Professional Associations Research Articles

Analysis of cardiovascular surgery specialization theses and their publication rates

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the specialization theses in the field of cardiovascular surgery in Türkiye, and examine their rates of conversion to scientific publications. Material and Methods: Specialization in medicine theses in the field of cardiovascular surgery published in Türkiye from 2015 to 2020 were evaluated using the Council of Higher Education Thesis Center database. For each specialization thesis, details such as the year, institution, city, study design, advisor’s title, and author information were recorded. The conversion of theses into scientific publications was assessed using Google Scholar, PubMed, Dergipark, and TR Index databases based on the thesis title, advisor, and author information. Results: A total of 204 specialization theses in medicine were examined in the study. Of the thesis authors, 171 were men (83.3%) and 33 were women (16.2%). When categorized by institutions, 130 theses (63.7%) were affiliated with institutions in the three major cities. It was observed that 79 of the evaluated theses (38.7%) were turned into scientific publications. The conversion rate into scientific publications was significantly higher in institutions affiliated with the University of Health Sciences (p=0.002). A significant relationship was observed between the study design, the index of the publishing journal, and the citation status (p=0.029, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The findings obtained in the present study showed that the majority of specialization theses in cardiovascular surgery were not turned into scientific publications. We believe that collaboration with professional associations and the Medical Specialty Board may contribute positively to the publication rate of specialization theses.

The Legal Regime of Portuguese Higher Education Institutions: Contributions for Future Changes

The Portuguese higher education system is binary, divided into two subsystems, university and polytechnic, being regulated, since 2007, by the so-called RJIES (Legal Regime of Higher Education Institutions). The RJIES regulates the organic structure of the higher education institutions (HEIs) as well as the competencies of mandatory bodies, such as the general council, which is also given the power to elect the rector/president, another of the mandatory bodies. The RJIES, in place for 17 years, has not been revised since 2007 despite being subject of criticism and claim for changes. This paper presents a reflection for future changes to this RJIES regarding the process of electing the rector/president. This is noted and complained about by a wide range of the academic community – teachers, students, and non-teaching academic staff, in addition to other interested parties in universities and polytechnic institutes. Therefore, we present a brief review of the literature related to this topic, the results of survey and interviews carried out with top managers of Portuguese Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).The survey was completed online by a wide range of public HEIs managers (rectors and directors, presidents, vice-rectors and vice-presidents, pro-rectors and pro-presidents) and their stakeholders (teaching and non-teaching workers and students, through their representative structures, unions and student unions, and other leaders of professional and business associations). Interviews were also carried out in 2021, which remain completely current, given the fact that legal changes have not occurred so far. The results that will be presented indicate that changes should be made. Brief conclusions and a proposal for amendments to the current legislation, covering the rector/president election process, will be presented. It is advocated a new model of election of rector/president, the intervention of two different bodies, one of them being the general and supervisory council (new designation defended), with a composition mainly of external members, selected in a different way in relation to the current one.

Alignment of Audiologists' Values With Best-Practice Standards: Insights From a National Survey.

Previous research documented the values of audiology through a qualitative content analysis of documents representing traditional, best-practice hearing health care. The primary objective of this study was to validate the existing list of audiology values. Through a nationwide survey, this study aimed to elicit the values of practicing audiologists, with a specific focus on the prescription and dispensing of amplification devices, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their priorities. Additionally, this study sought to identify any values missing from the original list and determine the rank order importance of these values, comparing this to the prioritization of values found in best-practice audiology documents. This comparison aimed to assess the alignment of recommended guidelines and real-world practices in hearing health care. An online survey was distributed to audiologists to elicit the prioritization of values from hearing health care providers. Participants were tasked with sorting and ranking 18 items, each representing a specific value in hearing health care, based on importance. Respondents were encouraged to suggest and rank the importance of additional values not included in the list. Audiologists were recruited from professional association mailing lists and direct contact. Respondent demographics were representative of U.S. audiologists. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret values suggested by audiologists. Kendall's rank distance test was used to compare values prioritization between audiologists and best-practice audiology documents. After filtering out incomplete or disqualifying responses, data from 289 audiologists across 46 states were analyzed. Additional values suggested by respondents aligned with existing values from best-practice documents; thus, no new values were added as a result of this study. A ranked list of values based on mean order of importance was elicited from U.S.-based audiologists. There was substantial agreement between survey results and the rank order of values found in best-practice audiology documents. A demographic subgroup analysis revealed a broad agreement among audiologists in the rank order of values. This study validated a comprehensive list of values in audiology and identified the rank order of values among a nationally representative sample of audiologists. The findings provide a foundation for future investigations into how these values influence decision-making processes for individuals with hearing difficulty. Addressing values conflicts as potential barriers to hearing health care usage can lead to solutions aligned with values of specific populations, ultimately improving the adoption and effectiveness of hearing health care interventions. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27478149.

