Perceptions Of Preparedness Research Articles

Effects of Online Career Training Modules on Undergraduate STEM Students’ Career Readiness Perceptions

Effects of Online Career Training Modules on Undergraduate STEM Students’ Career Readiness Perceptions

Nursing faculty perceptions of simulation culture readiness in Saudi universities: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAcademic programs are increasing simulation-based learning in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic; however, there is limited knowledge about these universities’ simulation culture readiness. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore faculty perceptions of the readiness to integrate simulation into nursing programs.MethodsThis cross-sectional correlational study recruited faculty members in four nursing colleges at Saudi universities using the simulation culture organizational readiness survey 36-item questionnaire. A total of 88 faculty members from four Saudi universities were included. Descriptive, Pearson’s correlation, independent sample t-test, and analysis of covariance analysis were utilized in this study.ResultsNearly 39.8% and 38.6% of the participants had Moderately and Very Much overall readiness for the simulation-based education (SBE), respectively. There were significant correlations between the summary impression on simulation culture readiness measures and simulation culture organizational readiness survey subscales (p < 0.001). Three simulation culture organizational readiness survey subscales (defined need and support for change, readiness for culture change, and time, personnel, and resource readiness) and the overall readiness for SBE were correlated with age, years since highest degree, years of experience in academia, and years using simulation in teaching (p < 0.05). The sustainability practices to embed culture subscale and summary impression were only correlated significantly with the number of years using simulation in teaching (p = 0.016 and 0.022, respectively). Females had a significantly higher mean in the sustainability practices to embed culture subscale (p = 0.006) and the overall readiness for simulation-based education (p = 0.05). Furthermore, there were significant differences among the highest degree in the overall readiness for SBE (p = 0.026), summary impression (p = 0.001), the defined need and support subscale (p = 0.05), the sustainability practices to embed culture subscale (p = 0.029), and the time, personnel, and resource readiness subscale (p = 0.015).ConclusionsFavorable simulation culture readiness results suggest great opportunities to advance clinical competencies in academic curricula and optimize educational outcomes. Nurse academic leaders should identify needs and resources to enhance simulation readiness and encourage the integration of simulation in nursing education.

Myanmar High School Students’ Perceptions of College and International Readiness in Western Society

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of high school students associated with a United States-based preparatory school located in Myanmar regarding their readiness for college in Western society. In this two-stage study, quantitative data were collected using a 100-item 5-point Likert-scale survey focusing on college and international readiness completed by 49 participants, and qualitative data were gathered from 14 participants who participated in focus group interview sessions. Quantitative results yielded a mean of 3.42 (SD=1.08, N=49) for college readiness and a mean of 3.73 (SD=1.09, N=49) for international readiness. The qualitative findings showed the emergence of four themes: (a) mixed feelings on transitioning to independence, (b) concerns about adapting to a new culture, (c) lack of preparedness for college-level academics, and (d) unconcerned about making friends. These results indicated that the participants felt generally prepared to transition to a postsecondary setting in a Western country.

PENGARUH PERSEPSI TERHADAP KESIAPAN KERJA MELALUI KEPUASAN PRAKTEK KERJA LAPANGAN MAHASISWA PERGURUAN TINGGI VOKASI PARIWISATA

On the Job Training (OJT) as part of the tourism vocational education curriculum is more than just a requirement to meet the adequacy of student graduation credits, OJT is required to provide student experience and competence to work after graduation. This study aims to determine work readiness which is determined by the perception and satisfaction of student OJT . This is a quantitative research utilizing the Structural Equation Model (SEM) as an analysis method. Utilizing the Work Readiness Scale (WRS) to quantify the level of student work readiness, the research results revealed that student perceptions did not significantly affect student OJT satisfaction, student OJT perception and satisfaction had a positive and significant effect on work readiness, while an indirect relationship between student perceptions of work readiness through OJT satisfaction showed insignificant results. These results conclude that factors that affect job satisfaction during the implementation of OJT have a significant impact on student work readiness. In the end, tourism vocational universities are required to be able to manage OJT well as an effort to create graduates who have competence and are ready to work and are highly competitive in the business world.

