. I have created two series of videos at my university library concerning library and research skills: one for undergraduates and the other for graduates. This past year, I undertook four studies to determine whether students use the videos and under what circumstances.

Suicide Prevention: Education And Training For Mental Health Professional, Amresh Srivastava

Amresh Srivastava

RISK ASSESSMENT OF SUICIDE IN CLINICAL PRACTICE AMRESH SHRIVASTAVA1.

Suicide is a public health problem presents as the most serious psychiatric emergency. Identification and assessment of suicidality is a skill that every physician needs to have, skills for identification and intervention Risk assessments are done in number of settings like: emergency rooms, psychiatric outpatient, primary care, general medical wards, post-operative and intensive care settings, crisis centers, day hospitals for crisis beds, telephone helplines, psychiatric outpatients, psychiatric acute services, community psychiatry settings, early intervention programs, sometimes in special settings like jails, prisons, schools, workplaces and legal justice systems. In every setting …

An Assessment Of The Bhutanese Traditional Medicine For Its Ethnopharmacology, Ethnobotany And Ethnoquality: Textual Understanding And The Current Practices, Phurpa Wangchuk, Stephen G. Pyne, Paul A. Keller

Paul Keller

Ethnopharmacological relevance : This study involves the assessment of the Bhutanese traditional medicine (BTM) which was integrated with the mainstream biomedicine in 1967 to provide primary health care services in the country. It caters to 20-30% of the daily out-patients within 49 traditional medicine units attached to 20 district modern hospitals and 29 Basic Health Units in the country. Aim of the study : This study presents the ethnopharmacological, ethnobotanical and the ethnoquality concepts in relation to mainstream Tibetan medicine and describes the current practices of BTM. Materials and methods : Experienced BTM practitioners (Drung-tshos and Smen-pas) were selected using …

The Chronic Heart-Failure Assistance By Telephone (Chat) Study: Assessment Of Telephone Support For Vulnerable Patients With Chronic Disease, Julie Yallop, Bianca Chan, Leon Piterman, Andrew Tonkin, Andrew Forbes, Patricia M. Davidson, Robyn Clark, Elizabeth Halcomb, Andrea Nangle, Simon Stewart, Joanne Croucher, Henry Krum

Elizabeth Jane Halcomb Professor

Aim: To determine whether telephone support using an evidence-based protocol for chronic heart failure (CHF) management will improve patient outcomes and will reduce hospital readmission rates in patients without access to hospital-based management programs. Methods: The rationale and protocol for a cluster-design randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a semi-automated telephone intervention for the management of CHF, the Chronic Heart-failure Assistance by Telephone (CHAT) Study is described. Care is coordinated by trained cardiac nurses located in Heartline, the national call center of the National Heart Foundation of Australia in partnership with patients' general practitioners (GPs). Conclusions: The CHAT Study model represents …

A Comparative Study Of Assessment Grading And Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Quality In Sessional And Tenured Teachers, Yenna Salamonson, Elizabeth J. Halcomb, Sharon Andrew, Kathleen Peters, Debra Jackson

Elizabeth Jane Halcomb Professor

Purpose: Although the global nursing faculty shortage has led to increasing reliance upon sessional staff, limited research has explored the impact of these sessional staff on the quality of teaching in higher education. We aim to examine differences in (a) student satisfaction with sessional and tenured staff and (b) assessment scores awarded by sessional and tenured staff in students' written assignments. Design: A comparative study method was used. Participants were recruited from students enrolled in the three nursing practice subjects across the 3 years of the baccalaureate program in an Australian university during the second semester of 2008. Methods: This …

Bioregional Assessment Project: Sydney Metropolitan, Southern Rivers And Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchments: Data Collation Phase To Study The Impact Of Mining Activity And Coal Seam Gas On Environmental Assets, John Bradd, Tim Cohen, Sam Marx, Sol Buckman, Emma Burkhardt, A Clarke, Nicole Cook, Stephen Cullen, James Daley, Alexi Gavin, Ren Hu, Emma Kiekebosch-Fitt, Matt Lemcke, Andrew Lowe, Thomas Mcmahon, Luke Mcneilage, Kaitlyn O'Mara, Garth Nagle, Sam Robson, Carolyn Silveri, Joe Stammers

Solomon Buckman Dr.

This study was commissioned by the Hawkesbury-Nepean (HNCMA), Sydney Metropolitan (SMCMA) and Southern Rivers (SRCMA) Catchment Management Authorities and undertaken by the University of Wollongong to collate existing data and to provide a preliminary assessment of the potential impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) and coal mining activities on environmental assets within the three CMA regions, where environmental assets were defined under three broad themes; water, land and biodiversity. This study formed part of the Australian Federal Government’s Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) Bioregional Assessment initiative within regions potentially affected by CSG and coal mining activities. …

A Methodology For The Rapid Assessment Of The Potential Impact And Hazard Of Coal Seam Gas Mining On Aquifers And The Environment, John M. Bradd, Emma Kiekebosch-Fitt, Tim J. Cohen, Sam K. Marx, Solomon Buckman

Solomon Buckman Dr.

