Advanced Skills Research Articles

A higher education institution's response to the NMC Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment

This case study discusses how a higher education institution (HEI) responded to the Nursing and Midwfery Council's implementation of the Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment to support practice partners with their role in teaching and assessing students in clinical placements. In 2023, after consultation with key stakeholders, the HEI designed and implemented a new level 7 module aimed at enhancing clinicians' knowledge of teaching and assessing students in their practice-based learning environments. The module was designed to support clinicians working in a practice supervisor or practice assessor role in specialist community public health nursing, as there is recognition that this role requires advanced skills in decision-making and professional autonomy. The module has now completed its first year of delivery, with four separate cohorts having completed the taught sessions and the summative assessment. The cohorts have been a mix of health visitors, district nurses and school nurses from nationwide seconding NHS Trusts.

IMPROVING THE AUDIT FIELD TRAINING SYSTEM IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

The digital economy has revolutionized business operations, creating a critical need for auditors with advanced skills and knowledge. This article outlines strategies for improving the personnel training system in the field of auditing aimed at adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital economy.

Optimization-based design exploration of building massing typologies—EvoMass and a typology-oriented computational design optimization method for early-stage performance-based building massing design

In the past decade, there has been an increasing recognition of the role of computational design optimization in early-stage performance-based architectural design exploration. However, it remains challenging for designers to apply such optimization-based design explorations in practice. To address this issue, this paper introduces a design tool, called EvoMass, and an associated design method that facilitates design exploration for building massing typologies in performance-based design tasks. EvoMass is capable of offering architects design options reflecting performance-related building massing typologies for the design task, without necessitating advanced computational design skills. More importantly, it can provide architects with insights into the underlying performance implications, thereby enhancing early-stage performance-based design exploration. EvoMass and its associated design method overcome the limitation in the conventional typology-first-optimization-second design procedure adopted by most existing tools, and it promotes a typology-oriented design exploration method of using computational optimization in performance-based architectural design. To demonstrate the efficacy of EvoMass, case studies derived from architectural design studio tasks, incorporating daylighting, solar exposure, and subjective design intents, and the result of a user survey are presented, which highlights how EvoMass and the performance-based design optimization and exploration can enable architects to achieve a more performance-aware design.

STUDENTS’ PRACTICE OF MATHEMATICS AND ITS EFFECT ON THEIR NUMERICAL SKILLS IN PROBLEM-SOLVING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN FAKO DIVISION, SOUTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

For several decades mathematics has been called the “critical filter”, because students who are inadequately prepared in mathematics during secondary school lose many career choices that would otherwise be available to them. Also, for those students who pursue post-secondary education in Cameroon, success in O-Level mathematics is a pre-requisite for most degree programmes in business, computing and the sciences. This makes mathematics very pivotal in reshaping the future and students’ attitude towards mathematics an area of concern. Negative attitudes towards mathematics are damaging, leading to disengagement, increased anxiety and lack of confidence, and reluctance to try to improve skills. Cameroon needs graduates with advanced mathematics skills to promote innovation, data synthesis, and technology if it is to solve challenging problems and be competitive in the global scenario. This study examined students’ practice of mathematics and its effect on their numerical skills in problem- solving in secondary schools in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. The objective is to find out whether students’ practice of mathematics has any influence on their numerical skills in problem-solving. The mixed research methodology with convergent parallel design was used. The target population comprised 6350 form five students from secondary schools in Fako Division. The accessible population was made up of 1036 students and the sample size of the study was made of 512 form five students from six colleges using the random sampling technique. There were also 26 teachers and 6 Heads of Mathematics Department. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview guide. Instruments were validated and the reliability coefficients gave satisfactory values of 0.75 and 0.743 for students’ and teachers’ questionnaire respectively. The statistical analyses and findings reveal that students’ practice of mathematics has a positive correlation with their numerical skills in problem-solving. It was recommended that: (1) problem-solving should be part of each curricular unit and begin in kindergarten. For this to be effective, the teaching of problem-solving should not be isolated, instead, it can serve to support and enrich the learning of mathematics concepts and notation. (2) teachers should cultivate students’ interest in mathematics as early as possible. Varying classroom instruction practices could be a remedy to enhance students’ understanding, achievement, and motivation in learning mathematics.

