Care Professionals Research Articles

The Levels of Negative Emotion, Academic Motivation, Teachers’ Professional Identity and Career Adaptability among Public-Funded Undergraduate Students in Teacher-Training Program in China

The Levels of Negative Emotion, Academic Motivation, Teachers’ Professional Identity and Career Adaptability among Public-Funded Undergraduate Students in Teacher-Training Program in China

Using and Measuring Motivational Interviewing in a New Setting: Experiences From a Project Highlighting Relationship-Building Skills in the Process of Recruiting New Staff

Relationship-building skills, with empathy and empathic abilities as crucial ingredients, are described as central in human service professions. These professions usually require training on relationship-building skills. However, in many professional groups, with support or care functions, rather than functions specifically oriented towards treatment, the level of education and training required varies. Empathic skills are central in the concept of Motivational Interviewing (MI). It has been suggested that for the ethical reason that treatment staff should not harm clients, workplaces should assess staff members’ empathic skills and ability to refrain from harmful behaviours, and these capabilities should be investigated when recruiting new staff. In accordance with this suggestion, the residential homes at the Swedish National Board of Institutional Care (SiS), which provides compulsory care for young people, initiated a project to develop and trial a work test based on the concept of MI. The aim of the article is to, based on 59 interviews with stakeholders in the SiS-project, add to the discussion on the balancing act required in evidence-based practise of maintaining psychometric stringency versus making contextual and situational adjustments. Focus is on exploring the possibilities for using and interpreting measures of MI in a new setting as well as the possibilities for assessing relationship-building skills in the recruitment process. The results suggest that tinkering is often necessary when using standardised measures for complex skills like relationship building. The study proposes that a nuanced understanding of the method, measurement, and organisational context is essential even with well-established methods.

A feasibility study to recruit, retain and treat periodontitis in volunteers with mild dementia, whilst monitoring their cognition

ObjectivesDementia patients are challenging to manage dentally. This study determined whether individuals with mild dementia and periodontitis, could be recruited, retained and demonstrate sustained oral health improvements over 2 years following personalised professional periodontitis treatment. The feasibility of same visit cognition measurements was assessed. MethodsA non-randomised study in individuals with mild dementia, capacity to consent, periodontitis and ≥6 teeth. Following enrolment and dental/cognitive assessments, personalised periodontal treatment, followed by 3-monthly supportive periodontal care was performed. Cognitive and periodontal assessments were undertaken at 6, 12, 24-months. Participants and project-partners fed back on homecare regimens. Results18 participants were recruited, 15 completed 12- & 8 completed 24-months, 1 participant failed to attend one appointment, and early study termination due to COVID19. From baseline to 12-months mean percentage bleeding sites, Turesky plaque score ≥2 and periodontal pockets ≥4 mm decreased significantly (34.4 vs 14.75, p < 0.01; 78.49 vs 57.5, p < 0.01; 18.38 vs 5.14, p < 0.001). Significant change from baseline was retained at 24-months for mean percentage periodontal pockets ≥4 mm (14.47 vs 4.29, p < 0.05; n = 8). Cognition declined significantly to 12-months (mean ACEIII 71.47 vs 65.40, p < 0.05), but not between 12- and 24-months (67.5 vs 65.38, n = 8). Most reported home-care regimen as easy/OK to follow. ConclusionsMild dementia participants with periodontitis can be recruited, retained in a 24-month study and periodontally treated with personalised professional and at-home care regimens. Cognitive assessments can be performed at the same treatment visit. This demonstrates sustained engagement and supports oral health compliance can be successful in challenging cohorts.

Careers after pharmacy graduation in India: Comprehensive view

There are plethora of courses to be studied for professional career after Pharmacy Graduation (B. Pharm). Some gain you clinical practice at rural sites while others gain you career path ahead to lead you to postgraduate life. Whether a diploma or a degree, courses done after graduation are called as postgraduate diplomas and degrees respectively. However we should have basic understanding of Pharmacy courses while adopting a professional career and of course a practice of profession whether in clinical set up at rural and urban areas or whether simply as a pharmacist at Hospital or Community Pharmacy setup. This comprehensive editorial describes the career options after graduation in pharmacy and legalities to practice whether a clinic or pharmacy or both in India.

