Current Assessment Practices Research Articles

Assessment of Current Practices Across Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers Biorepositories.

In 1984, the National Institute on Aging developed the Alzheimer's disease centers program. The main goal of these centers is to advance the understanding of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) through comprehensive patient evaluations and cutting-edge research in pathology, laboratory medicine, education, and scientific discovery. The neuropathology core of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) collects postmortem brain tissue from consented donors ranging from cognitively normal individuals to those with late-stage dementia, whose samples and data can be shared around the world to further advance knowledge, diagnosis, and to eventually find cures for ADRD. Although recommended guidelines for biorepositories exist, we aimed to understand the current practices within neuropathology cores across the ADRCs. A survey was developed that focused on information related to sample processing methods, biospecimen requests, financial costs related to the repository, and data management. This survey was distributed to 28 current and former ADRC neuropathology cores. The survey obtained a response rate of 82% (23/28). Although most centers were consistent in responses related to sample processing and storage, they varied widely in processes by which neuropathological samples are shared and cost recovery mechanisms. The results of this survey provide benchmark data on practices within neuropathology cores across ADRCs and the overlap with biorepository best practices. Future studies focused on understanding factors that may influence current practices (such as available funds and personnel) are need to aid in minimizing barriers to optimally follow best practices. Sharing these data among ADRCs will allow for improvement in workflows and working toward cures for ADRD.

Assessment of Human Factors After Advanced Life Support Courses Comparing Simulated Team and Real Team Assessment: A Randomized Controlled Cohort Trial.

AimHuman factors are essential for high-quality resuscitation team collaboration and are, therefore, taught in international advanced life support courses, but their assessment differs widely. In Europe, the summative life support course assessment tests mainly adhere to guidelines but few human factors. This randomized controlled simulation trial investigated instructors’ and course participants’ perceptions of human factors assessment after two different summative assessments.MethodsAll 5th/6th-year medical students who attended 19 advanced life support courses according to the 2015 European Resuscitation Council guidelines during one study year were invited to participate. Each course was randomized to either: (1) Simulated team assessment (one instructor simulates a team, and the assessed person leads this “team” through a cardiac-arrest scenario test); (2) Real team assessment (4 students form a team, one of them is assessed as the team leader; team members are not assessed and act only on team leader’s commands). After the summative assessments, instructors, and students rated the tests’ ability to assess human factors using a visual analog scale (VAS, 0 = no agreement, 10 = total agreement).ResultsA total of 227 students participated in the 1-day Immediate Life Support courses, 196 students in the 2-day Advanced Life Support courses, additionally 54 instructors were included. Instructors judged all human factors significantly better in real team assessments; students rated leadership and situational awareness comparable between both assessments. Assessment pass rates were comparable between groups.ConclusionSummative assessment in real teams was perceived significantly better to assess human factors. These results might influence current summative assessment practices in advanced life support courses.

영어 읽기 평가에 대한 재고찰: 증거기반평가모델의 적용

This paper discusses the limitations of the current practices of English reading assessment in the Korean educational context based on the concept of 'cognitive validity.' It then introduces the Evidence-centered Design (ECD) model as a framework that can guide English teachers and test developers in developing a reading assessment. The paper illustrates how the framework can be applied to the assessment formats and practices widely used in Korean middle and high schools. The ECD framework can help English teachers reconsider reading assessment practices commonly implemented in Korea. The framework contributes to enabling them to focus on the three critical, interrelated questions: what ability to measure with what task(s), how to score students' responses, and how to interpret the test results. Teachers' conscious application of the ECD framework would lead to a more valid and theoretically more sound reading assessment. Such an assessment is expected to align better with teaching and eventually bring a positive washback in English language learning.