Clinical practice guidelines for the care of patients with a chronic subdural haematoma: multidisciplinary recommendations from presentation to recovery

Introduction A chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH) is an encapsulated collection of fluid and blood degradation products in the subdural space. It is increasingly common, affecting older people and those living with frailty. Currently, no guidance exists to define optimal care from onset of symptoms through to recovery. This paper presents the first consensus-built recommendations for best practice in the care of cSDH, co-designed to support each stage of the patient pathway. Methods Guideline development was led by a multidisciplinary Steering Committee with representation from diverse clinical groups, professional associations, patients, and carers. Literature searching to identify relevant evidence was guided by core clinical questions formulated through facilitated discussion with specially convened working groups. A modified Delphi exercise was undertaken to build consensus on draft statements for inclusion in the guideline using survey methodology and an in-person meeting. The proposed guideline was subsequently endorsed by the Society for British Neurological Surgeons, Neuroanaesthesia and Critical Care Society, Association of Anaesthetists, British Association of Neuroscience Nurses, British Geriatric Society, and Centre for Perioperative Care. Results We identified that high quality evidence was generally lacking in the literature, although randomised controlled trial (RCT) data were available to inform specific recommendations on aspects of surgical technique and use of corticosteroids. The final guideline represents the outcome of synthesising available evidence, consensus-built expert opinion and patient involvement. The guideline comprises 67 recommendations across eight major themes, covering: presentation and diagnosis, neurosurgical triage and shared decision-making, non-operative management, perioperative management (including anticoagulation), timing of surgery, intraoperative and postoperative care, rehabilitation and recovery. Conclusions We present the first multidisciplinary guideline for the care of patients with cSDH. The recommendations reflect a paradigm shift in the care of cSDH, recognising and formalising the need for multidisciplinary and collaborative clinical management, communication and decision-making delivered effectively across secondary and tertiary care.

A tale of two cities: regulating lobbying through public and private instruments in Brussels and Washington D.C

AbstractThis article explores the relationship between public (i.e. government-led) and private (i.e. industry-led) forms of lobby regulation, by inquiring over the conditions that render a mix between these two regulatory forms more likely. Drawing on the governance of professions scholarship, it presents a theoretically informed comparison between two jurisdictions—the US (federal level) and the EU (supranational level)—where the public regulation of lobbying is built on different models, namely a command-and-control model based on legally binding rules in the US and a cooperative model based on incentives and rewards in the EU. Findings show that, although formal public–private regulatory mixes are not present in either jurisdiction, the EU regulators have hewn closer to this arrangement by coopting lobbyists’ professional associations as semi-permanent but unofficial governance ‘allies’. This outcome is due to an amalgam of factors, chief among which is the severity of political scandals involving lobbyists, which affects policymakers’ reputational incentives for framing the public regulation of lobbying as a punitive or cooperative intervention. Methodologically, the article uses a combination of documentary analysis and expert interviews with lobby practitioners and public regulators on both sides of the Atlantic.