Using Grounded Theory Analysis in Construction Management and Civil Engineering Education: Integrating Perspectives to Shape a Comprehensive View of Sustainability

ABSTRACT Sustainability education becomes a crucial approach to help next generation construction managers and civil engineers to address the need to reconcile between the rapid resource depletion and economic development in the built environment. As educators strive to prepare future professionals for the evolving demands of sustainability in the construction industry, a better understanding of the current landscape of sustainability education in higher education becomes necessary. This entails recognizing the diverse perceptions and interpretations held by construction management and civil engineering (CM/CE) faculty regarding the essential elements of sustainability, as they influence students’ understanding and are also carried forward into students’ future professional careers. The authors used a qualitative research approach to characterize the concept of sustainability in its rudimentary form. We collected individual faculty members’ definitions of sustainability by conducting semi-structured interviews. Subsequently, grounded theory analysis (GTA) was used to analyze interview transcripts, aiming to unveil patterns and trends that then form a theory-like conclusion. Through this inductive qualitative approach, the authors developed the CM/CE Sustainability Definition Framework (SDF), comprising durability, resource efficiency, meeting societal needs, and minimizing environmental impacts. This paper demonstrates how GTA can be used as an effective qualitative research methodology for CM/CE education research.

Early-stage implementation of peer-led interventions for emergency department patients with substance use disorder: Findings from a formative qualitative evaluation

IntroductionEmergency department (ED)-based peer recovery coach (PRC) programs can improve access to substance use disorder treatment (SUD) for ED patients. As literature on early stages of PRC implementation is limited, we conducted a qualitative assessment of ED PRC program implementation from several US-based PRC programs focusing on barriers and facilitators for implementation and providing recommendations based on the findings. MethodsWe collected qualitative data from 39 key informants (peer recovery coaches, PRC program managers, ED physicians and staff, representatives of community-based organizations) via 6 focus groups and 21 interviews in February–December 2023. We transcribed audio-recordings and analyzed data using codebook thematic analysis. ResultsWe identified the following major themes related to specific barriers and recommendations to address them. To facilitate timely linkage to PRCs, programs would regularly inform ED staff about the program and its linkage procedures, establish trust between PRC and ED staff, streamline the linkage procedures, and choose an “opt-out” linkage approach. To address barriers related to external referrals, programs use “warm handoff” and “warm line” strategies, maintain and update a comprehensive catalog of resources, and familiarize peer coaches with local service providers. Telehealth services implementation requires addressing logistical barriers, ensuring patients' privacy, and training peer coaches on building trust and rapport online. Peer coaches' wellness and quality of services can be improved by limiting PRC's workload, prioritizing quality over quantity, facilitating self-, peer- and professional care to mitigate stress and burnout; and, importantly, by providing supportive supervision and training to peer coaches and advocating for PRC team as an equal partner in the ED settings. To facilitate PRC program adoption and sustainment program managers engage local communities and program champions, seek diverse sources of funding, and advocate for structural changes to accommodate recruitment and retention of peer recovery coaches. ConclusionsWe compiled a wealth of best practices used by PRC programs to address numerous implementation barriers and challenges. These recommendations are intended for PRC program planners, managers and champions, hospital leadership, and state and local public health agencies leading SUD epidemic response.

Prof. dr hab. Lucyna Elżbieta Śliwa – Lady of &lt;i&gt;Lecanora&lt;/i&gt;

In 2024, Professor Lucyna Śliwa celebrates her sixtieth birthday and the fortieth anniversary of her scientific career. Her achievements in lichenological research, along with her professional career and the positions she has held, ensure her a place in the history of science forever.

Issue on Teaching and Training Future Health Informaticians:Partnering with Students to Develop a Capstone for a Graduate Health Informatics Program.

