Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Feasibility And Acceptability Of A Pilot Knowledge Translation Telementoring Program For Allied Health Professionals, Ingrid J. Hickman, Ashley E. Cameron, Prue Mcrae, Shelley A. Wilkinson, Maxine O'Brien, Samantha Kozica-Olenski, Adrienne M. Young

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Knowledge translation (KT) in the health system is critical for the delivery of evidence-based practice. Supporting allied health professionals to plan and implement KT, using strategies that broadly reach across multiple geographical locations of the workforce, are needed. We piloted KT group telementoring via videoconference as an innovative solution to support and empower a vastly dispersed workforce.

Methods: The 6-month Knowledge Translation Support Service (KTSS) involved monthly, one-hour, virtual group-based support of clinician-led KT projects within state-run hospital and health services. Supported by an independent facilitator, a panel of KT experts and health service leaders provided constructive critique and …

Athletic Trainers’ Perceptions And Frequency Of Use Of Health Care Core Competencies, Daniel C. Waterman Jr, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Julie M. Cavallario, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Core competencies (CCs) have been standard for all health care professions since 2001 but have only recently been integrated into professional-level education in athletic training. Currently, there is no research showing perceptions or frequency of use in various subgroups of athletic trainers based on experience. Method: We evaluated athletic trainer (AT) perceptions and frequency of use of CCs and perceived preparedness by professional-level education. A cross-sectional web-based survey was completed by 644 clinically practicing ATs. The survey included demographics (5 items), perceived use for CCs (22 items), perception of educational preparedness (6 items), and perceived frequency of use within …

Simulation-Based Learning: From Learning Theory To Pedagogical Application, Sarah Ross

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Simulation is a powerful learning tool, but being powerful requires understanding and incorporating sound educational learning theory and pedagogical practices into the design and implementation. Unfortunately, current research and publication related to simulation show limited evidence of integration of educational theory. While articles may reference learning theories in introductions or literature reviews, there is little evidence of these theories being integrated into the conceptual framework, research, or simulation-based learning event design. The purpose of this article is to highlight four learning theories that are most commonly integrated into simulation-based learning activities and how they can be specifically and practically applied …

Collegiate Athletic Trainers’ Experiences Planning For Return-To-Sports During Covid-19: A Qualitative Research Study, Eric G. Post, Justin S. Disanti, Christianne M. Eason, Hayley J. Root, Thomas E. Abdenour

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of intercollegiate head athletic trainers in the process of planning to resume sport, as well as their experiences across the course of the pandemic to identify key strategies, challenges, and future considerations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: This exploratory, descriptive qualitative study was conducted via one-on-one semi structured interviews through the Zoom video conference technology. Twenty-four head athletic trainers across NCAA Division I, II, and III institutions participated in the study. Results: Emerging themes included the development of detailed, institution-specific plans with shared elements such as policies for testing …

Effects Of Anaerobic Exercises On Cardiac Workload, Peripheral Resistance, And Lipid Index In Grade-I Hypertensive Young Adults, Ali Farhad, Sumaira Farooqui, Batool Hassan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. With the soaring prevalence globally, there is a need to identify the non-pharmacological management for the maintenance of blood pressure. Hence this study is aimed to determine the impact of an-aerobic exercise in grade-I hypertensive young adults. Methods: A total of 92 participants were recruited from the OPD of a tertiary care hospital between the periods of 11 months (August 2017-June 2018) and were allocated in an anaerobic and aerobic group. The intervention was given based on ACSM, FITT protocol for 8 weeks. The pre- and post-systolic blood …

Impact Of Pro Bono Clinic On Attitudes, Beliefs, And Confidence Towards Cultural Competence In First-Year Doctoral Physical Therapy Students, Scarlett Morris, Ruiping Xia, Troy Klaassen, Trey Johnson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Cultural competence is an essential skill for healthcare providers in our increasingly ethnically diversified society. There is an unmet need for educating future culturally competent physical therapists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of pro bono clinic on cultural competence in first-year doctoral physical therapy students. Method: Forty-two participants completed a survey before and after attending three individual sessions of mentored pro bono clinical experiences during their first semester. The survey assessed participants’ attitudes and beliefs (Part I), and self-perceived level of confidence (Part II) towards cultural competence. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed. Results: The …