The potential environmental impacts and hazards of coal seam gas mining in Australia are highly contentious and poorly understood. Concerns have been raised by communities, and the Australian government has incorporated management tools and strategies to address these concerns. The primary environmental issue associated with coal seam gas mining would be on the aquifers above the target coal seam. If the upper aquifers are affected in terms of quantity and quality, then there are cumulative impacts to the surface environment such as groundwater dependent ecosystems and surface waters. This paper will examine the Australian situation with regard to coal seam …

Bioregional Assessment Project: Sydney Metropolitan, Southern Rivers And Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchments: Data Collation Phase To Study The Impact Of Mining Activity And Coal Seam Gas On Environmental Assets, John Bradd, Tim Cohen, Sam Marx, Sol Buckman, Emma Burkhardt, A Clarke, Nicole Cook, Stephen Cullen, James Daley, Alexi Gavin, Ren Hu, Emma Kiekebosch-Fitt, Matt Lemcke, Andrew Lowe, Thomas Mcmahon, Luke Mcneilage, Kaitlyn O'Mara, Garth Nagle, Sam Robson, Carolyn Silveri, Joe Stammers

John M Bradd Dr

This study was commissioned by the Hawkesbury-Nepean (HNCMA), Sydney Metropolitan (SMCMA) and Southern Rivers (SRCMA) Catchment Management Authorities and undertaken by the University of Wollongong to collate existing data and to provide a preliminary assessment of the potential impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) and coal mining activities on environmental assets within the three CMA regions, where environmental assets were defined under three broad themes; water, land and biodiversity. This study formed part of the Australian Federal Government’s Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) Bioregional Assessment initiative within regions potentially affected by CSG and coal mining activities. …

A Methodology For The Rapid Assessment Of The Potential Impact And Hazard Of Coal Seam Gas Mining On Aquifers And The Environment, John M. Bradd, Emma Kiekebosch-Fitt, Tim J. Cohen, Sam K. Marx, Solomon Buckman

John M Bradd Dr

The potential environmental impacts and hazards of coal seam gas mining in Australia are highly contentious and poorly understood. Concerns have been raised by communities, and the Australian government has incorporated management tools and strategies to address these concerns. The primary environmental issue associated with coal seam gas mining would be on the aquifers above the target coal seam. If the upper aquifers are affected in terms of quantity and quality, then there are cumulative impacts to the surface environment such as groundwater dependent ecosystems and surface waters. This paper will examine the Australian situation with regard to coal seam …

The Quantitative Assessment Of Motivational Interviewing Using Co-Active Life Coaching Skills As A Treatment For Adults Struggling With Obesity, Courtney Newnham-Kanas, Jennifer Irwin, Don Morrow, Danielle Battram

Donald Morrow

No abstract provided.

How To Assess Doctors And Health Professionals, Mike Davis, Judy Mckimm, Kirsty Forrest

Kirsty Forrest

Educating Capable Doctors - A Portfolio Approach. Linking Learning And Assessment, Elizabeth Farmer, Joachim Sturmberg

Elizabeth Farmer

Background: Teachers want students to focus on their learning to become capable doctors; yet, students primarily want to focus on passing their exams. How much of this paradox is explained by learning and assessment being seen as two different entities rather than as the continuum of one and the same process? How may the two areas be more closely and effectively linked? Aim: This article describes and illustrates a conceptual framework for an approach termed capability-based portfolio assessment. Results and conclusions: Thinking about capability, i.e. the ability to perform in the real world, is needed for a contemporary curriculum and …

Able - Assessment Based Learning, Elizabeth Farmer, D O'Halloran, Joachim Sturmberg

Elizabeth Farmer

No abstract provided.

Video-Recorded Usability Testing Of A Web-Based Self-Administered Dietary Assessment, Yasmine Probst, David Steel, Linda Tapsell

Professor David Steel

No abstract provided.