Enhancing Digital Literacy and Technological Integration: A Case Study at Henan's Vocational College

The study focuses on the necessity for vocational instructors to have digital skills to prepare their students for the job. This research intended to improve digital literacy and technology integration among vocational college personnel in Henan Province, China. The key difficulties handled are digital literacy and organizational support gaps that hinder educational technology integration. The study examined approaches to increase digital literacy, organizational support for digital transformation, and teacher digital skills plans. A qualitative case study in an interpretivist framework examined instructors' and stakeholders' subjective experiences. The study included 12 participants consisting of educators, managers, and stakeholders selected via intentional and snowball sampling. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. According to the findings, 70% of the participants have basic digital literacy abilities, but they lack advanced technology integration ability, emphasizing the need for ongoing professional development. Additionally, 60% reported minimal organizational help, emphasizing the necessity for solid infrastructure and coordinated training. Important discussions centered on how these findings may alter vocational college policy and pedagogy. The study stressed the need to match innovative methods to classroom needs. Rogers's Theory of Technological Adoption focused perceived usefulness and ease of use in technology adoption, whereas the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Theory guided cooperative and reflective learning contexts. Also, the Digital Literacy Framework provided a comprehensive approach to learning digital skills, emphasizing advanced training programs. Policymakers and educators should prioritize professional development programs for advanced digital skills and provide appropriate physical and technological infrastructure. The research suggests mentoring programs, hands-on workshops, and contemporary technologies for instructors. Future research should examine the long-term effects of these treatments and adjust similar educational settings to ensure vocational education remains relevant and effective in a digital world.

Equity in the classroom

Abstract The theme of equity in the classroom is particularly relevant and necessary in the current context of education. The choice of this theme is motivated by several important factors that underline the need for a systematic and rigorous approach in the study of educational equity. Equity in education represents a fundamental pillar for sustainable social and economic development. In a constantly changing society, where ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic diversity is increasingly pronounced, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students becomes extremely necessary. The study of equity in the classroom allows for the identification and addressing of inequalities that affect the educational success chances of students from different backgrounds. Conducting a dissertation on the theme of equity in the classroom will allow me to develop advanced research skills, critical thinking, and analytical competencies. These skills are essential for my career in the field of education and will enable me to significantly contribute to the development of more equitable educational policies and practices. Additionally, this research will facilitate collaboration with other professionals in the field of education, encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences.

Highlanders: a qualitative study to explore the experiences of home care nurses in rural areas in Italy

Introduction and aim: Home care in rural areas is characterised by peculiarities linked to both the type of care of the patient and his/her family and the context in which it is provided. International studies have highlighted the need for specialised training and advanced clinical skills to work in this field. Currently, there are no studies in the literature that explore the experiential feelings of Italian nurses who provide home care in rural areas. Setting: Rural areas in Italian Apennine District. Participants: Italian home care nurses in the selected areas. Design: Qualitative study using a transcendental phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face, and audio was recorded with home care nurses. Results: Eleven nurses (mean age, 53 years) were interviewed. Four themes supported by nine codes emerged: "Entering your homes" (Stepping lightly; a matter of trust; key professional); "Being home care nurses in rural areas" (Working alone, autonomy, responsibility and gratifications; ideal characteristics of home care nurse); "Love and hate toward doctors" (Family doctors; ANT doctors); "The territory: the Apennines and mountainous areas" (working in rural areas; healthcare professionals).Discussion and conclusions: The risks for home careers in rural areas are related to the vastness of the territory, long car journeys, the harsh climate in winter, and pets in the homes. The beauty of the area, the close relationship established with the families in charge, and daytime working hours are reasons for great professional and personal satisfaction. Some modalities and forms of collaboration with general practitioners can be improved.