Knowledge, perceptions, and readiness of telepharmacy (KPR-TP) questionnaire among pharmacists: Development and psychometric evaluation

Introduction The pandemic increased pressure on healthcare services and forced limited care in all health facilities to ensure the care of all patients. Telepharmacy appears as an alternative to the remote pharmacy practice approach through information and communication technologies, but there are no comprehensive tools to measure pharmacists’ knowledge, perception, and readiness to implement telepharmacy. This study developed and validated a questionnaire version of the Knowledge, Perceptions, and Readiness of Telepharmacy (KPR-TP) for pharmacists. Methods The KPR-TP assessed three domains: knowledge, perception, and readiness. Its factor structure, reliability, and validity were assessed using 7730 pharmacists from 34 Indonesian provinces. The validity of the model's three-factor structure was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability were used to validate the consistency of our factors, whereas convergent and discriminant validity established significant relationships between them. Results The goodness-of-fit index indicated that the model was economical and reasonable. Furthermore, the correlation between the three domains revealed a significant positive relationship. KRP-TP is a viable instrument for assessing pharmacists’ perceptions of telepharmacy in Indonesia. Conclusion Overall, we discovered that our questionnaire contains critical constructs for assessing a pharmacist's knowledge, perception, and level of readiness to implement telepharmacy. This study will help pharmacists identify appropriate strategies for skill improvement.

Pharmacy Intern Involvement in COVID-19 Immunization Practices in New York State

Background: Pharmacists and pharmacy interns were instrumental in vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: To identify pharmacy intern involvement in COVID-19 immunization practices in New York State (NYS) and explore interns’ perceptions of experiences. Methods: A 34-item survey was developed and administered at 5 pharmacy programs in NYS. Data collected included: perceptions of immunization readiness, participation in immunizations, description of experiences, and perceptions on the role of pharmacists. Respondents also reported on their preparedness to participate in the immunization process and the types of questions received from patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Questions regarding student experiences before and after participating in immunization efforts were analyzed using a two-sample t test. Results: A total of 460 interns participated in the survey with 398 (87%) reporting participation in COVID-19 immunizations. Of those, 231 (58%) participated at work, 146 (36.7) during experiential rotations, and 98 (24.6%) during volunteer experiences. Respondents participated in various components of vaccine delivery including administration (n = 246, 61.8%). Respondents administered an estimated 57,100 COVID-19 vaccines from December 2020 to April 2021 resulting in significantly higher mean scores for comfort level (5-point Likert scale) administering vaccines after participation (mean score 4.08 ± 1.31) compared to before (mean score 3.61 ± 1.42) (p < .0001). Themes which emerged regarding student perceptions of their experience are described. Conclusion: Pharmacy intern involvement in NYS COVID-19 immunization practices contributed to public health vaccination efforts. Additionally, interns improved comfort levels with immunization administration and recognized pharmacists’ emerging roles within the U.S. healthcare system.

Single Room Maternity Care Versus Traditional Maternity Care: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Differences in Mothers' Perceptions of Readiness for Discharge and Satisfaction and Health Outcomes.

Single room maternity care (SRMC) includes all aspects of the birth process (labour, delivery, postpartum) in a single room with a consistent team of healthcare providers. Traditional maternity care (TMC) involves having mothers labouring and delivering their baby in one room and then transferring to a room on another unit, which also means a transition in providers. Although many hospitals have transitioned to SRMC, there has been limited evidence to support their development. This study was conducted in two large hospitals (one offering SRMC, the other TMC) in Western Canada. A cross-sectional between-subjects design was used to compare differences between SRMC and TMC. New mothers were asked to complete validated questionnaires. Health information was collected from administrative and health databases. The main outcomes included readiness for hospital discharge, mothers' satisfaction, newborn length of stay, and mother length of stay. Several covariates were examined. In total, 506 (292 SRMC; 214 TMC) mothers participated. Readiness for discharge and maternal satisfaction were significantly higher in SRMC. Although newborn and mother length of stay were significantly reduced in SRMC compared to TMC for univariate tests, mother length of stay was not significantly different when adjusting for other variables. There are positive health and psychosocial outcomes for mothers and newborns in the SRMC model of care compared to TMC. Since readiness for discharge and satisfaction are associated with positive maternal-infant interactions and transitions to community, SRMC could be the better approach. Further research should examine healthcare provider outcomes and implementation costs.