College Sport Communicator Leaders’ Perceptions of Sport Information Operations

Recent research indicates College Athletic Communicators (CACs) could benefit from more staff in the communication department (Elliott et al., 2023). However the request may not be supported by administration as additional staffing may not fit in the budget. Therefore, it appears imperative to evaluate no-cost options to alleviate the feelings of being under-appreciated and overworked. The College Sport Communicators (CSC) professional association may be a strong advocate for the profession and may have the ability to provide needed resources for those serving in CAC positions. Therefore, the research presented in this study aims to explore the perspective and experiences of CSC leaders to evaluate how to better serve the CAC profession with an understanding of limited resources. In this study, semi-structed interviews with CSC leaders were conducted. Data provided by the participants indicate ways for CACs to avoid burn out and how athletic administrators can work to support the profession.

Effect of Women’s Involvement in Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises on their Economic Empowerment in Calabar, Cross River State

This study examined small and medium-scale enterprises and women’s economic empowerment in Calabar, Cross River State. It specifically examined the effect of women’s involvement in SMEs on their economic empowerment dimensions such as financial independence, skills development and business networking opportunities. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain primary data from 337 female operators of SMEs in Calabar. The data were descriptively analyzed, while the study hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). After the analysis, it was found that women’s involvement in SMEs operations had a significant positive effect on their financial independence, skills development and business networking opportunities in Calabar. Hence, the study recommended that women in Cross River State should genuinely be supported with financial, technical and material resources to get fully involved in entrepreneurship through SMEs in order to improve their financial independence, ensuring self-employment, income generation, and asset ownership to support their families. It was also recommended that the Government of Cross River State and relevant stakeholders should introduce credible and fully-funded programmes that enable women to gain and improve valuable entrepreneurial skills to effectively engage in SME operations in order to attain sustainable economic empowerment. Additionally, the study recommended that stakeholders in the private sector, including industrialists, non-governmental organizations, and trade associations, among others should encourage female entrepreneurs to participate in networking events, professional associations, workshops and conferences in order to build valuable connections to grow their business.

Sectarian, religious and political divisions in a professional accounting body: The case of Lebanon

This article explores how political, religious and sectarian divisions influence the functioning of the exclusive professional accounting body in Lebanon. This article shows that this body is characterised by significant divisions among different groups of members, which has ultimately politicised the electoral processes as well as the functioning of its boards, over the years. In turn, this has drawn this body into broader divisions that are historically inherent to the Lebanese society. This article illustrates that the functioning of professional accounting associations in diverse contexts entails establishing conditions under which the coexistence of different groups is protected. Whether the difference is based on religion, sect, class or gender, confrontation should not be eliminated because it organises coexistence under potentially conflicting conditions.

Relationship between Burnout and Type A Behavior Pattern in Spanish Social Workers.

The aims of this study were to establish the prevalence of burnout and type A behavior pattern (TABP) among social workers in Spain and to examine their relationship with sociodemographic variables in a sample of 442 members of professional social workers' associations in Spain. The Spanish version of the Jenkins Activity Survey, form H (JASE-H) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory were used as instruments to measure TABP and burnout, respectively. Bivariate correlation test, analysis of variance, and logistic regression were carried out to analyze the data. The results showed that variables associated with TABP (competitiveness, hostility, impatience, and workload) increase the risk of burnout, with hostility and workload being identified as predictive risk factors. Gender differences impacted burnout, with women experiencing greater emotional exhaustion, while age and time in the job influenced type A behavior, with older age associated with heightened hostility and decreased workload, and longer time in the job linked to reduced competitiveness. Conducting this study was crucial to determine whether there are aspects of TABP that impact the development of burnout, in order to design interventions and prevention strategies that promote the health and well-being of affected individuals.

Maternity protection in pneumology: considerations for a positive list

It seems difficult to continue to employ expectant/breastfeeding mothers in interventional medical fields due to numerous risks involved, such as in handling infectious agents or anaesthetic gases. Pregnancy for female doctors is thus often associated with a ban on employment and is therefore synonymous with a delay in their professional career. The aim of this article was to develop a positive list that allows pregnant women to continue working during their pregnancy at low risk and provides employers with a guide for drawing up risk assessment for specific occasions. The brief narrative overview is based on the recommendations drawn up by both professional associations and the Maternity Protection Committee. It is intended to provide assistance for the preparation of an event-related risk assessment after notification of a pregnancy in the speciality of pneumology in order to be able to continue to employ female doctors working in interventional medicine at low risk.

