Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Educational Lessons From A Pandemic: Lecture Recording And Learning Outcomes, Melissa Lesser, Lora Packel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The use of lecture capture (LC) in higher education classrooms has increased, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, its effectiveness as a learning strategy is largely untested in graduate students. In undergraduate students, the use of LC has mixed findings related to academic performance. Some studies show no improvement in assessment or course grades while others show small gains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of LC on academic performance in graduate doctor of physical therapy students (DPT). Methods: In module 1, students received two virtual synchronous lectures which were recorded …

Student Perspectives On Transition From Bachelor’S To Master’S Degree For Professional Athletic Trainers: Advantages And Disadvantages, Bobbi A. Severt, Michael B. Phillips, Janet Kesterson Isbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the perspectives of students interested in a career in athletic training on the degree change and what they perceive as advantages and disadvantages to pursuing a master's level professional degree in athletic training. Method: A case study was conducted using an interpretivism framework informed by a constructionism theoretical stance. A focus group of six current undergraduate pre-athletic training students and individual interviews of three pre-athletic training graduates along with current and historical documents were used to collect data. An inductive approach was used to analyze data along with reflexive thematic analysis …

A Work Readiness Scale For Allied Health Graduates, Vidya Lawton, Emre Ilhan, Verity Pacey, Taryn M. Jones, Arlene Walker, Catherine M. Dean

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The transition for allied health graduates from university to the workforce has been perceived to be difficult and overwhelming, leading to early attrition within healthcare professions. Work readiness is a crucial aspect of successful transition to the workforce, however, the elements of work readiness are not clearly defined. The purpose of this project was to refine the measurement of work-readiness in allied health graduates. Method: A 62-item Work Readiness Scale for Allied Health Professionals (WRS-AH), based on a work readiness scale for a generic population of graduates, was validated and refined using an exploratory factor analysis. Results …

The Use Of Dynamic 3d Printed Cervical Spine Models In A Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Course, Cassandra I. Ciorciari, Dallas A. Rynda, Christina L. Fojas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: While mass-produced anatomical models are commercially available, many models are inflexible and static, and may not meet the needs of health professions students. Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing have demonstrated tremendous potential for enhancing student learning. This study uses 3D printed cervical spine models to explore whether use of dynamic, flexible models improve student learning in a cohort of physical therapy students. Methods: 3D printed models of the cervical spine and occiput were printed using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer and polylactic acid filament, and augmented with hook and loop fasteners, foam sheets, and cords to simulate structures …

Prevalence And Risk Factors For Anxiety In Medical And Allied Health Students In The United States And Canada, Samantha A. Scott

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the current known prevalence and risk factors for anxiety in medical and allied health profession students. The framing question for this systematic review was, “What is the prevalence of and mitigation of risk factors for anxiety among medical and allied health profession students?” Method CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, and SportDiscus were searched for peer-reviewed English-language articles published between January 2000 to October 2020 reporting primary data on anxiety in U.S. and Canadian medical and allied health students. Searches used combinations of Medical Subject Heading terms students, allied health, nursing, medical, athletic training, …

Inclusion Of Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity (Sogi) Cultural Competence In Higher Education Healthcare Programs: A Scoping Review, Kristin Willey, Jennifer K. Fortuna, Jessica Guerra, Amanda Gross, Samantha Turner, Tara Grant, Betsy Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Lack of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) cultural competence in healthcare providers contributes to poor health outcomes in individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+). However, SOGI is often overlooked in healthcare education. Existing research shows educational programs in the nursing, medical, and pharmacy professions are incorporating cultural competence training into the curricula. Few studies have explored how SOGI cultural competence is incorporated into occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech-language pathology (SLP) curricula. Clear guidelines for training on SOGI cultural competence are lacking in these professions. It is …

Early Identification Of Barriers To Student Success In Physical Therapy Clinical Education: Utilization Of A Week One Clinical Survey Tool, Bridget Eubanks, Jennifer Bunn, Heidi L. Shearin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a week-one clinical survey tool for early identification of student perceived barriers, including personal and environmental safety, that may impact success during full-time clinical education experiences (CEE) in physical therapy. Methods: DPT students (n= 81) engaged in full-time CEE in their second and third years were required to complete an online self-designed survey tool regarding perceptions of safety, clinical instructor (CI) satisfaction, and clinical challenges. Students in their third year completed the survey for both experiences. Data were assessed to compare second versus third-year student responses overall …