Morning perception of sleep, stress, and mood, and its relationship with overnight physiological sleep: findings from the National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) study.

This cross-sectional study investigated objective-subjective sleep discrepancies and the physiological basis for morning perceptions of sleep, mood, and readiness, in adolescents. Data collected during a single in-laboratory polysomnographic assessment from 137 healthy adolescents (61 girls; age range: 12-21 years) in the United States National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) study were analysed. Upon awakening, participants completed questionnaires assessing sleep quality, mood, and readiness. We evaluated the relationship between overnight polysomnographic, electroencephalographic, sleep autonomic nervous system functioning measures, and next morning self-reported indices. Results showed that older adolescents reported more awakenings, yet they perceived their sleep to be deeper and less restless than younger adolescents. Prediction models including sleep physiology measures (polysomnographic, electroencephalographic, and sleep autonomic nervous system) explained between 3% and 29% of morning sleep perception, mood, and readiness indices. The subjective experience of sleep is a complex phenomenon with multiple components. Distinct physiological sleep processes contribute to the morning perception of sleep and related measures of mood and readiness. More than 70% of the variance (based on a single observation per person) in the perception of sleep, mood, and morning readiness is not explained by overnight sleep-related physiological measures, suggesting that other factors are important for the subjective sleep experience.

Gender divides in teachers' readiness for online teaching and learning in higher education: Do women and men consider themselves equally prepared?

During the last years, the “Great Online Transition” has brought to light large variation in teachers' readiness for online teaching and learning (OTL). Drawing from an international sample of 731 higher-education teachers, we examined gender differences in OTL readiness as a source of this variation. Currently, in the field of OTL, better evidence is needed to understand the associated dimensions and effects of gender on teachers’ experiences and perceptions of readiness, to provide better support and professional learning opportunities in transitioning to an online and blended practice. To provide such evidence, we first evaluated the measurement bias in the readiness measures and found support for strong gender invariance. Second, we quantified the gender differences in readiness levels: Women reported higher readiness for cognitive activation practices (d = +0.15); men reported higher self-efficacy in technological content knowledge (d = −0.20). These gender differences were small, varied across readiness constructs, and were due to a gender gap in OTL experience. Third, construct associations involving perceived institutional support were weaker for women. To improve the quality, robustness, and validity of the respective evidence, we argue that studying gender divides in OTL readiness needs to consider measurement bias, OTL experience, and construct associations.

Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Preparedness to Engage in Culturally Competent Practice Upon Graduation: A Qualitative Research Study.

Entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates are not demographically diverse compared with the population of the United States. The curriculum must provide depth, breadth, and opportunity to develop culturally competent providers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine perceptions of novice/advanced beginner and experienced physical therapists (PTs) as to how well prepared they felt by their PT education to act as culturally competent providers and compare methods of cultural competence education received. Findings can inform whether cultural competence curriculum standards in PT education are viewed as effective or if changes to curriculum may be needed. Research has highlighted measured or perceived changes in perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of cultural competence with clinical exposure and experience for PT students. Studies that examine or compare practicing PT perceptions of the effectiveness of entry-level cultural competence education are limited, as is evidence supporting specific cultural competence curriculum methodology. Thirteen licensed PTs participated in the study. In this phenomenological qualitative study, subjects participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were coded and analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Three themes emerged: 1) clinical practice and life experiences had greater influence on perceptions of preparedness, 2) suggestions to improve cultural competence curriculum, and 3) experiential learning was valued and contributed to culturally competent practice. Entry-level DPT programs may consider exposing students to diverse patient populations through diverse clinical rotation opportunities, community outreach, and interactive learning early in the curriculum. Incorporating student experiences with different social, cultural, or ethnic groups may promote a greater perceived value of cultural competence curriculum and improve PTs' perceptions of preparedness to practice culturally competent care. Programs may also examine the direct and indirect influence clinical instructors have on developing DPT students' cultural competence during clinical rotations.