Using normalisation process theory (NPT) to explore implementation of the maternal perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) policy in Uganda: a reflection

BackgroundThe implementation of the maternal perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) policy is among the envisaged strategies to reduce the high global burden of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. However, implementation of this policy across various contexts is inconsistent. Theoretically informed approaches to process evaluation can support assessment the implementation of policy interventions such as MPDSR, particularly in understanding what the actors involved actually do. In this article, we reflect on how the normalisation process theory (NPT) was used to explore implementation of the MPDSR policy in Uganda. NPT is a sociological theory concerned with the social organisation of the work (implementation) of making practices routine elements of everyday life (embedding) and of sustaining embedded practices in their social contexts (integration).MethodsThis qualitative multiple case study conducted across eight districts in Uganda and among 10 health facilities (cases) representing four out of the seven levels of the Uganda health care system. NPT was utilised in several ways including informing the study design, structuring the data collection tools (semi-structured interview guides), providing an organising framework for analysis, interpreting and reporting of study findings as well as making recommendations. Study participants were purposely selected to reflect the range of actors involved in the policy implementation process. This included direct care providers located at each of the cases, the Ministry of Health and from agencies and professional associations. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and were inductively and deductively analysed using NPT constructs and subconstructs.Results and conclusionNPT served useful for process evaluation, particularly in identifying factors that contribute to variations in policy implementation. Considering the NPT focus on the agency of people involved in implementation, additional efforts are required to understand how recipients of the policy intervention influence how the intervention becomes embedded within the various contexts.

Evidence for preventing EVRB in cirrhotic patients: A systematic review.

Systematic strategies for preventing and treating esophagogastric variceal rebleeding (EVRB) are currently inadequate. This systematic review aimed to update this critical gap by searching contemporary studies from major guideline websites, databases, and professional associations focused on EVRB prevention in cirrhosis patients. Key findings highlight evaluation methods, risk management, preventive measures, health education, and follow-up strategies. Notably, a hepatic venous pressure gradient exceeding 18 mmHg is identified as a reliable predictor of gastroesophageal varices (GOV) rebleeding. Effective management of primary diseases is crucial, with methods including antiviral and anti-fibrotic therapies, alcohol avoidance, vaccination, and careful medication management. The combination of nonselective β-blockers (NSBBs) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is established as the gold standard for secondary EVRB prevention. For patients experiencing recurrent bleeding despite NSBBs and EVL, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) therapy is recommended. Surgical options, such as surgical shunt and devascularization, are advised for those unsuitable for endoscopic therapy or TIPS, particularly in Child-Pugh A and B patients unresponsive to treatment. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine options, such as Fufang Biejia Ruangan Tablets, Fuzheng Huayu Capsules, and Anluo Huaxian Pills, have shown promise in improving hepatic fibrosis and GOV in cirrhotic patients. This review offers a comprehensive overview of current prevention and treatment strategies for EVRB, providing valuable insights for clinicians and healthcare professionals.

Statement of the Legal Committee of the German Society of Ophthalmology (DOG) and the German Professional Association of Ophthalmologists (BVA) on the Prognosis Assessment in Private Accident Insurance (PUV) - Status: July 2024

Statement of the Legal Committee of the German Society of Ophthalmology (DOG) and the German Professional Association of Ophthalmologists (BVA) on the Prognosis Assessment in Private Accident Insurance (PUV) - Status: July 2024

ANALYSIS OF SOURCES OF PRACTICAL SKILLS ACQUISITION BY SPORTS MANAGERS

The article is dedicated to the study of sources of professional knowledge in the field of sports management. The main approaches to training specialists, such as university educational programs, online courses, scientific literature, internships, and participation in professional associations, are considered. The key problems of modern training of specialists are outlined, including lack of practical experience, insufficient digitalization of educational programs and lack of access to quality education. Particular attention is paid to the role of digital technologies and globalization in shaping modern educational standards. The article also examines Ukrainian and international research, emphasizing the need to improve approaches to education to increase the competitiveness of specialists. The author emphasizes the need to improve the practical aspects of training and the use of the latest technologies for the training of sports managers. The topic is relevant not only for theoretical research, but also for the practical implementation of solutions in the field of education and training of sports managers.

