Knowledge Of Practitioners Research Articles

Perception and knowledge of general practitioners on COPD management according to the GOLD23 document and reimbursement criteria for drugs prescription: an e-Delphi study

Background COPD management and therapy have been periodically revised to support a more patient-specific approach. Several concerns remain in primary care, such as the proper choice of initial treatment, medication adherence, and missing values for spirometry investigations. These concerns may be exacerbated by inconsistencies between the GOLD23 report and reimbursement criteria, as per the Italian NOTA99, especially for what concerns the assessment of disease severity and related treatment choice. We therefore examined the perception and knowledge of general practitioners (GPs) on COPD management and treatment. Methods We conducted an exploratory e-Delphi study among 600 GPs. The study examined the COPD-related GP's access to spirometry evaluations in primary care clinics; knowledge on early recognition of COPD and related clinical concerns; perception of the clinical application of the NOTA99; the place in therapy of the triple LABA/LAMA/ICS combination. Results Among 466 participating GPs (response rate: 70.3%; mean age 52, SD: 14.2; mean years of experience: 21.3, SD: 15) had a good level of knowledge about the GOLD 2023 document and the reimbursement criteria for COPD medications. Nevertheless, a low (34%) direct access to spirometry was reported, along with absence of consensus on the proper choice of initial treatment (especially of use of LABA/LAMA combination), and the re-evaluation of free-triple therapy LABA/LAMA/ICS through specialist’s referral. Conclusions This study captured the domains on which further training for GPs might be implemented to improve the management and treatment of COPD. An extension of this e-Delphi to a larger GPs’ panel might further confirm these findings.

Exploring medical and dental practitioner perspectives and developing a knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) evaluation tool for the common risk factor approach in managing non-communicable and periodontal diseases

BackgroundThe Common Risk Factor Approach (CRFA) is one of the methods to achieve medical-dental integration. CRFA addresses shared risk factors among major Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to explore the perspectives of dental and medical practitioners concerning CRFA for managing NCDs and periodontal diseases and to create and validate a tool to evaluate the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of medical and dental practitioners in relation to utilization of CRFA for management of NCDs and Periodontal diseases.MethodsThis research employed a concurrent mixed-method model and was carried out from January 2021 to February 2022, focusing on medical and dental practitioners in South India. In the qualitative phase, online interviews were conducted with dental and medical practitioners, recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis was applied after achieving data saturation. In the quantitative phase, a KAP questionnaire was developed. The sample size was determined by using the G power statistical power analysis program. A sample size of 220 in each group (dentists and medical practitioners) was estimated. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit the potential participants. The data obtained through the online dissemination of KAP tool was analysed and scores were standardized to categorize the KAP.ResultsQualitative thematic analysis identified four major themes: understanding of common risk factors, risk factor reduction and disease burden, integrating CRFA into clinical practice, and barriers to CRFA. In addition, thematic analysis revealed seventeen subthemes. For the quantitative phase, standardization was applied to a 14-item KAP questionnaire for medical practitioners and a 19-item KAP questionnaire for dental practitioners. The total KAP score for medical practitioners in the study was 21.84 ± 2.87, while dental practitioners scored 22.82 ± 3.21, which indicated a high level of KAP regarding CRFA. Meta integration of qualitative and quantitative data identified eight overarching themes: four were concordant, three were discordant, and one theme provided the explanatory component.ConclusionThe study’s structured, validated questionnaire showed that both medical and dental professionals had a high knowledge of CRFA. However, they were not appreciably aware of the risk factors that are shared between NCDs and periodontal disease. Both groups were interested in the idea of using CRFA in integrated medical and dental care.

The Right ICD Code, Right Now: A Call to Action for Pragmatic Language Disorders After Right Hemisphere Stroke.