Perceptions of preparedness, timing of cancer diagnosis, and objective emergency preparedness among gynecological cancer patients in Puerto Rico before and after Hurricane Maria

ObjectivesThis study investigated the impact of cancer diagnosis status, individual feelings of preparedness, and other covariates on objective emergency preparedness among women diagnosed with gynecological cancers before or after the 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico. MethodsThis study included 240 women who were interviewed by telephone from 9/2019–11/2020. Objective emergency preparedness was assessed using a list of six items. Subjective emergency preparedness was assessed by asking the women how prepared they felt (well, somewhat, or not at all) to face an emergency. Crude and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations (odds ratios [ORs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) between variables of interest and objective preparedness. ResultsBefore and after the hurricanes, 60% and 66% of women, respectively, were objectively prepared. Before the hurricanes, women reporting feeling well-prepared (vs. not prepared) (OR=9.31, 95%CI:3.96–21.91) and those who were diagnosed before (vs. after) the hurricanes (OR=1.71, 95%CI:0.95–3.09) were more likely to be objectively prepared. After the hurricanes, self-perceived well-preparedness (OR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.10–5.51) was positively associated with emergency preparedness when compared to feeling unprepared. ConclusionsPerceptions of emergency preparedness and having a cancer diagnosis increased the likelihood of being objectively prepared for an emergency. Policy summaryThis study demonstrates the need for state, territorial, and federal governments to include emergency preparedness plans for cancer patients in the Comprehensive Cancer Control plans. The study also indicates a need for cancer specific emergency preparedness information to be readily available for patients.

A Case for Adaptability: Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Preservice Teachers’ Culminating Field Experiences

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain insight into the lived experiences of preservice teachers amid the Covid-19 pandemic, including how such experiences impacted their perceptions of self-efficacy and pedagogical readiness. The participants were preservice teachers (both graduate and undergraduate) enrolled in an educator preparation program who fulfilled their student teaching requirements during the fall 2020 semester. Data collection included an initial survey, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group discussion. Findings from our data suggest that teacher candidates taught in a variety of highly nuanced configurations. While some were teaching in strictly virtual or face-to-face settings, the majority were teaching across multiple modalities and therefore, carrying an increased workload. Findings also point to the importance of adaptability and self-efficacy as participants integrated health and safety protocols into their classroom practices, navigated altered modes of teaching, and overcame concerns for their personal safety.

Medical student preparation for the operating room

BackgroundThis study examines student perceptions of preparedness for the operating room (OR), resources used, and time spent in preparation. MethodsThird-year medical and second-year physician assistant students across two campuses at a single academic institution were surveyed to assess perceptions of preparedness, time spent in preparation, resources used, and perceived benefits of preparation. Results95 responses (response rate 49%) were received. Students reported being most prepared to discuss operative indications and contraindications (73%), anatomy (86%), and complications (70%), but few felt prepared to discuss operative steps (31%). Students spent a mean of 28 min preparing per case, citing UpToDate and online videos as the most used resources (74%; 73%). On secondary analysis, only the use of an anatomic atlas was weakly correlated with improved preparedness to discuss relevant anatomy (p = 0.005); time spent, number of resources or other specific resources were not associated with increased preparedness. ConclusionStudents felt prepared for the OR, though there is room for improvement and a need for student-oriented preparatory materials. Understanding the deficits in preparation, preference for technology-based resources, and time constraints of current students can be used to inform optimisation for medical student education and resources to prepare for operating room cases.