Assessment of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Management Plan by Risk Assessment of Activities in Construction Project Work

The building construction industry is growing all over the world. The construction industry is an important part of the economy in many countries and is often seen as a driver of economic growth especially in developing countries. Owing to its relatively labour-intensive nature, construction works provide opportunities for employment for a wide range of people skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled. This study, therefore, aims to find out the current practice of health and safety risk assessment, risk communication and risk control and improving the Environment Health and Safety management plan for the Construction project site. In pursuing this objective, the case study strategy was adopted whereby a construction site is selected through convenience sampling. This research contributes significantly to construction safety management SHAPOORJI PALLONJI AND COMPLANY PVT. LTD. and can be utilized to analyse and manipulate the safety risk level of every possible hazardous event that is identified during the construction period. The proposed model could also be applied in other construction projects to obtain results with greater accuracy and reliability from the evaluation and ranking of safety risks, which would yield data that would be useful in helping the management team to mitigate and control the risks in other construction projects.

EE481 Incorporating Dynamic Pricing in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Are Known Unknowns Worth It?

Current practice in value assessment of pharmaceuticals is to include a static price at market launch. Recent publications suggest incorporating dynamic pricing, including price changes until patent expiration and genericization post-patent expiration, for chronic disease medications. Predicting actual price dynamics is difficult because of idiosyncrasies of the market for branded drugs. We compare the standard static approach to two dynamic scenarios using replicated value assessment applications.

Current Practices in the Pathologic Assessment of Breast Tissue in Transmasculine Chest Surgery.

No guidelines exist regarding management of breast tissue for transmasculine and gender-nonconforming individuals. This study aims to investigate the experiences and practices regarding perioperative breast cancer risk management among the American Society of Plastic Surgeons members performing chest masculinization surgery. An anonymous, online, 19-question survey was sent to 2517 U.S.-based American Society of Plastic Surgeons members in October of 2019. A total of 69 responses were analyzed. High-volume surgeons were more likely from academic centers (OR, 4.88; 95 percent CI, 1.67 to 15.22; p = 0.005). Age older than 40 years [ n = 59 (85.5 percent)] and family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives [ n = 47 (68.1 percent)] or family with a diagnosis before age 40 [ n = 49 (71.0 percent)] were the most common indications for preoperative imaging. Nineteen of the respondents (27.5 percent) routinely excise all macroscopic breast tissue, with 21 (30.4 percent) routinely leaving breast tissue. Fifty-one respondents (73.9 percent) routinely send specimens for pathologic analysis. There was no significant correlation between surgical volume or type of practice and odds of sending specimens for pathologic analysis. High patient costs and patient reluctance [ n = 27 (39.1 percent) and n = 24 (35.3 percent), respectively] were the most often cited barriers for sending specimens for pathologic analysis. Six respondents (8.7 percent) have found malignant or premalignant lesions in masculinizing breast specimens. Large variation was found among surgeons' perioperative management of chest masculinizing surgery patients regarding preoperative cancer screening, pathologic assessment of resected tissue, and postoperative cancer surveillance. Standardization of care and further studies are needed to document risk, incidence, and prevalence of breast cancer in the transmasculine population before and after surgery.

Skin Toxicity of Selected Hair Cosmetic Ingredients: A Review Focusing on Hairdressers.

The safety assessment of cosmetics considers the exposure of a ‘common consumer’, not the occupational exposure of hairdressers. This review aims to compile and appraise evidence regarding the skin toxicity of cysteamine hydrochloride (cysteamine HCl; CAS no. 156-57-0), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; CAS no. 9003-39-8), PVP copolymers (CAS no. 28211-18-9), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES; CAS no. 9004-82-4), cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA; CAS no. 68603-42-9), and cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB; CAS no. 61789-40-0). A total of 298 articles were identified, of which 70 were included. Meta-analysis revealed that hairdressers have a 1.7-fold increased risk of developing a contact allergy to CAPB compared to controls who are not hairdressers. Hairdressers might have a higher risk of acquiring quantum sensitization against cysteamine HCl compared to a consumer because of their job responsibilities. Regarding cocamide DEA, the irritant potential of this surfactant should not be overlooked. Original articles for PVP, PVP copolymers, and SLES are lacking. This systematic review indicates that the current standards do not effectively address the occupational risks associated with hairdressers’ usage of hair cosmetics. The considerable irritant and/or allergenic potential of substances used in hair cosmetics should prompt a reassessment of current risk assessment practices.