Athletic Trainers’ Hand Hygiene Behaviors During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Olivia Jackson, Matthew J. Rivera, Kenneth E. Games, Lindsey E. Eberman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Hand hygiene (HH) is a cost-effective public health intervention to prevent infectious disease transmission, including COVID-19. Health care professionals have shown poor adherence to HH best practices, and little is known about athletic trainer (AT) HH. ATs typically work in dynamic, unpredictable environments, creating barriers to HH compliance. The purpose of this study was to understand the self-reported behaviors and challenges with adherence to HH of secondary school ATs, particularly related to mitigating infection transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this qualitative study, we conducted 11 semi-structured interviews with secondary school ATs actively engaged in direct patient care …

A Student Physical Therapist’S Perspective On Her Efficacy Providing Culturally Competent Care: A Reflective Case Study, Anna S. Kelly, Deborah M. Wendland

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Cultural differences and personal biases can affect the way a clinician provides care and the way in which patients receive it. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) designates cultural competence as one of the professional practice expectations for physical therapy students, although no standardized blueprint exists for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. This case report will illustrate how reflection can be used to facilitate a student’s growth into becoming more prepared to practice in a culturally aware and effective way. In addition, this report seeks to provide a student’s perspective on her efficacy providing culturally …

The Impact Of #365papers: A Daily Scientific Twitter Campaign To Disseminate Exercise Oncology Literature, Kendra Zadravec, Sarah Weller, Logan Meyers, Kirstin Lane, Jeffrey Kong, Kristin L. Campbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many health researchers and practitioners use Twitter to stimulate scientific dialogue and collaboration among peers, as well as the general public. In 2018, the Clinical Exercise Physiology Lab (CEPL) undertook a year-long scientific Twitter campaign (#365Papers) where one peer-reviewed publication related to cancer and exercise/physical activity was tweeted per day. Features of this campaign included Throwback Thursdays (selected article published before 2018) and guest tweeters (article chosen by other exercise oncology researchers). We report on the impact of the #365Papers campaign based on Twitter Analytics data (i.e., engagement rate). We also explore how engagement rate differed depending on publication …

Implementing Strategies For Strengthening Australia’S Rural Allied Health Workforce, Catherine Cosgrave

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In many rural places, health services struggle to maintain an adequate health workforce to meet their communities’ health care needs. Shortages of allied health professionals are of particular and growing concern. To address this challenge, a two-year Whole-of-Person Retention Improvement Project was developed involving a research partnership with two rural public health services in Victoria, Australia. This project was informed by the author’s Whole-of-Person Retention Improvement Framework (WoP-RIF), aimed to produce new knowledge for rural health services to attract, recruit, and improve the retention of allied health professionals. A set of evidence-informed and contextually relevant recommendations were made in …

Building Heath Research Capacity: The Impact Of A United Kingdom Collaborative Programme, Koser Khan, Ana Porroche-Escudero, George Georgiou, Jennie Popay

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Strengthening research capacity (RC) amongst health professionals has both organisational and individual benefits. It can increase the quality of research and support the transfer of evidence into practice and policy. However there is little evidence on what works to develop and strengthen RC. This paper contributes to the evidence base by reporting findings from an evaluation of a programme that aimed to build capacity to use and do research amongst NHS and local authority organisations and their staff in a large english research partnership organisation. Methods: The evaluation used multiple qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, focus groups and workshops …

Clinician Productivity During Student Full Time Clinical Experiences, Jamie Dehan, Michele Avery, Trevor Elmer, Yvonne Colgrove

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical education is an essential part of physical therapy education. Clinicians who provide student clinical training have the primary responsibility of patient care and meeting their job demands including meeting productivity standards. Adding a student to the mix is often perceived as negatively impacting productivity. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact on clinician productivity in direct patient care while hosting a student for a clinical experience. This study (a) investigates differences seen when hosting a DPT student or a PTA student; (b) compares differences seen influenced by which curricular stage the student is in for …

