Workforce Capability Research Articles

Perspectives and needs of assistive technology advisors and suppliers in Queensland, Australia

Purpose An assistive technology ecosystem requires co-ordinated collaboration between policy, products, provision processes, and personnel. A needs assessment was conducted of the assistive technology sector in Queensland to examine these components from the perspective of all key stakeholders. Materials and Methods: This paper reports the findings of the expressed needs of the assistive technology sector as experienced by the AT advisors and suppliers. A sequential mixed methods design supported completion of a quantitative online survey (n = 29) followed by qualitative exploration with assistive technology advisors (n = 9) and suppliers (n = 6). Results There was an identified need to address the processes that led to delays or unfavourable outcomes for AT. Despite reporting confidence in the quality of services delivered, the advisors were worried about reduced access to expert consultation and a need to better build capacity and capability in the sector. Access to AT for hire or trial was problematic with conflicting tensions identified by the advisors and suppliers. However, both worried about the impact on the agency of the AT recipient in the process. Conclusions There are opportunities to enhance the personnel, provision, and policy aspects of the assistive technology ecosystem in Queensland. Pressure points are: workforce capacity and capability to meet the growing need; finding ways to support the trial of assistive technology required to ensure appropriate recommendations for assistive technology that is fit for purpose; and improving information from the bodies that manage funding to reduce the waste in the provision process.

An Exploratory Study on the Artificial Intelligence Practices on the Human Capital Development within Tourism Village Business Sustainability in Indonesia

This exploratory study investigates the role of artificial intelligence (AI) practices in enhancing human capital development and promoting business sustainability within tourism villages in Indonesia. As tourism villages become increasingly significant to Indonesia’s rural economy, the need to foster sustainable business models that can maintain cultural heritage while promoting economic growth has gained attention. AI technologies, including machine learning, data analytics, and automation, present opportunities for improving human capital development by enhancing skill-building, training, and decision-making processes. This study examines how AI tools are being integrated into training programs, recruitment processes, and daily operations of tourism village businesses to support workforce growth, improve service quality, and ensure long-term sustainability. Through qualitative data collected from tourism village stakeholders in Bali and Java, the research explores AI’s impact on local workforce capabilities, productivity, and innovation in tourism-related services. The study finds that AI practices are helping to bridge skill gaps, enhance workforce efficiency, and optimize resource management. However, challenges such as limited access to technology, digital literacy, and the need for infrastructure development hinder broader AI implementation. The paper concludes by proposing recommendations for leveraging AI practices to further strengthen human capital and business sustainability in tourism villages, thus contributing to the sector’s competitive edge in the global market.

TRAINING A MODERN MATHEMATICS TEACHER: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE YURY FEDKOVYCH CHERNIVTSY NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

The article analyzes research on the issues of readiness of a modern mathematics teacher; the advantages of using innovative technologies over traditional ones by a teacher are presented. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the feasibility of training future mathematics teachers by introducing innovative technologies into the educational process of a higher education institution. Research methods include theoretical – analysis, synthesis, comparison, study of best practices and empirical – pedagogical experiment, expert assessment, testing, questionnaires. It is proven that the main function of innovative technologies is the direct inclusion of students in life itself and the implementation of the doctrine of “lifelong learning”. It is determined that the use of innovations and the application of pedagogical innovative technologies in work is one of the components of the innovative competence of a mathematics teacher. The features of the formation of the readiness of future mathematics teachers for innovative pedagogical activity and the classification of pedagogical technologies that are implemented in their work are presented. The academic disciplines of the educational program of the specialty 014.04 «Secondary education (mathematics)» for the field of knowledge 01 «Education/Pedagogy», which is implemented at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, are considered. As a result of studying professionally oriented disciplines, a complex of innovative teacher competencies is formed. The integration of innovative technologies in mathematics teacher training at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University sets a benchmark for modern education. By fostering competencies such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability, the university prepares future teachers to navigate the challenges of contemporary classrooms effectively. These advancements contribute to the broader goal of creating a resilient, innovative, and capable educational workforce. Future research and continuous adaptation will further enhance the training process, ensuring alignment with global trends and local needs.

