Environmental Scan Research Articles

EARLY OUTCOMES OF A NATIONAL CONSORTIUM TO ADVANCE FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN NURSING EDUCATION

Abstract Family caregivers (FCGs) hold primary responsibility in caring for people with chronic illness often with little training and insufficient resources Standardized guidance for supporting FCGs currently does not exist. Given this fact, it is an urgent call to healthcare professionals, particularly nurses as the key members of the healthcare team, to promote education for FCGs. In April 2022, experts in the field of family caregiving from UC Davis and University of Utah schools of nursing, convened educators and champions of FCGs from across the country and formed the Family Caregiving Nursing Education Consortium to advance the inclusion of FCGs in nursing education in order to address the lack of standardized nursing competencies for family caregiving. The consortium consists of members from nine diverse universities representing member expertise in pediatrics, geriatrics, palliative care, disabilities, mental health, and underserved communities in order to address a broader range of health issues through the lifespan. Preliminary data were reviewed and identified as a framework, including Family Caregiver Competencies for Interprofessional Education (4 domains) developed by the school of nursing at UC Davis and the AACN Essentials (10 competency categories). Members mapped the family caregiving competencies to the AACN Essentials (2021) during monthly meetings. Though current work presented an early-stage outcome, it marched through crucial steps, including institutional environmental scans, needs assessments, and toolkit development, as building blocks that not only advanced the inclusion of family caregiving education in nursing curricula but also provided foundation to guide the next stage of work.

QUALITY METRICS IN ALFS: FRAMEWORK, MEASURES, AND IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract Concerns have surfaced regarding the quality of assisted living (AL) with calls for quality metrics reporting as essential for consumer choice and organizational accountability. This study presents a framework for quality metrics in ALs using a) results from literature review and environmental scan of existing domains and indicators used to assess quality in AL and 2) a survey of results from MN stakeholders (n=822) on their priorities regarding these quality measures. Our findings showed that consumer-reported measures (resident quality of life and family satisfaction) were rated as top priority, followed by staff-based measures (e.g., job satisfaction, turnover). Other domains included residents’ safety, resident health outcomes, care services and integration, and the environment of the ALs. These results have implications for states looking to develop and implement quality measures in ALs, especially in the context of rising AL resident acuity and the continued trend away from institutional models of long-term care.

Age-specific information resources to address the needs of young people with stroke: a scoping review protocol

Background and aimsYoung people with stroke (YPwS) persistently experience challenges with disability, social reintegration, employment, and financial stability to provide for themselves and their families. The aims of this scoping review are to (1) identify and collate information resources for YPwS and evidence-based self-managements programs and (2) identify gaps in age-specific resources available for YPwS after traditional rehabilitation services have ended and/or who are returning to live in the community.MethodsWe will include both qualitative and quantitative studies, including all study designs. Participants will be community-dwelling adults aged between 18 and 65 years with a clinical diagnosis of stroke. We will include information resources and evidence-based self-managements programs for YPwS. Search terms will include stroke, young people, and community dwelling. We will search electronic databases such as MEDLINE. The reference lists of included studies, systematic reviews, and stroke guidelines and stroke-specific websites will also be searched. We will also contact Stroke Support Organizations and international/national allied health professional organisations to gather information resources about YPwS. We will also conduct a comprehensive environmental scan of additional resources using the search engine Google.The titles, abstracts, full-text articles, and contents of the resources identified by the search will be assessed against the inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify potentially relevant resources.Results and conclusionsExisting resources and self-management programs will be collated and categorized according to the type of needs addressed such as physical, emotions, activities of daily living, information, relationships, and social needs as well as the key gaps identified.

