Experienced Practitioners Research Articles

Beyond the Aesthetics: Understanding Risks in Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty (NSR), colloquially referred to as a "liquid nose job," is a procedure that employs injectable fillers to modify the shape and contour of the nose. This procedure is particularly suited to patients presenting with minor imperfections and nasal defects. The procedure typically entails the injection of hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which are preferred due to their reversibility and safety profile. Although rare, dangerous complications are possible, therefore it is important to be aware of the risks associated with performing NSR and how to recognise and manage them. This article examines a number of potential complications associated with the procedure, including minor side effects such as bruising and swelling, as well as more serious risks such as vascular obstruction, skin necrosis and blindness. It is evident that the practitioner's experience and anatomical knowledge are of paramount importance in order to minimise the aforementioned risks. The aim of this review is to delineate the potential hazards associated with NSR. It is imperative that both clinicians and patients are cognizant that NSR is not a risk-free procedure. Dissemination of information may facilitate the implementation of safer practices and superior outcomes in facial aesthetic procedures.

General practitioners’ and women’s experiences of perimenopause consultations: A qualitative evidence synthesis protocol

Background Perimenopause precedes menopause and can cause a myriad of symptoms for women. General practitioners (GPs) are frequently the first contact for perimenopausal women with symptoms. However, women express feeling dissatisfied with the consultations they have with their GPs for perimenopausal symptoms. Moreover, diagnostic difficulties can make these consultations challenging for GPs. Despite these challenges, research to date has focused on menopause, not the transition to menopause. To date, no evidence synthesis has examined how women experience perimenopause consultations, nor how GPs experience providing care to these women. Objective To systematically search, collate, and appraise the qualitative literature to understand general practitioners' and women's experiences of perimenopause consultations and examine how treatment decisions are made during consultations. Methods A meta-ethnography will be conducted following Sattar et al. (2021) guidelines for conducting a meta-ethnography as developed by Noblit and Hare (1988). Seven databases will be systematically searched. To be included, studies must report on the experiences of either general practitioners and/or perimenopausal women and published since 2014 to capture the most up-to-date evidence. Quality assessment will be conducted using CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) tools. A GRADE-CERqual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) will be conducted to assess the confidence of the findings. PROSPERO registration number CRD42024520537. Discussion Findings will provide new and useful insight into how GPs and women experience consultations for perimenopause and how decisions are made during these consultations.

The cycle of acceptance: mental health professionals’ experience of workplace violence in a UK community mental health team

PurposeViolence and aggression against mental health professionals is a global concern with well-documented consequences. In the UK, mental health care is increasingly delivered in the community, yet little research has explored practitioner experiences of workplace violence (WPV) outside of inpatient settings. This study aimed to explore how mental health professionals in a UK community mental health team (CMHT) perceive, experience and cope with WPV.Design/methodology/approachFace-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten multidisciplinary professionals based in a CMHT in a UK city. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.FindingsThree interconnected themes emerged. WPV was accepted as inevitable: participants carried on working despite its impact, and feeling unheard by management they gave up on change, perpetuating the perceived inevitability of WPV. Peer support and organisational resources like debriefing, counselling and occupational health improved coping. Stigma and ideas of professional responsibility were barriers to access.Originality/valueTo mitigate against the negative consequences of WPV, CMHTs could offer peer support initiatives, improve communication and availability of organisational resources and involve staff in post-incident decision-making. Recommendations are made to shift the attitude of acceptance of WPV and encourage help-seeking.

Policy priorities to enable engaged and transformational adaptation on the coast: Learning from practitioner experiences in England

Coastal communities and their environments are facing unprecedented changes, with climate change driving rising global mean sea level, exacerbating extreme sea level events, and increasing hazards. Whilst adaptations to change have been central to coastal life for millennia, climate change brings a speed and intensity of change not previously experienced. Researchers are noting that adaptations are needed that are large scale and systemic with significant changes to lives and livelihoods – Transformational Adaptations – yet there is little evidence of this in practice, and there remains an operationalisation gap between ambitions and actions. This paper uses a qualitative case study method to assess how existing policy may enable and inhibit local stakeholder involvement in transformational adaptation in English coastal flood and erosion risk management. Through twenty interviews with coastal management stakeholders, the capacity for local coastal management stakeholders to initiate transformational adaptation and the perceived involvement of residents are analysed. The results indicate that transformational adaptation remains a distant aspiration in the English coastal management system, with local stakeholders possessing limited capacity to initiate it. The perceived role for residents in adaptation processes is often focused on their being recipients of adaptation interventions, and there are a range of barriers to their further involvement. The paper concludes that despite the theoretical interest in transformational adaptation, there is limited evidence its implementation in English coastal flood and erosion risk management, and there are multiple priority areas for policy development to support capacity for engaged transformational adaptation practices in coastal management contexts.

