Program Content Research Articles

Hospital nurse managers' perspectives of the Magnet Recognition Program using an importance-performance analysis: A quantitative cross-sectional study.

To explore the perspectives of nursing managers in Korean hospitals on the Magnet Recognition Program using importance-performance analysis. A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional design with a survey methodology was used to evaluate nursing managers' perceptions of the Magnet Recognition Program criteria. After the Magnet Recognition Program's content validity was confirmed, an online survey was administered to 150 nursing managers from 10 hospitals. The results were analysed using importance-performance analysis. The average importance of the questionnaire for the developed Magnet Recognition Program criteria was 3.19 ± 135 and the performance was 2.90 ± 222. Items corresponding to the areas 'Concentrate here', 'Keep up the good work', 'Possible overkill' and 'Low priority' were identified using two importance-performance analysis frames. The items corresponding to 'Concentrate here' included evidence-based nursing practice, the nursing professional practice model, nurses' participation in improving turnover rate and cases of innovation in nursing. This study highlights areas for improvement within the Magnet Recognition Program as perceived by Korean nursing managers, emphasizing evidence-based practice, professional models and nurses' involvement in turnover reduction and fostering innovation. To achieve Magnet recognition, hospitals must understand nursing managers' perspectives on the Magnet Recognition Program criteria. This study provides insights into enhancing the work environment for nurses in South Korean hospitals and lays the groundwork for developing effective Magnet certification programs. Introducing the Magnet program into South Korean hospitals may improve the overall nursing work environment and mitigate the serious problem of nursing staff turnover. The findings were reported using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist.

Ensuring continuity in science education (on example of physics curriculum)

<p>The relevance of the research stems from the need to study the issues of continuity of the school and university curricula content in science disciplines on the example of the “physics” course. This study aims at identifying the principles of continuity of the content of school curricula and higher education programs in natural sciences in the example of the “physics” course, as well as disclosing methods to ensure the continuity of secondary and higher education in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The primary method in this study is system analysis, which is applied to examine the continuity of the school and university science curricula content, using the “physics” course as an example. Moreover, a theoretical analysis of recent scientific publications was carried out in the research process. The study deals with the problem of maintaining continuity in the general secondary education curricula in the field of natural sciences based on a renewed education program. The study presents the results of the analysis in the form of methodological suggestions and reveals possible barriers to the implementation of lifelong learning.</p>

Tailoring opioid use prevention content for juvenile diversion programs with adolescents and their caregivers

IntroductionOpioid use (OU) skyrockets as youth transition into young adulthood, indicating adolescence is a critical time for prevention. The juvenile legal system (JLS) presents an ideal setting for OU prevention, as it is the single largest referral source for youth outpatient OU treatment, after self-referral. However, no OU prevention programs have been developed for youth in JLS diversion programs or their families. The current formative study established specific OU prevention needs and preferences of families in JLS programs, to guide future tailored prevention efforts. MethodsWe interviewed 21 adolescents with substance use and 20 of their caregivers referred by a JLS diversion program in the northeastern United States to explore their OU-related knowledge, personal experiences, motivations, and behavioral skills. We used a deductive qualitative analysis approach wherein data were analyzed using an a priori coding framework based on the Information Motivation Behavioral Skills model. ResultsCaregivers knew more about OU than youth, several of whom misidentified both opiates and non-opiates. Few participants reported a history of personal OU, though many knew of others' OU. Participants perceived several potential motivations for OU: mental health problems, relationships, life stressors, difficulty accessing preferred substances, and experimentation. Though often unfamiliar with the symptoms, participants were eager to learn skills to identify and manage a suspected overdose. ConclusionsYouth involved in a JLS diversion program and their caregivers were open to and eager for tailored opioid use prevention content to help them reduce risks. We discuss implications for OU prevention and intervention program development.