Developing A Process Of Continuous Quality Improvement In Medical School Assessment Processes: Lessons From One School, Alison Jones, Ian Wilson, Dorothy Keefe

Ian G Wilson

Introduction: Setting high quality assessments for medical students can be a resource intensive exercise. This study explored the feasibility of coordinating and rationalising the use of expertise to set assessments and to raise the standard of those assessments. Method: A literature review on staff development for assessment was undertaken and the governance structure for assessment design and monitoring in our institution was explored. A manual was developed to outline issues around assessment and processes for improving assessments and this was distributed to key personnel involved in the assessment setting process. A two-day examination setting workshop was organised and evaluated. A …

Developing A Process Of Continuous Quality Improvement In Medical School Assessment Processes: Lessons From One School, Alison Jones, Ian Wilson, Dorothy Keefe

Alison L Jones

Introduction: Setting high quality assessments for medical students can be a resource intensive exercise. This study explored the feasibility of coordinating and rationalising the use of expertise to set assessments and to raise the standard of those assessments. Method: A literature review on staff development for assessment was undertaken and the governance structure for assessment design and monitoring in our institution was explored. A manual was developed to outline issues around assessment and processes for improving assessments and this was distributed to key personnel involved in the assessment setting process. A two-day examination setting workshop was organised and evaluated. A …

Tomorrows Workforce: Factors Influencing Nursing Students' Development Of Nursing Assessment & Clinical Skills, Andrew Horne, Patrea Andersen, Roy Brown, Patrick A. Crookes

Professor Patrick Crookes

Research Design - The aim of this research was to: •Describe student nurses experiences undertaking nursing assessments on clients in clinical practice. •Identify factors influencing the students’ ability to perform assessments. •Determine the types of nursing assessments undertaken by students and the frequency of these. •Identify student involvement in completing assessment documentation on nursing assessments.

Competency Assessment Using A Standardised Tool Across Nursing Programmes In Australia, Roy A. Brown, Patrick A. Crookes

Professor Patrick Crookes

No abstract provided.

Neuropsychological Assessment Of Fitness To Drive Following Acquired Cognitive Impairment, Vida V. Bliokas, Joanne E. Taylor, Judith Leung, Frank P. Deane

Frank Deane

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated a neuropsychological assessment battery used to assess fitness to drive in cognitively impaired individuals and hypothesized that the battery would be associated with on-road outcome measures. A secondary aim was to explore the relationships between individual neuropsychological tests and driving performance. RESEARCH DESIGN: The study used a cross-sectional design in which a sample of individuals with various types of cognitive impairment completed the test battery and an on-road driving test. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Performance on the test battery was compared to on-road driving performance in 104 individuals with acquired cognitive impairment. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: …

A Self-Administered Dietary Assessment Website For Use In Primary Health Care: Usability Testing And Evaluation, Y. C. Probst, Linda C. Tapsell

L. C. Tapsell

A dietary assessment website for use in the primary healthcare setting has been developed. The website allows patients, referred from their GP, to self-report their dietary intake. Data from the website feeds to a dietitian who develops individualised dietary advice for the patient. The aim of this paper is to describe the usability testing of the dietary assessment website with its potential users. Testing was broken into two phases. Forty-two free-living adults with metabolic syndrome volunteered, 17 completed phase one and 10 completed phase two, with a 64% rate of completion. Phase one participants spoke aloud as they progressed through …

Research In School Health Education: A Needs Assessment, Lloyd Kolbe, Donald Iverson

Don C. Iverson

No abstract provided.

An Assessment Of Student Health Needs: Implications For The Planning And Utilization Of College Health Services, Lloyd Kolbe, Donald Iverson

Don C. Iverson

Since many students plan to utilize college health services, it is important that the services offered are adequate to meet the needs of the students.

Physician Assessment Of Patient Motivation: Influence On Disposition For Follow-Up Care, R Mcartor, Donald Iverson, D Benken, Valerie Gilchrist, L Dennis, R Broome

Don C. Iverson

This study of 3,318 outpatient visits evaluated the influence of the physician-assessed level of patient motivation on the level of physician involvement in follow-up care. Data collected included patient demographics, health risk factors, physician-assessed level of patient motivation, and the disposition for follow-up care (return office visit or self-care). Physicians more frequently scheduled patients for a return office visit, regardless of assessed level of patient motivation, when they presented with a traditional biomedical problem. Patients with health promotion-disease prevention problems were more frequently relegated to self-care; patients physicians judged to be poorly motivated were four times as likely to be …

A Tool For Measuring Active Learning In The Classroom, Jenny A. Van Amburgh, John W. Devlin, Jennifer L. Kirwin, Donna M. Qualters

John W. Devlin

Objectives. To develop a valid and reliable active-learning inventory tool for use in large classrooms and compare faculty perceptions of active-learning using the Active-Learning Inventory Tool.Methods. The Active-Learning Inventory Tool was developed using published literature and validated by national experts in educational research. Reliability was established by trained faculty members who used the Active-Learning Inventory Tool to observe 9 pharmacy lectures. Instructors were then interviewed to elicit perceptions regarding active learning and asked to share their perceptions.Results. Per lecture, 13 ( range: 4-34) episodes of active learning encompassing 3 ( range: 2-5) different types of active learning occurred over 2.2 …