A mixed methods investigation into GP attitudes and experiences of using social prescribing in their practice

Abstract Aim Social prescribing (SP) enables clinicians to signpost patients to non-medical services in the community in order to support their psycho-social needs. SP has been promoted as a positive service delivery model for primary and community care; however, there are few data on the views of doctors working in this area on the effectiveness of SP and its implementation. Subject and methods This study used a mixed methods approach to examine attitudes and experiences of general practitioners (GPs) on their use of SP. GPs completed an online survey (n = 102), provided narrative written responses (n = 55) and took part in semi-structured interviews on the topic (n = 8). Results Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 90% of respondents use SP in their practice, with significant factor loadings on six separate components. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes, which were then combined with the PCA components to derive overarching themes that underpin effective implementation of SP: (1) perceptions of effectiveness and efficacy of SP, (2) training and awareness, and (3) structure and operational delivery. Conclusion This study is one of the first to explore attitudes of doctors to SP. Whilst data shows that most respondents are supportive of SP in principle, the analysis also reveals that there are specific barriers that need to be overcome to enable effective implementation.

Pioneering Online Assessment Solutions: Empirical Experiences from Educational Practitioners

The emergence of E-learning has shaped the university's new pedagogical, environment to guarantee business continuity in worse pandemics. Assessment is an end process of learning however, measuring it to globally accepted standards is still a nightmare in universities. It is not clear whether the assessment spells out the tasks posed to learners? illustrate an observable demonstration of the learners’ ability? or have a detailed scoring criterion? no wonder stake holders still doubt assessment online. The research examined qualitative literature regarding the innovative strategies for online educational assessment sustainable and scalable. To gather empirical qualitative data on this subject, a systematic review of literature was undertaken. The study responded to one major research question. “What are the experiences of educational practitioners reported in empirical qualitative research studies pertaining innovative strategies for online educational assessment?” We conducted a qualitative review of the scientific literature published between 2010 and 2022 using the PRISMA framework, thematic analysis was employed to generate themes and patterns. Education databases, like ERIC were used for the article search. Search phrases utilized for this systematic review included “Strategies for online assessment” and “Assessment of E-learning.” 16 articles were included in the analysis for this study. findings point to the Asynchronous Online Discussion, E-portfolios, Distance Project based assessment, Online proctored Exams, Online non-proctored exams as sustainable strategies. The study demonstrates a potential solution to online assessment in universities and restores confidence among educational partners and funders.

Exploring the impact of pharmacist-supported medication reviews in dementia care: experiences of general practitioners and nurses

BackgroundDementia is a major global public health challenge, and with the growing elderly population, its prevalence is expected to increase in the coming years. In Sweden, municipalities are responsible for providing special housing for the elderly (SÄBO), which offers services and care for older individuals needing specific support. SÄBO is both the person´s home and a care environment and workplace. Polypharmacy in patients with dementia is common and increases the risk of medication interactions. Involving clinical pharmacists in medication reviews has been shown to enhance medication safety and improve prescribing practices. However, the views of the standard care team involved in medication prescribing, administration, monitoring and documentation on integrating pharmacist services have received less attention. Thus, this study aims to explore how pharmacists’ contributions can enhance medication safety, improve patient care efficiency, and potentially alleviate the workload of general practitioners for people with dementia living in special housing.MethodsThis study has a descriptive qualitative study design using semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis. The study was conducted in a southern Swedish special housing and included nurses, assistant nurses, general practitioners (GPs), and a pharmacist. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interviews were conducted over the phone. The Swedish Ethical Review Authority approved the study.ResultsThe analysis revealed three main categories, and eleven subcategories.: (1) Integrating multidisciplinary approaches for holistic dementia care, (2) Strengthening dementia care through effective medication management and (3) Advancing dementia care through pharmacist integration and role expansion. Nurses focused on non-pharmacological treatments, while GPs emphasized the importance of medication reviews in assessing the benefits and side-effects of prescribed medication. Pharmacists were valued for their reliable medication expertise, appreciated by GPs for saving time and providing recommendations prior to consultations with individuals with dementia and their next-of-kin. Although medication reviews were considered beneficial, there was skepticism about their ability to solve all medication-related problems associated with dementia care.ConclusionsThis study highlights the critical role pharmacists play in enhancing medication safety and patient care efficiency in special housing for individuals with dementia. Despite the value of their contributions, communication barriers within healthcare teams pose significant challenges. Recognising potential pharmacist role expansion is essential to alleviate the workload of GPs and ensure effective collaborative practices for better patient outcomes.