Dispute arises over World Professional Association for Transgender Health's involvement in WHO's trans health guideline.

Dispute arises over World Professional Association for Transgender Health's involvement in WHO's trans health guideline.

Public health resilience and recovery in Ukraine: Academic partnerships to improve population health

Abstract Background Strengthening the public health workforce is among top priorities for the transformation of Ukraine’s public health system. As part of the USAID Public Health System Recovery and Resilience Activity, an Academic Partnership Collaborative brought together three Ukrainian universities (National University Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Sumy State University), two American universities (Temple University and Drexel University), and the All-Ukrainian Association of Public Health Specialists (UPHA) to enhance the competencies of public health graduates in Ukraine. Objectives The collaborative focuses on strengthening the Ukrainian universities’ public health curricula and the teaching and research competencies of the Ukrainian faculty, making the curricular changes in Ukraine better aligned with US and European academic standards. The university partners are collaborating with the newly established UPHA in building partnerships with peer organizations in the US (American Public Health Association) and Europe (EuPHA) and sharing advancements in public health education with the broader community of public health practitioners in Ukraine to enhance their competencies to improve population health and align with European systems of public health. Results We have established linkages among all partners via an initial meeting in Uzhhorod, Ukraine in April 2024. We anticipate results by November 2024 to include curriculum review recommendations, coaching on prioritized topics for the Ukrainian partners, faculty development plans, and the establishment of continuing professional development programs in collaboration with UPHA. Conclusions Through this partnership, selected Ukrainian universities will have an enhanced and sustainable capacity to train the public health workforce and will become leading examples for other public health programs to simulate and collaborate with beyond the project. Key messages • Ukraine’s resilience and recovery relies upon the strength of the current and future public health workforce; mechanisms for building public health training are essential to a healthy population. • A collaborative process of strategic activities among American and Ukrainian universities and professional associations can be effective in building a resilient public health system in Ukraine.

Exploring the professional discourse on environmental social work: a descriptive content analysis of selected publications from Germany and the US

Climate change and its disproportionate impacts on vulnerable groups have prompted the social work profession to become increasingly involved in environmental justice issues. Academic discourse on environmental social work has surged in the last decade, but limited studies examine its implementation by practitioners or information dissemination by professional organisations. Translational research highlights the crucial role of professional associations in informing practitioners of new scientific discoveries and practice paradigms. This qualitative content analysis compares a small selection of articles and podcast episodes published through the professional associations of social workers in the US (the National Association of Social Workers) and Germany (the Deutscher Berufsverband für Soziale Arbeit e.V.), respectively, focusing on environmental social work and its implications for the social work profession. The findings suggest that publications from both countries use similar arguments for proving the relevance of climate change issues for the profession but diverge considerably in their focus on how environmental social work should be applied.

An ACNAP survey assessing the cardiology multidisciplinary learning needs to support lipid management