Unani Tibb students’ and educators’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care in education in South Africa: A mixed-methods study

Background. Unani Tibb promotes holistic patient care, yet spirituality and spiritual care seem to be neglected in education. This theory-practice gap was previously highlighted in studies on Unani Tibb practitioners. The role of spirituality and spiritual care in Unani Tibb education in South Africa (SA) remains unclear. Objectives. To explore Unani Tibb students’ and educators’ perceptions and attitudes of spirituality and spiritual care in SA. Methods. A two-stage sequential explanatory mixed-method study was conducted. Quantitative data from stage 1 was obtained using a cross-sectional descriptive study followed by in-depth interviews for the qualitative study in stage 2. Stage 1 guided the interview questions in stage 2. Descriptive data analysis was performed for the quantitative study, followed by thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Results. A total of 18 (90%) participants took part in the quantitative study followed by 10 participants (50%) in the qualitative study. Three study findings emerged: i) a heightened level of spiritual awareness was recorded for this cohort despite the lack of spirituality and spiritual care content in the curriculum, ii) participants viewed spiritual care as integral to Unani Tibb philosophy, education and practice and iii) formal integration of spirituality and spiritual care concepts in Unani Tibb education was identified as a necessity to ensure the integrity of the holistic approach required by the profession. Conclusion. This study has implications across the health education sector and more specifically for Unani Tibb educators to consider the inclusion of spiritual care content in education programmes.

Analysis the Healthy School Campaign in Indonesia: A Health Policy Triangle Approach

The School Health Program policy was initiated by the Indonesian government in 2014. However, by 2021, student health service coverage was still suboptimal. The Healthy Schools Campaign Program was introduced in 2022 as an alternative policy to revitalize the School Health Programme. The study aimed to analyze the Healthy School Campaign Program using the health policy triangle framework, which includes actors, content, process, and context. This research uses qualitative methods with secondary data sourced from electronic document searches. The main actors in this policy involve official government institutions, supported by collaboration with non-government partners. Policy selection is based on situational, structural, cultural and international contextual factors. The program content focuses on physical health, healthy nutrition, and student immunization. The conclusion is that the selection of content is influenced by how actors identify health problems in the early stages of policy preparation. Implementation of this program requires a clear collaboration system as a reference for its implementation in educational units. Teacher and parent involvement is also very important to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of the program.

Widening participation and success in STEM: embedding research-engaged practice to measure impact

There is a systemic shortage in the number of graduates entering the STEM workforce. To address the current graduate shortage (HM Govt, 2017), the widening gap between industry demand, the available skilled workforce (ASE, 2020), and the underrepresentation of key groups within STEM industries and academia requires overhauling the STEM education `pipeline´. However, there is a lack of consensus on how to increase the diversity of students pursuing STEM post-16 and how to tackle the dual challenges of engagement and science capital for the most underrepresented groups. This paper discusses the development of a research-engaged sustained STEM outreach programme working with students from rural and coastal schools in South-East England. Whilst there are numerous STEM programmes that aim to provide academic support, build science capital or improve diversity in post-16 STEM studies, this paper describes how two areas of innovative practice came together in a university-led pre-entry STEM widening participation programme: Inspiring Minds. The first relates to its foundation in a research-engaged pedagogy (the epistemic insight curriculum) that underpinned the programme content and design, and the second to the embedded approach to rigorous evaluation and impact monitoring tracking shifts in both aspirational and attainment measures of participating students.