“Workplaces in the mind” as metaphor: advising industry managers doing doctoral research about organisational change management

PurposeThis study aims to reflect on “good practices” in doctoral research supervision and transfer the author’s experience to other academics. The author explains the sources of his approach to doctoral research supervision drawing on traditional practice in adult learning and some reference to phenomenology as a “meeting of minds” between academic and industry mindsets.Design/methodology/approachThis is a reflective paper condensing many years of practical experience advising industry managers doing doctoral research. It is not an empirical study as such but draws on extensive practitioner experience based on many successful PhD completions in the business and management domain.FindingsThere are no empirical findings as such, but ample practical experience of doctoral research process and outcomes over 40 years of supervision in both the UK and Australian Universities.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralisation is limited to the number of doctoral research completions (between 70 and 80).Practical implicationsThe paper concludes with indicators of what the author regards as “good practices” in doctoral research supervision.Social implicationsNone is directly applicable, but academe-industry working partnerships might be improved with the author’s learner- and customer-centred approach to doctoral research with adults in senior positions in the industry wanting to do research.Originality/valueThis paper is based entirely on the author’s own working experience as a senior academic in UK and Australian Universities.

Sicherstellung der hausärztlichen Versorgung in Deutschland – Befunde einer quantitativen Befragung von Allgemeinmediziner*innen

ZusammenfassungHintergrundAngesichts der Gefahr einer Verknappung niedergelassener Allgemeinmediziner*innen stellt sich die Frage, welche Konzepte wirksame Beiträge leisten können, um eine drohende Mangelversorgung abzuwenden. Bis dato fehlt es an Studien, die beleuchten, wie Hausärzt*innen aus ihrer beruflichen Erfahrung zu verschiedenen Ansätzen zur langfristigen Sicherstellung der Primärversorgung stehen.Ziel der ArbeitZiel der Studie war es, Positionen, Haltungen und Erfahrungswerte von Hausärzt*innen mit Blick auf eine Sicherstellung der allgemeinmedizinischen Breitenversorgung zu ermitteln.MethodenIm Zuge einer Online-Befragung wurden zwischen Februar und Juni 2023 insgesamt 4176 Hausärzt*innen befragt. Über die deskriptive Analyse hinaus erfolgte zur Ermittlung von signifikanten Unterschieden zwischen 2 Gruppen ein t‑Test bei unabhängigen Stichproben.Ergebnisse42 % beobachten im Umfeld einen merklichen Schwund allgemeinärztlicher Praxen. 53 % bescheinigen der Hausarztmedizin eine sinkende Attraktivität für den ärztlichen Nachwuchs, was 3 Problembereichen zugeordnet wird: 1) Stellung der hausärztlichen Versorgung im Gesundheitswesen, 2) Voraussetzungen in Aus- und Weiterbildung, 3) Arbeitsbedingungen. Zur Sicherung der Hausarztmedizin sprechen sich die Befragten v. a. für folgende Ansatzpunkte aus: Einrichtung eines Primärarztsystems (85 %), vermehrte Förderung von Interesse und Berührungspunkten in Aus- und Weiterbildung (80 %), Stärkung multiprofessioneller ambulanter Versorgungszentren (64 %), Restrukturierung von Curricula (56 %) und Zulassungskriterien zum Medizinstudium (50 %), Reform der allgemeinmedizinischen Weiterbildung (53 %).DiskussionHausärzt*innen haben eigene Vorschläge und Präferenzen, die Expertisen und Sachverständige ergänzen. Bei der Planung, Implementierung und Evaluation von Maßnahmen zur Stabilisierung der hausärztlichen Versorgung sollten Allgemeinmediziner*innen konsequenter als bislang involviert werden.

Unpacking complexity in addressing the contribution of trauma to women's ill health: a qualitative study of perspectives from general practice.