"The Average Counsellor Wouldn't Know": Exploring How General Health Practitioners Understand and Respond to Domestic Violence.

Individuals experiencing and perpetrating intimate partner violence (IPV) are frequently in contact with general health and mental health services. Health service providers, including nurses, thus have a key role in identifying and responding to initial indicators of IPV risk. The present study provides descriptive information about current assessment and intervention practices of health and mental health service providers when patients are presenting with concerns about IPV. A secondary data analysis of interviews with general health practitioners (n = 17) were coded and dominant themes analyzed through thematic analysis. The present study uncovered ways in which IPV-related risks are, and are not, recognized and responded to. A metaphorical visual display in the form of a "domestic violence supply room" depicts the level of access and degree of competency described by practitioners in respective areas of practice. Within reach for all practitioners is the knowledge of factors that increase risk and vulnerability to IPV. Out of reach is a comprehensive understanding of the needs of children and perpetrators as well as the consistent ability to consider intersectionality and be reflexive when working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations. The step ladder to improved IPV response, including formal supports such as training and procedures, is frequently described as lacking. A consistent and empirically supported approach to IPV assessment and response is rare to find across generalist service provision. Although service providers possess basic knowledge of risk factors, organizational direction is needed to allow providers to address IPV confidently and effectively.

A Review of Language Testing and Assessment in Online Teaching

In line with the increased importance of language testing and assessment in online learning, the paper sets out to present an overview of the landscape of online language testing and assessment based on available scholarship in global and Vietnamese contexts. Several benefits of online language testing and assessment are reported, including promotion of learner autonomy, evaluation of students’ progress, and convenience. Methods of online language assessment encompass collecting evidences of learning and using rubrics. A number of problems with current language testing and assessment practices in an online environment are delineated, including cheating/plagiarism, preference for selected response items, lack of validity and reliability, and increased workload for teachers. Recommendations for relevant stakeholders including teachers and teacher education institutions to improve the quality of online language assessment are accordingly presented.

Assessment and Evaluation in Social Determinants of Health Education: a National Survey of US Medical Schools and Physician Assistant Programs

BackgroundSocial determinants of health (SDOH) curricular content in medical schools and physician assistant programs are increasing. However, there is little understanding of current practice in SDOH learner assessment and program evaluation, or what the best practices are.ObjectiveOur study aim was to describe the current landscape of assessment and evaluation at US medical schools and physician assistant programs as a first step in developing best practices in SDOH education.DesignWe conducted a national survey of SDOH educators from July to December 2020. The 55-item online survey covered learner assessment methods, program evaluation, faculty training, and barriers to effective assessment and evaluation. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ParticipantsOne hundred six SDOH educators representing 26% of medical schools and 23% of PA programs in the USA completed the survey.Key ResultsMost programs reported using a variety of SDOH learner assessment methods. Faculty and self were the most common assessors of learners’ SDOH knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Common barriers to effective learner assessment were lack of agreement on “SDOH competency” and lack of faculty training in assessment. Programs reported using evaluation results to refine curricular content, identify the need for new content, and improve assessment strategies.ConclusionsWe identified a heterogeneity of SDOH assessment and evaluation practices among programs, as well as gaps and barriers in their educational practices. Specific guidance from accrediting bodies and professional organizations and agreement on SDOH competency as well as providing faculty with time, resources, and training will improve assessment and evaluation practice and ensure SDOH education is effective for students, patients, and communities.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11606-022-07498-1.

