Professional Practice Research Articles

Analysis of the current status of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among stroke-related healthcare professionals in the treatment of shoulder pain in hemiplegic patients

Objective To investigate the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare professionals in stroke-related departments of primary-level tertiary hospitals regarding the prevention and treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain, and to analyze influencing factors. This aims to provide a reference for further training, guidance, and management of hemiplegic shoulder pain. Methods A total of 123 healthcare professionals from stroke-related departments of two tertiary hospitals in a county-level city in Zhejiang province were selected as the research subjects from March 6, 2023, to March 14, 2023. Written informed consent was obtained from all study participants prior to their inclusion in the study. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess their KAP status on the prevention and treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23. Results The scores for knowledge (29.97 ± 9.94), attitude (27.7 ± 2.81), and behavior (29.86 ± 7.86) among the 123 healthcare professionals indicated that department and position were influencing factors for KAP (P < 0.05). Conclusion The overall KAP of healthcare professionals in stroke-related departments of primary hospitals regarding the prevention and treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain needs improvement. Strengthening relevant knowledge and skills training is necessary to reduce the incidence of hemiplegic shoulder pain and improve patients’ quality of life.

A systematic review of coach developers’ professional learning

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper was to systematically review the empirical evidence surrounding sport coach developers’ (CDs) professional learning. CDs are key in coaching ecosystems because they influence coaches’ learning. However, little is known about the processes and mechanisms involved in how CDs learn to practice, which has implications for their training and support requirements. A thematic synthesis was undertaken on the 30 included studies. Findings generated themes concerning (1) CDs’ understanding and application of learning theory, (2) the influence of their employing governing body, (3) the role and importance of peers, and (4) expert facilitators in influencing CDs’ professional learning and practice. These findings provide insights for CDs and organisations responsible for training and developing CDs. The limited body of literature highlights the juvenile state of CD research, and recommendations are made to further investigate CDs from a broader range of sports and contexts.

Social workers dealing with situations of abuse against adults and older people: a research study in an Italian region

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the point of view and the interventions of social workers working in local authority social services on the issue of abuse against vulnerable adults and older people. The cases are analyzed from the perspective of dangerous care, considering the interpersonal level of violence and the structural and contextual conditions. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a qualitative methodology; 49 semistructured interviews with social workers across seven districts in a province in Northern Italy were carried out. The interviews included both open-ended questions and the description of specific cases. Findings This study highlights how the shortcomings in the welfare system (lack of legislation, dedicated services and protocols between different services) and the complexity of cases (often involving family members with personal issues) negatively impact social workers’ professional practice. Social workers often operate in solitude and encounter ethical dilemmas. This isolation can lead them to adopt an approach aimed at controlling situations, which may not always take into account the preferences of the individuals directly involved. Research limitations/implications This study captures the perspectives of social workers within a limited geographic area. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, it would be beneficial to extend research to a national level. Another limitation is the absence of the opinion of those directly involved. Originality/value There is currently no research in Italy that explores the opinions of social workers on this issue, which, in general, is little studied. The findings of this research can be highly valuable for professionals and policymakers to organize services and develop intervention protocols, which are currently lacking in the areas where the study was conducted.

1. Improving Care and Promoting Health in Populations: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

3. Prevention or Delay of Diabetes and Associated Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Made for or Made by? A Qualitative Investigation into the Diverse Practices and Roles of Medical Congress Participants.

Medical congresses play a pivotal role in the continuing medical education of healthcare professionals (HCPs), particularly in light of the rapid advancements in medical knowledge and technology. Notwithstanding, little is known about the internal dynamics of such events and how they contribute to the learning processes in communities of health professional practice. This study aims to uncover and elucidate what motivates HCPs to participate in medical congresses and how they experience their participation through a qualitative study. Attending six in-person medical congresses in Western Europe in 2023, we collected data through a combination of ethnographic methods including 69 in-situ interviews, 17 in-depth interviews, and extensive participant observations. We analyzed the role of the physical environment, participant motivation, interdisciplinarity, and participant diversity for medical congress attendance, ultimately identifying four types of congress participants: Explorers, Newcomers, Drivers, and Updaters, each characterized by unique patterns of professional experience and engagement within the professional communities. Our findings elucidate the complex motivational landscape of medical congress participants, where the desire for learning is routinely complemented by the pursuit of peer recognition. Our insights and the qualitative typology of medical congress participants introduced have the potential to optimize continuous medical education and shape the structure of future medical congresses by shedding light on the evolving needs of HCPs in diverse medical fields.

