Program Delivery Methods Research Articles

Analysis of the Implementation of Training and Development Programs for Teachers in the Context of Curriculum Change: Evaluation and Recommendations

The implementation of training and development programs for teachers plays a crucial role in enhancing their skills and capabilities, especially in the context of curriculum change. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of such programs, focusing on their effectiveness, challenges, and areas for improvement. Through a literature review approach, various scholarly works, empirical studies, and best practices are examined to evaluate the impact of training and development initiatives on teacher performance and student outcomes. The evaluation encompasses aspects such as program design, delivery methods, content relevance, participant engagement, and organizational support. It delves into the strategies employed to address the evolving needs of teachers amid curriculum transformations, considering factors like technological integration, pedagogical innovations, and curriculum alignment. Furthermore, the study explores the role of continuous professional development in sustaining teacher motivation, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and adapting to dynamic educational landscapes. Based on the analysis, several recommendations are proposed to enhance the efficacy of training and development programs for teachers. These recommendations encompass tailored professional development pathways, collaborative learning communities, mentorship programs, feedback mechanisms, and resource allocation strategies. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights to educational policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders involved in designing and implementing teacher training initiatives within the framework of curriculum change.

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

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

A Scoping Review of Group Nutrition Education and Cooking Programs for People Affected by Cancer

BackgroundGroup nutrition education and cooking programs for people affected by cancer have the potential to address commonly reported unmet needs for dietary information, as well as provide opportunities for practical and social support. ObjectiveTo report the nutrition-related content, delivery methods, and outcomes measured in group nutrition education and cooking programs for people affected by cancer in the published literature, and describe how these programs were developed, implemented, and evaluated. MethodsA scoping review of academic literature is reported using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews guidelines. Key terms such as cancer, nutrition education, and cooking were searched across 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science) on June 1, 2023, for records published over the past 10 years. Records were independently screened by 2 reviewers. Data extracted included program participants, components, nutrition-related content, delivery methods, outcomes measured, and information about how the program was developed, implemented, and evaluated. ResultsOf 2,254 records identified, 41 articles met eligibility criteria, reporting on 37 programs. Most programs were designed for adult cancer survivors (89%) and conducted after primary treatment (81%). Four programs invited caregivers to attend. Almost all programs (97%) included a nutrition education component, and more than half (59%) included cooking activities, with a predominant focus on recommendations and practical skills for healthy eating. Most programs were delivered byregistered dietitians and/or nutritionists (54%) and included group discussions (57%) and active involvement in cooking activities (57%) in program delivery. The participant outcomes that were measured covered dietary, psychosocial, clinical, and anthropometric domains. Many programs were developed with cancer survivors, dietitians or nutritionists, and researchers. No studies reported on sustainability of program implementation or overall costs. Programs were evaluated using data from surveys, focus groups, interviews, and field notes, with articles typically reporting on participation rates, reasons for nonparticipation, program acceptability, aspects of the nutrition-related programs valued by participants, and suggestions for improvement. ConclusionsFuture research should prioritize assessing the effectiveness of these programs for participants. Future development, implementation, and evaluation of these programs should include family members and friends and assess the sustainability of program delivery, including cost-effectiveness.

Evaluating the Impact of Training and Skill Development Programs on Employee Performance in Banking Sector / Financial Institutions