A Web-Based Resilience-Enhancing Program to Improve Resilience, Physical Activity, and Well-being in Geriatric Population: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Resilience is a protective factor in healthy aging, helping to maintain and recover physical and mental functions. The Resilience in Illness Model has proven effective in fostering resilience and well-being. Physical activity is crucial for older adults' independence and well-being, even as aging causes a progressive decline. Additionally, older adults face challenges such as spousal loss and physical disability, making preventive intervention strategies necessary. This study aims to develop and evaluate a web-based program to enhance resilience, physical activity, and well-being among community-dwelling older adults. Additionally, we aim to gather feedback on the program's strengths and limitations. A 4-week resilience-enhancing program was created, incorporating role-play and talk-in-interaction and focusing on 3 key skills: coping, control belief, and manageability. The program included scenarios such as becoming widowed and suffering a stroke, designed to engage older adults. A pilot test preceded the intervention. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program shifted from in-person to web-based sessions. A single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants aged over 65 years were recruited offline and randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. A certified resilience practitioner delivered the program. Outcomes in resilience, physical activity, and well-being were self-assessed at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2) after the program. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate feedback. A web-based participatory program enhancing 3 skills-coping, control belief, and manageability for resilience-was well developed. Among 96 participants, 63 were randomized into the intervention group (n=31) and the control group (n=32). The mean age in the intervention group was 69.27 (SD 3.08) years and 74.84 (SD 6.23) years in the control group. Significant between-group differences at baseline were found in age (t45.6=-4.53, P<.001) and physical activity at baseline (t61=2.92, P=.005). No statistically significant between-group differences over time were observed in resilience (SE 7.49, 95% CI -10.74 to 18.61, P=.60), physical activity (SE 15.18, 95% CI -24.74 to 34.74, P=.74), and well-being (SE 3.74, 95% CI -2.68 to 11.98, P=.21) after controlling for baseline differences. The dropout rate was lower in the intervention group (2/31, 6%) compared with the control group (5/32, 16%). Moreover, 77% (24/31) of participants in the intervention group completed the entire program. Program feedback from the participants indicated high satisfaction with the web-based format and mentorship support. This study demonstrated that a web-based resilience-enhancing program is appropriate, acceptable, feasible, and engaging for community-dwelling older adults. The program garnered enthusiasm for its potential to optimize resilience, physical activity, and well-being, with mentorship playing a crucial role in its success. Future studies should aim to refine program content, engagement, and delivery methods to effectively promote healthy aging in this population. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05808491; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05808491.

Development of Fewer Falls in MS-An Online, Theory-Based, Fall Prevention Self-Management Programme for People With Multiple Sclerosis.

The aim of this study was to describe the process used to develop a theory-based, online fall prevention self-management programme for ambulatory and non-ambulatory people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The development process was guided by the Medical Research Council framework of complex interventions and began with a scoping review of the literature on self-management of falls in pwMS. Subsequent phases of development were performed through iterative and concurrent processes and were informed by the perspectives of pwMS and healthcare professionals with MS expertise. Through a systematic and iterative process in close collaboration with pwMS and healthcare professionals, a theory-based online fall prevention self-management programme, Fewer Falls in MS, for ambulatory and non-ambulatory pwMS was developed. The programme is grounded in theory and pedagogical models and features utilization of action plans to address diverse influences on fall risks. A carefully operationalized definition of self-management and an iterative co-development process were essential to the creation of the Fewer falls in MS programme. Continuation of the co-development process and collaboration with end users was needed to refine the programme. PwMS and healthcare professionals were involved throughout the development process of the programme. The patient organization Neuro Sweden was contacted in the initial phase to discuss the relevance of a self-management programme to prevent falls in MS. They supported the research group (all authors) in identification of and contact with pwMS with interest to participate. Three members of the research group (S.T.J., M.F. and C.Y.), that is, the operative group, met neuro Sweden and one pwMS to further discuss the relevance of a self-management programme to prevent falls. To develop the process and content of the fall prevention programme, a co-design process was performed together with pwMS and healthcare professionals. The results of the co-design process are presented in this manuscript. In addition to participating in the co-design process, pwMS and healthcare professionals provided feedback to the research group on programme process and content on several occasions during the subsequent programme development process. In a pretest (Beta version) of the programme, four pwMS acted as test subjects and provided additional feedback on the programme to the research group. NCT04317716.

Effectiveness of Psychoeducational Programs for Caregivers of Family Members with Chronic Disease: A Meta-Analysis

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of psychoeducational programs in Turkey to reduce the stress of caring for people with chronic illnesses. The psychological, emotional, and physical demands on caregivers, often leading to stress and burnout, underscore the need for such programs. Nine papers were included in a meta-analysis, and statistical analysis was conducted using JASP 0.12.2.0 software. The results showed that psychoeducational therapies significantly reduced caregivers' perceived load, supporting their inclusion in routine treatment for chronic illnesses. The research emphasizes the role of psychoeducational interventions in improving the experience of providing care by providing vital information, coping skills, and emotional support mechanisms. This can lead to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life for those with chronic illnesses. The report also underscores the need for caregiver support policies and programs in healthcare, acknowledging their crucial role in the healthcare ecosystem. Further research is needed to improve the design and content of psychoeducational programs to meet caregivers' diverse needs in various settings. This meta-analysis provides strong evidence of the benefits of psychoeducational programs in reducing stress and laying the groundwork for future studies and policy formulation to support caregiver support in chronic disease treatment.

