Professional Programs Research Articles

Foot and Ankle Curricular Guidelines in Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education: How Are We Doing?

The Foot and Ankle Curricular Guidelines for Physical Therapist Professional Degree Programs (FACG) provided recommendations regarding essential entry-level content and skills. Eight years later, the extent of its implementation is unknown. This study characterizes entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs' foot and ankle curriculum with reference to the FACG. Curricular guidelines offer recommendations to professional degree programs striving for excellence. Review and revisions of guidelines are important to keep pace with and reflect evolving evidence and practice. One faculty member from 116 of 250 DPT programs participated (46.6% response rate). Participants were an average of 50.8 years old and taught a mean of 14.5 years. A cross-sectional 25-item online survey assessed foot and ankle contact hours, coverage of FACG recommended content, coverage of surgical procedures, and the use of FACG for curricular assessment, modification, and development. Foot and ankle content was covered in physical therapy curriculum for a mean of 48.2 hours (range 12-120 hours). Eleven of the 25 recommended diagnoses, 29 of the 49 examination skills, 6 of the 7 intervention skills, and 3 of the 14 surgical procedures were covered by most (≥90%) of the programs. Reported use of FACG for curricular processes averaged 50.1-51.5 (0-100 numerical scale). Across a wide range of contact hours, coverage of FACG recommended content was approximately 57% (46/81 recommended elements in ≥90% of programs). Although not specifically recommended by FACG, surgical procedures were less commonly covered by programs. Study findings question FACG implementation and may reflect differences across programs in depth and breadth of content. Identified curricular gaps may warrant addressing in future guidelines.

Building ESP Corpus-driven Specialized Words in Vocational Education in Saudi Arabia

Both corpus revolution and advances in computer-based technologies have a remarkable impact on teaching and learning English as well as corpus studies. Nevertheless, Jablonkai (2020) observed that professional or occupational programs are less studied or researched compared to academic focus courses. Therefore, this paper is based on a replication study of Coxhead and Demecheleer (2018, cited in Jablonkai and Csomay, 2023) to develop ESP corpus-driven specialized words in vocational education. This process is tackled in three main phases: collection, computerization, and annotation of data. Data collection will be in mixed method from written and spoken ESP corpuses before using qualitative and quantitative analysis to measure frequency, key words and concordance comparing with other ESP corpora. The computerization phase will be based on lexical frame analysis (LFA) framework to convert a text to corpus, and this is quite labor-intensive part of creating the corpus. Finally, the annotation phase includes further lexical information covering semantic, pragmatic, and syntactic details. The first phase, data collection and analysis, will be reflected in Coxhead and Demecheleer's (2018) and the remaining two phases, annotating and computerizing data, will be elaborated through using LFA with two similar Business English corpora, PROLEX and PROCOMPARE, cited in Vincent (2009). The findings and conclusion of using three corpora could be effective in conducting this study as a preparation for creating a comprehensive technical corpus covering specialized words for all oil industry majors in my context. Further research could be conducted in the service of replication studies and expanding areas of ESP and vocabulary research using corpora.

Feasibility and acceptability of the ShareD dEciSIon making for patients with kidney failuRE to improve end-of-life care intervention: A pilot multicentre randomised controlled trial

BackgroundKidney failure is associated with a high disease burden and high mortality rates. National and international guidelines recommend health professionals involve patients with kidney failure in making decisions about end-of-life care, but implementation of these conversations within kidney services varies. We developed the DESIRE (ShareD dEciSIon-making for patients with kidney failuRE to improve end-of-life care) intervention from our studies investigating multiple decision maker needs and experiences of end-of-life care in kidney services. The DESIRE intervention's three components are a training programme for health professionals, a patient decision aid, and a kidney service consultation held to facilitate shared decision-making conversations about planning end-of-life care. ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility and acceptability of integrating the DESIRE intervention within kidney services. DesignA pilot study using a multicentre randomised controlled design. SettingFour Danish nephrology departments. ParticipantsPatients with kidney failure who were 75 years of age or above, their relatives, and health professionals. MethodsPatients were randomised to either the intervention or usual care. Feasibility data regarding delivering the intervention, the trial design, and outcome measures were collected through questionnaires and audio recordings at four points in time: before, during, post, and 3 months after the intervention. Acceptability data were collected through semi-structured interviews with patients and relatives, as well as a focus group with health professionals post the intervention. ResultsTwenty-seven patients out of the 32 planned were randomised either to the intervention (n= 14) or usual care (n= 13). In addition, four relatives and 12 health professionals participated. Follow-up was completed by 81 % (n= 22) of patient participants. We found that both feasibility and acceptability data suggested health professionals improved their decision support and shared decision-making skills via the training. Patient and relative participants experienced the intervention as supporting a shared decision-making process; from audio recordings, we showed health professionals were able to support proactively decision-making about end-of-life care within these consultations. All stakeholders perceived the intervention to be effective in promoting shared decision-making and relevant for supporting end-of-life care planning. ConclusionsParticipant feedback indicated that the DESIRE intervention can be integrated into practice to support patients, relatives, and health professionals in planning end-of-life care alongside the management of worsening kidney failure. Minimising exhaustion and enhancing engagement with the intervention should be a focus for subsequent refinement of the intervention. RegistrationThe study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier: NCT05842772. Date of first recruitment: March 20, 2023.