Cannabis Content In Athletic Training And Physical Therapy Curriculums In The United States, Shannon L. David, Jeff G. Konin, Jim Farris

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. and its use is becoming more popular with the legalization of medical marijuana. Currently, 36/50 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. These changes have allowed for more cannabis-related research to be conducted. It is unknown how health professional education programs such as physical therapy and athletic training have integrated cannabis-related curriculum into their students’ training. This study aimed to identify how physical therapy and athletic training education programs are approaching teaching students about cannabis-related topics. Methods: There were 111 individuals from 40 …

Influence Of Years Of Experience On Clinical Competence Of Novice Physical And Occupational Therapists In Japan, Hiroaki Sakurai, Soichiro Koyama, Shigeo Tanabe, Kazuya Takeda, Yoshikiyo Kanada

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To increase the clinical competence of novice physical and occupational therapists, an accurate assessment of their clinical competence is necessary. However, no previous study has objectively analyzed the changes in novice therapists’ clinical competence in Japan. Hence, this study investigated and evaluated the changes in the clinical competence of such therapists using an objective analysis. Method: The study included 34 novice therapists with 1–3 years of experience in clinical practice. Participants were divided into groups according to their years of experience. The clinical competence of the novice therapists was evaluated twice using a clinical competency evaluation scale. For comparison …

The Clinical Reasoning Assessment Tool For Learning From Standardized Patient Experiences: A Pilot Study, Mary A. Riopel, Sara Benham, Jennifer Landis, Stephanie Falcone, Sarah Harvey

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical reasoning (CR) is the ability to integrate the knowledge of diagnoses with the use of supporting theories to create effective, client-centered interventions. One means of teaching CR to rehabilitation students is using standardized patient (SP) experiences. The relationship between faculty and student CR ratings after SP experiences has not been researched. The purpose of the study was to determine if there would be correlations between physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) student and faculty ratings of CR skills after an SP experience. Method: The Clinical Reasoning Assessment Tool (CRAT) was used by students to self-reflect on their …

A Survey Of Human Gross Anatomy Laboratories In Dpt Programs Across The United States, Katy Mitchell, Christina Bickley, Angela Leis, Amy Tsang

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to 1) describe the current teaching methodology used in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) human gross anatomy (HGA) labs, 2) examine the demographics and perceptions of HGA instructors and compare responses based on years of experience, 3) determine the utilization and instructor perceptions related to cadaver dissection and other methods of instruction, and 4) determine which safety/security protocols are used in HGA laboratories. Method: All DPT programs (N=250) in the United States (US) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) were eligible to participate. The anonymous, 89-item online survey …

Effectiveness Of Interprofessional Education Modules On Cultural Competency Of Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Ayse Ozcan Edeer, Nadia Rust

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The United States is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities and cultures. Graduate-level teaching methods must prepare students to work with diverse populations and in various contexts. The outcome of instruction should be technically competent and culturally humble health care providers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of collaborative interprofessional instruction on cultural competency levels of Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) and Master of Science Occupational Therapy Program (MSOT) students. Methods: This was a pre-posttest quasi experimental study. A total 58 students from the DPT (28) and MSOT (30) programs participated and provided demographic …

An Audit Of The Use Of Simulation In Australian And New Zealand Physiotherapy Curricula, Tayne Ryall, Elisabeth Preston, Niruthikha Mahendran, Bernie Bissett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The aim of this exploratory research was to investigate the use of simulation in physiotherapy curricula across Australia and New Zealand. The key areas of focus were whether simulation was being used, the forms of simulation used for training and assessment, evidence for educational simulation practices, and the enablers and barriers to implementing simulation into the curricula. Method: All Australian and New Zealand Universities offering a physiotherapy degree were invited to participate in an electronic survey. As no pre-existing tool was available to answer the aims of the study, a custom designed survey was developed. The survey was pilot …