Kinematic Analysis Of A Series Of Jumps In First Position In Professional Ballet Dancers, Jessica Smith, Kevin Robinson, Pat Sells

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Few ballet-specific studies in the literature examine kinematics during dance activities. Sports studies have identified injury risk in athletes by observing kinematics during specific activity, but this has not yet been explored for ballet. Evaluating kinematics in dancers has the potential to identify injury risk and influence treatment for prevention and rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the landing kinematics of professional ballet dancers during a series of 16 ballet-specific jumps. Methods: This study was a multi-factor repeated measures design. Participants (3 males, 16 females aged 19-33 years; first or second company members) performed 16 …

Intensive Robot-Assisted Gait Training In Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: Case Series From Saudi Arabia, Naif Alraddadi, Sanaa Madi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report whether intensive body weight-supported treadmill training with a robotic exoskeleton could improve over-ground functional mobility in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury and to investigate its feasibility and safety. Methods: This was a case series design. Two male individuals with chronic (> 1 year since injury) spinal cord injury (SCI) were included in this study. All subjects underwent intensive gait training sessions 5 times per week using exoskeleton for 12 weeks with a total of 60 sessions. The duration of the session was 60 minutes, including the installment of the HAL, …

Short-Term Service-Learning: Implications For Preparing Health Science Students For Practice, Tamara Lemmonds, Jamie Adam, Elena Wong Espiritu, David K. Wyant

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine students’ self-reported learning outcomes following participation in collaborative interprofessional service-learning experiences through the qualitative analysis of participants’ written, guided critical reflections. Method: Participants responded to guided reflection questions pre and post trip. The four pre-trip open-ended reflection questions included: what the students expected or hoped to learn, how they expected to learn this, the importance of this learning for their career skill development and how this learning could be used in the future. Upon completion of the service-learning experience, students were asked the same questions with slight variation- What did they …

Clinical Wellness Coaching: A Brief Assessment Of The Development, Implementation, And 3-Year Experiences Of Interns In A Graduate Certification Program, Marion W. Evans Jr., Melissa Cox, Melika Forooshani

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Mississippi is one of sickest states according to national assessments and ranks 49^th for overall health outcomes. In addition, Mississippi is the most overweight and obese state, the least physically active state, and ranks second in adult hypertension. This paper reviews the development and three-year assessment of a novel wellness coaching program developed at one southeastern university in a partnership with a foundation whose primary interest was to see more wellness and lifestyle coaching offered in primary medical clinics in the state. Methodology: A model for training graduate students in wellness coaching was envisioned and interdisciplinary training model …

The Effects Of Blood-Flow Restriction Training On Muscle Hypertrophy, Strength, And Power In College-Age Adults, Meghan Rohde, Lauren Bacsalmasi, Quinton Erhard, Tanner Lung, Whitney Weinert

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Low load BFR (LLBFR) training can produce similar strength gains as high load resistance (HLR) training, especially in cases where persons may not have the ability to toelrate heavy loads. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in strength, power, and hypertrophy between HLR (70% 1RM) and LLBFR (30% 1RM). Methods: Sixteen healthy individuals, ages 23-21 (8 male, 8 female) were randomized into HLR and LLBFR groups. Obtained baseline measurements included 1-repetition maximum (1RM), thigh circumference, and vertical jump height. Each group performed back squat, Bulgarian split squat, barbell step ups, and lunges. The HL group trend …

Using Experiential Learning To Enhance Student Outcomes In A Didactic Program In Dietetics Foodservice Management Course, Michael T. Holik, Scott Heinerichs, Jena Wood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe student perceptions of their learning following experiential learning (EL) activities in a foodservice management course. Nutrition and dietetics education programs have a range of competencies students must learn and demonstrate throughout their curriculum. Learning styles differ amongst students and research has demonstrated they prefer to engage in EL (direct experience) activities to develop their knowledge. Foodservice management is one area of the curriculum that teaches students the basic functions of management; planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and staffing related to food, materials, facilities, and human resources. While this can be taught didactically, …