Анализ социальных проектов в стратегических документах цифровой трансформации Республики Коми

The article interprets the concepts of digitalization and digital transformation discussed in the regulatory legal acts, documents of international organizations and scientific publications. It analyses legal acts regulating the processes of digital transformation for industries and subjects of the Russian Federation. The current strategic directions in the field of digital transformation of economic and social sectors determine largely the general and project content of strategies and digital transformation programmes of the regions. The main attention is paid to the consideration of health, education and culture projects in the strategy and digital transformation programme of the Komi Republic. Underlined is the lack of official monitoring for the implementation of digital transformation projects and the possible analyzing the situation only according to the data in the regional media, which complicates the unbiased assessment.

Co-designing an information map guiding patients on their journey to cardiac rehabilitation in Austria

Abstract Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is underutilised worldwide. Cardiac patients lack sufficient information about CR, for example, regarding the health benefits of CR and how to obtain a referral. This gap presents a significant barrier to CR uptake. Purpose The purpose of this study was (1) to define patients’ needs during their transition from the acute hospital setting to CR and (2) to design a need-based information map. Methods We conducted three sequential co-design workshops with 17 participants: ten cardiac patients, most of whom had completed a CR programme, six healthcare professionals who worked within the CR pathway, and one who was a healthcare professional with a cardiac condition who had completed a CR programme. Patients’ needs and design suggestions were elicited through generative co-design methods [1], such as paper prototyping, persona scenarios, group discussions and presentations, and card sorting. Data were analysed with thematic analysis. Results Workshop participants identified three "steps" at which orientation is required to guide patients along their journey: (1) during the hospital stay, (2) while at home, and (3) throughout the CR programme. Patients’ needs changed accordingly, prompting us to tailor information and tips to these steps (s. Figure). In the hospital, patients needed orientation about follow-up care. The patients sought facts about CR, enabling them to make an informed decision for or against participation. Particularly, info about programme duration, content and health benefits were appreciated. Information about common symptoms related to the treatment and explanations of the hospital environment were also perceived as helpful. After discharge, the time at home was characterised by a need for calm after the stressful time in the hospital. Patients reflected on their cardiac events. Information on adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and guidance on preparing for CR were perceived as helpful. Contact details for medical support were appreciated. During the CR programme, patients sought motivational support for programme adherence. They appreciated tips such as making use of the time for bonding and seeking out friendships with other patients. Testimonials sharing experiences and tips presented by fellow patients were considered helpful at any point along the patient journey. Conclusion When transitioning from the acute hospital to CR, cardiac patients’ needs change in distinctive steps, which the settings hospital, home and CR represent. Information and tips should be tailored accordingly. Our information map may support patients’ CR uptake and facilitate cardiac patient pathways in Austria, for example, by developing patient-facing technology.Patients' needs and required information