In the ever-evolving landscape of the banking industry, the imperative of maintaining a highly skilled and adaptable workforce is paramount. This research undertakes a comprehensive examination of the influence exerted by training and skill development programs on employee performance within private banks. The study endeavors to unravel the intricacies of the relationship between training initiatives, skill enhancement, and overall organizational outcomes. Employing a meticulously crafted mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, this research seeks to provide a nuanced and holistic understanding of the multifaceted dynamics at play. The literature review situates this study within the broader context of research on training programs and employee performance. While existing studies demonstrate a positive correlation between employee training and improved performance, it is acknowledged that the effectiveness of such programs is contingent upon factors such as program design, delivery methods, and organizational culture. The specific nuances within the private banking sector necessitate a dedicated exploration to bridge the current gap in the literature. Methodologically, a mixed-methods approach was employed to capture the richness and depth of the phenomenon under investigation. Quantitative data was gathered through structured surveys distributed among employees who had participated in training programs within private banks. Likert scales were employed to assess perceived improvements in skill levels and performance outcomes. Concurrently, qualitative data was obtained through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including human resource professionals and training facilitators, providing a more holistic understanding of the contextual factors influencing program efficacy. Preliminary analysis of the data suggests an overall positive perception among employees regarding the impact of training and skill development programs on their performance. Quantitative results reveal statistically significant improvements in self-reported skill levels and job performance. Qualitative findings enrich the understanding by uncovering the nuanced role of program design, support mechanisms, and organizational culture in shaping the outcomes of training initiatives. The ensuing discussion synthesizes the quantitative and qualitative findings, exploring the implications of the results for human resource management practices and organizational strategy within private banks. This section delves into potential areas for improvement in the design and implementation of training programs, offering actionable recommendations for private banks seeking to optimize the impact of these initiatives on employee performance. In doing so, this research contributes valuable insights to both academic research and the practical realm of human resource management and organizational development within the banking sector.

16-Week Home- Based Exercise And Physical Activity Program Using Online Zoom On Health-Related Quality Of Life In Obese Children Aged 5-10 Years.

The aim of this research project was to implement a 16-week sports program for children with excessive obesity through online platforms, specifically using the Zoom platform, and evaluate its impact on the participants' physical health, psychological well-being, and overall satisfaction with the program. The study enrolled 30 children between the ages of 5 and 10 who had been diagnosed with excessive obesity by healthcare professionals. The program consisted of structured exercise sessions conducted remotely with qualified instructors providing guidance and supervision. Data regarding participants' health, physical fitness levels, and psychological well-being were collected through pre-program and post-program questionnaires completed by parents/guardians. The results indicated significant improvements in participants' physical health, with 53.3% showing improved physical fitness levels and 30% significantly improved physical health. Psychological well-being also improved, with 40% reporting fair to good mood and emotional well-being post-program compared to 23.3% pre-program. Overall satisfaction with the program was high, with 70% of parents expressing satisfaction or high satisfaction. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the feasibility and effectiveness of online exercise interventions for children with excessive obesity. Further research is warranted to explore long-term outcomes and refine program delivery methods.

The effects of peer inclusion in the design and implementation of university prison programming: A participatory action research, randomized vignette study.

Objective: Including people most impacted by a challenge in designing and implementing solutions to that challenge has reemerged in social science research. In prison settings, academics' outside knowledge of "what works" combined with incarcerated people's inside knowledge of lived experience could lead to more comprehensive rehabilitative programs. This combined approach may make less sense as an intervention in prison, however, due to sensitive and complicated interpersonal dynamics. We determine if incarcerated women perceive prison programs as more efficacious when other incarcerated women are collaboratively involved in the design and implementation of those programs, as compared to other program delivery methods. Methods: We employ a participatory action research framework in administering a randomized vignette to 200 incarcerated women. We randomize who designs and teaches a prison program in a hypothetical scenario, with incarcerated women alongside university researchers the key combined condition of interest. We then ask a series of questions regarding incarcerated women's perception of the program's efficacy. Results: Women who received the combined condition were four times more likely to view the program as legitimate when compared to programs taught by correctional staff. The combined condition was not significantly different on legitimacy when compared to either researchers alone or incarcerated women alone. We did not observe other expected relationships between the combined condition and perceived program efficacy. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Researcher and incarcerated person-led programming should be implemented carefully in institutional settings to leverage the value of lived experience while avoiding creating further harm for confined people. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Effect of Training and Its Impact on the Performance of Agricultural Investors in the Nias District

This research investigates the influence of training initiatives on the performance of agricultural investors in the Nias District. With the agricultural sector playing a crucial role in the district's economy, enhancing investor performance becomes essential for sustainable growth. Initial findings suggest a positive correlation between training participation and investor performance. Training programs are shown to equip agricultural investors with valuable skills, knowledge, and techniques, enabling them to make informed decisions, optimize resource utilization, and implement best practices. Additionally, the study identifies various factors influencing the effectiveness of training, including program content, delivery methods, and ongoing support. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of training programs in enhancing the performance of agricultural investors within the Nias District.