Pediatric acquired brain injury resources for educators: a multi-year scan of Canadian-relevant internet resources

ABSTRACT Background Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is the leading cause of death and disability in children, yet educators report a lack of knowledge about ABI and supporting students with ABI. With no formal learning about ABI, education professionals may turn to the internet for information. Objectives To find online resources about supporting students with ABI, in any format, available freely and publicly, aimed toward elementary educators and that could be applied in a Canadian context. Methods We performed an environmental scan using keyword Google searches, key websites, and expert recommendations. The search was performed twice: 2018 and 2021. Results 96 resources were included after screening. The resources were published by organizations in the United States (n = 57), Canada (n = 19), United Kingdom (n = 16), Australia (n = 3) and New Zealand (n = 1). Traumatic brain injury and concussion were the most commonly addressed type of ABI, and Short Fact/Information sheets were the most common resource format. Between 2018 and 2021, 13 previously included resource links were no longer accessible. Conclusions This scan suggests that there are many online resources available to educators in a variety of formats, and that information online can be transient. Future studies should evaluate the accuracy and quality of the resources available.

LiDAR sensors in smartphones can enrich herbarium specimens with 3D models of habitat at high precision and little cost

AbstractThe amount of habitat information collected with herbarium specimens traditionally depends on the commitment of individual collectors to generate free‐text descriptions. The resulting incomplete and unstandardized information limits the use of specimens for many ecological and biogeographic applications and may even limit their use in taxonomy. LiDAR (light detection and ranging) is an emerging technique for generating 3D environmental laser scans and is included in the latest generation of certain commercial smartphones and tablets. Here we argue, that widespread handheld LiDAR devices have an enormous potential for herbarium specimens by facilitating the collection of detailed 3D models of specimen habitat with little additional cost in the field. Furthermore, we report our experiences with using LiDAR during herbarium specimen collection and present a perspective on how LiDAR data may technically be linked with physical herbarium specimens.

Do online decision aids reflect new prenatal screening and testing options? An environmental scan and content analysis.

Decision aids have been developed to help prospective parents make informed, shared decisions about medical tests, but these options are rapidly changing. This study aimed to identify and evaluate publicly available decision aids written in English for prospective parents seeking prenatal test information. A systematic review process was followed using 3 sources: known decision aid repositories, fetal medicine organisations and Google. The search, screening process, quality assessment, and data extraction was performed by two independent researchers. The quality assessment of the decision aids was based on the International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS v.4.0). We identified 13 decision aids, which varied in the screening and diagnostic tests that they discussed. No decision aid met all the IPDAS v.4.0. criteria and no decision aid reported updated risk of miscarriage for amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). There was a lack of decision aids for some common decisions in the prenatal context. We identified outdated content in current prenatal decision aids. The findings will inform healthcare professionals of the quality of current prenatal decision aids, which may facilitate their patients' informed decision-making about prenatal tests. Considerations for improving future decision aids are outlined.

An Environmental Scan of Healthcare Pathways Programs in Delaware.

An Environmental Scan of Healthcare Pathways Programs in Delaware.