Scoring Assessments in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

Epidermal necrolysis, the unifying term for Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), is a severe cutaneous drug reaction associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given the rarity of this disease, large-scale prospective research studies are limited. Significant institutional and geographical variations in treatment practices highlight the need for standardization of clinical assessment scores and prioritization of research outcome measures in epidermal necrolysis. At the present, clinical assessment is typically simplified to total body surface area (BSA) involvement, with little focus on morphology. Validated clinical scoring systems are used as mortality prognostication tools, with SCORTEN being the best-validated tool thus far, although the ABCD-10 has also been recently introduced. These tools are imperfect in that they tend to either overestimate or underestimate mortality in certain populations and are not designed to monitor disease progression. Although mortality is often used as a primary endpoint for epidermal necrolysis studies, this outcome fails to capture more nuanced changes in skin disease such as arrest of disease progression while also lacking a validated skin-directed inclusion criterion to stratify patients based on the severity of skin disease at study entry. In addition to mortality, many studies also use BSA stabilization or time to re-epithelialization as endpoints, although these are not clearly defined morphologically, and inter- and intra-rater reliability are unclear. More specific, validated cutaneous assessment scores are necessary in order advance therapeutic options for epidermal necrolysis. In this review, we summarize the strengths and weaknesses of current clinical assessment practices in epidermal necrolysis and highlight the need for standardized research tools to monitor cutaneous involvement throughout the hospitalization.

061 An audit of the practice of care in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in a UK tertiary referral center

Objectives: We aimed to review the current local practice of diagnosis, assessment, and management of patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) - a tertiary referral NHS hospital, UK and compare it with the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) 2015 guidelines.

Cyber LOPA: An Integrated Approach for the Design of Dependable and Secure Cyber-Physical Systems

Safety risk assessment is an essential process to ensure a dependable cyber-physical system (CPS) design. Traditional risk assessment considers only physical failures. For modern CPSs, failures caused by cyber attacks are on the rise. The focus of latest research effort is on safety–security lifecycle integration and the expansion of modeling formalisms for risk assessment to incorporate security failures. The interaction between safety and security lifecycles and its impact on the overall system design, as well as the reliability loss resulting from ignoring security failures, are some of the overlooked research questions. This article addresses these research questions by presenting a new safety design method named cyber layer of protection analysis (CLOPA) that extends the existing layer of protection analysis (LOPA) framework to include failures caused by cyber attacks. The proposed method provides a rigorous mathematical formulation that expresses quantitatively the tradeoff between designing a highly reliable and a highly secure CPS. We further propose a co-design lifecycle process that integrates the safety and security risk assessment processes. We evaluate the proposed CLOPA approach and the integrated lifecycle on a practical case study of a process reactor controlled by an industrial control testbed and provide a comparison between the proposed CLOPA and current LOPA risk assessment practice.

Towards patient engagement in violence risk assessment and management: a patient perspective

IntroductionIn current clinical practices, there exist very few methods that allow patients to be truly engaged in violence risk assessment and management. This may hinder an individual’s experience of basic psychological needs; autonomy, competence, and relatedness.ObjectivesTo describe patients’ ideas on how they would develop current violence risk assessment and management practices.MethodsThe data collection took place as part of a larger project in one PICU unit specialized in the treatment of patients with psychosis and violent behavior in Finland. Individual interviews were conducted with patients (n=13) and were guided to focus on the development of violence risk assessment and management. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.ResultsPatients’ ideas focused on themes related to developing patient engagement and violence risk management methods. Developing patient engagement involved noticing patient’s individuality and collaboration between a patient and staff: for instance, by shared risk assessment and individualized risk management. Developing violence risk management methods included themes about providing alternative risk management methods and developing nursing staff’s work. Suggestions were, for example, related to providing ways how to calm down, having meaningful activities during treatment days, and ensuring the realization of patient’s rights.ConclusionsPatients having treatment in the PICU unit have clear and concrete ideas on how violence risk assessment and management methods could be developed further. These findings indicate, that patients need to be given a more active role in their care and thus ensure that basic psychological needs are promoted. Funding by Academy of Finland (316206 ) and TYKS foundation.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Domestic Violence Risk Assessment Research to Real-World Practice: The Devil Is in the Implementation.