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, …

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 …

Implementation And Assessment Of A New Program Requirement To Promote Professional Development, Christina Davlin-Pater, Elisabeth Rosencrum

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Requiring students to complete and record professional development type activities similar to the requirements of certified athletic trainers may help promote the values and behaviors associated with life-long learning in the evolving practice of athletic training, as well as prepare students more practically for the expectations of credential maintenance. We sought to design, implement, assess, and improve a new professional development program requirement in a professional-level athletic training program that closely mirrored the process and re-certification requirements for certified athletic trainers. Methods: a quasi-experimental mixed-methods approach was used. Data were collected over two consecutive years at a private …

The Role Of Interprofessional Education In The Development Of Healthcare Professionals’ Team Skills, Katie Sniffen, Noor Al-Hammadi, Leslie Hinyard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) across the health professions learning continuum is suggested to prepare health professionals for interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) through development of necessary attitudes, knowledge, behaviors, and skills. The purpose of this study was to investigate the flow-on effects of previous IPE experiences across the learning continuum on existing IPCP skills and behaviors in healthcare professionals. Methods: A retrospective observational study design was used to survey a convenience sample of healthcare professionals working in IPCP clinics about their self-reported team and collaboration skills via the pre-existing Team Skills Scale (TSS) and Self-Assessed Collaborative Skills (SACS) tools. Additional survey …

The Utility And Value Of The Physiotherapy Eskills Training Online Resource During Work-Integrated Learning: A Mixed Methods Study., Elisabeth Preston, Cathy Chapple, Elizabeth Mayland, Louise Ada, Leigh Hale

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the use and value of the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource during work-integrated learning in naïve physiotherapy students. Method: A mixed methods study design was used. Participants: Forty-four final year physiotherapy students participating in neurological work-integrated learning units of study participated in this study. Intervention: Students had access to the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource during their 6-week neurological work-integrated learning unit of study, which includes video footage and written information about 25 practical skills related to the physiotherapy management of stroke. Outcome Measures: Use of the …

“Get Back On The Horse And Start Over Again”: Long-Term Effects Of A Diabetes Self-Management Education (Dsme) Program In An Underserved Population, William Lonneman, Bethanne Brown, Chalee Engelhard, Kimihiro Noguchi, Grace Mcfarlane, Diane Warner, Akino Kishigawa

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective, mixed methods study is to examine the relationship between participation in an interdisciplinary diabetes self-management education (DSME) program at an urban primary health care center and patients’ perceived knowledge and skills, as well as clinical markers, on four cohorts of patients over a two-year period. Methods: Participants, mainly African-American females, responded to survey questions including self-care behaviors, perceived knowledge, and self-efficacy. The researchers also reviewed the participants’ clinical records for glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA _1c) and body mass index (BMI) data and compared these to similar patients in the health center who had …

Are Audience Response Systems Worth The Cost? Comparing Question-Driven Teaching Strategies For Emergency Medical Technician Education, Lauren M. Maloney, James P. Dilger, Paul A. Werfel, Linda M. Cimino

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As Emergency Medical Technician educators develop curricula to meet new national educational standards, effective teaching strategies validated for course content and unique student demographics are warranted. Three methods for answering multiple choice questions presented during lectures were compared: a) Audience Response System (ARS, clickers), b) hand-raising-with-eyes-closed (no-cost option), and c) passive response (no-cost option). The purpose was to determine if using the ARS resulted in improved exam scores. Method: 113 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students participated in this cross-over, block randomized, controlled trial, which was incorporated into their Cardiac Emergencies and Pulmonary Emergencies course lectures. Students took …

Post-Traumatic Stress And Academic Performance Among Entry-Level Doctoral Physical Therapy Students In A Human Anatomy Cadaver Dissection Course, Sue E. Curfman, Gary P. Austin, Joyce S. Nicholas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Dissection of human cadavers can be a stressful experience for students. Purpose: The purposes of this study were twofold: 1) to determine if physical therapy students develop or experience a worsening of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during exposure to and dissection of human cadavers; and 2) to determine if these symptoms are related to academic performance. Methods: Previous history of a diagnosis of anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder and level of prior exposure to cadavers were recorded among 26 entry-level first semester doctoral students in physical therapy (DPT) taking gross human anatomy. Their level of anxiety about working …