A National Environmental Scan of Public Withdrawal Management Services in Canada

ABSTRACT Objectives: Withdrawal management services (WMS) are often a vital step in the continuum of support for substance use disorders. We conducted an environmental scan to provide an overview of current organizational practices and characteristics of WMS in Canadian substance use treatment systems to better inform evidence-based guidelines and other quality improvements. Methods: We developed an organizational-level national survey of public and private substance use treatment services providing either WMS on a residential or nonresidential basis. An online survey covering background information about WMS offerings and client demographics was then disseminated to program representatives. Data were analysed for key themes relevant to the project objective. Results: Eighty-five (59.4%) publicly funded programs completed the survey, with the best response rate emanating from the Atlantic Region (84.2%, n=16). Nearly every province and territory had a specialized WMS open to a diverse profile of clients accessing treatment for various substances, providing a mix of residential and nonresidential WMS, along with a range of clinical, psychosocial, and health professional supports extending beyond immediate substance detoxication. The scan also identified a significant lack of youth-specific beds in available WMS services. Conclusion: Findings suggest a strong national capacity for WMS, and available matching criteria to support client placement in a stepped-care approach. System planners are encouraged to continue exploring the value of offering appropriate combinations of WMS options to build a more robust and accessible system of care to support the specific needs of the communities they serve. Objectifs: Les services de gestion du sevrage (SGS) constituent souvent une étape essentielle dans le continuum de soutien des troubles liés à la consommation de substances. Nous avons effectué une analyse de l’environnement pour donner un aperçu des pratiques organisationnelles et des caractéristiques actuelles des SGS dans les systèmes canadiens de traitement de la toxicomanie afin de mieux informer sur les lignes directrices fondées sur des données probantes et d’autres améliorations de la qualité. Méthodes: Nous avons élaboré une enquête nationale au niveau organisationnel sur les services publics et privés de traitement de la toxicomanie qui offrent des SGS en établissement ou hors établissement. Nous avons ensuite diffusé aux représentants des programmes un questionnaire en ligne contenant des informations générales sur les services offerts par les SGS et les caractéristiques démographiques des clients. Les données ont été analysées à la recherche de thèmes clés correspondant à l’objectif du projet. Résultats: 85 (59,4%) programmes financés par l'État ont répondu au sondage, le meilleur taux de réponse émanant de la région de l’Atlantique (84,2%, n=16). Presque toutes les provinces et tous les territoires disposaient d’un programme spécialisé de SGS ouvert à un profil diversifié de clients accédant à un traitement pour diverses substances, où on offrait un mélange de SGS résidentiels et non résidentiels, ainsi qu’une gamme de soutiens cliniques, psychosociaux et professionnels de la santé allant au-delà de la désintoxication immédiate. L’analyse a également révélé un manque important de lits réservés aux jeunes dans les services de SGS disponibles. Conclusion: Les résultats suggèrent une forte capacité nationale en matière de SGS, et des critères de correspondance disponibles pour soutenir le placement des clients dans une approche de soins par étapes. Les planificateurs du système sont encouragés à continuer d’explorer l’intérêt d’offrir des combinaisons appropriées d’options de SGS afin de construire un système de soins plus solide et plus accessible pour répondre aux besoins spécifiques des communautés qu’ils servent.

Evaluation of Point-of-Care Testing in Pharmacy to Inform Policy Writing by the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists.

Pharmacy practice continues to advance, allowing professionals to contribute further to patient care and the healthcare system. Pharmacists are authorized to perform point-of-care testing (POCT) in seven out of ten Canadian provinces. In considering the potential for enhanced clinical decision-making with the opportunity to gain patient data at the site of care, the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists (NBCP) proceeded to draft regulatory amendments and a policy to enable POCT scope in New Brunswick. Policy writing is a core function of Provincial Regulatory Authorities in Canada as the process determines principles that direct pharmacy practice. Each province has a differing scope of practice and method for developing documents. This paper highlights the approach, analysis, and findings of the NBCP pursuant to drafting a POCT policy. The policy development process included a literature search and environmental scan of the ten Canadian provincial regulatory authorities along with other countries. The findings highlighted in this paper describe the use of POCT, quality assurance, regulatory framework, educational opportunities, and the role of pharmacy technicians in relation to POCT in a pharmacy setting. The approach NBCP took to engage professionals and decisions on the direction of the policy are described. As point-of-care services continue to expand in pharmacies, the insights by the NBCP can be utilized by other regulatory bodies or pharmacy professionals who are implementing or enhancing POCT policies or procedures within their organizations.

Environmental scan of mobile apps for promoting sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in low- and middle-income countries.