Diagnosis of language impairments after stroke is important to optimizing stroke outcomes. After right hemisphere brain damage (RHD), apragmatism can impact the comprehension and production of pragmatic language. However, despite decades of empirical evidence, there is no International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code for RHD pragmatic language impairments. The absence of an ICD code has far reaching ramifications that impact patient outcomes, including reduced clinical and public awareness, limited curricular content, and underdiagnosis. This viewpoint justifies the need to appropriately classify the pragmatic language symptomology after RHD with an ICD code. An ICD code can positively influence health care practitioner knowledge, education, and practice while informing public health considerations vital to epidemiological analyses.

Parents' and healthcare providers' perceptions, experiences, knowledge of, and attitudes toward kangaroo care of preterm babies in hospital settings: Mixed-methods systematic review.

Kangaroo care is an effective intervention to increase survival and improve the health and development of preterm infants. Despite this, implementation of kangaroo care globally remains low. The objectives of this review were to: (a) synthesize evidence on parents' and healthcare practitioners' perceptions, experiences, knowledge of, and attitudes toward kangaroo care of preterm babies in hospital settings; and (b) establish parents' satisfaction with kangaroo care. Studies of any design were included if they focused on parents' or healthcare practitioners' perceptions, experiences, knowledge of, and attitudes to kangaroo care of preterm babies, or reported parents' satisfaction, and were conducted in hospital settings. The search of seven electronic databases, African Journals Online, World Health Organization regional databases, and a gray literature search was conducted in April/May 2020, and updated in January 2024. Study selection was undertaken by two independent reviewers. Quality assessment using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool and data extraction were completed by one reviewer with a 10% check by a second reviewer. Data were synthesized narratively using a parallel results convergent integrated design. Thirty-seven studies, 19 quantitative, 16 qualitative, and 2 mixed methods, were included. The findings suggested that while healthcare practitioners generally demonstrated knowledge about kangaroo care, there was a notable minority with insufficient understanding among those who received training. Parents' knowledge, particularly among fathers, was limited. Both healthcare practitioners and parents appeared to have positive attitudes to kangaroo care. Little is known about parental satisfaction with kangaroo care. Most healthcare practitioners were knowledgeable about kangaroo care, but parents had limited knowledge. This review findings suggest a need to enhance parental knowledge of kangaroo care before neonatal unit admission, and training is needed for HCPs to implement kangaroo care consistently.

Enhancing Occupational Therapists' Intervention Capabilities With Adolescents With Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Background. Adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have an increased risk of participation limitations. Occupational therapy faces knowledge-to-practice gaps among this population. Purpose. To examine the effectiveness of a continuing-education program for occupational therapists working with adolescents with NDDs. Methods. The study used a mixed-method design, including pre-post comparisons of competence and sense of self-efficacy of occupational therapists to work with adolescents with NDDs. Interviews regarding the program's perceived contribution to practice were conducted. Results. Post-program results showed significantly (p < .001) higher professional competence and self-efficacy for interventions and evaluation skills with NDD's adolescents and transition programs as well as higher knowledge about adolescence and NDDs characteristics. Contrary, there was no change in competence and self-efficacy regarding client-centred interventions with adolescents. Program participants increased their professional confidence and incorporated evidence-based methods into routine practice. Conclusions and Implications. The continuing-education program that was examined expanded the occupational therapy practitioner's knowledge and professional skills, resulting in a change in their capacity to practice with adolescents narrowing the knowledge-to-practice gap. Future studies involving the client perspective, regarding their participation may validate and support continuing-education program for occupational therapists.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary healthcare practitioners in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review on genetics

Individualised treatment, including genetic services, calls for an increased role of primary healthcare practitioners (pHCPs) in diagnosing and caring for individuals with genetic conditions. PHCPs' genetics knowledge and practices must be current to ensure adequate care. A scoping review was conducted to explore peer-reviewed articles on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of pHCPs concerning genetics, genetic testing, and genetic services. English-language human genetics/genomics articles published between January 1990 and April 2022 in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) were included. Twenty-eight articles from 16 LMICs in five World Health Organisation (WHO)-defined regions met the inclusion criteria and showed a steady increase in publications, with varied contributions by region. The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) contributed the most articles (n = 8), while the Western Pacific Region (WPR) had the least (n = 2). Brazil published the most articles (n = 6), while ten countries contributed one article each. Fifteen articles included knowledge, 19 included attitudes towards genetics, and eight included genetic practices. The findings indicate that pHCPs in LMICs lack knowledge of genetics and its applications despite their positive outlook towards genetic services. Barriers such as limited resources, financial constraints, and cultural or religious beliefs hinder access to genetic services. Enhancing pHCPs' genetics education is vital for improving care for those affected by genetic conditions. The scarcity of literature in LMICs emphasises the need for research on educational interventions to improve patient outcomes and family support.