Reduction of adverse events in a psychiatric inpatient eating disorder unit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted the health care delivery including inpatient psychiatric facilities. Within psychiatric settings, life of inpatients was profoundly altered. This paper aimed to understand if pandemic-related changes within an inpatient Eating Disorder Unit in a specialized psychiatric hospital in Ontario, Canada impacted incidence of aggression and use of coercive methods among adolescents. An exploratory study design was used to examine incidence of aggression, self-harm, code whites, staff assist, restraints and seclusion, and nasogastric feeding (NGF) among adolescents with eating disorders before and after the modified service delivery within the inpatient unit. Descriptive analyses were conducted. Analyses revealed a complete reduction in episodes of self-harm, aggression, staff assists, use of restraint and seclusion as well as an 80.14% reduction on average use of NGF. Authors speculate that the change in environment and program delivery method, peer influence, and shift in power relations between patient and staff may have resulted in improved experiences. This report provides insights to adopt a recovery-oriented service delivery for adolescents with eating disorders in inpatient settings.

Talking Turtles With Tourists: Evaluating the Relative Conservation Impacts of Different Types of Sea Turtle Education Programs at Jekyll Island, GA, USA

We used a pre-post survey approach to compare learning and conservation-focused behavioral outcomes for tourists participating in two different types of field-based wildlife education programs at the Jekyll Island Authority Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) on Jekyll Island, GA, USA: a low-interaction program ( n = 59) led by education guides that featured minimal direct contact between visitors and sea turtles, and a high-interaction program ( n = 42) led by turtle biologists that featured more intimate interactions between visitors and turtles. Both programs revealed comparable positive effects on participants’ knowledge of sea turtles and intent to engage in turtle advocacy behaviors, but neither type of program had a major influence on pro-turtle attitudes or participation in turtle-friendly beach behaviors (partly because scores for these variables were high entering the program). Results suggest managers and educators at wildlife tourism destinations could employ different program delivery methods while still achieving similar education and conservation goals.

MEW network self-management program characteristics and lessons learned through the RE-AIM framework

RationaleThe promotion of evidence-based self-management support for people living with chronic conditions such as epilepsy is a public health priority. Epilepsy self-management encompasses three general areas: (1) treatment management, (2) seizure management, and (3) lifestyle management. Interventions focusing on self-management have increased quality of life and adherence to treatment. This study assesses and synthesizes the Managing Epilepsy Well Network (MEWN) program implementation experiences using the RE-AIM framework. This research informs the quality and rigor of MEWN program dissemination and implementation efforts to assess whether these programs are being implemented and their scalability. MethodsThe study data were derived from a MEWN Self-management Program Survey conducted with currently active MEWN researchers through an online survey and review of program publications and archival documents. Survey data were obtained from either the principal investigator or study team for the UPLIFT, HOBSCOTCH, SMART, MINDSET, TIME, and PACES programs. The survey questionnaire included 6 sections consisting of 68 questions and focused on the RE-AIM dimensions and respondent characteristics. The RE-AIM dimensions included: (1) Reach, (2) Effectiveness, (3) Adoption (number of and type of adopting sites), (4) Implementation (retention rate, barriers to implementation), and (5) Maintenance. ResultsAcross the MEWN programs, participation (44–120 individuals) and delivery methods (community, clinic, or asynchronous; group or individual) ranged with most programs predominantly reaching White or African American participants. Common program outcome measures included clinical outcomes (e.g., depression, quality of life, seizure frequency) and indicators of self-management behaviors (e.g., problem-solving; self-efficacy). Initial efficacy trials suggested programs were effective in changing some of their targeted outcomes (effectiveness). Most programs were implemented in clinical settings and several programs are being replicated or adapted to different geographical (e.g., urban, rural, suburban) or demographic (e.g., race, age) settings (adoption). Program delivery methods involved a mixture of program staff, peer educators, and researchers. Implementation enabling factors included partnerships with local epilepsy organizations and the inclusion of peer educators. Retention rates for all programs averaged 83.6%. Internal barriers included recruitment and lack of sufficient resources for participants. External barriers included clinical staff buy-in, staffing, and insufficient funding for support staff. Despite uncertain funding, all programs offered next steps to sustain their initiatives such as packaging their programs, initiating adoption with regional organizations, and supporting organizational readiness (maintenance). Dissemination efforts included partnering with other organizations, provision of training and technical assistance, and partnering with national organizations on grant opportunities to scale up existing programs. ConclusionThese data showcase the impact of the MEWN self-management interventions on health and quality of life. These programs are employing training, readiness assessment, technical assistance, and development of partnerships to increase program scalability. Finally, program adaptations are being conducted to expand the interventions to other populations to address health inequalities. The lessons learned are critical for other interventions attempting to increase the translation of their programs to other settings.