Adolescence is a period of emotional, mental, and physical change. To increase health seeking behaviors, reduce risky sexual behavior, and improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, adolescents require support and access to SRH services. Providing evidence-informed SRH knowledge to adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can be a challenge as they face unique barriers such as lack of confidentiality, fear of refusal, and stigma from cultural norms. Increasing availability of mobile apps necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of the quality and classification of these SRH mobile applications so that accurate and evidence-based information is reaching its users. Failure to provide SRH services can have damaging effects throughout their development. Provide an overview of current adolescent SRH (ASRH) mobile applications targeting adolescents in LMICs by evaluating their quality and classifying their characteristics. 21 search terms related to ASRH mobile apps was developed. These terms were searched in the Apple IOS store and Google Play stores. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to screen these apps. Resulting apps were assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) tool. Data extracted was used to rank order each app and identify any gaps in quality. Search strategy yielded 2,165 mobile apps. Of these, only 8 were assessed using the MARS tool. Functionality subdomain scored highest at 4.6, while Information scored lowest at 2.5. None of the assessed apps contained information on the MARS items: Evidence base and Goals. Too Shy to Ask had the highest individual app mean score of 4.1, while e-SRHR scored lowest at 2.3. The goal of this study is to classify and rate the quality of mobile apps designed to promote ASRH behaviors and knowledge in LMICs. Numerous apps were reviewed and all of them failed to provide evidence-based and goal oriented SRH information. Strengths include ease of use, navigation, and gestural designs. Weaknesses include evidence base, goals, willingness to pay, customization, and interactivity. These findings can be potentially used to guide future app development and educate decision makers responsible for policy changes.

An Evaluation of the University of Pennsylvania DSW Program

ABSTRACT Currently, Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) programs are proliferating, but with limited empirical data to direct planning efforts. To fill this gap in knowledge, this article reports on the findings of an evaluation undertaken on the first DSW of its kind. This evaluation had three components: (1) an environmental scan of DSW programs; (2) a survey of current students and alumni; and (3) a review of all completed dissertations. Relevant results are presented, along with implications for changes to the DSW program based on this quality-improvement effort.

A Course or a Pathway? Addressing French as a Second Language Teacher Recruitment and Retention in Canadian BEd Programs

Institutions strive to offer programs that address both the needs of the educational system and incorporate current pedagogical research. Creating a program that is relevant, inspiring, and accessible to aspiring French as a Second Language (FSL) teachers, while also equipping them with the skills and knowledge deemed necessary by the education system, is a delicate balancing act. This study reviewed 44 FSL teacher education programs that lead to professional certification across Canada. Environmental scans drew information from the program websites related to admission requirements, program structure and content, practicum, and graduation criteria. Follow-up interviews with program stakeholders were conducted to verify or clarify the data. The results highlight the inconsistencies that exist among programs for developing FSL educators. We position the ways in which Canadian faculties of education might provide a more holistic “pathway” approach to recruiting, preparing, and retaining emerging FSL teachers.

Championing Dementia Education: Adapting an Effective Scottish Dementia Education Program for Canadian Acute Health Care Providers.

With increasing numbers of persons living with dementia and their higher rates of hospitalizations, it is necessary to ensure they receive appropriate and effective acute care; yet, acute care environments are often harmful for persons with dementia. There is a lack of dementia education for acute health care providers in Canada. Scotland presently delivers a dementia education program for health care providers, known as the Scottish National Dementia Champions Programme. The objective of this Policy and Practice Note is to present the collaborative work of Scottish experts and Canadian stakeholders to adapt the Dementia Champions Programme for use in Canada. This work to date includes: (a) an environmental scan of Canadian dementia education for acute health care providers; (b) key informant interviews; and, (c) findings from a two-day planning meeting. The results of this collaborative work can and are being used to inform the next steps to develop and pilot a Canadian dementia education program.