There is an intricate relationship between the mind and the body in experiences of health and wellbeing. This can result in complexity of both symptom presentation and experience. Although the contribution of life trauma to illness experience is well described, this is not always fully recognised or addressed in healthcare encounters. Negotiating effective and acceptable trauma-informed conversations can be difficult for clinicians and patients. To explore the experience of primary care practitioners caring for women through a trauma-informed care lens. Qualitative study in the general practice setting of England, with reflections from representatives of a group with lived experience of trauma. This was a secondary thematic analysis of 46 qualitative interviews conducted online/by telephone to explore primary care practitioners' experiences of supporting women's health needs in general practice, alongside consultation with representatives of a lived-experience group to contextualise the findings. Four themes were constructed: 'you prioritise physical symptoms because you don't want to miss something'; you do not want to alienate people by saying the wrong thing; the system needs to support trauma-informed care; and delivering trauma-informed care takes work that can have an impact on practitioners. Primary care practitioners are aware of the difficulties in discussing the interface between trauma and illness with patients, and request support and guidance in how to negotiate this supportively. Lack of support for practitioners moves the focus of trauma-informed care from a whole-systems approach towards individual clinician-patient interactions.

Attitudes and experiences of traditional Korean medicine practitioners in cases of traffic accidents: A qualitative study

ObjectiveThe surge in vehicles has escalated traffic volume, leading to an upswing in traffic accidents and subsequent disorders. Complex symptoms often characterize post-traumatic syndrome from these accidents. Traditional Korean medicine (TKM), increasingly used in car insurance, forms a substantial part of treatment costs. However, the current system lacks explicit fee guidelines and approval criteria for non-reimbursable TKM procedures, relying heavily on practitioners’ judgment without robust evidence-based decision-making. This scenario raises concerns about treatment appropriateness and transparency. We aim to explore physicians’ perspectives on utilizing TKM in emergency medicine, their participation sentiments, and their session selection process post-traffic accident. MethodsWe collected TKM practitioners’ opinions regarding their role in clinical environment and involvement in treating patients after traffic accidents. The need for comprehensive and standardized protocols for the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prognosis of patients with post-traumatic syndrome is evident. Additionally, improvements that facilitate rational decision-making by medical consumers and protect the treatment rights of healthcare providers are necessary. Results has emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making, establishing appropriate fee structures and detailed criteria for non-reimbursable TKM-based procedures, and enhancing regulations for the reliability and transparency of TKM-based treatments in the context of car insurance. Results and conclusionsThe perspective of healthcare providers directly involved in TKM-based treatments must be considered to maintain a sustainable vehicular insurance system, transcending administrative policy discourse. We highlighted the challenges and potential solutions for improving the effectiveness and appropriateness of TKM-based treatments in the context of car insurance.

Feature selection using metaheuristics made easy: Open source MAFESE library in Python

Artificial intelligence (AI) often relies on feature selection (FS) to recognize and highlight the most relevant and major features in a dataset. The procedure of training and optimizing AI systems with key data points is decisive for its development and efficacy. To address this challenge, the present study introduces MAFESE, an open-source Python library that employs metaheuristic algorithms for selecting the optimal set of attributes, particularly when dealing with complex and high-dimensional data. MAFESE encompasses a wide range of feature selection techniques, including unsupervised-based, filter-based, embedded-based, and wrapper-based methods. Notably, within the wrapper-based category, MAFESE offers users access to over 200 metaheuristic algorithms, empowering them to choose the most suitable algorithm based on their specific datasets and requirements. Additionally, MAFESE incorporates built-in evaluation metrics that enable efficient comparison among various algorithms. Open-source design of MAFESE encourages cooperation within the data science community, allowing for continuous upgrades. This collaborative environment promotes the sharing of ideas, proposals, and changes, resulting in a stronger and more adaptive feature selection framework. MAFESE distinguishes itself with an easy-to-use Python interface that follows object-oriented programming concepts. It supports both experienced researchers and practitioners. MAFESE offers many resources, including documentation, examples, and test cases, for a smooth user onboarding experience. The modular architecture enables users to enhance features and interface with other tools, such as scikit-learn. MAFESE can be a valuable tool for identifying meaningful features in complicated, high-dimensional datasets, making it a significant addition to feature selection. MAFESE utilizes metaheuristic algorithms to help users tackle complex feature selection problems more efficiently and accurately. Through openness and teamwork, MAFESE may become a comprehensive resource that responds to the evolving demands of the data science community. The source code and materials of MAFESE are publicly available in the official GitHub repository at https://github.com/thieu1995/mafese.

