Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Procedural Memory Following Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Group Performance And Individual Differences On The Rotary Pursuit Task, Arianna Rigon, Nathaniel B. Klooster, Samantha Crooks, Melissa C. Duff

Arianna Rigon

The impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on procedural memory has received significantly less attention than declarative memory. Although to date studies on procedural memory have yielded mixed findings, many rehabilitation protocols (e.g., errorless learning) rely on the procedural memory system, and assume that it is relatively intact. The aim of the current study was to determine whether individuals with TBI are impaired on a task of procedural memory as a group, and to examine the presence of individual differences in performance. We administered to a sample of 36 individuals with moderate-severe TBI and 40 healthy comparisons (HCs) the rotary …

Standard Setting In Australian Medical Schools, Helena Ward, Neville Chiavaroli, James Fraser, Kylie Mansfield, Darren Starmer, Laura Surmon, Martin Veysey, Deborah O'Mara

Neville Chiavaroli

Background: Standard setting of assessment is critical in quality assurance of medical programs. The aims of this study were to identify and compare the impact of methods used to establish the passing standard by the 13 medical schools who participated in the 2014 Australian Medical Schools Assessment Collaboration (AMSAC).

Methods: A survey was conducted to identify the standard setting procedures used by participating schools. Schools standard setting data was collated for the 49 multiple choice items used for benchmarking by AMSAC in 2014. Analyses were conducted for nine schools by their method of standard setting and key characteristics of 28 …

Assessment Of Single-Word Production For Children Under Three Years Of Age: Comparison Of Children With And Without Cleft Palate, Nancy J. Scherer, A. Lynn Williams, Carol Stoel-Gammon, Ann Kaiser

A. Lynn Williams

Background. This study reports comparative phonological assessment results for children with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) to typically developing peers using an evaluation tool for early phonological skills. Methods. Children without clefts (NC = noncleft) and 24 children with CLP, ages of 18–36 months, were evaluated using the Profile of Early Expressive Phonological Skills (PEEPSs) [1]. Children interacted with toy manipulatives to elicit a representative sample of target English consonants and syllable structures that are typically acquired by children between 18 and 27 months of age. Results. Results revealed significant differences between the two groups with regard to measures of …

A Proposed Holistic Model Of Assessment For Children With Cleft Palate Within The Icf-Cy Framework, Rabia Foreman, Jamesa Ewing, Olivia Hawley, Mariana De Cassia Macedo, Naiara Rodrigues Carlota Do Nascimento, Brenda Louw, Luciana Maximino

Brenda Louw

The purpose of this project is to describe a proposed model for the assessment of children with cleft palate within the framework of the ICF-CY (WHO, 2007). Suggestions for clinical application and cleft palate curricula are made, and future research needs are identified.

A Quality Improvement Project For Co-Occurring Disorders In Outpatient Behavioral Health, Erin Sheehan

Erin Sheehan

Pharmacy Student Self-Testing As A Predictor Of Examination Performance, David Stewart, Peter Panus, Nicholas E. Hagemeier, Jim Thigpen, Lauren Brooks

Nicholas E. Hagemeier

Objectives. To determine if student self-testing improves performance during a doctor of pharmacy course.

Methods. Students were given access to online quizzes with a large pool of randomly selected questions specific to upcoming examination content. Quizzes were electronically scored immediately upon completion and students were provided corrective feedback.

Results. Examination scores following implementation of the practice quizzes were significantly higher in all but the last testing period. The upper fiftieth percentile of students scored higher on both the practice quizzes and subsequent examinations in all but the fourth testing period.

Conclusions. Providing pharmacy students with self-testing opportunities could increase their …

Wan Tor & Hudson 2018_Improving Validity Of Sct Scores Using Optimisation And Balancing Approach.Pdf, Michael Wan, Elina Tor, Judith N. Hudson

Elina Tor

Prefinal With Without The Tables_ Clean 15-1-2018.Docx, Shahla Meedya, Carolyn Antoniou, Victoria Neville, Lindsey Brett, Neda Hodaei

Shahla Meedya

Is A Students’ Ability To Critically Self-Reflect, Related To Their Performance On Physiotherapy Clinical Placements?, Sarah Brooks, Nikki Milne, Rob Marc Orr, Rebecca Terry

Rob Marc Orr

Background. The relationship between students’ reflective ability and performance on physiotherapy clinical placement is currently unclear.