Peer Support Programs for Youth Mental Health


 We conducted a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to inform decisions related to the adoption, implementation, and evaluation of peer support programs for youth mental health. This HTA consisted of consultations with youth advisors (peer support users and workers), a systematic review of the available evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of peer support interventions for youth with mental health concerns (compared with interventions without peer support), and an Environmental Scan of peer support program evaluations.
 Youth recognize the value of peer support in their mental health recovery and wellness, and they view peer support as an accessible, convenient, and safe mental health resource. They also highlight the importance of representation and involvement of youth with diverse backgrounds and experiences across the design and evaluation of peer support programs to ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion.
 In the Clinical Review, we found that formal peer support programs (i.e., trained peer support workers based at structured community- or health clinic–based organizations provide support to peer support users) might help a young person feel more comfortable to share information about their mental health issue and ask for help. The authors of 2 randomized controlled trials we identified found that compared to no peer support, peer support may improve youth’s attitudes toward disclosure of mental illness, distress related to that disclosure, and help-seeking behaviour. However, overall, only a small amount of low-quality evidence (due to risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision) is available. Therefore, it is very uncertain whether peer support programs are more effective at supporting an individual in their recovery compared to programs without a peer support component. In addition, the safety of peer support programs is currently unknown (no research evidence was found).
 Our Environmental Scan did not identify formal guidelines or best practices for evaluating peer support programs; however, we found some common evaluation approaches among programs. These approaches include focusing on recovery-oriented outcomes, involving youth throughout the evaluation (to ensure relevance), and tailoring the evaluation to reflect the local program context.
 When considering implementation of peer support programs for youth mental health, decision-makers may wish to allocate resources for ongoing program evaluation. Strengthened program evaluations can improve the understanding of the benefits and maximize the effectiveness of peer support programs. In addition, practice-based evidence from the evaluation of peer support programs can be used to further support the design and implementation of appropriate, equitable, and culturally competent programs.

Existing eHealth Solutions for Older Adults Living With Neurocognitive Disorders (Mild and Major) or Dementia and Their Informal Caregivers: Protocol for an Environmental Scan.

Dementia is one of the main public health priorities for current and future societies worldwide. Over the past years, eHealth solutions have added numerous promising solutions to enhance the health and wellness of people living with dementia-related cognitive problems and their primary caregivers. Previous studies have shown that an environmental scan identifies the knowledge-to-action gap meaningfully. This paper presents the protocol of an environmental scan to monitor the currently available eHealth solutions targeting dementia and other neurocognitive disorders against selected attributes. This study aims to identify the characteristics of currently available eHealth solutions recommended for older adults with cognitive problems and their informal caregivers. To inform the recommendations regarding eHealth solutions for these people, it is important to obtain a comprehensive view of currently available technologies and document their outcomes and conditions of success. We will perform an environmental scan of available eHealth solutions for older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia and their informal caregivers. Potential solutions will be initially identified from a previous systematic review. We will also conduct targeted searches for gray literature on Google and specialized websites covering the regions of Canada and Europe. Technological tools will be scanned based on a preformatted extraction grid. The relevance and efficiency based on the selected attributes will be assessed. We will prioritize relevant solutions based on the needs and preferences identified from a qualitative study among older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia and their informal caregivers. This environmental scan will identify eHealth solutions that are currently available and scientifically appraised for older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia and their informal caregivers. This knowledge will inform the development of a decision support tool to assist older adults and their informal caregivers in their search for adequate eHealth solutions according to their needs and preferences based on trustable information. DERR1-10.2196/41015.

Environmental Scans: Translating Them into Ongoing Work in Integrated Care Systems

The International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC) is an online, open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original articles in the field of integrated care on a continuous basis.IJIC has an Impact Factor of 2.913 (2021 JCR, received in June 2022)The IJIC 20th Anniversary Issue was published in 2021.

An Environmental Scan of Respite Care Services Available in Québec, Canada: Preliminary Results

The International Journal of Integrated Care (IJIC) is an online, open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original articles in the field of integrated care on a continuous basis.IJIC has an Impact Factor of 2.913 (2021 JCR, received in June 2022)The IJIC 20th Anniversary Issue was published in 2021.

Defining the Assisted Living Sector in Canada: An Environmental Scan.

