Practice Program Research Articles

Dementia Education for Physiotherapy Students: A Questionnaire of Australian and Canadian Entry-To-Professional Practice Programs

Purpose: To determine (1) what dementia education is provided to entry-to-professional practice physiotherapy students in Canada and Australia; (2) how this education is delivered; and (3) the challenges in delivering this education. Methods: A designated education provider from each university who offered entry-to-professional practice physiotherapy programs received a web-based questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results: Responses from 30/36 eligible universities resulted in 35 physiotherapy programs included for analysis. Canadian programs had a median of 5.5 hours (range, min-max, 0.5–13.0 hours), and Australia 4.0 hours (range, min-max, 2.0–22.0 hours) of dementia education. Lectures and tutorials were the most common method of delivery. There were varying amounts of education on topics such as cognition, communication, and behavioural symptoms and strategies. Challenges included dementia being difficult to teach, student stigma about people with dementia, difficulty providing students with real-life exposure to people with dementia, engaging students in the topic, and integrating dementia education into full programs. Conclusion: Dementia education across programs varies, with some programs lacking content on key topics such as cognitive, communication, and behavioural symptoms and strategies. These results may help physiotherapy accreditation organizations and universities develop dementia education standards and content.

Experience of rigorous practice of antimicrobial stewardship program and its impact on antibiotic consumption

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the next pandemic with a huge global economic burden. A customized antimicrobial stewardship program (AMSP) is a well-recognized tool for containment of AMR. The current study was undertaken to identify the impact of AMSP measures on the trends of antibiotic consumption rates, e.g., defined daily dose (DDD) and days of therapy (DOT) per 100 patient days in pre-identified areas of the hospital. Materials and Methods: The present study was a case-record-based extended cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary care institute in central India from January 2021 to September 2021. Time-bound feasible sampling was undertaken, and all cases were included without any exclusion criteria. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Institute and funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Statistical Analysis: The data was entered into a spreadsheet. The calculation of DDD and DOT was performed individually for each antibiotic as per WHO tool per 100 patient days. Results: In high-priority areas such as intensive care unit and high dependency unit, the top three DDD/100 days were meropenem (77.9), colistin (41.4), and piperacillin-tazobactam (13.5) versus the top 3 DOT/100 patient days were meropenem (40.5), colistin (20.9), and piperacillin-tazobactam (15.7). In low-priority areas such as general wards, the top 3 DDD/100 patient days were meropenem (45.4), piperacillin-tazobactam (22.6), and cefoperazone (5.0) versus the top three DOT/100 patient days were meropenem (45.4), cefoperazone (44.9), and piperacillintazobactam (22.6). There was a downward trend of consumption of almost all these antibiotics when measured at baseline and the next two quarters. DDD and DOT per 100 patient days had a positive linear correlation during the study period. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates about 50% reduction in consumption of ICMR priority antibiotics with a yearlong AMSP. DDD and DOT per 100 patient days can be calculated with minimal effort, even in extremely busy hospitals. DOT tools are less labor-intensive and, hence, should be the pivotal tool for antibiotic exposure measurement.

Understanding the delivery of the Falls Management Exercise Programme (FaME) across the U.K.

1) Map FaME delivery across the UK, 2) explore and understand delivery of the FaME programme in practice. Sequential exploratory mixed methods. 1) survey of n=247 Postural Stability Instructor (PSIs) across the UK, 2) purposively sampled n=23 PSIs to take part in interviews. Quantitative data was described descriptively due to low sample size, and qualitative data coded using thematic analysis. Instructors pre-dominantly delivered classes in a community-setting, were mostly White British females with a range of experience. Most respondents were exercise instructors, physiotherapists, or therapist assistants. Only 136 (55.1%) respondents currently delivered the programme. The essential components of the FaME programme that instructors did not implement routinely were backward chaining, floorwork and Tai Chi. Five main themes emerged from qualitative data: individual, delivery and set-up, evidence-based delivery, motivational strategies, and instructor-based factors. Most instructors reported fidelity to most components of FaME and shared barriers and facilitators to delivering classes. This study gives a UK overview of the implementation of FaME. PSIs present a complex picture of the ways set-up and delivery of evidence-based programmes in practice can influence older adults' attendance, adherence and experience of the programme, and barriers and facilitators to delivery of the programme with fidelity.