Evaluation of the blended public health empowerment program-basic field epidemiology in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged the shift toward technology-based learning globally, impacting education systems profoundly. In response to this emerging need, the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) adapted its Public Health Empowerment Program-Basic Field Epidemiology (PHEP-BFE) to a Blended Learning Model. This study evaluates the Blended PHEP-BFE program in Iraq, Egypt, and Lebanon, focusing on participant reactions and learning outcomes. A descriptive evaluation was conducted, aligned with the first two levels of Kirkpatrick's model. Online questionnaires were administered to participants and facilitators through EMPHNET's Learning Management System (LMS). Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed to assess program effectiveness, satisfaction, and challenges. A total of 138 PHEP-BFE participants (119 (86.2%) males and 19 (13.8%) females) from Iraq (n = 61), Egypt (n = 66), and Lebanon (n = 11) responded to the questionnaire. The majority of the participants (96.4%) reported that they were satisfied with PHEP-BFE. Notably, 77.5% of participants rated the blended learning program as very good or excellent, 18.1% rated it good, and 3.6% found it average, with a minimal 0.7% expressing dissatisfaction. The majority of participants agreed that the blended PHEP-BFE enhanced their capacity to conduct, review and monitor surveillance data (95.7%), perform descriptive data analysis (94.2%), effectively communicate information with agency staff and the local community (95.7%), write summaries of surveillance findings or outbreak investigations (95.7%), use MS Excel to enter, analyze, and display public health surveillance data (91.3%), prepare and administer an oral presentation for fieldwork (94.9%), and increase their knowledge of fundamental field epidemiology (94.9%). The participants responded positively to the program's content, training duration, learning platform, facilitators and mentors, and fieldwork. The study showcases the success of the blended PHEP-BFE in diverse contexts, emphasizing positive participant reactions and improved competencies. The evaluation underscores the program's success in advancing public health training in the EMR. Blended learning models prove promising for future FETP initiatives, contributing valuable insights to public health workforce development. Positive outcomes and identified challenges, provide a roadmap for continuous improvement.

МІСЦЕ АДАПТИВНОЇ ФІЗИЧНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ В ПРОЦЕСІ ПІДГОТОВКИ МАЙБУТНІХ ФАХІВЦІВ З ФІЗИЧНОГО ВИХОВАННЯ ВЗАРУБІЖНИХ КРАЇНАХ

The purpose of the research was to analyze the place and content of adaptive physical culture in the programs of training bachelors in physical education in foreign countries (based on the material of English-speaking countries). Material and methods. We searched for educational programs for obtaining a bachelor's degree in physical education available in 2024 in the USA, Great Britain and Ireland using the online service. The search was carried out by setting the following filters: Field of study - "Education", in particular, "Teaching", "Physical education"; Location - USA, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland; Degree type – "Bachelor", "Bachelor of Science", "Bachelor of Arts". In total,8 educational programs were analyzed, in particular, 6 in the USA and 1 each in Great Britain and Ireland. The following methods were used in the research process: summarization of data from scientific and methodical literature and Internet sources, analysis and synthesis of the obtained information. Results and key conclusions. The vast majority of bachelor's degree programs in the USA, Great Britain and Ireland are designed for 2, 3 or 4 years of higher education and include at least 120 credits. At least 2.5 % of ECTS credits from the total volume of the educational program are allocated to the study of adaptive physical culture (between 3 and 6 ECTS credits). The content of educational programs in English-speaking countries (USA, Great Britain, Ireland) includes the study of adaptive physical culture by students within such disciplines as "Adaptive physical education", "Physical education for students with disabilities", "Introduction to adaptive physical education", "Adaptive physical culture and sport", "Assessment and Program Evaluation in Adapted Physical Education", "Inclusive sport and physicalactivity", "Adaptive physical education and physical activity".

Voluntary optimisation of antimicrobial consumption in swine and poultry production in Thailand: a policy analysis.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern with significant implications on economies and health security, affecting humans, animals, food, and the environment. To tackle this issue, promoting responsible antimicrobial use in livestock production has emerged as a crucial intervention. In 2018, Thailand introduced the Voluntary Optimization of Antimicrobial Consumption (VOAC) programme, with the objective to encourage responsible antimicrobial use practises. This study aimed to analyse the context, content, process and actors of the VOAC programme. A qualitative method including document reviews and key informant interviews were applied. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 key informants who are key stakeholders from public and private sectors involved in the policy formulation, design of policy contents and implementation of VOAC: policy makers or officers responsible for animal health (n = 12), animal producers (n = 2), animal product traders or retailers (n = 2), and farm veterinarians (n = 2). Interview transcripts were validated by informants for accuracy, and triangulated with document review findings. Deductive approach was applied for data analysis and interpretation based on Walt and Gilson's policy analysis framework. The VOAC farm certification comprises of Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA) and Reducing Antibiotic Use (RAU), both aiming to combat AMR in food animals. Global and national factors, including increased public awareness, policy commitments, export requirements from the European Union, and international organisation advocacies, influenced the development of the programme led by the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Collaboration with the private sector facilitated policy clarity, with implementation primarily executed through regional, provincial, and district livestock officers. Integration of the programme with the pre-existing Good Agriculture Practise certification system enabled cost-effective implementation without additional resources. In 2022, DLD official data reported 214 RWA farms (112 pig and 102 broiler), and 230 RAU farms (83 pig and 147 broiler). Incentives for farms to participate in the programme include improving corporate image and demonstrating corporate responsibility addressing AMR in food products. Recommendations include optimising certification strategies, increasing consumer awareness of RWA and RAU products and strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems.