33 Nationwide Sheep &amp; Goat Producer Needs Assessment

Abstract Resources for sheep and goat production are limited despite expanded interest and rising numbers of producers in the United States. It is critical for extension professionals, producer organizations, and industry to be attune to producer needs as educational programming is planned and developed. Therefore, a voluntary needs assessment was conducted to identify US producer interests and enhance future extension efforts. The online QuestionPro survey was peer-reviewed by 15 university small ruminant specialists. Closed-ended and open-ended questions were utilized to identify important production topics, preferred program delivery methods, production challenges, and participant demographics. Six hundred and seventy-two respondents completed at least half of the survey. Most respondents raise sheep only (46%) followed by goats only (35%) then both (19%). Seventy percent of respondents describe their operation as providing supplemental household income. Fifty-five percent direct market products. The largest percentage of respondents indicated live animals (82%) and meat (63%) were “very important” economically to their operation. Seventy-one percent of respondents have flocks/herds of less than 100 animals and 49% have less than 10 years of experience raising small ruminants. “Very important” topics were parasite management (65%), breeding stock nutrition (61%), and reproductive management (60%). Overwhelmingly, 43% of respondents prefer virtual programs to be a single event shorter than 45 minutes while 32% expressed willingness to attend an in-person, all-day program with multiple session. For in-person programming, most respondents preferred wintertime (Dec-Feb, 34%), mornings (41%), and Saturdays (20%). Most indicated that email (38%) was the best way to promote upcoming extension resources. The results of this survey highlighted current needs, interests, and preferences for extension programming and resources by sheep and goat producers in the US. These results are important to enhance extension efforts and collectively strengthen the sustainability of the American small ruminant producer.

4 Conversion to an Online Delivery Method for the Tennessee Master Horse Program

Abstract Functional Extension programming for equine owners and business operators brings unique challenges when compared to other commodity producers. The initial Tennessee Master Horse Program (TMHP) curriculum and delivery method was modeled from other successful Extension programs using a county-based, in-person training model; however, implementation of county-level offerings of the TMHP for 4 years only yielded 218 participants. Thus, our objective was to pilot a new online program format for the TMHP and to assess participant feedback to dictate future programming efforts. Data were analyzed using STATA SE 16.1 and all results are reported as mean ± SD. The THMP was hosted by the state Equine Extension Program within the Google Classroom platform and contained 12 synchronous webinars with successive recordings, 3 scenarios for participant response, 10 question submission assignments, and 14 opportunities to explore outside resources pertaining to topic areas. Topics covered included responsible horse ownership, pasture management, nutrition, forages, waste management, health and diseases, economics, and equine training programs. Total participants (n = 201) from 12 states were reached, with 162 ± 29 (min=110, max=201) live attendees each week and 35 ± 4.1 (min=15, max=61) views per recorded YouTube video. During live sessions, 56 ± 18 (min=21, max=75) questions were asked and answered, and an additional 82 ± 35 (min=43, max=140) questions per week were submitted in the Google Classroom. In the final TMHP evaluation survey, 99% (n = 95) of respondents indicated they would recommend this training to others, which may be due to highly satisfactory ratings for speakers (4.54 ± 0.15 on a 1 to 5 scale, min=1, max=5) from participants. These results indicate a high acceptance rate among participants and that an online delivery method could be an effective approach for conducting and expanding the scope of future TMHP offerings.