Shared decision making in rural general practices: a qualitative exploration of older rural South Australians’ perceived involvement in clinical consultations with doctors

BackgroundShared decision-making (SDM) implementation is a priority for Australian health systems, including general practices but it remains complex for specific groups like older rural Australians. We initiated a qualitative study with older rural Australians to explore barriers to and facilitators of SDM in local general practices. MethodsWe conducted a patient-oriented research, partnering with older rural Australians, families, and health service providers in research design. Participants who visited general practices were purposively sampled from five small rural towns in South Australia. A semi-structured interview guide was used for interviews and reflexive thematic coding was conducted. ResultsTelephone interviews were held with 27 participants. Four themes were identified around older rural adults’ involvement in SDM: (1) Understanding of “patient involvement”; (2) Positive and negative outcomes; (3) Barriers to SDM; and (4) Facilitators to SDM. Understanding of patient involvement in SDM considerably varied among participants, with some reporting their involvement was contingent on the “opportunity to ask questions” and the “treatment choices” offered to them. Alongside the opportunity for involvement, barriers such as avoidance of cultural care and a lack of continuity of care are new findings. Challenges encountered in SDM implementation also included resource constraints and time limitations in general practices. Rural knowledge of general practitioners and technology integration in consultations were viewed as potential enablers. ConclusionAdequate resources and well-defined guidelines about the process should accompany the implementation of SDM in rural general practices of South Australia. Innovative strategies by general practitioners promoting health literacy and culturally-tailored communication approaches could increase older rural Australians’ involvement in general.

Hand Loom Weaving: The Threading of Kairos and Phronesis

This article draws on a 2017 paper in TEXTILE which reports on a project on live coding and ancient weaving, entitled Weaving Codes/Coding Weaves (WC/CW). The 2017 paper introduces the concept of Kairos, which has widespread cultural and social applications. Kairos as articulated in WC/CW can illuminate practitioner knowledge and understanding in any creative practice. The article first discusses the research project and draws implications for other practices. The next section moves into the relevance of WC/CW to education, in its fundamental cultural role, and to teaching in particular. This leads to a discussion of the nature of practice. The last section draws out themes and implications, particularly on how Kairos might yield insights into the discussion of practice-based knowledge and understanding made by such thinkers as Dewey, Schön and Eraut. Kairos is a concept which together with Phronesis is particularly pertinent in the analysis of the epistemology of practice.

Prevention of Meningococcal Disease: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of General Practitioners and Primary Care Pediatricians in South Italy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and current practices about prevention of meningococcal disease among general practitioners (GPs) and primary care pediatricians (PCPs) in Italy. A cross-sectional survey was carried out between February 2022 and July 2023 among a random sample of GPs and PCPs in Southern Italy. The data were collected using a questionnaire accessible via an internet link with the free software Google Forms®. Regarding the participants' knowledge toward meningococcal vaccinations, 84.2% of the PCPs and more than half of the GPs (55.2%) knew that the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination is recommended for infants from the second month of life and 84.2% and 82.7% of the PCPs were aware that quadrivalent meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine is recommended for children in the second year of life and adolescents, respectively. The GPs and PCPs considered vaccination against meningococcal disease to be very effective and safe with average values of 8.8 and 8.7, respectively, on a scale ranging from 1 to 10. Those with an older age, those who knew the medical conditions that expose patients to a higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease, and those who self-rated their knowledge on meningococcal disease as excellent/very good were more likely to consider the vaccination to be very effective and safe. Only 15.5% of the GPs and more than half of the PCPs (54.3%) administered anti-meningococcal vaccines to their patients. GPs and females were less likely to administer anti-meningococcal vaccines to their patients, whereas those who acquired information on meningococcal vaccinations by scientific journals were more likely to administer meningococcal vaccines. The findings of the survey highlighted the need of a greater engagement of GPs and PCPs in the immunization campaigns in order to increase meningococcal vaccination coverage.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dental Students, Interns and Practitioners Towards the Phase-Down of Dental Amalgam in A Dental Institution of Libya