Assessing risk in domestic violence situations is foundational to ensuring safety. Although there is growing information about the reliability and validity of a variety of risk assessment tools across different practice contexts, there is a paucity of research on the feasibility and application of these tools in real world settings. The present qualitative study examined current practices in domestic violence risk assessment in Canada through a survey of professionals working across diverse sectors. Utilizing a thematic analysis of 255 open-text responses, this study presents several themes related to challenges identified at the systemic, organizational, and individual levels. Themes related to promising practices and the practical implication of risk assessment strategies are also explored.

An international survey mapping practice and barriers for upper-limb assessments in movement analysis

BackgroundUpper-limb movement analysis could improve our understanding of function, pathological mechanisms and inform rehabilitation and surgical decision-making. Despite the potential benefits, the use of clinical upper-limb motion analysis is not well established and it is not clear what the barriers to clinical motion analysis are. Research questionWhat is current practice for assessment of the upper-limb and what are the barriers currently limiting upper-limb motion analysis being routinely used in clinical practice? MethodsA web-based questionnaire was used to collect responses through international professional movement analysis society coordinators over an 18 month-period. ResultsA total of 55 responses were received and 75% of laboratories performed some form of upper-limb assessment. In total 44% of laboratories performed upper-limb assessments for clinical purposes and only 33% did 3D-movement analysis. The most commonly seen patient groups were those with neurological injury e.g. cerebral palsy (adults and children) and normal controls for comparative purposes. Barriers to upper-limb motion analysis were the availability of standard reference tasks, protocols, software, funding and clinical need. Practice was variable with no universally identified approaches to upper-limb movement analysis. Differences in practice were also identified between laboratories accredited by the Clinical Movement Analysis Society of the UK and Ireland and other international professional societies and affiliate laboratories. SignificanceThese findings may be used to inform the development of practice standards and progress the use of clinical motion analysis in the upper-limb. This study provides a summary and describes current practice, potentially providing access to peer support and experience for laboratories with an identified clinical need looking to conduct upper-limb assessment. A national picture (UK and Ireland) for practice regarding upper-limb assessment in this sub-population is presented. We have laid out further work which is needed to establish standards of practice or consensus initiatives for enhancing clinical upper-limb motion analysis.

Cognitive assessment and intervention in occupational therapy for Thai older adults with neurocognitive disorders

Background: Occupational therapists (OTs) have a significant role in maintaining clients' well-being. Understanding the current occupational therapy (OT) practice for the elderly with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) brings effective service. Objectives: This study aimed to explore current OT practice for cognitive assessment and intervention for the elderly with NCDs in Thailand. Materials and methods: This study explored OT practices via questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to one hundred and ninety-one OTs throughout Thailand. Results: One hundred and fifty-two occupational therapists (79.87%) responded to the survey. Most worked full-time (94.08%), and 74.34% worked at general hospitals. Participants were more likely to employ standardized cognitive tests (45.33%) than non-standardized assessments (38.00%). Typical standardized tests were screening tests rather than comprehensive tests. The most reported cognitive problem was basic cognition (77.63% to 98.08%). The main cognitive intervention focused on basic cognition (80.92% to 94.74%). Typical interventions were caregiver education (83.89%), physical activity (73.15%), and perceptual retaining (68.46%). Challenges to OT intervention were therapists had poor evaluation skills, unclear intervention guidelines, and an insufficient number of therapists. Conclusion: OTs should participate in further education and develop a guideline and appropriate comprehensive cognitive assessment tools.