The Feasibilty of the Motor Control Home Ergonomics Elderlies' Prevention of Falls (McHeELP) Programme in Patients with Sarcopenia: A Pilot Study.

The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of a three month 'Motor control Home ergonomics Elderlies' Prevention of falls' (McHeELP) programme on muscle mass, muscle strength, functionality, balance and fear of falling among older adults with sarcopenia. A feasibility study of the McHeELP programme was performed in patients with sarcopenia. Primary outcome measures included number of participants; number of participants that showed engagement with the programme; adherence rates; data loss in questionnaires and secondary outcome measures; any adverse events, related or not to the intervention programme. All participants received a home-based motor control exercise programme combined with an ergonomic home modification for 12 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included Hand Grip Strength, Bioimpendance Analysis, Muscle Mass, Functionality and Fear of Falling. Twelve participants, (74.9±5 years), completed the pilot study. Significant differences were recorded before and after the programme on participants' functionality (p < 0.001), balance (p < 0.05) and fear of falling (p < 0.001). The present study revealed that the McHeELP programme is fesasible and that it is possible to implement the programme in clinical practice. The McHeELP programme positively affects functionality, balance and fear of falling. Thus, it seems feasible to conduct a full-scale randomised controlled trial.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (JEDI-B) in Transition to Practice Programs.

Justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (JEDI-B) are essential for creating safe and productive professional environments. Clear definitions of JEDI-B terms are essential for collective understanding and organizational buy-in. Institutional and transition to practice program efforts should focus on the development of inclusive cultures, diverse curriculum, and data-driven evaluation of JEDI-B policies, processes, and practices. Engagement in bias recognition and the unlearning of those biases is also vital. Despite current legislative challenges, the integration of JEDI-B principles remains a vital component in enhancing health care experiences for patients and fostering inclusive workplaces. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(6):273-275.].

A Practice of education program using i-Tree―Case studies of the cooperation between elementary, junior high schools and a university―

A Practice of education program using i-Tree―Case studies of the cooperation between elementary, junior high schools and a university―

The Effect of Drill Training Program Like Game Situation on Forehand and Backhand Shots in Pickleball Sport

This research aims to see how the situational game-like drill training program influences pickleball shots. Pickleball is an increasingly popular sport with a need for evolving techniques and strategies. A structured and effective practice program is critical to improving pickleball players' skills. One interesting approach is the drill-like game situation training program, which aims to simulate game situations similar to real matches. This study aimed to explore the effects of such a training program on hitting in pickleball. This research provides an essential contribution to understanding the effectiveness of the drill-like game situation training program in improving hitting skills in pickleball. These findings imply that pickleball coaches and players may consider integrating such training programs into their training plans to achieve better match results.

Green Supplier Selection for Small Enterprises without Impairing Earnings

In recent years, more and more studies have shown that sustainable development and competitive profitability don't need to be mutually exclusive, and as a result, not only governments and non-profit organizations, but also more and more companies have started to look at green procurement as an important part of sustainable development. However, as a major contributor to carbon emissions and a key implementer of green procurement, MSMEs have long faced internal and external disadvantages in the form of a lack of expert support and external information. To prevent green procurement from becoming a strategy of information monopoly for large enterprises, and to reduce the cost of green procurement and encourage more SME to join, this paper focuses on the core link of green procurement - supplier selection, and uses AI model to enhance the traditional AHP hierarchical analysis method to provide a set of convenient and cost-effective green supplier selection solutions for SME. high performance green supplier selection program, and provides some observations and suggestions based on the model. In the information age, for individuals or organizations that lack information, large language models such as GPT provide a fast track. The nature of the decision-making capability of large language models, such as machine learning, is increasingly proving to be effective in addition to the traditional function of information retrieval. In this paper, we used ChatGPT to generate a group of virtual experts as an AHP expert panel, and established the method of developing AHP top guides and consistency tests to ensure that their scores are effective. Finally, we determined the 5 first-level indicators and 16 sub-indicators to be considered by micro and small enterprises to make a green supplier selection with guaranteed benefits and no cost increase, as well as the weights of these indicators. The method is highly feasible and scalable, and micro and small enterprises can easily reproduce the programme in practice and add to the learning materials or objectives according to the actual situation or to the specific needs of the enterprise.