Factors Associated With Digital Capacity for Health Promotion Among Primary Care Workers: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Health education and promotion are recognized as effective strategies for fostering healthy ageing, reducing the disease burden, and addressing health inequalities, particularly when delivered through digital media. Primary care workers are often regarded as the key providers of these interventions. Despite the strong practical significance and substantial individual demand, the use of digital media for delivering health promotion practices was not widespread in China. One of the main challenges identified is the providers' inadequate capacities. However, little is known about the digital capacity for health promotion among primary care workers. This study aimed to investigate the levels of digital capacity for health promotion and its associated factors among community health workers. A total of 1346 community health workers were recruited from across 47 communities in Shanghai, China, through cluster-stratified random sampling. The digital capacity for health promotion was measured using the revised version of the Digital Capabilities Framework. Web-based questionnaires were distributed to collect data from March 20 to March 29, 2024. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t tests, one-way ANOVA, and linear hierarchical regression using Stata MP (version 17.0; StataCorp). We included 1199 participants. Among them, 47.5% (570/1199) had high digital media use for more than 19.6 hours per week, whereas 31.8% (381/1199) demonstrated high digital media trust. The average level of digital capacity for health promotion was 16.71 (SD 2.94) out of 25 points. Demographics, digital media usage-related characteristics, perceived usefulness and usability, attitudes, and behaviors were significant predictors of the capacities, explaining 44.4% of the total variance. Master's degree or above (β=.077; P=.013), perceived usability (β=.235; P<.001), attitudes toward digital media health promotion (β=.095; P=.002), and past digital media health promotion practices (β=.377; P<.001) had significantly positive associations with digital capacities for health promotion. However, senior (β=-.076; P=.008) or median (β=-.074; P=.01) titles had a significant negative association with capacity levels. A digitally capable workforce is required for primary health care systems to take full advantage of digital media health promotion. Therefore, solutions are necessary to achieve enhanced capacities among health professionals, including public health policy making, community empowerment, and individual practices.

Exploring the digital capabilities and workforce skills required for a private utility to operate in society 5.0

The paper explored the digital capabilities required by the private utility environment to participate and remain competitive in Society 5.0. The development of a digital infrastructure for power utilities within a smart society, utilizing renewable energy and integrating traditional and renewable sources, presents challenges in identifying the specific skills required for effective operation within Society 5.0. While technologies like virtual power plants, smart grids, and microgrids offer potential for enhanced energy management, there is a significant gap in understanding the workforce capabilities needed to support, maintain, and sustain these advanced systems. Therefore, a thorough assessment of the proposed technological structures and requisite skills is essential to ensure successful implementation and operation in this evolving energy landscape. It investigated the type of skills would the workforce require for a private utility to support a super-smart society. A non-probability sampling strategy was utilised to access the entire interest set. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were performed, with the participants featuring a private utility company’s management, administrative, and technical staff. All interviews conducted were recorded after obtaining consent from the participants. Probing questions were asked until the participants supplied the information needed to address the study questions. The findings and the implications are that management and technical staff responsible for managing and coordinating the activities of utilities (water and electricity) and the technical staff responsible for the implementation and maintenance of energy solutions, in a private utility company were interviewed to establish and ascertain their digital capabilities and preparedness for the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions (Society 5.0).

Future workforce skills for hospitality and tourism business in Thailand

Currently, the hospitality and tourism industry in Thailand is at a state of great flux. This, therefore, calls for a highly competent and versatile workforce to deal with this situation. For this paper, we shall attempt at providing an overview of the current skill set from the current workforce involved in the hospitality and tourism industry in Thailand. We also attempt to identify the prevailing opinions of the managerial personnel on different work aspects, which include the perception of the skills that Thai workers possess. Moreover, the paper looks at what the managers would want and hope for in the future workforce, and the strategies applied to develop such skills in workers soon. This qualitative research approach is employed to dig deep into the minds of key decision makers in Thailand by way of in-depth, one-on-one, or small group interviews to document and consolidate the insights and viewpoints of distinguished executives and top-level decision makers belonging to prestigious hotel and tourism conglomerates in Thailand. The findings of our research unmistakably indicate that the hospitality industry in the country is doubtless in a growth and prosperous period, where it successfully meets various and constantly changing preferences among tourists coming for different purposes. With the tourism industry in Thailand mushrooming, it is vital to establish what has contributed to such success. With more and more people globe-trotting and with tourists pouring in droves into Thailand, the need for a skilled workforce within the hospitality industries is at an all-time high. It therefore becomes relevant during these times of change to identify the skillset of the personnel at work within this vibrant industry. Deep inside the minds of managerial professionals, we can gain a clear insight into how they perceive the current workforce. By conducting comprehensive interviews on an individual and small group basis, we hope to capture the capability and strengths of the Thai workforce with a great degree of subtlety. Second, we also attempt to find out what aspirations and expectations the managers have from the future workforce. The resulting skills and competencies will have to be identified as the industry continues to evolve, but by exploring strategies utilized to develop such skilled labor, we expose the preparations being made for the workforce of tomorrow. Our qualitative research methodology enables us to interact directly with key decision-makers in the industry. We have thus gathered much information and opinion by involving those senior executives and senior-level decision makers of reputed hotel and tourism conglomerates. Their valuable insights helped us to closely look into the current scenario and aspects which still needed to be improved. Our findings clearly revealed that the hospitality industry in Thailand is one of the fastest growing and most successful sectors. It has satisfactorily adapted to the increasing and changing tastes and preferences of the tourists coming from different parts of the world. On the other hand, innovation and high-quality service have allowed this industry to satisfactorily address the needs and desires of its guests. Conclusion Our study puts light on the change which the hospitality and tourism industry of Thailand is experiencing at present. The following sections provide a broad outline of the skillset of the workforce, based on in-depth interviews with managerial professionals. We have taken a closer look at what industry leaders expect and/or hope for in the future workforce, and how they are developing the skills necessary to meet those expectations. This research supports the notion that the hospitality industry is increasing its growth to meet the demands of a multifaceted global customer base.