To assess the desirability, feasibility, and sustainability of integrating a project-based capstone course with the course-based curriculum of an interdisciplinary MSc health informatics program guided with a student-partnered steering committee and student-centered approach. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey (n=87) and three semi-structured focus groups (n=18) of health informatics students and alumni. Survey data was analyzed descriptively. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using a general inductive and classic analysis approach. Most students were supportive of including a capstone project but desired an option to work independently or within a group. Students perceived several benefits to capstone courses while concerned over perceived challenges to capstone implementation, evaluation, and managing group processes. Themes identified were: 1) professional development, identity, and career advancement; 2) emulating the real world and learning beyond the classroom, 3) embracing new, full circle learning, 4) anticipated course structure, delivery, and preparation, 5) balancing student choice, interests, and priorities, and 6) concerns over group dynamics, limitations, and support. This study demonstrates the value of having students as partners at each stage in the process from methods conception to course curriculum design. With the steering committee and the curriculum developer, we codeveloped a student-centered course that integrates foundational digital health-related project knowledge acquisition with an inquiry-based project which can be completed independently or in small groups. This study demonstrates the potential benefits and challenges that health informatics educators may consider when (re)-designing capstone courses.

Investigating the associations between early labour onset symptoms and self-diagnosed labour onset in a cohort study of primiparas

ObjectiveThe early recognition of possible labour onset symptoms may be pivotal to identifying the beginning of early labour and are usually recognised by the birthing women themselves. The present study illustrates the interrelationship among five labour-onset symptoms and explores the association of these labour-onset symptoms with the self-diagnosed labour onset of primiparas. MethodsA prospective cohort study on a sample of 69 primigravida in Giessen, Germany, expecting spontaneous onset of labour at term. The participants filled in a diary from ≥37 + 0 weeks gestation until self-diagnosed labour onset. Descriptive, bivariate and inferential analysis explored association of labour onset symptoms with self-diagnosed labour onset while accounting for maternal and newborn characteristics. ResultsSelf-diagnosed labour onset was positively associated with all symptoms and clinical characteristics, apart from irregular pain and maternal weight and age. Moreover, regular pain was negatively correlated with irregular pain; having regular pain increased the odds of self-diagnosed labour onset substantially (OR: 10.18, 95 % CI: 2.39–66.27), followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (OR: 2.07, 95 % CI: 0.40–13.10) and emotional symptoms (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 0.30–13.98). ConclusionBeing the initiator of intrapartum care without any birth experience, primiparas are prone to experiencing dissatisfaction in care and may enter professional care too late or too early. The present study showed that regular pain may signify primiparas to self-diagnose labour onset within 24 h and indicate early labour symptoms that may be relevant for a self-diagnosed labour onset.

Assessment of primary health-care providers’ knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease in Turkey

Purpose Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia in elderly people and needs extensive professional care. The aim of our study was to assess the level of knowledge among primary health-care providers, primarily Family Physicians (FPs) and community pharmacists (CPs), about AD and its treatment. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study using Google Forms sent by email or message to FPs and CPs in Istanbul in June–July 2023. Turkish modified the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Alzheimer’s Medicines Knowledge Level Questionnaire (AMKLQ) were used in this study. Findings A total of 63 FPs with a mean age of 35.3 ± 7.8 and 138 CPs with a mean age of 38.6 ± 12.6 enrolled in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between FPs and CPs in terms of total ADKS score (19.82 ± 2.30 vs 19.23 ± 3.08, p = 0.136), but there was a significant difference in terms of total AMKLQ score (4.31 ± 1.40 vs 3.81 ± 1.49, p = 0.020). Health-care providers with Alzheimer’s training had a higher total AMKLQ score (OR =1.08 CI 95% [1.03–1.14], p = 0.012). Originality/value FPs’ knowledge of AD is on par with that of CPs. Nevertheless, it has been observed that FPs have more proficiency in delivering accurate responses to the AMKLQ and ADKS inquiries, which encompass crucial details regarding the treatment of AD. The sole determinant of the highest mean AMKLQ score was found to be professional education. Collectively, these arguments emphasize the need for primary health-care practitioners to obtain comprehensive and ongoing education regarding AD and its treatment.