EFFECTIVENESS OF CBT BASED RELAPSE PREVENTION THERAPY IN REDUCING RELAPSE RISK AND CRAVING AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

Present study explored the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Relapse Prevention Techniques (CBT-BRPT) in reducing relapse risk and craving among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Drawing from a comprehensive literature review, the study addressed the pressing need for evidence-based interventions to combat SUD and its associated challenges. Present study employed a Pre-Experimental Research Design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach, utilized the purposive sampling to recruit a sample of 50 male participants seeking treatment for SUD. The instruments utilized include the Stimulant Relapse Risk Scale (SRRS), the Brief Substance Craving Scale (BSCS), and a Demographic Information Form. Results demonstrated significant reductions in both craving and relapse risk among participants who received CBT-BRPT intervention. These findings underscore the importance of CBT-BRPT as a viable treatment option for individuals with SUD, offering promising implications for clinical practice and substance abuse treatment programs. Despite limitations such as sample size and absence of a control group, the study's findings advocate for the integration of CBT approaches into existing treatment modalities and call for further research to validate the efficacy of CBT interventions in addressing substance use disorders comprehensively.

Assessment of kinesiophobia levels in patients with musculoskeletal pathologies: A demographic, physical, and clinical perspective

IntroductionKinesiophobia is a crucial factor influencing the rehabilitation process for individuals with musculoskeletal pathologies. Assessing kinesiophobia levels is crucial for personalized interventions. AimThe aim of this study is to investigate the level of kinesiophobia in individuals with musculoskeletal pathology based on the pathology areas, demographic, physical, and clinical characteristics. MethodsA total of 210 participants with musculoskeletal pathologies were included in the study. All participants were assessed using a sociodemographic information form for demographic and physical characteristics, the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale for kinesiophobia level, and the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire for pain location and intensity. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference observed in kinesiophobia level between patients in terms of pathology location and sex. However, a significant difference in kinesiophobia levels was found among patients based on the acute and chronic duration of the disease (p = 0.00), previous treatment history (p = 0.04), and exercise engagement (p = 0.00). When kinesiophobia levels were examined according to educational status, a significant difference was found between the primary education group and the undergraduate and above group (p = 0.00). ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, kinesiophobia levels appear to be independent of pathology location and sex, but vary based on educational level, exercise habits, pain duration and history of previous treatment. Considering these findings, it is essential to take into account these factors in treatment programs in clinical practice and to provide support in exercise and physical activity training to individuals who have previously received treatment and individuals with low education levels.

Outcomes of a universal germline screening program in a community urology practice.

The role of germline genetic testing in urologic oncology has expanded in recent years. However, implementation of genetic testing in community practices remains a challenge, often due to limited access to qualified genetics trained providers. In this study, we report outcomes of a universal germline screening program in a community urology practice. Between November 2021 and September 2022, all patients referred for urology clinic visits at Frederick Health (Frederick, MD, USA) were provided an online genetics screening questionnaire prior to the visit. Responses were compared against National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria for germline testing. Those who met criteria were provided educational materials at the end of the questionnaire, and then counseled by a trained urologic oncologist (HC) in the clinic or referred to a genetic counselor prior to testing. Testing was performed with a 36-gene pan-cancer panel (CancerNext) or a 14-gene targeted prostate cancer panel (ProstateNext), with or without additional RNA analysis (RNAinsight) (Ambry Genetics, CA, USA). Demographic and clinical parameters, as well as genetic testing results, were retrospectively collected under IRB approval. In the study period, 765 patients were seen over 1370 clinic visits. Of these, 505 patients (66.0%) completed the screening questionnaire. The majority were completed via email (54.5%) with the remainder (45.5%) via text message. Of the patients who completed screening, 125/505 (24.7%) met NCCN criteria for germline testing. 58/125 patients (46.4%) who met criteria underwent germline testing, of whom 5/58 (8.6%) had distinct pathogenic mutations identified. These included actionable mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and CHEK2, as well as an additional pathogenic mutation in NBN. Variants of unknown significance were identified in 8/58 patients (13.8%) in 11 total genes. Challenges to implementation of this program included meeting institutional requirements for genetic testing consent, facilitating specimen collection in clinic, and integration of results into the electronic health record. Genetic risk assessment for high-risk individuals is feasible as part of a universal screening program in a community urology practice. Approximately 8% of tested patients were found to have pathogenic germline mutations, which is consistent with contemporary tertiary referral cohorts.