8. Obesity and Weight Management for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

14. Children and Adolescents: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

12. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

2. Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

VIVÊNCIA DAS ESTUDANTES DE ODONTOLOGIA DA FACULDADE DO AMAZONAS – IAES NO PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO REFERENTE ÀS PRÁTICAS MULTIDISCIPLINARES EM ODONTOLOGIA HOSPITALAR – UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA

Introduction: The role of the university is to train critical, reflective and ethical professionals. In this context, as an educational strategy, aligning theoretical teaching with practice, this experience took place at the Hospital and Emergency Room 28 de Agosto. The study was carried out by undergraduate students of the Dentistry course, in their sixth semester, with the practice taking place on two days a week, monthly, with a total duration of eight hours. The activities included lectures to patients, such as oral hygiene care and intraoral examinations, under the supervision of Prof. MSc. Guilherme Ferreira. Hospital Dentistry is a consolidated specialty in the care of hospitalized patients, encompassing a multidisciplinary approach and dental interventions. The care structure at the hospital was organized, ensuring safety and comfort for patients. In the Intensive Care Unit, there was one intubated patient, receiving continuous monitoring, and the other patients demonstrated good health. This experience report aims to share the experience acquired in the practice of Hospital Dentistry, highlighting the multidisciplinary work, the application of the relevant legislation and the challenges faced. Methodology: Descriptive in nature, providing an insight into the dental practices applied in the hospital environment – ​​description of the care provided, the clinical conditions of the patients, the multidisciplinary approaches and the difficulties faced by the professionals. Results and Discussion: Dental care provided to patients with various clinical conditions was observed, allowing an immersion in hospital dentistry. There was an opportunity to learn about hospital protocols and how they align with the hospital's standards and procedures, in relation to infection control and patient safety. The experience highlighted the complexity of dental care and highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion: The experience was an essential act for future professional practice, providing theoretical and practical learning, the opportunity to observe in a real clinical environment, to verify the complexity of hospital dental care and to adapt to the challenges of the environment.

15. Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

6. Glycemic Goals and Hypoglycemia: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Perceptions of a Digital Dental Technology Curriculum: A Qualitative Study of Dental Technology Students.

Integrating digital dental technology into undergraduate curricula can better prepare dental technology students for a digitally driven workplace. However, students' perspectives on this education are sparse in the literature. This qualitative study explored dental technology students' perceptions of a digital dental technology curriculum. An online questionnaire was administered to third-year and fourth-year students, as well as recent graduates from the West China School of Stomatology. It comprised three sections: (1) demographic data, (2) perceptions of learning effectiveness and its impact, and (3) suggestions for curriculum improvements. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a chi-squared test. Sixty-nine valid responses were collected, yielding an effective response rate of 90.79%. Over 80% of respondents thought the courses beneficial for professional learning, career selection and practical work. However, 35% of third-year students reported being unable to complete digital design independently upon finishing the courses, and 62.50% of fourth-year students also lacked confidence in this area. While 95% of third-year students and 87.5% of fourth-year students intended to pursue digital-related positions, only 33.33% of employed graduates were engaged in relevant professions, indicating that the demands for digital competence in the workplace significantly exceeded the curriculum content. This study found that most students had a positive perception of the digital dental technology curriculum. However, a gap remains between curriculum content and professional practice demands. Further research and curriculum shifts driven by skill application and work scenarios are required to support the digital transformation of dental technology education and dentistry.

10. Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

16. Diabetes Care in the Hospital: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

17. Diabetes Advocacy: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

7. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.