Artificial intelligence and skilled employment in South Africa: Exploring key variables

The discourse surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its repercussions on skilled employment merits careful consideration. While AI technologies have the potential to result in job displacement within specific sectors, they concurrently usher in new employment opportunities, especially for individuals possessing advanced skills. The primary objective of this paper is to thoroughly evaluate the impact of AI on skilled employment within the South African economy. To achieve this objective, the study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and Granger causality analysis, spanning from 2012Q1 to 2021Q4. The results derived from the ARDL estimation reveal a substantial and positive contribution of artificial intelligence to skilled employment in South Africa, a trend observed in both the long and short run. However, two structural breaks were identified in the data, hence a re-estimation of the ARDL model. The re-estimated ARDL model revealed a negative and significant relationship between AI and skilled employment. In light of these findings, this study advocates implementing regulations and labor market policies that promote the responsible deployment of AI technology while safeguarding workers’ rights and job security. This could include establishing guidelines for AI deployment in the workplace, ensuring transparency and accountability in AI systems, and implementing social safety nets to support workers during job transitions.

Exploring the continuing effects of COVID-19 on tertiary screen production education in Australia

ABSTRACT This article considers how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted tertiary-level screen production education in Australia. Six university educators across four Australian states present a series of critical thematic reflections, interrogating their lived experiences of teaching screen production courses during periods impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing requirements. The analysis reveals the pandemic amplified areas like concept development and fundamental production skills using mobile devices, while more advanced technical skills and student collaboration suffered due to remote learning conditions. Managing health risks through COVID-safe protocols became a major priority. Student storytelling shifted towards shorter individual projects exploring themes of isolation, though some collectives producing anthology series also emerged. While some pandemic-driven changes like online meetings have persisted, the authors identify an ongoing need to foster students’ interpersonal skills and technical proficiency developed through collaborative, hands-on learning experiences. The diverse reflections highlight common challenges but also differences across states based on varying COVID-19 conditions and restrictions. Overall, the authors argue for balanced, responsive approaches going forward to equip graduates with frameworks to navigate screen industry shifts alongside changing student expectations around delivery modes.

Long-Term Impact of an Occupational Therapy Intervention for Children With Challenges in Sensory Processing and Integration.

Research is limited regarding parent-caregiver perspectives of occupational therapy (OT) intervention for children with challenges in sensory processing and integration and whether changes immediately following OT intervention are sustained over time. To evaluate whether changes in identified goals are maintained following OT intervention and to determine what aspects of OT intervention parents-caregivers perceive to be most valuable. A mixed-methods research design. A large midwestern pediatric hospital, with follow-up telephone interviews with parents-caregivers. Sixteen children with sensory challenges and their parents-caregivers. Children participated in 1-hr OT intervention sessions, 3 days per wk, for 6 to 7 wk. Parents-caregivers of children who completed OT intervention were interviewed via the telephone 6 to 12 mo after the intervention. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) were used to determine whether changes were made and sustained over time. Qualitative data on caregiver perceptions of OT intervention were collected via open-ended questions during phone interviews. COPM and GAS scores before intervention were statistically significant compared with scores immediately following intervention and at 6- to 12-mo follow-up. Five themes emerged from the qualitative data. Children with sensory challenges made significant changes related to occupational performance following OT intervention, and goal achievement was sustained over time. Parents-caregivers valued many aspects of the OT program, including the increased frequency of therapy services, the occupational therapist's advanced knowledge and skills, and the education and information provided during the program. Plain-Language Summary: This study supports the results of previous studies on OT intervention for children with challenges in sensory processing and integration. The study also adds to the body of knowledge that shows that changes and progress toward goals that result from skilled OT intervention can be sustained over time. The study showed that children participating in OT intervention made statistically significant changes while receiving OT services and maintained progress after intervention ended; however, the children did not continue to make significant progress toward goals once skilled OT services ended. Parents and caregivers of children with sensory challenges reported that they found OT intervention to be beneficial. Other important factors influencing the effectiveness of OT intervention that were identified by parents-caregivers included the education provided by the occupational therapist, the increased frequency of therapy services, and the increased knowledge and skills of the occupational therapists who provided the intervention.