The importance of group factors in the delivery of group-based parenting programmes: a process evaluation of Mellow Babies

IntroductionThe role of the group has been largely overlooked within evaluations of group-based parenting programmes. Group contextual factors, including size and level of homogeneity, may impact on essential group processes, such as group identification and cohesion, that are necessary to activate interpersonal change mechanisms and attain programme outcomes. This process evaluation of Mellow Babies, a 14-week attachment-based group parenting programme for mothers of infants aged under 18 months, explores how group context affected mother and practitioner experiences of the programme.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with fourteen mothers and three practitioners from three different Mellow Babies groups. Framework Analysis was employed to analyse data, using groups as cases within the framework matrix while preserving individual participants within each case. This allowed comparisons to be made within and between groups.ResultsFour group contextual factors impacted on the quality of programme delivery: (1) group size; (2) level of group homogeneity; (3) pre-existing relationships; and (4) personalities within the group. These contextual factors affected the hypothesised intervention mechanisms: (1) fluid progression through the stages of group development; (2) a safe, non-judgemental, contained space; (3) social identification with group; (4) group cohesion; and (5) a culture of openness, support and empowerment.DiscussionFindings have implications for future delivery and implementation of group-based parenting programmes, for example, the importance of considering group composition during programme recruitment. Practitioners may also benefit from a stronger focus on group processes and enabling group dynamics within training, supervision, and the programme manual.

Practitioner experiences of pulmonary rehabilitation service delivery during COVID-19 and impact on future service delivery

Introduction During COVID-19, pulmonary rehabilitation as we know it ceased to exist. The service needed to adapt rapidly to the requirements of the patient group, while complying with government isolation guidelines. Most groups moved online, but with little time to evaluate the service. What can we learn from this roll out to ensure practitioners continue to deliver a safe and effective pulmonary rehabilitation service. Aim To explore the opinions of physiotherapist and respiratory nursing specialists’ on how pulmonary rehabilitation has changed due to COVID-19 and the impact on future service delivery. Methods A qualitative design was used to gain in-depth understanding of lived experiences. Forty nine participants completed the online survey of 14 open ended questions, and a four-stage thematic analysis used to identify emergent themes. Findings Three main themes were identified- a need for best practice, a need for patient centred care, and acknowledging the emotional stressors of COVID-19 on vulnerable patients. Conclusion Patients should be offered both online and face-to-face options for pulmonary rehabilitation, to promote patient centred care; providing options to participate in effective rehabilitation without physical or emotional restriction; and to increase staff training to enable practitioners to provide the increasingly complex and holistic service required.

Decolonizing stylistic awareness in higher education contemporary commercial music training: Exploring performer–practitioner experiences through an Africentric approach

This research explores decolonization within higher education contemporary commercial music (CCM) training. It considers how stylistic awareness can be developed in practice, using an Africentric theoretical approach, ensuring voices with the most cultural insight in CCM are elevated. Africentric methodology guides triangulated methods, comprising literature review, document analysis and interviews. Findings indicate stylistic awareness is difficult to objectively measure, despite being vital for culturally viable and creative CCM performance. Cultivating stylistic awareness relies on influences from individuals’ past and present, through individual and community-based experiences. Pedagogical strategies for student-led, decolonized exploration of stylistic awareness are presented and further areas for research are outlined.

Religious Chanting and Self-Related Brain Regions: A Multi-Modal Neuroimaging Study.

This protocol presents a multi-modal neuroimaging approach to explore the potential brain activity associated with repetitive religious chanting, a widespread form of mind training in both Eastern and Western cultures. High-density electroencephalogram (EEG), with its superior temporal resolution, allows for capturing the dynamic changes in brain activity during religious chanting. Through source localization methods, these can be attributed to various alternative potential brain region sources. Twenty practitioners of religious chanting were measured with EEG. However, the spatial resolution of EEG is less precise, in comparison to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Thus, one highly experienced practitioner underwent an fMRI scanning session to guide the source localization more precisely. The fMRI data helped guide the selection of EEG source localization, making the calculation of K-means of the EEG source localization in the group of 20 intermediate practitioners more precise and reliable. This method enhanced EEG's ability to identify the brain regions specifically engaged during religious chanting, particularly the cardinal role of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). The PCC is a brain area related to focus and self-referential processing. These multimodal neuroimaging and neurophysiological results reveal that repetitive religious chanting can induce lower centrality and higher delta-wave power compared to non-religious chanting and resting state conditions. The combination of fMRI and EEG source analysis provides a more detailed understanding of the brain's response to repetitive religious chanting. The protocol contributes significantly to the research on the neural mechanisms involved in religious and meditative practices, which is becoming more prominent nowadays. The results of this study could have significant implications for developing future neurofeedback techniques and psychological interventions.