Orientation of New Graduate Registered Nurses Postpandemic: A Follow-up Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the rate of nurses leaving practice, which has highlighted the importance of new graduate nurse orientation. The literature has limited recommendations for orientation strategies. The goal of this study was to determine what changes have occurred in orientation processes for new graduate nurses since the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey of nurse leaders was used to examine changes and opportunities. Leaders are more intentional with orientation processes, including frequent check-ins and increased discussion of time management, difficult conversations, and workplace violence. Individualized orientation plans are used, along with a stronger focus on nurse wellness. Recommendations include continuing support after orientation is completed and partnering with academia to provide content on stress management and wellness. Innovative and cost-effective transition to practice programs are needed to meet the needs of new nurses. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(7):345-350.].

Why Pursue a Doctorate? Findings From a Study of Doctorally Prepared RNs in an Integrated Healthcare System.

The aim of this study was to examine the motivations and perceptions of RNs with completed doctorates in an integrated healthcare system. Historically, PhD preparation was the primary doctorate available for nurses, preparing them to conduct research and hold leadership positions. The recent growth of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs that focus on either advanced clinical practice or executive competencies has significant implications for the future of nursing in practice settings. A 30-item survey was sent to all 93 RNs at a healthcare system who have completed doctorates. A response rate of 71% found DNPs outnumber PhDs 3 to 1. PhDs are significantly more likely to perceive concrete benefits associated with their degrees, and DNPs are more likely to report that their degrees have not made a difference in their jobs. Leaders in practice and education must collaborate to ensure that both DNPs and PhDs are engaged in positions that use their highest level of competence in any setting.

Research on the development prospects and cultivation countermeasures of English majors in cross-border E-commerce backgrounds

Abstract: In recent years, the development of e-commerce has been very rapid no matter in which country or region. Based on its broad development prospects, a large number of investors have invested in the field, which also makes the competition between e-commerce increasingly fierce. As an emerging mode of e-commerce, live broadcasting, relying on the development of Internet technology, has become an important way of e-commerce with goods. However, China's e-commerce market has become mature, with high competitive pressure and reduced opportunities in the industry. In order to make better use of the English majors' own advantages, so as to broaden their development prospects in this industry, this paper starts from this background, analyzes the current situation and development prospects of cross-border e-commerce, studies the requirements and expectations of this industry for English majors, and puts forward the cultivation and practice programs for English majors in this direction.

Delving into EFL Pre-Service Teachers’ Emotional Experiences: Professional Identity Construction in Online Teaching Practice Programs

This paper presents the online teaching practice program that influence EFL pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) emotional experiences as the pre-cursor of their professional identity construction. This study involved six PSTs enrolled teaching practice program in an initial teacher education. Dialogic reflection before, during, and after teaching enactment was employed to dig up information about their emotional experiences in an online classroom setting. The data were analyzed using appraisal analysis (Martin and White, 2007) and thematic analysis. The results document negative emotional experiences such as feeling dissatisfaction, doubtful, and confusion which lead to positive emotional experiences, such as caring. Factors that influence PS Ts’ emotional experiences in online teaching practice are lack of Curriculum Knowledge (CrK), lack of subject-matter knowledge or Content Knowledge (CK), and lack of Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) in terms of assessing students’ competence, and the interlink between theory and practice. All PS Ts develop a good understanding of how to exploit technological tools by encouraging their self-concept. This study substantiates the importance of shared-space coaching for teacher mentors before they become an escort for PSTs who are going to be professional teacher mentors.

Informatics Competencies of Students in a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program: A Descriptive Study.

Health systems that apply artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the roles of healthcare providers, including those of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) providers. These professionals are required to utilize informatics knowledge and skills to deliver quality care, necessitating a high level of informatics competencies, which should be developed through well-structured courses. The purpose of this study is to assess the informatics competency scale scores of DNP students and to provide recommendations for enhancing the informatics curriculum. An online informatics course was offered to students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to DNP program, and their informatics competency, which includes three subscales, was evaluated. Online survey data were collected from Fall 2021 to Fall 2022 using the "Self-Assessment of Informatics Competency Scale for Health Professionals." An analysis of 127 student responses revealed that students demonstrated competence in overall informatics competency and in one subscale: "applied computer skills (clinical informatics)." They showed proficiency in the "basic computer skills" and the "role" subscales. However, they reported lower competency in managing data and integrating standard terminology into their practice. The findings offer detailed insights into the current informatics competencies of DNP students and can inform informatics educators on how to enhance their courses. As healthcare institutions increasingly depend on AI applications, it is imperative for informatics educators to include AI-related content in their curricula.