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dental Students, Interns and Practitioners Towards the Phase-Down of Dental Amalgam in A Dental Institution of Libya

Exploring Interoception with Adults: Occupational Therapy Practitioner Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practice Patterns

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 A study exploring knowledge, perception, and practice patterns indicated most OTP’s working with adults are not routinely addressing interoception awareness in practice. Yet, OTPs perceived intervention was effective treatment (63%). Primary Author and Speaker: Irma Jeanette Pereira-Hudson Additional Authors and Speakers: Vera Gallagher, Jamie Provisor Contributing Authors: Victor M Camacho, Catherine Tsang-Wu, Heidi Robertson

Endodontic Treatment During Pregnancy: Knowledge of General Dental Practitioners and Interns in Zliten, Libya

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge of dental interns and general dentists about providing endodontic treatment to pregnant patients in Zliten-Libya. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered, closed ended questionnaire which was circulated among 127 dental interns and general dentists in Zliten-Libya. The questionnaire included demographical items and questions relative to the participant's knowledge regarding the endodontic treatment during pregnancy. The analysis of data was carried out using SPSS 26. 84% of survey participants indicated the second trimester as the safest period for endodontic treatment. 95% of respondents considered the need for a specific chair position among which 58% identified the correct one. 72% and 65% of respondents indicated the safety of local anaesthetics with vasoconstrictors and use of aspiration technique, respectively. 22% of respondents identified the toxicity of bupivacaine. 64% of respondents considered the safety of either root canal irrigants or intra-canal medicaments. The obturation materials were considered safe by 74% of respondents. 49% of respondents indicated the safety of radiographic examination among which 67% preferred RVG technique. 58% of respondents preferred acetaminophen for pain control. Dental interns and general dentists in Zliten exhibited a sufficient knowledge regarding the safety of endodontic treatment during pregnancy and required to improve their knowledge particularly regarding the safety of some local anaesthetics and radiographic examination during endodontic treatment.

Client experiences and perceptions of naturopathic treatment in New Zealand: A qualitative study

IntroductionNaturopathy is a well-known and utilised form of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM). Limited New Zealand research exists that has examined the utilisation of naturopathy from the perspective of users. The present study was designed to identify and explore individual's experiences and perceptions of naturopathic care. MethodsTwenty clients (18 female and two male) who attended a student naturopathy and herbal medicine teaching clinic in Auckland, New Zealand were individually interviewed via Zoom video conferencing using open-ended questions. Interview transcripts were anlysed using an inductive thematic approach, focusing on similarities in participants' experiences and perceptions of their naturopathic treatment. ResultsSix main themes were identified regarding individual's experiences and perceptions of naturopathic care (1) feeling heard, (2) perceived attributes of the student practitioner and feeling looked after, (3) perceived knowledge of student practitioners, (4) high degree of client education, (5) partnership, empowerment and ownership, and (6) recommending naturopathy based on own experiences. ConclusionsParticipants reported positive experiences and perceptions of their naturopathic treatment. Participants felt heard and looked after and indicated that their student naturopaths were caring, supportive and knowledgeable. Client education enhanced health literacy and participants felt empowered and in control of their health and healing. Client education was perceived to be important for individuals with chronic health conditions, as the information imparted was not always covered by their other healthcare practitioners.