Discharge Readiness and Associated Factors Among Postpartum Women in Tamale, Ghana.

Ghana experiences a relatively high maternal mortality ratio, with the majority of maternal deaths occurring in the postpartum period. Discharge readiness is a reliable indicator of maternal health outcomes and involves a postpartum woman's perception of preparedness to leave the hospital following delivery. We measured the discharge readiness of postpartum women in Ghana through an institutional-based cross-sectional study involving 151 participants. Participants completed an interviewer-administered survey, and data analyses included linear regression models. The study sample demonstrated relatively high discharge readiness, with a mean score of 177.57 on a scale from 0.00 to 220.00. Higher gravidity was positively associated with discharge readiness score, while longer length of hospital stay and receiving educational handouts were negatively associated with discharge readiness score. Clinical interventions addressing the factors found to be associated with discharge readiness have significant potential to improve postpartum care and maternal outcomes in Ghana.

Ready, or not? Graduate teachers’ perceptions of their classroom readiness through a capstone assessment task

ABSTRACT Since the TEMAG Review we, as teacher educators in initial teacher education (ITE), have seen a gradual yet perceptible shift in the way pre-service teachers demonstrate their “classroom readiness.” In the past readiness was connected to preparing evidence for a job interview. Now, classroom readiness is determined by a pre-service teacher’s ability to meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate level through a capstone assessment task – the Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA). We take a phenomenographic approach to explore variations in the ways pre-service teachers viewed the authenticity of the TPA as an assessment of their classroom readiness. We draw data from three points in time: TPA, SETU responses, and interviews, to examine pre-service teachers' perceptions of readiness. Our question is: How do graduate teachers perceive themselves as ready to make the transition to teaching? As a result of our analysis we posit that teacher readiness takes time, and requires a state of metaxis in a liminal phase. We reposition point-in-time notions of classroom readiness such as “Action Now!” as liminal phases of transformation, in which authentic and mutually beneficial working relationships between ITE, PSTs and schools create the space and time needed to prepare “quality” graduate teachers.

Conceptions of marriage readiness and marital quality indicators for future wellbeing among emerging adult students in the university of buea, Cameroon

While marriage is still strongly held as a major transition event for young people moving through emerging adulthood to full adult status, their conceptions of marriage readiness are diverse, and individually and socio-culturally rooted but also contested. Where their perceptions of marriage readiness are not contested, their beliefs about what it means to be ready for marriage are somewhat paradoxical in most cases. This paper presents descriptive data on youth-held conceptions of marriage readiness, the pathways to marriage and marital quality indicators for future wellbeing among some emerging adults in the University of Buea in Cameroon. A sample of 124 emerging adults, aged 18-30 responded to an adapted Criteria for Marriage Readiness questionnaire whose reliability was 0.848. Data showed that 72.9% of respondents felt that the criteria defined in the study were necessary for marriage readiness; whereas 27.1% did not see the criteria as necessary. Sought whether the criteria defined were important and at what level for future marital quality and wellbeing, 48.7% felt that the criteria defined were very important, 18.6% said the criteria were quite important, 17% maintained that the criteria defined were slightly important while 15.7% felt that the criteria were not at all important. Generally, thinking about marriage and marriage readiness against future marital satisfaction and wellbeing was an important function in the lives of emerging adults. It was concluded that conceptions of marriage readiness among them do not only connote readiness for marriage but further predict future marital satisfaction and wellbeing.

‘Looking forward’: non-traditional students perceptions of their readiness and preparedness for the transition to work after graduation

ABSTRACT This study explores how Higher Education students from non-traditional backgrounds perceive their readiness and preparedness to make the transition from university to work, after graduation. Thirteen students participated and each underwent a semi-structured interview exploring perceptions of their upcoming transition. Findings indicate that participants have mixed views about their readiness for work, with some expressing anxiety surrounding their future progression. Despite this, participants were positive about their preparedness for industry roles, highlighting elements of the practical and theoretical content of their courses as effective preparation for work. Furthermore, it was apparent that the participants’ non-traditional backgrounds influenced HE experiences and informed perceptions of readiness and preparedness for transition to work. The guidelines provided will help inform institutions on inherent challenges supporting students who are from non-traditional backgrounds.