Objectives. To investigate: i) if a relationship exists between students’ critical reflective ability and performance on physiotherapy clinical placement; and whether these relationships differ by ii) Critical reflective task (CRT) rank grade or, iii) by gender.

Design. An observational cohort study design.

Methods. Critical Reflection Task (CRT) marks and clinical placement (APP) scores from 196 (F=94; M=102) post-graduate, entry-level physiotherapy students were analyzed.

Results. A significant moderate predictive relationship was found between CRT marks and APP scores (r=.411, p2=.169, SEE=12.79). There was a weak …

Is A Students’ Ability To Critically Self-Reflect, Related To Their Performance On Physiotherapy Clinical Placements?, Sarah Brooks, Nikki Milne, Rob Marc Orr, Rebecca Terry

Dr Nikki Milne

Background. The relationship between students’ reflective ability and performance on physiotherapy clinical placement is currently unclear.

Objectives. To investigate: i) if a relationship exists between students’ critical reflective ability and performance on physiotherapy clinical placement; and whether these relationships differ by ii) Critical reflective task (CRT) rank grade or, iii) by gender.

Design. An observational cohort study design.

Methods. Critical Reflection Task (CRT) marks and clinical placement (APP) scores from 196 (F=94; M=102) post-graduate, entry-level physiotherapy students were analyzed.

Results. A significant moderate predictive relationship was found between CRT marks and APP scores (r=.411, p2=.169, SEE=12.79). There was a weak …

Secondary 7 Lifestyle Effects Screening, Scott E. Hall, Michelle Flaum Hall

Scott E. Hall, Ph.D., LPCC-S

Assessment Of Work-Integrated Learning: Comparison Of The Usage Of A Grading Rubric By Supervising Radiographers And Teachers, Andrew Kilgour, Peter W. Kilgour, Tania Gerzina, Beverly J. Christian

Peter Kilgour

Introduction

Professional work-integrated learning (WIL) that integrates the academic experience with off-campus professional experience placements is an integral part of many tertiary courses. Issues with the reliability and validity of assessment grades in these placements suggest that there is a need to strengthen the level of academic rigour of placements in these programmes. This study aims to compare the attitudes to the usage of assessment rubrics of radiographers supervising medical imaging students and teachers supervising pre-service teachers.

Methods

WIL placement assessment practices in two programmes, pre-service teacher training (Avondale College of Higher Education, NSW) and medical diagnostic radiography (Faculty of …

The Physiological Profile Of Male Competitive And Recreational Surfers, James Furness, Wayne Hing, Jeremy M Sheppard, Sean Newcomer, Ben Schram, Mike Climstein

Ben Schram

Surfing consists of both high and low intensity paddling of varying durations, utilizing both the aerobic and anaerobic systems. Surf specific physiological studies lack adequate group sample sizes and VO2peak values are yet to determine differences between competitive and recreational surfers. The purpose of this study was therefore to provide a comprehensive physiological profile of both recreational and competitive surfers. This multi-site study involved 62 male surfers, recreational (n = 47) and competitive (n = 15). Anthropometric measurements were conducted followed by DEXA, anaerobic testing and finally aerobic testing. VO2peak was significantly greater in competitive compared to recreational surfers (M …

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 Copeland Nagle

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. …

The Promises And Realities Of Evidence-Based Practices: Perceptions From Assessment Personnel, Jessica A. Rueter, Cynthia G. Simpson

Jessica Rueter

Assessment personnel are those individuals who work in the capacity of evaluation of students with disabilities, including, but not limited to, educational diagnosticians, educational examiners, psychometrists, and instructional specialists. These professionals are responsible for identifying strengths and weaknesses and for providing teachers with evidence-based recommendations that can be implemented in the classroom to improve performance of students with learning deficits. This qualitative study examines 19 educational diagnosticians’ perceptions related to the barriers and supports that impacted their ability to provide evidence-based recommendations for students who are learning disabled. Three categories of barriers to issuing successful evidence-based recommendations emerged as a …