Forgotten women in education: A narrative inquiry into the marginalisation of ECD practitioners

Background: South African narratives of and by early childhood development (ECD) practitioners often focus on policies, practices and perspectives in research. While these are important for the development of the field, the voices of ECD practitioners, in this marginalised space, are silent.Aim: This article aims to understand: Who are the ECD practitioners? What are the conditions of their lives and livelihoods? How do they negotiate opportunities for employment, socio-economic growth and further education and training?Setting: The study describes the marginality of ECD practitioners by narrating the lived experience of work and post-school education and training of one mature woman in the Western Cape. By narrating a single story, the stories of others unfold; working in similar circumstances and negotiating the same opportunities in the harsh reality of poverty and oppression. Employing a narrative methodology is a commitment to decolonising the practice of research, where voices of the ‘Other’ are centralised and amplified.Methods: An intersectional lens forms the theoretical grounding for this article with life history interviews as its primary form of data collection.Results: Adult women ECD practitioners are mainly poor, black and female. They pursue access into higher education to improve their lives and livelihoods.Conclusion: The intersections that shape their lives limit their opportunities for access and success.Contribution: The power of narrative research, displayed in this article, ensures that voice is used to move the lived experiences of black women ECD practitioners from the margins to the centre.

P.113 Mind the gap: illuminating gender disparities in neurosurgical inclusion and diversity

Background: Gender disparities endure in neurosurgery, impacting the experiences of female practitioners. Unveiling these challenges is crucial for promoting inclusivity and addressing the unique obstacles faced by women in the field. Methods: An international survey designed using a physician wellness framework was sent to neurosurgeons between June 2021 and November 2021. Univariate analysis (Kruskal-Wallis Test) was performed to assess feelings of inclusion and diversity as a function of gender. Results: Of the total 384 respondents (65% neurosurgeons, 6% fellows, and 29% residents), 71% identified as male, 27% as female, and 2% as other. Compared to their male colleagues, female neurosurgeons more strongly endorsed feeling that their career progression has been limited by their gender (p<0.05) and were less likely to feel entrusted in their surgical ability (p<0.05) or to have equal access to surgical resources (p<0.05). Furthermore, they were less likely to endorse feelings that leaders in their department were committed to creating an inclusive environment (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our survey sheds light on significant gender-related disparities in neurosurgery. Female neurosurgeons express heightened concerns about gender-limiting career progression, reduced trust in their surgical abilities, and disparities in resource access. These findings underscore the imperative to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment within the field.

Attitudes and perceived barriers to evidence-based practice among occupational therapists in Jordan.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) refers to the clinical decision-making process incorporating the best available evidence from research, therapists' clinical experience, and patient values. The current study aimed to examine the experience of Jordanian occupational therapy practitioners (OTs) in using EBP and to identify the perceived barriers to implementing EBP among OTs in Jordan. The study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive study design. A questionnaire was emailed to OTs who have been working in Jordan for the last six months of their practice in a clinical setting. The majority of the participants had a positive attitude toward EBP. However, they reported several barriers to implementing EBP, including a lack of tools and equipment in clinical settings as a major barrier (65.8%). National collaborative actions are needed to develop strategies to improve the utilization of EBP in occupational therapy (OT) practice and to overcome the barriers therapists experience with implementing EBP.

"You go in heavy and you come out light": An interpretative phenomenological analysis of reflective practice experiences in an Irish infant mental health setting.

Reflective practice (RP) is a core component of infant mental health (IMH); however, there is limited published empirical research on IMH practitioner experiences of RP. This two-stage, qualitative, multimodal study explored Irish IMH practitioners' experiences of RP spaces. Visual and verbal data from seven individual interviews and a participatory arts-based focus group with seven participants (eight participants in total, all white Irish females) were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Five group experiential themes (Just get on with it; What should I be bringing to this space?; Who are my "hands"?; Taking a step back; and You go in heavy and you come out light) were generated by the analysis. These were used to construct a developmental and experiential model of learning in an RP space. The themes portray how a practitioner's RP experience can change over time: influenced by prior experiences and practice development stage, practitioners move from initial uncertainty, anxiety, and perceived pressure in a busy workload to developing the trust and ability to be vulnerable in an RP space. Through relationships (supervisor/facilitator or group members), a shared safe space can be created, which addresses practitioners' needs for containment, allowing for experiential learning through a process of transformational moments.