6.I. Round table: Strengthening preparedness for public health emergencies: lessons learned and future perspectives

Abstract In the face of intensifying global health threats, robust health security measures in Europe and worldwide have never been more pressing. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for coordinated action, adaptive strategies, and robust collaborative mechanisms to effectively respond to emerging infectious diseases and other public health emergencies. This workshop serves as a platform to examine the multifaceted landscape of health security actors, focusing on collaborative initiatives and lessons learned from recent crises. By convening experts and stakeholders from across Europe, the workshop aims to achieve several key objectives: i) To provide an overview of collaborative initiatives established to strengthen European and international health security. By showcasing successful models of cooperation, participants will gain insights into effective strategies for fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. ii) Emphasize the role of European and international institutions, such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in supporting states both in coordinating regional response efforts and in developing the necessary health workforce competencies and capabilities to respond to health emergencies. iii) Drawing on experiences from recent health emergencies, including outbreaks of high-risk pathogens, such as Ebola, the workshop will facilitate a critical examination of lessons learned. Through interactive discussions, participants will identify challenges, best practices, and opportunities for enhancing preparedness and response capacity. iv) By interactive presentations and panel discussions, the workshop will provide a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among participants. By sharing experiences, expertise, and innovative approaches, participants will contribute to a collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities in strengthening health security. This workshop seeks to illuminate key strategies, capacity-building efforts, and real-world lessons learnt that contribute to enhancing response capabilities to public health emergencies. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of emergency participation mechanisms, essential skills required, and available training resources to enhance preparedness. Key messages • Collaboration and adaptive strategies are essential for strengthening international health security in the face of emerging infectious diseases and other public health emergencies. • Lessons learned from recent crises provide valuable insights into effective response strategies and opportunities for enhancing preparedness and response capacity.

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL GAP: ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF ICT DIFFUSION ON INCOME INEQUALITY IN INDONESIA

The development of information and communication technology (ICT) has significantly transformed the socio-economic structure of society, particularly in terms of income distribution. This study aims to analyse the impact of ICT development on income inequality across 34 provinces in Indonesia from 2012 to 2020, employing econometric methods based on panel data through a fixed effects model. Empirical findings reveal that ICT readiness and ICT skills tend to exacerbate income inequality, while ICT use and its quadratic form contribute to reducing it. These results suggest that although ICT infrastructure and skills are crucial, their uneven distribution and utilisation can widen income disparities. Consequently, this study highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to ICT across Indonesia to mitigate economic inequality. The study's recommendations stress the pivotal role of the government in expanding ICT infrastructure, fostering a research and innovation climate conducive to digital transformation, and formulating policies that enhance ICT skills nationwide. These measures would improve digital literacy, upgrade workforce capabilities, and promote inclusive digital economic growth. Ultimately, comprehensive and equitable ICT development can play a critical role in reducing income inequality across Indonesia.