Evaluation Of The Hare-Pscan In A Non-Clinical Population, Cristal Elwood, Norman Poythress, Kevin Douglas

Norman Poythress

Using 100 university undergraduates as participants, this study examined the structural reliability and construct validity of Hare and Hervé's P-SCAN (Hare & Hervé, 1999) a 90-item measure that purports to serve as an “… early warning system” or “rough screening device” (p. 1) for identifying individuals with substantial psychopathic features. Internal consistency indices (e.g. Cronbach's α, mean inter-item correlations) for the three P-SCAN subscales (Interpersonal, Affective, Lifestyle) suggested excellent reliability. Statistically significant, though modest correlations (range 0.21–0.33) were obtained in 5 of 6 comparisons with the self-report Primary psychopathy and Secondary psychopathy scales developed by Levenson, Kiehl, and Fitzpatrick (1995) …

Using Surveymonkey® To Teach Safe Social Media Strategies To Medical Students In, Katrina Bramstedt, Ben Ierna, Victoria Woodcroft-Brown

Katrina A. Bramstedt

Social media is a valuable tool in the practice of medicine, but it can also be an area of ‘treacherous waters’ for medical students. Those in their upper years of study are off-site and scattered broadly, undertaking clinical rotations; thus, in-house (university lecture) sessions are impractical. Nonetheless, during these clinical years students are generally high users of social media technology, putting them at risk of harm if they lack appropriate ethical awareness. We created a compulsory session in social media ethics (Doctoring and Social Media) offered in two online modes (narrated PowerPoint file or YouTube video) to fourth- and fifth-year …

Differences In The Prevalence, Severity And Symptom Profiles Of Depression In Boys And Adolescents With An Autism Spectrum Disorder Versus Normally Developing Controls, Vicki Bitsika, Christopher Sharpley

Vicki Bitsika

The prevalence, severity and symptom profiles for major depressive disorder (MDD) were compared in samples of boys and adolescents with and without an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Self-reports were obtained on the Depression subscale of the Child and Adolescent Symptoms Inventory (CASI-D) with 70 ASD and 50 non-ASD male participants between the ages of 8 and 18 from Queensland, Australia who were matched for age and IQ. Results indicated that the ASD participants had significantly higher total CASI-D scores, a greater proportion of participants who qualified for a diagnosis of MDD, and over 50% higher scores for 8 of the …

Frontal Alpha Asymmetry As A Pathway To Behavioural Withdrawal In Depression: Research Findings And Issues, Emmanuel Jesulola, Christopher Sharpley, Vicki Bitsika, Linda Agnew, Peter Wilson

Vicki Bitsika

Depression has been described as a process of behavioural withdrawal from overwhelming aversive stressors, and which manifests itself in the diagnostic symptomatology for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The underlying neurobiological pathways to that behavioural withdrawal are suggested to include greater activation in the right vs the left frontal lobes, described as frontal EEG asymmetry. However, despite a previous meta-analysis that provided overall support for this EEG asymmetry hypothesis, inconsistencies and several methodological confounds exist. The current review examines the literature on this issue, identifies inconsistencies in findings and discusses several key research issues that require addressing for this field to …

Variation In The Profile Of Anxiety Disorders In Boys With An Asd According To Method And Source Of Assessment, Vicki Bitsika, Christopher Sharpley

Vicki Bitsika

To determine any variation that might occur due to the type of assessment and source used to assess them, the prevalence of 7 anxiety disorders were investigated in a sample of 140 boys with an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 50 non-ASD (NASD) boys via the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory and the KIDSCID Clinical Interview. Boys with an ASD were significantly more anxious than their NASD peers. Data collected from the boys with an ASD themselves showed differences in the severity and diagnostic criterion of anxiety disorders to data collected from the boys’ parents. There were age-related variations to …

Do Patients Undergoing Physical Testing Report Pain Intensity Reliability, Stephen White, Peter Mcnair, Mark Laslett, Wayne Hing