Revealing the Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Organizational Effectiveness: Perspectives from Industrial-Organizational Psychology

The study reveals the concept of emotional intelligence and its effects on individuals and organizations within the field of Industrial-Organizational psychology. In recent years, emotional intelligence has emerged as a focal point for researchers and practitioners, recognizing its capacity to support various aspects of workplace dynamics, including performance, teamwork, leadership, and overall organizational success. The findings of this research explained the profound impacts of emotional intelligence on a range of employee behaviors and organizational interactions. Individuals with heightened emotional intelligence exhibit advanced communication skills, accurately managing their emotions and articulating themselves effectively. This proficiency extends to conflict resolution scenarios, where individuals demonstrate resilience and approach resolutions with empathy and open-mindedness, fostering enhanced collaboration, stronger interpersonal connections, and heightened group cohesion. The study adopts a triangulation methodology to examine different data sources to ensure the validity and reliability of the research outcomes. Furthermore, the research framework is rooted in Salovey and Mayer's Four-Branch Model of emotional intelligence.

Public Perception Due To Noise (Case Study: AKSI ADB Project Of Malikussaleh University)

Malikussaleh University (Unimal) is one of the four universities selected to get a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) related to the Advanced Knowledge and Skills for Sustainable Growth in Indonesia (AKSI) project. In the construction process, such as installation activities and building infrastructure from equipment, it can trigger unexpected noise, so it can have an impact on people's health and comfort. This research was conducted in five new building construction locations on the Bukit Indah campus of Malikussaleh University. The purpose of this study is to see the perception and attitude of the community around the construction project activities. The research method used was the distribution of questionnaires and using the Likert scale to measure the attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of the research respondents. The results of the questionnaire will be processed using SPSS software. The results showed that the overall average value of the respondents' perception of noise was 2.35. This figure shows that the current place of work/study/living does not feel noisy due to ongoing construction work.

Improving Thinking Skills Through Usul Al-Fiqh Learning: An Action Research on Prospective Islamic Religious Education Teachers

As part of the study of Islamic law, ushul fiqh demands that one be able to practically handle religious issues by using the ulama's defined principles of Islamic law. Applying Islamic legal theory practically calls for critical thinking abilities. Therefore, this research aims to find a learning formulation in Ushul fiqh that integrates efforts to improve thinking skills. To achieve this goal, action research was chosen as a research design which was carried out in three research stages, namely pre action, implementation action and post action. This design was chosen considering that the context of this research is oriented towards finding solutions to learning problems. This research involved 35 prospective Islamic religious education teachers who took Ushul Fiqh courses from one of the government-owned Islamic universities, which is quite popular in Indonesia. Data was collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews which were analyzed using a descriptive quantitative approach and qualitative with content analysis. This research produced seven stages as learning formulations that need to be implemented in the ushul fiqh learning process. The study concludes that the proposed seven steps effectively elevate students' thinking skills to the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) level while applying usul al-fiqh principles. The findings suggest a promising pedagogical approach for cultivating advanced thinking skills within the context of Islamic law education. The main contribution of this study is to present a practical methodological guide regarding the steps for teaching usul fiqh, which is oriented toward improving students' thinking skills.