General practitioners and palliative care practices: a better knowledge of specific services is still needed

BackgroundFrance allows deep sedation for pain relief, but not for euthanasia. In anticipation of an increase in home-based palliative care, the role of general practitioners is central to the design of outpatient palliative care services. This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general practitioners in mainland France regarding palliative and end of life care.MethodsThis was a national descriptive cross-sectional study within the Sentinelles network. Self-report questionnaires were distributed to general practitioners between November 2020 and November 2021. A descriptive analysis was carried out.ResultsOut of the 123 participating general practitioners, 84% had received academic training in palliative care (n = 104). While a significant majority (69%) expressed comfort in pain management, only a quarter (25%) declared that they were competent at indicating deep and continuous sedation for pain relief. Awareness of outpatient palliative care facilities close to their place of practice such as hospitalization at home was over 97% (n = 117/120). Awareness of hospital facilities, including identified palliative care beds on hospital wards and palliative care units, was lower (75% (n = 59/79) and 86% (n = 86/100), respectively).ConclusionsOur results suggest that French general practitioners are reasonably aware of palliative care resources available. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in understanding hospital-based facilities. Furthermore, a quarter of the general practitioners expressed discomfort with deep and continuous sedation for pain relief, highlighting the need for increased training in this specific aspect of palliative and end of life care.

The Feasibility of an Educational Course for General Practitioners on Otolaryngologic Morbidity.

Objective To test feasibility by enhancing the knowledge and skills of general practitioners (GPs) in managing ear, nose, and throat (ENT) morbidity within primary care settingsthrough a three-hour educational course. Methods A structured course focused on common ENT disorders was conducted. Case morbidity was selected based on appropriate criteria. The participants (n=34) were GPs randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. A questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)before and after the course using proper analysis. Results The intervention group showed significant improvement in responses within five of sixteen questions (p<0.05). Participants demonstrated greater knowledge responsiveness in relation to epistaxis and CENTOR criteria, while knowledge response improvement was poor in regard to vestibular morbidity. Overall improvement in KAP scores (p<0.05), with high effect sizes, was achieved before and after the seminar. Conclusions The three-hour ENT course for GPs was found to be feasible, emphasizing the need for targeted short-duration courses within GP educationsupported by locally relevant information on common ENT conditions. Future research should explore the long-term impact of similar collaborative interventions in primary care.

ROLE OF PROBIOTICS IN DENTISTRY: A QUESTIONNAIRE BASED STUDY

Aim: To assess the awareness and knowledge of dental students and practitioners regarding the role of probiotics in dentistry. Methods: Questionnaire was administered to the students of a SGT University, Gurgaon and general practitioners to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice about rational use of probiotics with respect to oral health. Data was analysed after entering in to a Microsoft excel sheet and by using descriptive statistics. Results : The study found that practicing dentists had the highest knowledge of probiotics, followed by postgraduates and undergraduates. Enhancing education on probiotics is necessary to improve their integration into dental practice. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for improved probiotic education across all levels of dental training to enhance clinical integration. By addressing knowledge gaps, dental professionals can better utilize probiotics to improve patient care. The survey indicates a broad acceptance and awareness of probiotics among dental professionals, with significant emphasis on their benefits for oral and overall health. Both male and female respondents show strong support for incorporating probiotics into oral care, highlighting the potential for greater educational outreach and product development to meet this interest. KEYWORDS: Probiotics, Oral health, Knowledge Aptitude Practice, Questionnaire

The everydayness of falling: consequences and management for adults with cerebral palsy across the life course

Purpose To explore the cause, influences and consequences of falling for adults with cerebral palsy (CP) across their life course, and how this is managed. Materials and Methods We used interview data from a multimethod UK study exploring the effects of ageing with CP and healthcare across the life course. Twenty-six participants were recruited and interviewed using various digital platforms to maximise inclusive participation in the UK. Follow-up email semi-structured interviews were conducted to further explore experiences of falls. Transcribed interviews were analysed thematically. Results Falling and fear of falling (FoF) is problematic for over half of the participants in the sample. They perceived falls and FoF as limiting their participation, autonomy and independence in employment, social and cultural activities. Participants used their own management strategies, due to limited specialist interventions or practitioner knowledge to manage or prevent falls. Practices, such as the use of a wheelchair or avoiding activities prompted changes to relationships and identity. Conclusions Falling for adults with CP happens earlier in life compared to the general population. Adults with CP may benefit from specialist falls prevention services to help maintain muscle strength and balance. Research is needed to evaluate effective interventions for people with CP.