Online vs. face-to-face interactive communication education using video materials among healthcare college students: a pilot non-randomized controlled study

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine whether online interactive communication education using video materials was as effective as face-to-face education among healthcare college students.MethodsThe participants were healthcare college students who were enrolled in study programs to obtain national medical licenses. They participated in lectures and exercises on healthcare communication, both online (n = 139) and face-to-face (n = 132). Listening skills, understanding, and confidence in healthcare communication were assessed using a self-assessed tool.ResultsFrom the two-way ANOVA result, the interaction effects between group (online, face-to-face) and time (Time 1, Time 2, Time 3) were not statistically significant. The main effect of time increased significantly from Time1 to Time 3 on understanding of communication with patients (Hedges’g = 0.51, 95%CI 0.27–0.75), confidence in communication with patients (g = 0.40, 95%CI 0.16–0.64), and confidence in clinical practice (g = 0.49, 95%CI 0.25, 0.73), while the score of listening skills had no significant change (Hedges’g = 0.09, 95%CI − 0.03 to 0.45).ConclusionsThe results show that online communication education with video materials and active exercises is as effective in improving students’ confidence as face-to-face. It will be necessary to modify the content of this educational program to improve skills as well as confidence in communication.Trial registrationNot Applicable.

Sustaining Undergraduate Students’ Metacognitive Regulatory Actions During Online Flipped Programming Course

This research explores how metacognitive strategies influence the metacognitive awareness of undergraduate students enrolled in an online flipped programming course. It specifically focuses on regulatory actions crucial for success in programming instruction and distance education settings. The primary objective is to contribute to the existing literature by investigating the implementation of online flipped programming courses that integrate metacognitive-oriented approaches to support students' metacognitive regulatory actions. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. A total of 29 university students enrolled in programming courses participated in the study, engaging with instructional videos provided before each 10-week lesson. They were administered the Metacognitive Awareness Scale and supplementary forms designed to assess their metacognitive awareness and regulatory actions. A detailed coding scheme was developed to analyze students' metacognitive regulation activities during programming lessons. The study also evaluated the impact of supportive activities on students' metacognitive awareness. While no statistically significant difference was found in the students' metacognitive awareness through quantitative analysis, qualitative data revealed that activities supporting metacognition significantly enhanced students' comprehension of the programming content.

An Analysis of the Undergraduate Program of the Police School of the University of Internal Affairs

Theoretical knowledge, skills, and practical experience of the cadets, students, and graduates are essential for the implementation of the basic functions of the police organization to effectively combat crime, maintain public order, and ensure public safety. However, all of these depend on the concept of educational programs, training theories, and development trends. Therefore, we have written this article to analyze the undergraduate programs and their implementation, and to propose some improvements. The research focuses on the analysis of the undergraduate curriculum methodology at the Police School of the Internal Affairs University of Mongolia from 2000 to 2019. It involves comparing the current four specialized programs with those of the national police universities of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea. After conducting the analysis, we identified both problems and opportunities. We surveyed 250 graduates of the programs to compare the quality and accessibility of education at that time to the current situation which helped us identify the issues. According to the survey, 75 percent of the respondents believe that the Police Work-Law undergraduate program needs to be improved and updated while the remaining 20 percent did not feel that it needed improvement, and 5 percent were unsure. Comparative analysis of the programs finds that there has been an increase in program content and credit hours, some courses overlap, the internship period is short, and the quality and results are weak. Upon comparing similar programs in other countries, it has been identified that implementing curricula in areas such as artificial intelligence, coding, and programming can help international law schools effectively meet the challenges of 21st-century legal practice.