Dubify: Multilingual Video Translation Platform

In an increasingly globalized society, effective cross-linguistic communication is essential. This brief presents a new approach. Dubify is a feature-rich application created to facilitate smooth translation of video information between languages. Dubify uses advanced machine learning algorithms to provide real-time translation services, ensuring that video content is understandable and accessible to viewers around the world. Strong speech recognition, accurate translation, and natural language generation are some of Dubify's main strengths. Thanks to the platform's extensive language support, users can easily translate video content into multiple languages. In addition, Dubify offers customization tools that allow users to adjust translations to suit their particular taste and dialect. Dubify's easy-to-use interface and advanced translation skills make it a flexible choice for individuals, businesses, and organizations looking to translate

CURRENT APPROACHES TO MANAGING MICROTIA

Microtia, a developmental anomaly of the external ear resulting in a deformed auricle, affects 1 to 5 individuals per 10,000. Literature suggests a male predominance, with nearly 2.5 times more male patients affected than females. Additionally, there is a notable right-sided predilection, leading to pronounced asymmetry, observed in approximately 83% of cases. Surgical reconstruction is the primary treatment for microtia, albeit a technically demanding procedure with challenges in achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes. Reconstruction typically involves autologous costal cartilage, known for its effectiveness but requiring advanced surgical skills. Complications, including pneumothorax, postoperative pain, chest wall deformity, and pathological scarring, are common with this approach. In recent years, surgeons have increasingly adopted modern techniques utilizing porous high-density polyethylene implants for reconstruction. This approach is gaining popularity due to the challenges associated with achieving satisfactory cosmetic results using autologous costal cartilage reconstruction. Based on the bibliosemantic and analytical methods employed to analyze the literature, we posit that this topic necessitates further investigation and a multidisciplinary approach. The involvement of otolaryngologists and maxillofacial surgeons is imperative for the comprehensive treatment of this pathology.

Interprofessional Collaboration in Palliative Care—The Need for an Advanced Practice Nurse: An Ethnographic Study

ObjectivesThe literature highlights the importance of an interprofessional approach in palliative care to improve the quality of care, favoring an effective use of resources. Members of the interprofessional team include all professionals involved in patient care; in some contexts, the advanced practice nurse (APN) has a clearly defined role. This study aimed to define the possible role of the APN within the interprofessional palliative care team in our context. Data SourcesA focused ethnographic approach was taken involving participant observation and semistructured interviews. ConclusionFrom the participant observations, interaction of the participants, discussion content, and styles of meeting management were described. From the thematic analysis of the interviews, 15 themes emerged, grouped into four macro-themes: interprofessional collaboration, the interprofessional meeting, nurse's role, and developments. Implications for Nursing PracticeThe study has identified current nursing practice within the interprofessional palliative care team and areas where interprofessional collaboration can be improved. These are both organizational (role definition and team meeting management) and professional (development of nursing culture, expanded nursing role, and introduction of the APN within the team). Nurses must develop advanced skills to ensure more effective care for patients and caregivers. The introduction of an APN could be appropriate to address this need.

ROLE OF THE NURSE IN MANAGING INVASIVE BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING

Abstract Introduction Arterial blood pressure (BP) monitoring is an invasive system for directly tracking and measuring BP and finds its use in critically ill patients who require continuous hemodynamic monitoring and frequent arterial blood test. [1] Invasive monitoring requires the use of sophisticated equipment and specific skills for its management, which influence the quality of care, including the introduction of a catheter inside the arterial vessel. [2] Intra–arterial catheterization is considered the Gold Standard for a direct measurement of BP. [3] Therefore, the objective of this work is to outline the role of the nurse in the management of invasive BP monitoring, with particular attention to the possibility of independently managing the positioning of the arterial cannula itself. Materials and Methods A review was performed on the management of invasive BP monitoring, with a particular focus on the role of the nurse in arterial cannula positioning. The Pubmed database was consulted. The search strategy involved the use of Mesh terms and free terms, including "Hemodynamic Monitoring" “Vascular Access Devices” “Critical Care Nursing” “Arterial cannulation”. The terms used were combined together using the Boolean operator “AND”. The Code of Conduct for the Nursing ProfessionsMand the National Collective Labor Agreement were also examinatedand, along with everyday practice of professionals in this field of action. Results There are no studies in literature that clearly outline the role of the different professional figures in the management of invasive BP monitoring and there are no clear references regarding who is responsible for positioning the arterial cannula. The development of continuing education programs in the area of clinical reasoning skills for hemodynamic monitoring should be more emphasized. Furthermore, we should focus more on improving practical skills for hemodynamic monitoring. [4] Conclusions Advanced skills need to be officially acknowledge to the expert professional by the institutions they belong to, which should contribute to training by creating accredited company courses. Not only to protect assisted people and the professional, but also in order to enhance their work and give it the right recognition. Subsequently, studies could be carried out to evaluate the effective reduction in latency times between non–invasive monitoring and invasive monitoring on critically ill patients, if managed by the nurse.