Advancing Organizational Effectiveness Through Strategic Workforce Planning and Technology Integration

Abstract: This comprehensive examination delves into the pivotal roles of strategic workforce planning and technological advancements in bolstering organizational effectiveness. Spanning various critical dimensions such as human resource demand forecasting, strategic recruitment and selection, employee training and development, diversity and inclusivity, and the integration of technology in HR practices, the paper articulates a multi-faceted approach to optimizing workforce capabilities. By leveraging predictive analytics, organizations can forecast future employment needs, while AI-enhanced recruitment processes streamline candidate selection, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The deployment of advanced training methodologies, coupled with a focus on creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, not only enriches organizational culture but also drives innovation and improves overall performance. The paper further explores the strategic use of HR analytics, AI in recruitment, and digital platforms in employee development and engagement, highlighting their significance in adapting to the evolving work landscape. Through an in-depth analysis, it becomes evident that the integration of strategic HR planning and cutting-edge technologies is not merely an option but a necessity for organizations aiming to thrive in the competitive global market.

Unravelling Smart HRM 4.0: A Narrative Review of Progressive 4.0 Technology Integration in Human Resource Management

The integration of progressive 4.0 technology into human resource management (HRM) represents a significant shift in how organizations optimize and enhance workforce capabilities. This review explores the origins, applications, benefits, challenges and future prospects surrounding smart HRM 4.0. By reviewing existing literature, this paper examines the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data analytics, machine learning (ML) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in HRM, specifically in talent acquisition, training, performance management, and rewards. Additionally, it addresses the implementation challenges including data quality assurance, skill shortages, and cultural resistance. The paper also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations. In terms of future research, it highlights the necessity for ethically deploying Industry 4.0 and establishing robust AI governance frameworks. By combining technological innovation with ethical values, organizations can navigate the complexities of this integration, leading to a future characterized by workplace efficiency, accountability, and fairness.

Effectiveness of Employee Training and Development in Increasing Productivity and Innovation in Multinational Companies

This study explores the effectiveness of employee training and development in enhancing productivity and innovation within multinational companies. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this research employs literature review and library research to analyze existing studies and theoretical frameworks related to employee development strategies. The findings indicate that well-structured training programs significantly contribute to increased employee performance, job satisfaction, and overall organizational productivity. Moreover, continuous professional development fosters a culture of innovation by equipping employees with the necessary skills to adapt to rapidly changing market demands. The review highlights various training methodologies, including on-the-job training, mentoring, and e-learning, demonstrating their impact on enhancing workforce capabilities. Additionally, the study underscores thae importance of aligning training initiatives with organizational goals to maximize effectiveness. This research contributes to the understanding of how employee development can serve as a strategic tool for multinational companies seeking to maintain a competitive edge in the global market. Recommendations for future research include examining the long-term effects of specific training programs on employee retention and organizational success. Overall, this study emphasizes the critical role of employee training and development in driving productivity and innovation in multinational corporations.

Providing a Framework for Aligning Human Resource Practices with Knowledge Management Strategy in the Context of Organizational Restructuring

In all organizations, human resource management occupies a significant and special place, to the extent that it has been referred to as the main concern of managers. The necessity of human resource management is evident, as the productivity of human resources can be equated with the productivity of the organization, which is the very essence of an organization. In the last decade, the role of the human approach in development has received great attention from researchers. The importance of this topic can be seen in the role this factor plays in the development process. The greatest competitive advantage of countries is having a capable workforce. The aim of the present study is to provide a framework for aligning human resource practices with knowledge management strategy in the context of organizational restructuring. The research method is descriptive-correlational. The results of the research, using structural equation modeling software, showed that increasing global interactions and developing the level of companies’ engagement with their environment encourage organizations to undertake activities that lead to gaining competitive advantage and adapting to complex and dynamic environmental conditions, thus meeting current and future needs. Many companies claim that the pressures from competitive forces due to globalization are increasing, and an organization’s ability to cope with these pressures depends on their superior use of human resources. With the growth of industries and knowledge workers, the pressure on the human resources sector has intensified, posing serious challenges to organizational structure.

A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF CONSTRUCTION ORGANIZATIONS DURING THE INDUSTRY'S TRANSITION TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Current production methods have serious environmental impacts, which concerns the world. This concern has led many authorities, individuals, and organizations to prevent irreversible environmental damage. In response to this issue, the circular economy is revolutionizing production by adopting circular business models that minimize environmental impact. Numerous studies have found construction activities to be environmentally harmful. Mineral raw materials from natural sources are used in most construction procurement and production. Once their useful life is over, these mineral resources are irreparable, non-reusable, and non-recyclable. This scenario violates circular economy principles. This study predicts that the construction industry will become more circular in response to demands, obligations, and directives that encourage environmentally friendly production strategies like the circular economy. Thus, construction companies and design consultants must adapt to the circular economy. PESTEL analysis is used to predict macroenvironmental changes for construction organizations. According to the PESTEL analysis, construction companies must make changes to succeed and survive in transition to a circular construction industry. Integration into more complex business networks, adapting to a service-based economy, improving management skills, and improving workforce capabilities are among these changes.