Wayne Hing

Objective To determine the reliability of patient reports of pain intensity during the application of physical tests. Methods A single examiner required participants to use the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) to report the intensity of pain provoked during physical testing of the hip. Standardized versions of 14 physical tests were used on 18 people with hip pain. Tests were repeated at 1 hour and 2-7 days later. Within- and between-session reliability of reports of pain intensity was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs). Standard errors of measurement (SEMs) were calculated. Results ICC/CCC values …

Adapting The Mcmaster-Ottawa Scale And Developing Behavioral Anchors For Assessing Performance In An Interprofessional Team Observed Structured Clinical Encounter, Désirée Lie, Win May, Regina Richter-Lagha, Christopher Forest, Yvonne Banzali, Kevin Lohenry

Christopher Forest

A Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Blended Learning Education Intervention For Teaching Evidence-Based Medicine, Dragan Ilic, Rusli Bin Nordin, Paul Glasziou, Julie Tilson, Elmer Villanueva

Paul Glasziou

Background: Few studies have been performed to inform how best to teach evidence-based medicine (EBM) to medical trainees. Current evidence can only conclude that any form of teaching increases EBM competency, but cannot distinguish which form of teaching is most effective at increasing student competency in EBM. This study compared the effectiveness of a blended learning (BL) versus didactic learning (DL) approach of teaching EBM to medical students with respect to competency, self-efficacy, attitudes and behaviour toward EBM. Methods: A mixed methods study consisting of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and qualitative case study was performed with medical students undertaking …

Developing A Health Sciences Information Literacy Assessment For Undergraduates., Carolyn Schubert, Stephanie Baller, Katherine Ott Walter, Lara Sapp, Jessica Jacovidis, Mandalyn Swanson

Carolyn F Schubert

This poster describes the development and pilot of a tailored information literacy assessment tool for undergraduate allied health students. Tool development included collaboration between assessment experts, Health Science faculty, and Health Science librarians. The poster includes results from the tool deployment and next steps in applying results back into revised curriculum.

The Reliability And Diagnostic Validity Of Clinical Manifestations Of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection In Hospitalized Adults: A Pilot Study, Thomas Blodgett

Thomas Blodgett

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is a common clinical condition among hospitalized patients with numerous health and economic implications. With judicious use of indwelling urinary catheters, along with strict adherence to basic infection prevention measures, such as hand hygiene and aseptic technique during catheter insertion, these infections are most often preventable. However, these devices continue to be used inappropriately or unnecessarily, which has led the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and numerous infectious disease professional societies to focus attention on how these infections can be diagnosed, prevented, and managed. Despite these …

Evaluation And Revision Of An Introduction To Experiential Rotations Course, Eliza A. Dy, Sarah Nisly

Sarah A. Nisly

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the perceived student value of topics taught in Butler University’s Introduction to Experiential Rotations (RX500) course, implement course revisions to address any perceived weaknesses, and to reassess the course following implementation of those course revisions. Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) students from Butler University’s 2012 doctorate of pharmacy class were initially surveyed to assess the perceived usefulness and design of RX500. Based on the findings of the initial data, course revisions were developed and implemented for the following semester’s RX500 course. In order to assess for potential changes in the perceived value …

Determining The Quality Of Assessment Items In Collaborations: Aspects To Discuss To Reach Agreement, Lambert Schuwirth, Jacob Pearce

Dr Jacob Pearce

No abstract provided.

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

Samuel K Marx

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

Samuel K Marx

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 …

Development And Validation Of The Ace Tool: Assessing Medical Trainees' Competency In Evidence Based Medicine, Dragan Ilic, Rusli Bin Nordin, Paul Glasziou, Julie Tilson, Elmer Villanueva

Paul Glasziou

Background: While a variety of instruments have been developed to assess knowledge and skills in evidence based medicine (EBM), few assess all aspects of EBM - including knowledge, skills attitudes and behaviour - or have been psychometrically evaluated. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an instrument that evaluates medical trainees' competency in EBM across knowledge, skills and attitude. Methods. The 'Assessing Competency in EBM' (ACE) tool was developed by the authors, with content and face validity assessed by expert opinion. A cross-sectional sample of 342 medical trainees representing 'novice', 'intermediate' and 'advanced' EBM trainees were recruited …