The Four Horsemen of Antiracist School Leadership: A Communication Guide to Bridge Racial Conflict in School Relationships

Principals are critical for disrupting systems that bar racially diverse students from learning opportunities and belonging in schools. Issues of inequity due to systemic racism have been ongoing and politically heightened in the United States as the nation navigates racial tensions within school systems. Research on antiracist school leadership has resulted in important, timely, and relevant frameworks for practice and popular strategies and programs, including courageous conversation and restorative justice programs. However, the process of how to practice antiracist leadership remains difficult and elusive in the translation of theory to praxis. Particularly, principals are rarely trained to develop healthy communication styles and effective conflict resolution skills, especially in conversations about racism. Borrowing from the field of counseling, this article details Gottman’s Four Horsemen model of conflict and their resolutions at the interpersonal level. This article frames the model within school contexts for principals to practice and empower their communication skills around race when setting antiracist and equitable school agendas. Recognizing the Four Horsemen and practicing the antidotes to conflicts are important skills for principals to effectively engage in difficult, contentious, and often emotional conversations around racism and its impacts on racially diverse students. Recommendations for principals and preparation programs are provided.

Evaluation of Industrial Field Practice Program using the Tyler Model in the Informatics Engineering Education Department

This research aims to describe the evaluation implementation of industrial field practices in the informatics engineering education study program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Putra Indonesia "YPTK" Padang. This research used an evaluation method with the Tyler Evaluation Model (Goal Oriented Model). Based on this method, data was collected through the following steps: 1). Identify the objectives of industrial field practice; 2) formulate indicators for the achievement goals that have been set; 3) formulate the data obtained with indicators. The main objective is divided into sub-component objectives, namely: sub-component of program objectives, sub-component of attitudes, and sub-component of achieving program objectives. All indicators included in the sub-components were analyzed using the mixed method technique (quantitative and qualitative) and obtained an average score of 84.4 %. It means that the implementation of industrial field practice in the informatics engineering education study program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Putra Indonesia "YPTK" Padang, is in a good category. The impact of the implementation of industrial field practices can run smoothly in accordance with the program objectives.

Between Islands – an Intergenerational Contact and Creative Practice Program

ABSTRACT Addressing ageism is a serious social issue in need of targeted, empirically based solutions. Facilitating intergenerational contact is one promising means of reducing ageism. Between Islands was a creative practice and intergenerational contact intervention designed to promote connection while challenging stereotypes about aging and older adults. Before the intervention began, young and older adults received two 2.5 pound blocks of clay, paints, and paintbrushes. During the four-week online intervention, participants learned about the history of hand-weights and circuit training, engaged in creative practice (designed, sculpted, and decorated hand-weights), and got to know one another through group based discussion as well as smaller group prompts and zoom breakout rooms. Among young adults, paired t-tests demonstrate a significant decrease in benevolent ageism and intergenerational tension. In addition, open-ended responses illustrate how the intervention challenged stereotypes about older adults, supported the recognition of similarities between young and older adults, and facilitated connection between participants. Results from Between Islands, an intervention rooted in theory, offer promise for reducing ageism and intergenerational tensions using unique and creative programming.

Learning from doctoral supervisors’ and candidates’ reflections on a supervisory model

ABSTRACT Professional development for doctoral supervisors differs between higher education institutions (HEIs) across the globe from non-existent support to one off workshops, to mandatory programmes. Communities of practice programmes encourage supervisors to reflect on case studies and conceptual models but there is limited research which explores the learning from supervisors’ and candidates’ reflections. Using interviews with supervisors and candidates from one HEI in England, this paper explores their reflections on a model of supervisor roles and tasks. The model aided the reflections of supervisors and candidates in terms of their own preferences, but also how they responded to candidate needs or when working in supervision teams. There is complexity and fluidity in terms of the roles offered in a single meeting and a suggestion that more pastoral roles need to be added. The model could be used for discussions between supervisors and candidates or within professional development programmes.