Optimizing Hospice Care: A Scoping Review of Staffing Strategies to Enhance Practice

Background Investigating hospice staffing models is vital for ensuring patient-centered care by aligning workforce capabilities with evolving patient needs. With the opening of the Hospice Residence at Providence Care Hospital, effective staffing can enhance operational efficiency, staff well-being, retention, and elevate the quality of end-of-life care. Objective: The primary objective is to investigate models of hospice care, staffing characteristics across disciplines, staff qualifications, training and operational metrics. Methods A comprehensive search of academic literature was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase, following the PRISMA-ScR framework. The review focused on hospice care for adults, covering staffing and care models. Studies on general palliative care, pediatric/NICU care, non-full-text studies, and those published before 2013 were excluded. A grey literature search was also performed. Results Out of 1,579 imported studies, 1,082 were screened, 260 full texts reviewed, and 51 met inclusion criteria. Published between 2013 and 2024, the studies were conducted in North America, Europe, and Asia, covering various designs including randomized control trials, observational, qualitative, and mixed-methods. Patient populations included terminally ill individuals with diagnoses such as cancer, COPD, and heart failure. The majority of studies examined inpatient hospices. Facility sizes ranged from 6 to 33 beds (median = 16). Key topics included staffing models, staff-to-patient ratios, training, volunteer roles, care delivery, and patient satisfaction, with common ratios being 5.5:1 to 6.5:1 for physicians and 1.5:1 to 2.7:1 for nurses. Hospice staff included physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care providers, and volunteers, with training ranging from specialized education to minimal instruction. Conclusion Understanding staffing strategies is crucial for hospices to meet growing demand and patient complexity. This review emphasizes optimal staff-to-patient ratios, diverse care models, and the vital role of volunteers. Further research is needed to establish best practices for sustainable, high-quality hospice care. Contributors: Patel, V.; Aghakhani Barfeh, K.; McDonald, H.; Kang, J.; Pranajaya, P.; Toon, D.; Wong, M.; Goldie, C.L.

Reskilling and Upskilling Initiatives in the Indian Industrial Sector

The Indian industrial sector is undergoing rapid transformations propelled by technological advancements, globalization, and shifting market demands. In response to these changes, the imperative for reskilling and upskilling the workforce has gained prominence. This research study critically examines reskilling and upskilling initiatives within the Indian industrial sector, focusing on their effectiveness, key determinants, and impact on workforce adaptability. Employing a case study methodology, the research evaluates government-led skill development programs, industry- academia collaborations, and private sector initiatives. By identifying critical skills in demand across diverse industrial domains, the study sheds light on the dynamic skill landscape shaped by digital transformation. Furthermore, the research explores barriers and facilitators influencing employee participation in skill development programs, with a specific emphasis on gender disparities. In assessing the correlation between reskilling and career advancement, the study provides insights into the tangible outcomes of workforce development initiatives. Additionally, the research evaluates the role of online learning platforms in industrial skill enhancement and proposes policy recommendations to fortify the reskilling ecosystem in India. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights for policymakers, industrial leaders, and educational institutions aiming to align workforce capabilities with the evolving needs of the Indian industrial landscape.

Implementing genomic medicine in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Genomic sequencing is a transformative technology, and its integration and implementation in the practice of medicine requires systemwide change. Genomic technology is already influencing many areas of medicine: rare disease, reproductive health, cancer, pharmacogenetics and infectious disease. Ensuring genomic tests are available and are adopted in an effective and efficient way requires forethought and simultaneous change across multiple areas of health. Beyond the technical requirements of sequencing and bioinformatics capacity, planning will need to address data integration and interpretation, workforce capacity and capability, public acceptability, government engagement and ethical and legislative issues. To ensure all these considerations are managed, many states or nations have developed policy frameworks or strategies. Implementation science enables us to understand the factors that support adoption of new technologies. The lessons learnt from other jurisdictions who have implemented genomic medicine programmes clearly support the need for a coordinated whole of systems approach. New Zealand should heed these lessons. New Zealand needs a genomic medicine strategy.