An Examination Of Employment Model And Policy And Procedure Practices Of Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Micaela Dunbar-Gaynor, Ericka P. Zimmerman, Victor Liberi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the policy and procedure practices of secondary school athletic trainers based on employment models. Methods: Following an online informed consent confirmation, participants completed a Policies and procedures status questionnaire, including demographics. This was distributed to certified athletic trainers currently employed in the secondary school setting in the United States. The survey consisted of 49 questions about the status of policies and procedures being in operation and/or written form. Results from the policies and procedures questionnaire were combined with the recorded employment model type to compare the status of policies and procedures …

Group Physiotherapy For Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Consumer’S Perspective, Rose C. Green

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Level 1 grade A evidence exists to support physiotherapy as a first line treatment of women with stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). A novel way to provide care for women with pelvic floor dysfunction in a tertiary hospital setting is to mandate attendance at an introductory group education session prior to offering an individual physiotherapy consultation. There is minimal research to date examining the consumer perspective of group physiotherapy for treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the consumer experience with a view to determining if this model of care meets the needs …

Agreement In Walking Speed Measured Using Four Different Outcome Measures: 6-Meter Walk Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, 2-Minute Walk Test, And 6-Minute Walk Test, James Roush, John D. Heick, Tanner Hawk, Dillon Eurek, Austin Wallis, Daniel Kiflu

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Walking speed is considered the sixth vital sign because it is a valid, reliable, and sensitive measure for assessing functional status in various populations. Purpose: The current study assessed agreement in walking speed using the 6-meter walk test, (6MWT) 10-meter walk test (10MWT), 2-minute walk test (2minWT), and 6-minute walk test (6minWT). We also determined differences in walking speed. Methods: Seventy-three healthy adults (44 females, 29 males; mean [SD] age=31.36 [10.33] years) participated. Lafayette Electronic timing devices measured walking speed for the 6MWT and 10MWT. Measuring wheels and stopwatches measured walking distance and speed for the 2minWT and 6minWT. …

A Case Report Discussing An Uncommon Peripheral Exudative Hemorrhagic Chorioretinopathy, Marlon J. Demeritt, Beata I. Lewandowska

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to discuss an uncommon, unique hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy. Method: A 79-year-old-white female presented to clinic with complaints of difficulty reading at close distances and seeing faces at far distances in both eyes. An 85-year old white female presented with no visual complaints but stated redness in the nasal corner of her right eye. This is a case report of two patients that presented with geographic atrophy of the macula as well as midperipheral RPE alterations in both eyes, which resembled intraretinal hemorrhages. Results: The ocular findings associated with peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy may …

The Impact Of Perfectionism On Mental, Social, And Physical Health Of Graduate Students In The Health Sciences, Kelly B. Filipkowski, Alicia H. Nordstrom, Triet Pham, Michael Floren, Scott L. Massey

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Perfectionism is considered a multidimensional construct with adaptive and maladaptive features. It was hypothesized that the diverse perfectionism components would predict well-being outcomes of similar valence. Method: The current study investigated perfectionism and mental, social, and physical health outcomes of graduate students in health science disciplines, across two semesters. We utilized two approaches in our empirical analysis. We first examined the continuous relationships between perfectionistic strivings, perfectionistic concerns, and health-related outcomes of graduate students. Additionally, we assessed differences between three perfectionism groups (i.e., adaptive, maladaptive, or non-perfectionist) on these well-being outcomes. Results: Results indicated that generally, adaptive perfectionism was …

Career Motivations And Aspirations Of Dietetic Students: Applying The Social Cognitive Career Theory, Whitney Linsenmeyer, Rabia Rahman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the career motivations and aspirations of dietetic students using the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). The objectives were to identify and quantify 1) the factors that motivate current students to choose dietetics as a career, 2) the future career aspirations of dietetic students, and 3) the way in which dietetic students make career decisions. Methods: This descriptive study utilized the validated Career Aspirations and Motivations of Dietetics Students (CAMDS) survey. Program directors of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)-accredited programs shared the CAMDS survey with their students …