Abstract Background/ Introduction: Reducing LDL cholesterol is a high priority in cardiovascular care but requires knowledge and skills to deliver effectively. Nurses and allied professionals (NAPs) can play a major role in supporting lipid optimisation. Most NAPs will work together with patients prescribed lipid lowering therapies, and some may be more closely involved in initiation and monitoring. The Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals (ACNAP) wanted to gauge the level of understanding, confidence and learning needs of cardiology professionals to better implement European Society of Cardiology (ESC) lipid lowering guidelines. Purpose The aim of the project was to highlight gaps in knowledge to better inform needs for training and educational programmes developed by ACNAP. Methods A 29 question electronic survey was developed by expert consensus, exploring previous experience, clinical knowledge, and perceptions of learning needs. It was launched at the EuroHeartCare conference in June 2023, on social media, and members of the ESC were emailed inviting participation. Results 123 people responded. 29.5% of the respondents were physicians and 70.5% NAPs. Most respondents were involved in lipid optimisation of some description with only 7.0% of respondents having no direct involvement in their patient cohort. A higher percentage of respondents responded "totally agree" when asked it they knew what cholesterol targets to aim for in secondary prevention, compared to primary prevention (61% v 41.5%). 94% of respondents felt comfortable when to initiate statins and and 82% ezetimibe. This reduced to 45% for inclisiran and 40% for bempedoic acid. Similarly, the majority felt comfortable counselling a patient newly initiated on statins or ezetimibe, but significantly fewer the newer lipid lowering therapies. Experience and understanding of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) was also explored. Only half the respondents would be comfortable in identifying and diagnosing FH and a further 25% unsure. A large percentage (37%) were unaware of the Simon Broome criteria or the Dutch Lipid Criteria Network (49%). When considering learning needs, 71% of NAP respondents needed extra support to help make lipid lowering decisions. This rises to 84% and 74% when looking at nurses and pharmacists separately, respectively. Nearly 76% would prefer any learning to be delivered online, with interactive online training packages being the most popular method. Conclusions The three main gaps identified by NAPs were: management in primary prevention (initiation and targets), the newer innovative medicines (bempedoic acid, inclisiran and PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies) and FH. Interestingly, these are the same gaps highlighted by physician responders. These findings can help guide ACNAP and ESC in the development of educational programmes with the aim to improve better lipid management overall.

Working conditions in OOH-PC centres in Romania: an interview study with healthcare professionals

Abstract Considering the amplifying primary care workforce shortage, the existing knowledge gaps in out-of-hours primary care delivery (OOH-PC) in Romania, as well as the extreme county-to-county variation in the number of functioning OOH-PC centers across the country, from 0 to 32, we set out to document health workers’ perspectives on existing challenges in after hours primary care. Using a qualitative study design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 20 healthcare professionals (HCPs): family doctors and nurses providing clinical services in urban and rural OOH-PC centres, family doctors with coordinating and administrative roles, representatives of professional associations and health authorities, as well as emergency doctors and paediatricians. We examined interview transcripts employing thematic analysis. The data collected and analysed revealed several challenges in the provision of care, including physician shortages, increasing workload, low payments, and an organisational model that lacks coordination with other levels of care and services. The analysis of the interview data identified five key themes related to adverse working conditions in OOH-PC: working hours and shift length, increasing workload and patient influx, obstacles to achieving work-life balance, inconveniences related to OOH centre premises (rest space, security), and insufficient financial compensation for after-hours health service provision. Working conditions in OOH-PC centers in Romania constitute a drawback to after hours primary care service provision. Health workers shortage and extreme variation in the number of functioning centres across the country suggest inconsistencies in the governance of OOH-PC. Improving working conditions to recruit and retain health professionals in OOH-PC, combined with targeted policies to optimise organisation and coordination of OOH-PC with other levels of care are as timely as ever to ensure equitable services to the population. Key messages • Current working conditions in OOH-PC Romania impact negatively the health workforce and lead to uneven access for the population. • Improvements in working conditions, service integration, and organisation model are timely for the alleviation of OOH-PC provision.

Opposition and resistance: how judges and professional associations in Poland, Hungary, and Romania defend their independence

ABSTRACT This article investigates how governmental measures aimed at dismantling core liberal democracy principles prompt judges and their professional associations to action. In what ways do they express dissent, if any? Drawing on the cases of Hungary, Romania and Poland, the article shows that the dismantling of core pillars of liberal democracy prompts judges and their professional associations to go beyond judicial dialogue to express forms of opposition and resistance. When the expression of dissent is allowed, judges resort to opposition. When the expression of dissent is limited, judges resort to resistance. Both opposition and resistance can take different forms, conceptualized and illustrated in this article.