Tracking Adaptation and Fidelity When Embedding COPE, Evidence-Based Dementia Care, in PACE Sites

One essential question in moving dementia care interventions to practice is, “What is the optimal balance between fidelity to, and adaptation of, a proven program in “real world” settings?" We present a protocol for measuring the adaptation/fidelity and implementation of an evidence-based dementia care program (Care of Persons in their Environment, COPE) in PACE settings. During pre-implementation, science-based elements of COPE were documented including the theory of change, logic model and core components. Possible adaptations to COPE in its delivery were identified and included program structure (sequence of sessions), content (assessments), and delivery methods (online). During implementation, documentation of implementation strategies is captured using an evidence-informed checklist derived from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) workgroup. Ongoing documentation of fidelity/adaptation aspects of program implementation is conducted using the FRAME framework. Understanding methods and measures deployed in adaptation and implementation of evidence-based dementia programs can help guide future translation efforts.

Perceived stress among university students in Oman during COVID-19-induced e-learning

BackgroundHigher education institutions across the world moved to e-learning in response to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. While e-learning has an advantage for students that they can attend to their courses from anywhere at their convenience, yet the sudden disruptive shift to e-learning during the pandemic saw students facing many challenges, which had strong ability to induce mental health issues among the students. This study aimed at examining the impact of COVID-19-induced e-learning on the university students’ stress perceptions in Oman.ResultsA total of 966 usable responses were received. The results showed that 96.9% (moderate stress = 82.5% and high stress = 14.4%) reported having experienced stress through e-learning during COVID-19. The results further indicated that there was a significant negative correlation between perceived stress and the students’ academic performance. The family support and institutional support were observed to have a significant effect on students’ stress perception.ConclusionsStudents are away from the physical campuses over a year now, continuing their courses and programs online. The numerous challenges they are facing through e-learning, together with the prevailing uncertainty, have intensified stress among them. The continued stress over time will not only affect their academic performance, but their mental and physical health as well, as the stress has proven to be one of the major causes of various physical and mental disorders. While e-learning seems to emerge as a new normal, the students require proper attention, help, and support from their families and institutions. The institutions should revisit their online courses and program delivery mechanisms, methods, and practices to ensure that students are not over stressed.

Contextual Fit of a Family Evidence-Based Intervention for Preventing Youth Alcohol Use in Mexico.

Reducing youth alcohol use is a public health priority that can be addressed by implementing evidence-based preventive interventions (EBPIs) with high fidelity. However, when EBPIs are delivered in a new geographical setting, lack of contextual fit might interfere with expected effects. The purpose of our study was to understand the contextual fit of the family preventive program, Guiding Good Choices (GGC), to inform its future adaptation in Zacatecas, Mexico. Four focus groups were conducted with parents of children aged 9-14years (N = 43) from four private companies. After transcribing audiotaped sessions, we used a general inductive approach to obtain codes and derive themes. Parents expressed a high level of interest in program content, highlighting its potential to decrease underage drinking in Mexico. Surface-structure modifications of program audiovisual materials (e.g., new videos with Mexican actors and locations) and delivery methods were recommended by parents to maximize participant acceptability and engagement. Participant definitions of family and perception of family dynamics both support the cultural relevance of the program modules and activities related to this content. Underage drinking was acknowledged by parents as a major problem in Zacatecas. Our findings suggest a need for incorporating an extra session that focuses on addressing low alcohol literacy levels and parents' positive alcohol expectancies. Machismo was not considered a cultural factor that could affect attendance and program activities. In fact, we observed an opportunity to use local masculinity to ensure practice of parental skills at home. Due to the needs expressed by participants and the apparent compatibility and fit of the curriculum contents with the new context, we conclude that GGC could be an adequate EBPI for preventing underage drinking in Mexico.

From Incarceration to Reintegration: Using the Human Services Model to Manage Canadian Prisoner Mental Health.