Infusing A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (Cure) Into An Allied Health Curriculum, Deborah A. Johnson, Beverly J. Barham, Susan R. Franzen

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Infusion of a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) into an existing research design course in an applied science curriculum allowed medical laboratory science students (n=22) to each be a contributing team member in a hand’s-on research experience, where most of the work was completed during the class time on campus. This design allowed for equal access, an equitable experience, and inclusion of all students enrolled in the course. Methods: Students and instructors worked together to develop a research question. The group agreed that the research question would be to determine the number of environmental specimens that were …

Self-Reflection And Its Relationship To Occupational Competence And Clinical Performance In Level Ii Fieldwork, Susan L. Iliff, Gaylene M. Tool, Patricia Bowyer, L. Diane Parham, Tina S. Fletcher, Wyona M. Freysteinson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Reflective practitioners embody the ability to critique their own clinical thinking about the dilemmas that frequently arise in professional practice and everyday life. Conflicting evidence exists on whether or not self-reflective practices are effective in promoting academic, clinical, and personal success. This quantitative study investigated self-reflection as a predictor of increased occupational competence and clinical performance in Level II Fieldwork for entry-level Master's degree occupational therapy students. Method: The study used convenience sampling to recruit participants and data were collected via a demographic survey and self-assessment questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the extent to which …

An Introduction To Interprofessional Education For First Semester Doctoral Occupational Therapy And Physical Therapy Students, Suzanne Trojanowski, Jillian Woodworth, Anna Rose Wiencek, Amy Yorke

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) engages health care professional students in order to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of a health care practitioner. IPE can be challenging to execute; however, exposing students early in their professional education in IPE has positive results. Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are health care professions who commonly work with each other. The purpose of this study is to describe the process and outcomes of implementing an IPE experience with first year doctoral OT (OTD) and PT (DPT) students completed within the first six weeks of the first semester of their respective …

Predictors Of Success On The Credentialing Examination In Radiography For First- And Non-First-Generation Students, Michael F. Iorio, William J. Edmunds, Benjamin J. Becerra

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Identifying predictors of student success is fundamental across higher education in the United States, particularly for historically underserved first-generation students. In radiologic technology programs, the literature suggests that variables prior to and during matriculation in these programs affects scores on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing examination in Radiography. However, the evidence in this area has not considered the educational patterns for first-generation students. Purpose: This study sought to improve our understanding about how select student background characteristics and experiences prior to and during the years enrolled in radiologic technology programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee …

Do Learning And Study Strategies Predict Success In Hybrid-Online Physical And Occupational Therapist Education?, Evan M. Pucillo, Ellen Lowrie Black

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: An understanding of the learning strategies most accurately predictive of success has become increasingly important as health professional education programs scale the utilization of online learning in the wake of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive relationship between The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) and cumulative professional GPA (cpGPA) in hybrid-online physical (PT) and occupational therapist (OT) education. Methods: A convenience sample collected N=149 entry-level PT and OT students from three campuses across Florida, Texas, and California. A total N(%) of 89(59.7%) PT and 60(40.3%) OT students were included for analysis [48(32.2%) male; …

Contribution Of The Human Microbiome And Proteus Mirabilis To Onset And Progression Of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Potential For Targeted Therapy, Jessica Kerpez, Marc Kesselman, Michelle Demory Beckler

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The human microbiome has been shown to play a role in the regulation of human health, behavior, and disease. Data suggests that microorganisms that co-evolved within humans have an enhanced ability to prevent the development of a large spectrum of immune-related disorders but may also lead to the onset of conditions when homeostasis is disrupted. In many conditions, a link between dysbiosis (microbial imbalance or microbiome upset) has been identified and associated with immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review provides insight into how an individual’s unique microbiome, combined with a genetic predisposition and environmental factors may lead …