Acquisition of key clinical communication skills through simulation-based education: findings from a program for postgraduate psychiatry trainees (ComPsych)

ObjectiveFew studies have investigated the maintenance of skills acquired in classroom-based clinician education. Using an advanced simulation-based clinical communication skill training program for postgraduate psychiatry education (ComPsych), we aimed to investigate skill acquisition through assessing changes in competence (abilities) and performance (practice).MethodsForty trainee psychiatrists (15 males; age range 26–48) participated. Video-recorded Standardized Patient Assessments (SPAs) were delivered twice pre- and post-training to assess learning. Skills were coded by independent psychologists using the Core Communication Skills (CCS) coding system. Simulated patients (SPs) rated trainees' communication performance using the Sim-Patient SPA checklist. Paired t-tests, linear mixed models and logistic mixed models assessed changes in communication skills over time.ResultsFor SPAs, reliability of coder ratings was deemed acceptable (ICC range 0.67 to 0.87). Mean post-training communication performance significantly increased for skills in agenda setting (p < 0.001), information organization (p < 0.001), empathic skills (p = 0.046), and overall skills performance (p = 0.001). Significant decreases for questioning skills were indicative of reduced reliance on these skills post-training. SPs rated all skillsets higher post-training. A modest relationship was detected between frequency (coded) and (SP-rated) quality of communication skills. Improvements in agenda setting and information organisation skills were retained ~ 6 weeks post-training.ConclusionsTraining improved patient-centered communication skills in psychiatry trainees, particularly skills in agenda setting and information organization, with skills retained ~ 6 weeks post-training. There was reduced reliance on questioning skills, which are well utilised generally. The study supports the benefits of this method of communication skills training into postgraduate psychiatry education.

“Who raised you?”: Black women’s indispensable conceptualizations of mothering for theorizing and researching DisCrit

Traditionally, the academic field of special education has resisted critical perspectives. Despite their advanced skills, epistemological approaches, and ways of knowing, special education scholars enacting qualitative inquiry have often described inadequate support from their academic community. In a parallel manner, Black mothering in historical and contemporary spaces, especially in mothering disabled children, has often been dismissed for its valued expertise. This essay is a methodological, theoretical, spiritual, epistemological, and deeply philosophical intervention on the roles of Black mothers in all spaces who grapple with the tensions in the field of special education. The authors build upon Black Feminist epistemology and use Disability Critical Theory as a framework, documenting the journeys of two Black women mother and scholars through duoethnographic storytelling. Realizing that people who are mothering have their own agency and choose what they want to build with the nurturing Black mothers offer, we center multidisciplinary dialogues that lead to deeper understandings of qualitative research methods. Through these exemplars, we highlight how mothering and othermothering, whether through birth, ancestral, or academic kinships, are used to advance ways of knowing about how to best support disabled youth whose futures are pervasively threatened.

The road less traveled: Developing pharmacist clinician-scientists through divergent training pathways.

Professional organizations have emphasized the growing need for pharmacists to possess advanced research skills; however, there is a scarcity of training programs aimed at nurturing clinician-scientists. This report outlines 3 critical care-focused research programs, each offering a unique approach to training clinician-scientists. Limited resources and formalized programs are available to bridge the gap between the demand for and availability of skilled clinician-scientists. Several programs have stepped forward to share their experiences in establishing and executing training initiatives aimed at cultivating skilled clinician-scientists in the critical care practice space. Enhancing the development of clinician-scientists for clinical and translational research is necessary in the critical care clinical pharmacy community.