The effective delivery of mental health services in Canadian institutional settings has traditionally posed a challenge to the criminal justice system. Ineffective treatment options and methods of program delivery, inaccurate assessments and security classifications, the conditions in which prisoners live, restricted access to mental health professionals, high levels of individual strain, fragmented service administration, and a lack of continuity of care during the transition back to the community have all been found to have a significant negative impact on inmate mental health. The purpose of this paper is to review, and critique, the current literature on Canadian institutional mental health care and, based on this literature, make suggestions on how to improve the current system.

Occupational Therapy Student Perceptions of Wellness: Focus Group Findings

Despite the evidence of significant consequences stemming from the intense demands on students, most graduate-level programs have insufficiently considered components of students’ wellness. Thus, the purpose of this research study was two-pronged: 1) to evaluate current occupational therapy students’ perceptions of wellness and 2) to explore student perceptions on using communities of practice as a program delivery method to enhance wellness. A qualitative study design was selected to gather experiences and feedback from occupational therapy graduate students. Participants were recruited via email from a convenience sample of a large, research-based Midwestern occupational therapy program. Participants attended one focus group and completed a brief demographic survey. The focus group data was audio-recorded and later transcribed by research coordinators. Transcript-based analysis was used and after transcription was completed, constant comparison analysis was used to determine final themes. In all, fourteen participants engaged in the study. Three main themes emerged: 1) wellness is a holistic concept, 2) graduate school is a novel experience, and 3) a group educational program that meets regularly could be beneficial for enhancing wellness. The results illustrate that occupational therapy graduate students both value their wellness and are interested in prioritizing its promotion and maintenance. With few comprehensive wellness programs currently available for graduate students, the information gathered from this study provides further support for these services and resources to be made readily available. Furthermore, the results from this study may guide program design, promoting greater wellness in occupational therapy students, and potentially students across other graduate-level disciplines.

Exercise, nutrition, and medication considerations in the light of the COVID pandemic, with specific focus on geriatric population: A literature review.

The pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has spread across the world, causing causalities and inflicting chronic complications in those who survive the infection. Disruptions in the immune system and lowered physical levels caused by quarantine protocols are the major causes of chronic dysfunction and impaired life independency, especially in elderly patients. Multiple exercise suggestions and novel program delivery methods, including telerehabilitation/tele-exercise programs, home-gym strategies, and exergames, have emerged. Patients with underlying obesity, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, or binge-eating problems are at a high risk of serious infection and sequela. Adequate education and coping strategies can lessen the potential infection complications and improve the quality of life. Acknowledging the possible benefits and risks of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage in chronic pain patients, and the supplementation of vitamin D may also aid in treating post-infected patients.

Comparing Program Delivery Methods of a Curriculum for Childcare Providers to Learn Risks for Pediatric Lead Exposure

Comparing Program Delivery Methods of a Curriculum for Childcare Providers to Learn Risks for Pediatric Lead Exposure

Responding in a time of crisis: Assessing extension efforts during COVID-19

Extension was forced to rapidly adjust its efforts and program delivery methods to respond to clientele needs during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. The pandemic presents a range of unique challenges to Extension including revisions to resource allocations and shifts in programmatic focus. Guided by a needs assessment framework, this paper assesses the rapid response of Utah State University (USU) Extension to meet residents needs during COVID-19. This correlational study gathered data from 199 Extension professionals (n = 199) at USU Extension. Findings show Extension professionals had good capacity to implement outreach activities related to online education, engaging residents, and external partnerships. Further, Extension took rapid actions in several areas in response to COVID-19, including providing online learning activities for youth, and conducting online classes in place of traditional face-to-face classes. Findings show professionals’ outreach capacity was positively related to the total number of actions taken in response to COVID-19. Extension professionals addressed COVID-19 topics such as telehealth, temporary homeschooling kids, and stress management. This study demonstrates the adaptability of Extension to an unpredictable event and provides a framework to assess response. Findings are geared towards effective resource allocation to support Extension’s role in meeting residents’ needs during COVID-19.