WP6.9 - Essential Surgery Skills Course: A One Week Training Program to Prepare Surgeons for Humanitarian Deployment

Abstract Background Medical students, surgical trainees, and surgical faculty are increasingly interested in incorporating global surgery into their clinical practices and professional careers. However, many concerns remain about the preparation of surgeons for operating in resource-limited settings and their exposure to critical procedures such as cesarean sections, hysterectomies, or fracture reductions. In an attempt to address these concerns, academic institutions have developed advanced professional training programs for the global surgeon. Methods A six-day essential surgery skills conference was created at a large academic institution that provides trainees and surgeons with an overview of common surgical scenarios across orthopedics, urology, obstetrics, gynecology, general surgery, anesthesia and ultrasound in the form of didactics, simulations, and wet labs. Results 11 surgical trainees from four large academic institutions attended the essential surgery skills conference. Trainees attended sessions on point of care ultrasound, regional anesthesia, general anesthesia, hysterectomies, cesarean sections, post-partum hemorrhage, fracture reduction and fixation, ureteral injuries, and humanitarian deployment. A pre and post-test was administered. Improvement was noted in the trainees scores on the post-test in their knowledge of surgical subspecialty care. Trainees also reported feeling better prepared for humanitarian deployment. Conclusion Global surgery conferences can be designed to provide a networking and collaboration forum for improving access to surgical services worldwide. One-week predeparture conferences that discuss essential technical skills and relevant global surgery knowledge may better prepare surgeons to operate in resource-limited settings.

Family Formation and Employment Changes Among Descendants of Immigrants in France: A Multiprocess Analysis

This paper investigates the association between family formation and the labour market trajectories of immigrants’ descendants over the life course. Using rich data from the Trajectories and Origins survey from France, we apply multilevel event history models to analyse the transitions in and out of employment for both men and women by parity. We account for unobserved co-determinants of childbearing and employment by applying a simultaneous-equations modelling. Our analysis shows that women’s professional careers are negatively associated with childbirth. There are differences across descendant groups. The female descendants of Turkish immigrants are more likely to exit employment and less likely to re-enter employment following childbirth than women from other groups. The negative impact of childbearing on employment is slightly overestimated among women due to unobserved selection effects. Among men, the descendants of European immigrants are less likely to exit employment after having a child than other descendant groups. The study demonstrates the negative effect of childbearing on women’s employment, which is pronounced for some minority groups suggesting the need for further policies to help women reconcile work with family life.

Pain, impairment, medication use and health-related quality of life of retired professional rugby players.

Rugby is a physically demanding sport with a high injury rate. Professional male rugby players have a notably greater risk of sustaining injuries that require hospitalisation or surgery than male athletes from non-contact sports. Retired elite male rugby players experience physical and mental health conditions as well as varying levels of pain, negatively impacting their quality of life. Retired rugby players could use medication or substances as a coping mechanism to deal with chronic pain and a lower quality of life. However, research is scarce on how retired rugby players manage pain and how this affects their quality of life. This study aimed to understand joint pain and impairment, mental and physical quality of life, and pain medication use in retired professional male rugby players. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire completed by retired professional male rugby players. Joint pain and impairment were explored through three questions, health-related quality of life was assessed through the PROMIS-GH, and medication use was explored through 12 questions. Retired rugby players (N=142) reported higher scores than matched controls (N=49) for joint pain and impairment, including significantly higher scores for joint impairments for activities of daily living (p=0.047). The global mental health scores of retired rugby players were significantly lower compared to matched controls (p=0.043) and the global physical health scores were also lower in retired rugby players. Most retired rugby players reported not using prescription pain medication (75%) or over-the-counter pain medication (56%). Professional rugby careers have a considerable impact on the joint health and overall well-being of retired players, resulting in unique challenges. The findings of this study emphasise the need for specific after-career support for challenges faced by retired rugby players.