Les déterminants de la vaccination anti-papillomavirus humain des garçons à La Réunion : enquête auprès des parents et des médecins généralistes

ObjectivesTo describe the knowledge, barriers and acceptability factors of parents and general practitioners about HPV vaccination amongst boys in Reunion Island, in order to adapt primary prevention locally. MethodsThis was a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study involving 88 parents of boys aged 11 to 19 and 81 general practitioners based in Reunion Island. Both populations volunteered to answer a questionnaire available online or on paper. ResultsParents’ knowledge about HPV was insufficient. In Reunion Island, social media and the precarious status of parents play a particularly negative role in the vaccine intention. The number of doctors who have started HPV vaccination on boys is low despite awareness of the recommendation, particularly older doctors who practice alone, in certain sectors of the island. ConclusionsThe young and precarious population of Reunion Island is particularly at risk of pathologies related to HPV and requires adapted prevention to the territory's specificities. It seems necessary to continue to inform general practitioners, in order to promote vaccination and to fight against the misinformation of media about the HPV vaccine.

Is The transition to digital era here? --- A cross sectional study amongst Dental Practitioners vis-à-vis the usage of digital imaging in Bhopal

Background: Scientific evidence supports the idea that transitioning from conventional to digital radiography is now essential since it reduces exposure to ionizing radiation. The primary aim of this study was to assess the attitude, awareness and knowledge of dental practitioners of Bhopal, to the use of digital radiography. The objectives were identifying reasons for incorporating digital imaging, and the attitude towards wanting to make a transition from conventional method. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst the private dental practitioners in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. A structured questionnaire was shared using Google platform. Results: Out of the 350 respondents, 279 (79.71%) reported using digital radiography, with 32.85% believing that the benefits of digital radiography were the decreased patient exposure, improved image, long-term cost savings, and improved image quality in particular to see the root canals and measure bone loss. Conclusion: A majority of respondents were positively influenced by the usage of digital imaging in their routine practice. Keywords: Digital imaging, dental practitioner, dosage, radiography. Background: Scientific evidence supports the idea that transitioning from conventional to digital radiography is now essential since it reduces exposure to ionizing radiation. The primary aim of this study was to assess the attitude, awareness and knowledge of dental practitioners of Bhopal, to the use of digital radiography. The objectives were identifying reasons for incorporating digital imaging, and the attitude towards wanting to make a transition from conventional method. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst the private dental practitioners in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. A structured questionnaire was shared using Google platform. Results: Out of the 350 respondents, 279 (79.71%) reported using digital radiography, with 32.85% believing that the benefits of digital radiography were the decreased patient exposure, improved image, long-term cost savings, and improved image quality in particular to see the root canals and measure bone loss. Conclusion: A majority of respondents were positively influenced by the usage of digital imaging in their routine practice. Keywords: Digital imaging, dental practitioner, dosage, radiography.

Movements that Matter: How Martial Arts Studies Can Reframe the Ethics of First-Blush Empathy

If empathy is how bodies resonate with one another, and ethics is what we are meant to do with that resonance, consideration of the ethics of empathy must begin with the split-second, non-conscious resonance between bodies: first-blush empathy. By combining the expertise of academics and practitioners of bodily knowledge, martial arts studies can distinctively consider how to cultivate the most ethical responses to others. This disciplinary argument takes physical form through a reading of a practice from Shotokan Aiki-karate-do that opposes hyper-attention to self or other with cultivated non-attention. To unpack these principles, the essay then uses philosophy of mind from to illustrate how attention provides a more compelling description of this initial bodily response to other bodies than intention. To most ethically engage others without imposing our own knowledge or self-absorption, we should cultivate deliberate habits of receptivity around first-blush empathy.