Role Emerging Placements In Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Training: A Case Study, Martin Fitzgerald, Abigail Kate Smith, Nazman Rehman, Michelle Taylor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Role-emerging placements in occupational therapy training are contributing to professional and workforce development because of their strong occupational focus and placement of students in emerging practice. This manuscript explores how one role-emerging placement challenged and developed student theoretical and clinical skills, presented new ways of working at the recipient site, and enhanced service delivery. Methods: The background to role-emerging placements in occupational therapy is explored through the use of a case study which reflects on and analyses how the assessment and treatment of occupation enhanced service delivery at a local, non-traditional site. Eight students in England developed and …

Correlation Of Formative Assessments As The Means Of Predicting Summative Performance In Paramedic Students, William J. Leggio Jr, Alan M. Batt, Jennifer C. Berry, Tom Fentress, Marilee L. Vosper, Kelly Walsh, James Dinsch

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Paramedic programs use formative assessments to determine cognitive competency. Understanding the number of failed formative units as a probability of passing the summative exam will allow programs to set additional benchmarks. The purpose of this study was to determine whether failure in formative exams determines success on a summative exam.

Methods: Formative and summative scores from 2011 – 2016 for paramedic students with accounts in Fisdap™, an Internet-based administrative database, were retrospectively reviewed for the following criteria: provided consent for research, completed all six formative (unit) examinations, and completed a summative (comprehensive) examination. Analyses were performed with Pearson correlations …

Knowledge And Behavioral Patterns Of Youth Ice Hockey Parents Regarding Sport Concussion: A Pilot Study, Jeff G. Konin, Delaney Horsley

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: There is an abundance of available concussion education programs for parents of youth ice hockey players. Parents play a vital role in recognizing signs and symptoms of a concussion sustained by a child, and therefore their knowledge and retention of such information is deemed to be very important. The purpose of the pilot survey is identify the general knowledge parents of youth ice hockey players possess regarding concussion. Methods: A survey of a sample of convenience was utilized. Forty-five parents (40 to 49 years of age) of youth ice hockey players were asked to complete a one-page survey to …

Developing Student Skills To Actively Engage In Feedback Conversations: A Pilot Study, Neil Tuttle, Andrea Bialocerkowski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Students often have passive or counterproductive responses to feedback. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a feedback training module containing online learning and live simulation. It was hypothesized that 1) student confidence in feedback skills would increase following the module, and 2) compared with a control group who undertook the module after their clinical placement, the feedback group who undertook the module before their placement would perform better on clinical placement on the sections of the Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice related to communication, but those related to clinical skills would not be affected. Methods: …

Commentary: Filling The Empathy Gap, Peter G. Holub

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

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

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

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

Teaching For Cultural Competence In Non-Diverse Environments, Mary L. Romanello, Karen Holtgrefe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present teaching strategies to enhance students’ cultural competence in non-diverse educational settings. Methods: Utilizing Purnell’s cultural competence model and Lattanzi’s cultural ladder the authors describe teaching strategies used to promote students’ understanding of the complex nature of culture and how the multiple layers of culture influence the healthcare professional-client relationship. Teaching strategies and subsequent student reflections are presented. Results: Students adjusted client interventions and plans of care when confronted with various cultural characteristics of their clients. Integrating cultural issues in non-diverse academic settings challenges faculty to create situations that include cultural differences. …

Emotional-Social Intelligence Of Physical Therapy Students During The Initial Academic Component Of Their First Professional Year, Helene Larin, Jean Wessel, Renee Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To describe and compare the development of emotional-social intelligence (ESI) of physical therapy students from a traditional education program and a problem-based learning (PBL) program during the initial academic component of their first professional year of studies. Methods: At the beginning of their first professional year (time 1), sixty students (39 from the traditional program, 21 from the PBL program) completed the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory Short (EQ-i:S) for ESI. The EQ-i:S provides a total score and five subscale scores (Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Stress Management, Adaptability, and General Mood). Higher scores mean higher levels of ESI. The students completed the …