Overhauling dental implications in a child with rare craniofrontonasal syndrome: a case report

Craniofrontonasal syndrome is an extremely rare X-linked dominant genetic disorder characterized by features such as hypertelorism, craniosynostosis, ocular anomalies, a bifid nasal tip, and longitudinal ridging with splitting of the nails. Heterozygous females are more severely affected, presenting frontonasal dysplasia and coronal craniosynostosis (fusion of the coronal sutures), while males typically only exhibit hypertelorism. This case report describes the dental management of a 9-year-old female with craniofrontonasal syndrome who was referred to the department of paediatric and preventive dentistry for pain in the lower right and left back tooth region. The patient exhibited a clinical spectrum including microcephaly, short neck, axillary pterygium, clinodactyly of the toes, longitudinal ridging with split nails, pectus excavatum, and underdeveloped female genitalia. Extraoral examination revealed hypertelorism, flat nasal bridge, low-set ears, strabismus, antimongoloid slant, and an indistinct philtrum. Intraoral examination showed a high palatal vault, crowding of the upper and lower arches during the mixed dentition period, multiple dental caries, and poor oral hygiene. An orthopantomogram confirmed delayed dental development. Dental treatment was carried out on a dental chair system using adequate behaviour management techniques with short appointments, keeping in mind the reduced cooperative ability of the child. The importance of this report stems from the limited dental literature available on the syndrome. Preventive measures along with home care instructions were emphasized to support professional care.

From adversity to advancement: uncovering how race and class shape Black tech entrepreneurial experiences

Abstract Black people in the technology industry face various barriers, from encountering micro-aggressions from their coworkers to facing blocked advancement in their professional careers. These challenges are particularly pronounced in entrepreneurship, where Black founders receive just one percent of all venture capital funding. But amidst these shared struggles, questions arise as to what ways, if any, these experiences vary. Using an intersectional lens to inductively study forty-six Black tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, I reveal how class shapes Black entrepreneurial processes differently at various phases of entrepreneurship. Lower- and middle-class Black entrepreneurs faced more financial and network-based obstacles as they struggled to raise money from family and friends and had fewer effective networks when starting their businesses. Conversely, Black upper-class entrepreneurs had familial wealth and personal networks that aided their entrepreneurial efforts but faced challenges as they were not a “racial fit” within the industry. Consequently, they perceived that they confronted more instances of individual-level discrimination. Black lower and middle-class entrepreneurs were less likely to discuss instances of perceived individual-level discrimination because many had not reached the step of meeting with an investor. This research offers unique and nuanced insights into how class shapes the entrepreneurial pursuits of Black founders. Contributions to the sociology of race and ethnicity, intersectionality, and the sociology of entrepreneurship are also discussed.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diabetes in Ghana: Analyzing the Growing Health Challenge

The rising prevalence of diabetes in Ghana presented significant challenges for public health and healthcare delivery. This article examined the implications of the diabetes epidemic on the healthcare system, economic stability, and public health strategies in Ghana. It discussed the strain placed on healthcare resources, particularly in rural areas, and the economic burden of managing diabetes and its complications. Public health challenges, including the need for effective prevention strategies and increased awareness, are highlighted, alongside the importance of improving healthcare delivery through enhanced primary care and training for healthcare professionals. Additionally, the article explored the integration of traditional and modern healthcare practices as a means to improve diabetes management. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of existing literature and data on diabetes prevalence, risk factors, and healthcare delivery in Ghana. This analysis underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to address the growing diabetes crisis in Ghana, with an emphasis on improving access to care, raising awareness, and integrating traditional and modern medical practices. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Ghana, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Public Health.

Explore, Plan, Succeed!: A Career Development Study

This experiment aligns with the career construction theory, which emphasizes the importance of adaptability in navigating career transitions (Savickas, 2005). Data from 297 students enrolled in introductory psychology courses at Carleton University were assessed using hierarchical regression analyses to explore the effects of demographics (i.e., job number, job status, GPA, year of study), parental career-related behaviors (i.e., support, interference, and non-engagement) and participation in a brief planning intervention on career curiosity, career adaptability, career anxiety, and decision-making self-efficacy. This study further explored the relationship between these career attitudinal outcomes. Results indicated a significant role of specific parental career-related behaviors in developing confidence in decision-making. The development of career adaptability resources also explained variance in students' career decision-making self-efficacy and career anxiety. Our findings contribute to the career development literature and provide insights for academics and career professionals.