AI Challenges and Strategies for Business Process Optimization in Industry 4.0: Systematic Literature Review

The rise of Industry 4.0 has introduced significant transformations in business operations, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a central role in automating processes, enhancing decision-making, and improving efficiency. However, despite its potential, many organizations face critical challenges in implementing AI, particularly in terms of technological infrastructure readiness, workforce capabilities, and ethical considerations. This research aims to identify the challenges and propose effective strategies for AI implementation in business processes, particularly within the context of Industry 4.0. A systematic literature review (SLR) was employed to analyze peer-reviewed studies that discuss AI integration across various industrial sectors. The findings indicate that the primary challenges include the integration of AI with existing legacy systems, data privacy concerns, and employee resistance due to the perceived threat of automation. Additionally, the lack of adequate training and infrastructure investment further hampers AI adoption. In response, the research highlights strategies such as upgrading technological infrastructure, continuous employee training, and the development of clear ethical guidelines to address these challenges. The research contributes by providing a comprehensive framework for businesses to successfully navigate AI implementation, offering a novel perspective on balancing technological advancements with human resource development and ethical concerns, essential for long-term business sustainability in the digital era

Nurses' Protests during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative International Analysis.

Nurses play key roles in dealing with pandemics yet are often conceived solely as "technical" experts without political agency. This study conducts the first global comparative analysis of COVID-19-related protests of nurses and other frontline health workers, with a focus on the first 18 months of the pandemic. We draw on quantitative and qualitative data on nurses' protests and protest drivers. Results show that such protests were widespread: We identify 3515 events in 90 countries, with several regional hotspots existing. The most common reasons for protests were poor working conditions and insufficient workplace safety, followed by wider social issues like poverty and racism. For most of the time period under consideration, protests demanding access to vaccinations (a rarely explored phenomenon) were more widespread than anti-vaccination events. Protest frequency was highest in countries with high COVID-19-related mortality rates, high levels of human development, and strong social movements at the onset of the pandemic. Recognising the key role of nurses as political actors would help to improve health policies and to maintain a capable healthcare workforce, particularly during acute crises like pandemics.

Delivering Exercise Services to Refugees and Asylum Seekers in High-Income Countries

ABSTRACT Given the recent unprecedented number of refugees resettled in the United States of America yearly, exercise professionals in high-income countries are increasingly likely to engage with refugees and asylum seekers in their practice. Resettled refugees and asylum seekers often experience an array of stressors, including traumatic experiences associated with forced displacement, postdisplacement challenges, and cultural adjustment. These stressors place refugees and asylum seekers at greater risk of both mental and physical health disparities than people who have not experienced forced displacement. While exercise is associated with improved physical and mental health outcomes, refugees and asylum seekers are at a high risk of inactivity, and they face barriers at interpersonal, structural, and sociocultural levels. This expert commentary outlines strategies to address considerations in working with refugees and asylum seekers, including the impact of the refugee experience, the need to harness the client’s strengths and resources to foster exercise self-efficacy, and the cultural capability of the exercise workforce. The aims are to draw attention to the refugee experience and to equip exercise professionals with guidance to provide quality, person-centered, and strength-based services to refugees and asylum seekers within a safe and culturally sensitive environment.

A national education program for rapid genomics in pediatric acute care: Building workforce confidence, competence, and capability

PurposeTo develop and evaluate a scalable national program to build confidence, competence and capability in the use of rapid genomic testing (rGT) in the acute pediatric setting. MethodsWe used theory-informed approaches to design a modular, adaptive program of blended learning aimed at diverse professional groups involved in acute pediatric care. The program comprised 4 online learning modules and an online workshop and was centered on case-based learning. We evaluated the program using the Kirkpatrick 4-level model of training evaluation and report our findings using the Reporting Item Standards for Education and its Evaluation (RISE2) guidelines for genomics education and evaluation. ResultsTwo hundred and two participants engaged with at least 1 component of the program. Participants self-reported increased confidence in using rGT, (P < .001), and quiz responses objectively demonstrated increased competence (eg, correct responses to a question on pretest counseling increased from 30% to 64%; P < .001). Additionally, their capability in applying genomic principles to simulated clinical cases increased (P < .001), as did their desire to take on more responsibility for performing rGT. The clinical interpretation of more complex test results (such as negative results or variants of uncertain significance) appeared to be more challenging, indicating a need for targeted education in this area. ConclusionThe program format was effective in delivering multidisciplinary and wide-scale genomics education in the acute care context. The modular approach we have developed now lends itself to application in other medical specialties or areas of health care.