In this study, we (1) identify the terms used to describe the assisted living sector and the legislation governing operation in all Canadian provinces and territories; (2) identify the cost estimates associated with residency in these homes; and (3) quantify the growth of the sector. Environmental scan. Internet searches of Canadian provincial and territorial government websites and professional associations were conducted in 2021 to retrieve publicly accessible sources related to the assisted living sector. We synthesized data that identified the terms used to describe the sector in all provinces and territories, the legislation governing operation, financing, median fees per month for care, and growth of the sector from 2012 to 2020. Counts and proportions were calculated for some extracted variables. All data were narratively synthesized. The terms used to describe the assisted living sector varied across Canada. The terms "assisted living," "retirement homes," and "supportive living" were prevalent. Ontario was the only province to regulate the sector through an independent, not-for-profit organization. Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta had some of the highest median fees for room, board, and care per month (range: $1873 to $6726). The licensed assisted living sector in Ontario doubled in size (768 in 2020 vs 383 in 2012), and there was a threefold increase in the number of corporate-owned chain assisted living facilities (465 in 2020 vs 142 in 2012). The rapid growth of the assisted living sector that is primarily financed through out-of-pocket payments may indicate a rise in a two-tier system of housing and health care for older adults. Policymakers need better mechanisms, such as standardized reporting systems and assessments, to understand the needs of older adults who reside in assisted living facilities and inform the need for sector regulation and oversight.

Resiliency of a US Pacific Island Territory with a Type 1 EMT

Background/Introduction:The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a chain of 14 Pacific islands with a population of around 50,000 and a United States territory, experienced two major typhoons exceeding 150 mph/240 kmph in three years. The resiliency of the people of the CNMI is evident, and has been supplemented through support from international Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs). As a US territory, support is available from the United States federal government and international partners, but an island territory far from the US mainland, the CNMI requires strong local emergency response capacity.Objectives:To describe:How the CNMI health system conducted an environmental scan to identify and address gaps in out-patient support in disasters;How the health system improved and expanded its capacity to respond to emergencies with a significant impact on the community’s health; andHow leveraging the integration of clinical and public health capacities contributed to the development of a multidisciplinary local Type 1 EMT in the CNMI.Method/Description:The CNMI brought together key local agencies involved in emergency response. Because of multiple recent disaster response efforts, agencies had deep knowledge and experience, and gaps were easily identified.Results/Outcomes:The territory’s experience with international EMTs guided the creation of a local EMT in the CNMI, engaging local agencies, physicians, nurses, and public health and preparedness staff from the territory’s health system to establish an EMT for local and potentially for regional response.Conclusion:Building local capacity using multi-sectoral agencies and multi-disciplinary individuals improves health system resiliency in health emergency response.

“Accreditation VS COVID”: The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board’s transition to virtual accreditation visits in 2020/2021

“Accreditation VS COVID.” This was the subject line of an email that a representative from a CEAB-accredited program sent to the CEAB Secretariat in Spring 2020. The COVID-19 global pandemic created multiple shifts in how engineering programs operated, which necessitated a reimagining of how CEAB accreditation (operating in the same novel environment) could survive and thrive. This work provides an overview of the CEAB’s efforts between March 2020 and June 2021 as theory, plans and implementation activities came together to transition the CEAB accreditation system to a completely virtual modality for the 2021/2022 visit cycle; it speaks briefly to identified best practices and lessons learned. Administrators and faculty of baccalaureate engineering programs will find this work to be of interest for the insight it provides into the CEAB’s processes. Moreover, accreditors of other disciplines and members of the general higher education community may find value in the work as part of a larger discussion of best practices for virtual quality assurance evaluations. This work presents the results of an environmental scan and literature review that was undertaken in 2020 (and updated in 2021) and includes reflections on the transition process from members of the CEAB Task Force on Virtual Visits and the CEAB Secretariat. The work this reflection piece will present has enabled the CEAB to offer ongoing accreditation reviews for Canadian baccalaureate engineering programs regardless of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.