Personality, Parents, &amp; Planning: Predicting Career Attitudinal Outcomes in Undergraduate Students

Personality, parental career-related behaviors, and career construction-based interventions have been shown to impact career adaptability. This study examined the influence of these factors on career concern, an understudied but important dimension of career adaptability, and career anxiety. Data from 297 students enrolled in introductory psychology courses were assessed using hierarchical regression analyses to explore the effects of personality factors (i.e., conscientiousness and neuroticism), parental career-related behaviors (i.e., support, interference, and non-engagement), and participation in a brief planning intervention on career concern and career anxiety. This study further explored the relationship between these career attitudinal outcomes and life satisfaction. Results indicated a significant role of personality factors and specific parental career-related behaviors in career concern and career anxiety. Career concern and conscientiousness also played significant predictive roles in life satisfaction. Our findings contribute to the career development literature and provide insights for both academics and career professionals.

Mentorship of Junior Surgical Faculty Across Academic Programs in Surgery

Because mentorship is critical for professional development and career advancement, it is essential to examine the status of mentorship and identify challenges that junior surgical faculty (assistant and associate professors) face obtaining effective mentorship. To evaluate the mentorship experience for junior surgical faculty and highlight areas for improvement. This qualitative study was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study including an anonymous survey on mentorship followed by semistructured interviews to expand on survey findings. Junior surgical faculty from 18 US academic surgery programs were included in the anonymous survey and interviews. Survey responses between "formal" (assigned by the department) vs "informal" (sought out by the faculty) mentors and male vs female junior faculty were compared using χ2 tests. Interview responses were analyzed for themes until thematic saturation was achieved. Survey responses were collected from November 2022 to August 2023, and interviews conducted from July to December 2023. Mentorship from formal and/or informal mentors. Survey gauged the availability and satisfaction with formal and informal mentorship; interviews assessed broad themes regarding mentorship. Of 825 survey recipients, 333 (40.4%) responded; 155 (51.7%) were male and 134 (44.6%) female. Nearly all respondents (319 [95.8%]) agreed or strongly agreed that mentorship is important to their surgical career, especially for professional networking (309 respondents [92.8%]), career advancement (301 [90.4%]), and research (294 [88.3%]). However, only 58 respondents (18.3%) had a formal mentor. More female than male faculty had informal mentors (123 [91.8%] vs 123 [79.4%]; P = .003). Overall satisfaction was higher with informal mentorship than formal mentorship (221 [85.0%] vs 40 [69.0%]; P = .01). Most male and female faculty reported no preferences in gender or race and ethnicity for their mentors. When asked if they had good mentor options if they wanted to change mentors, 141 (47.8%) responded no. From the interviews (n = 20), 6 themes were identified, including absence of mentorship infrastructure, preferred mentor characteristics, and optimizing mentorship. Academic junior surgical faculty agree mentorship is vital to their careers. However, this study found that few had formal mentors and almost half need more satisfactory options if they want to change mentors. Academic surgical programs should adopt a framework for facilitating mentorship and optimize mentor-mentee relationships through alignment of mentor-mentee goals and needs.

A Review of Prospective Managers Towards Career Management with Self-Efficacy and Proactive Behavior

This paper review to discuss self-effort efficacy and proactive behavior regarding the materialisation of career management among prospective managers. Career management implies that there is a definite direction to the career goals and purposes based on the analysis of strengths, preferences, and interests. Academic self-efficacy, or students’ perception of their abilities, can be considered a key factor in respect to task approach, goal striving and accomplishment in academic domains. Self efficacy on the other hand involves high levels of initiate behaviors, being obligated to the goals that have been set, and remaining determined with challenges that may come along the way. Employing the self-efficacy and proactive behaviour constructs of the future managers, this research aims at establishing their career management behaviour patterns. Such implications highlight the importance of self-efficacy as an element helping to boost creativity and resulting in the advancement of career management. they were able to develop a confident sense of their creative potential, it will help them in their professional careers. The study also takes into account the environmental influences affecting career management such as learning needs and the event risks for example training.