Employees' Perception of Organizational Readiness for Business Continuity During the Pandemic

Purpose of the study: The study aimed to determine employee perception of organisational readiness for Business Continuity during the Pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Mr. Price's employees at the head office. A total of 1,500 online questionnaires were distributed to employees via Google Forms. A Spearman rank order test was conducted to determine the correlational relationships between the variables. Findings: The findings of this study indicate that the Mr. Price Group has made adequate preparations for ensuring business continuity throughout the pandemic. The use of remote working as a strategy for business continuity management (BCM) was enthusiastically accepted by workers. The participants expressed their appreciation for the ease of access to resources, the prominent presence of digital leadership in a remote work environment, and the effective business continuity plan that facilitated their transition to remote work. There was a favorable correlation seen between employees' assessment of organisational preparedness and their level of engagement in remote work. Recommendations/value: The study identified crucial components that can be integrated into remote working conditions. By extension of the study findings, it recommended that research is conducted to examine the effects of remote working on the overall well-being of employees. Furthermore, it is important to explore the moderating factors that influenced their overall experience. Managerial implications: The research study provides illuminating findings for the retail sector that can be useful to both HR academics and practitioners. As they endeavor towards the creation of sustainable remote working conditions as a business continuity management tool.

Perceptions of caregivers and adolescents/young adults with cystic fibrosis regarding health care transition readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

PurposeMedical advances have increased the life expectancy of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cystic fibrosis (CF) and importance of high-quality health care transitions (HCT) from pediatric-to-adult focused health care. The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions of HCT readiness among caregivers and AYA with CF during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design and methodsUsing a qualitative descriptive design, caregivers and AYA aged 12–21 years old were recruited from three large CF care centers across the eastern U.S. Data were collected using an online questionnaire with open ended and closed ended questions. Survey topics were: perceptions of HCT readiness, actions to prepare for HCT, and the impact of COVID-19. Results were interpreted using an adapted framework of the Health Care Transition Research Consortium Model and qualitative content analysis. ResultsThe sample included 73 caregivers (62 mothers) and 34 AYA (24 female, mean age 15.5 years). Three attributes of HCT readiness were identified from caregiver and AYA perceptions: (1) strong concerns that AYA lacked readiness to manage self-care needs in the future, (2) gaps in resources hindered ongoing efforts to enhance transition readiness, and (3) COVID changes created new barriers and facilitators to health care transition readiness. ConclusionsCaregivers and AYA felt they lacked readiness for HCT, they worried about worsening outcomes in adult-focused care, and they were challenged by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implicationsThese findings provide a solid description of perceived transition readiness during a pandemic that may enhance transitional care design.

Nurse Perceptions of Knowledge and Preparedness for Disasters.

The study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and perceptions of preparedness for disasters among nurses working in a tertiary university hospital. The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of nurses working in a university hospital in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey (n = 340). The sample included 183 nurses who were determined using the OpenEpi program and the universal sampling method. The data were collected using the Sociodemographic Information Form and the Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale in Nurses (DPPSN) and analyzed using SPSS 22 software. The mean age of the participants was 34.31 + 8.52 years; 83.1% were female, 66.1% had at least a bachelor's degree and worked in a surgical ward, 49.7% had been working for at least 11 years, and 58.5% had received training on disasters. Those who received disaster-related training received it mostly face to face (70.1%) from their institutions (91.6%) and in the form of 2-4 hours of training (75.7%); 52.5% had previously participated in a disaster-related drill, and 83.1% took on the role of caregiver during a disaster. The DPPSN mean score of the nurses involved in the study was found to be 3.53 ± 0.58 out of 5 points for the total scale. The results of the study showed that nurses considered themselves partially adequate for disaster preparedness, in general.