Vocational and University Paramedicine Education

This paper highlights key research areas within paramedicine education in Australia. Firstly, it discusses the need for a comparative analysis of accreditation standards, focusing on the recent shift towards a pre-employment model and its impact on program content, particularly the balance between theoretical and practical components. Secondly, it addresses the importance of exploring the influence of ethics education on paramedic practice, investigating how a robust ethical foundation acquired during education translates into ethical practices in real-world scenarios. Additionally, it suggests conducting a comparative study of international models to understand different education approaches, emphasising the importance of identifying best practices to enhance paramedic education in Australia. Lastly, it emphasises the significance of assessing the impact of accreditation changes in 2018, specifically the shift in accreditation responsibilities from the Council of Ambulance Authorities to the Paramedicine Board of Australia, aiming to understand its implications on the quality and consistency of paramedicine education across various institutions. Overall, this paper highlight the critical research gaps and areas of investigation essential for advancing paramedicine education and improving the quality of paramedic training in Australia.

Enhancing Bilingual/ESL Teachers’ STEM Instruction with Targeted Content and Disciplinary Literacy Professional Development: A Study on Knowledge and Practice Outcomes

Background: The increasing presence of English learners (ELs) in U.S. schools underscores the need for effective instructional strategies tailored to their diverse needs, especially in STEM subjects. Previous research primarily focused on self-reported teacher knowledge and specific curricular programs, often neglecting the integration of content and language knowledge. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a professional development (PD) program aligned with a previously reported teacher training knowledge framework aimed at improving bilingual/ESL teachers’ subject matter knowledge (SMK), pedagogical knowledge (PK), and disciplinary literacy knowledge (DLK). Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design involving 30 teachers in three cohorts, each experiencing different levels of subject matter and disciplinary literacy knowledge. The program was assessed over four time points using multiple-choice tests on math and science knowledge and an instructional strategy rubric to evaluate teaching quality. Results: Significant improvements were observed in both content knowledge and instructional quality across all cohorts, with the greatest gains in cohorts that started the PD with a focus on SMK. Teachers’ understanding of disciplinary literacy and its integration with subject matter knowledge significantly enhanced their teaching effectiveness. Conclusions: The findings suggest that structured PD programs that integrate disciplinary literacy with content knowledge effectively enhance teacher professional knowledge and classroom practices. Starting PD with a strong focus on content knowledge prepares teachers to better apply disciplinary literacy strategies, thereby supporting more effective instruction for ELs. Implications: This study highlights the importance of considering the sequence of professional learning and the integration of content and disciplinary literacy strategies in PD programs. Future PD efforts should focus on these elements to maximize the impact on teacher development and student outcomes in bilingual/ESL settings.

More than sport: A social-identity intervention to support transitions out of elite sport

Elite athletes often make large personal sacrifices to pursue excellence, but there is insufficient support for them when they leave elite sport. Identity loss is central to athletes’ transition trajectories and hence the management of identity change is a crucial area for support. The More Than Sport (MTS) program is a novel digital intervention that aims to provide this support—helping athletes manage identity change in the process of leaving elite sport. The present research aims to study elite athletes’ experiences with the MTS program and their perceptions of its usefulness in managing the transition away from elite sport. We undertook a qualitative study with athletes (N = 25) from three countries (the United Kingdom, Australia and Belgium) using reflexive thematic analysis to explore their experiences of the program and their feedback on program content. We identified three key themes and eight subthemes. The first key theme was Value of the Program, and this was underpinned by four sub-themes that centred on Program importance and novelty, how Positive and confronting experiences afford insight, the Value of developing shared understanding, and Realising the value of social groups. The second key theme was Engagement with Program Elements and here participants commented on Program content and Delivery format. The final key theme was Time and Place for Identity Management Programs which included the sub-themes of Optimal timing and Additional program beneficiaries. Overall, the results highlight the value of MTS specifically, and identity management efforts more broadly, to help elite athletes adjust successfully to life beyond sport.