K-12 Athletic Trainers’ Current Concussion Baseline Practice Patterns

Background:Concussion baseline assessments are often administered during the pre-season of sports. Current recommendations suggest that baseline assessments may be useful in aiding and interpreting post-injury evaluations but are not necessary. However, it has become common practice for athletic trainers (ATs) to administer and implement baseline assessments in athletes.Hypothesis/Purpose:The purpose was to determine K-12 ATs’ current concussion baseline assessment practice patterns.Methods:A Qualtrics survey was designed and implemented to 443 ATs (193 males, 244 females, 5 prefer not to answer, n=1 missing). Most respondents had earned a master’s degree (n=288, 65.0%), and were employed full-time (n=381,86.4%). Respondents were solicited over email to complete the survey which consisted of multipart, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions. Responses are reported as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square analysis was run to determine group (years of experience) and baseline practice patterns, p<0.05.Results:Seventy-five percent of respondents (n=330) reported administering baseline concussion assessments, with 37 (8.4%) reporting they do not administer baseline assessments but plan to in the future. The top five most reported assessment tools used were ImPACT (n=245, 55.3%), SCAT 5 (n=59, 13.3%), CNS Vital signs (n=25, 5.6%), BESS (n=25, 5.6%), and VOMS (n=22, 5.0%). The majority of respondents reported standard of care (n=226, 51%), provide better care (n=202, 45.6%%), school/organization policy (n=197,44.5%), to help diagnose concussion (n=139, 31.4%), concussion education (n=117, 26.4%), and liability (n=101, 22.8%), as the top reasons for using concussion baseline assessments. No differences were found between ATs with less than 10 years of experience, 11-20 years of experience, or 21+ years of experience in having formal training on administration of baseline assessments (p=.164), or having received formal training on interpretation of baseline assessments (p=.104). However, differences were noted by years of experience for reviewing baseline assessments for validity 2= 8.68, p=.013, and for those who restrict testing when individuals are sleep deprived 2=10.06 p=0.039. The majority reported receiving formal training to administer (n=209, 66.8%) and to interpret (n=178, 56.9%) neurocognitive baseline assessment. The majority of respondents report feeling extremely comfortable (n=214, 69%) and extremely competent (n=205, 65.9) in administering neurocognitive assessments, and moderately comfortable (n=117, 38.2%) and moderately competent (n=137, 45.1%) in test interpretation.Conclusion:The majority of ATs reported administering baseline concussion assessments and felt comfortable and competent in the administration and interpretation of assessments in adolescent athletes. Most ATs reported standard of care and providing better care as reasons for implementing assessments.

Is electric battery propulsion for ships truly the lifecycle energy solution for marine environmental protection as a whole?

This paper was inspired to answer the fundamental question on whether electric battery powered ships can ultimately be a promising solution for future maritime environmental protection. The overall process was designed to demystify the holistic environmental benefits and harms of 14 primary energy sources for electricity production in consideration of the national-specific cases of 33 countries. A series of comparative analyses between the diesel as the reference fuel and the battery-electric propulsions were conducted with 27 short-route ferries engaged in Scotland coastal areas. A key message obtained from the analysis results were that the impact of battery application was far from the zero-emission shipping in the lifecycle perspective. Moreover, the same vessels were found to yield completely different environmental performances, depending on how those countries produce electricity. In some Asian countries heavily relying on fossil-based power generation, the environmental impact of battery operation was estimated far greater than that of diesel operation in the UK. Case studies were, then, scaled-up to about 5500 marine vessels presently engaged in international voyages. In general, consistent results were found. Research findings distinctively demonstrated the misguidance of current maritime policies for encouraging battery-powered ships and identified that these shortcomings would stem from the limitations of current practices of maritime environmental assessment. Lastly, it strongly suggested to the marine industry and stakeholders that the environmental protection from shipping activities would be not only a matter of ships but also a matter of how the national power grid develops.

Cultural responsiveness in applied behavior analysis: Research and practice.

The new Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts requires that certificants engage in training related to culturally responsive service delivery (BACB, 2020). There is limited work in the area of culturally responsive evidence-based practice within our field. Therefore, it is incumbent on researchers and practitioners to identify best practices for working with diverse populations. Hence, the purpose of this paper is three-fold: a) to review research within and outside the field of ABA related to culturally responsive assessment and treatment and provide practice recommendations, b) to examine the extent to which current practices in behavior assessment and treatment align with aspects of culturally responsive practices, and c) to inspire research in the areas of behavior assessment and treatment to identify best practices with regard to culturally responsive behavior analytic practices. The content of this paper is grounded in the framework described by Beaulieu and Jimenez-Gomez(2022).