Sustainable potato farming in Shandong Province, China: a comprehensive analysis of organic fertilizer applications

IntroductionThe potato holds the distinction of being the world’s largest non-cereal food crop and ensuring its sustainable production is imperative for global food security. Notably, China leads in both the planting area and output of potatoes globally, cementing its crucial role in the nation’s agricultural economy. A scientific assessment of the effectiveness of organic fertilizers on potato cultivation can significantly contribute to the promotion of sustainable agriculture.MethodsThis study utilizes a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model and introduces a novel cost-efficiency approach to analyze and evaluate the production efficiency and economic impact of organic fertilizer application among 546 potato growers in Shandong.ResultsThe research findings reveal the following: Firstly, compared to the control group without organic fertilizer application, it is evident that the use of organic fertilizers enhances production technology efficiency, labor productivity, land productivity, and net profit per unit by 3.6%, 1588.47 kg/person, 16346.77 kg/ha, and 16135.32 yuan/ha, respectively. Secondly, an examination of cost efficiency among growers with different production scales indicates that those with a planting scale of 0.667-1.333 hectares demonstrate relatively high production efficiency across multiple factors. Additionally, there is an observable inverted U-shaped trend in the relationship between planting scale and production efficiency. Thirdly, the continuous application of organic fertilizers proves advantageous in mitigating inefficiencies in investment techniques, leading to cost savings and efficiency improvements in potato cultivation.DiscussionConsequently, it is recommended that the government and relevant departments enhance technical support, elevate professional training programs, and optimize the allocation of input factors. These measures aim to encourage farmers to adopt organic fertilizers, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

A 25-year scoping review of the organ donation system in Malaysia: past, present, and future.

Organ donation and transplantation are integral components of modern medicine. This scoping review thoroughly explores the historical evolution, current status, and future prospects of organ donation and transplantation in Malaysia. Historically, Malaysia faced significant challenges in establishing a robust organ transplantation system, with various factors hindering organ donation efforts. Currently, Malaysia continues to struggle with stagnant donation rates despite collaborative efforts from various sectors. There is an urgent need to amend the 50-year-old Human Tissue Act to strengthen the legal framework for organ donation and address ethical concerns. Looking to the future, Malaysia could adopt a soft opt-out system and prioritize advancements in organ preservation techniques by exploring new sources of organs through the donation after circulatory death program. Continued efforts are necessary to enhance education programs for professionals and the public, dispelling myths about organ donation and effectively educating on the concepts of brain death. Malaysia strives to create a more accessible future for organ transplantation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals to reduce the burden of organ failure and improve the population's health and well-being.

'It's far from the norm': breastfeeding beyond 1 year in the Republic of Ireland.

Breastfeeding is the optimal form of nutrition for infants and young children. The World Health Organization recommends that babies are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of life, and up to the age of 2 years or beyond in combination with complementary food. Breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates are suboptimal globally and very low in the Republic of Ireland where health promotion initiatives and healthcare professional support predominantly focus on the important phase of initiation and early months of the breastfeeding journey. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore the experiences of women who chose to breastfeed their children beyond 1 year of age in the Republic of Ireland. Fourteen women participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was conducted. The analysis generated three overarching themes: (1) Influences on breastfeeding beyond 1 year, (2) Sustaining breastfeeding and (3) Benefits of breastfeeding beyond 1 year. Family, friends, peers, culture and commercial milk formula marketing had an influence on breastfeeding journeys. Support, determination, knowledge, bed-sharing and Covid-19 pandemic social restrictions helped to sustain breastfeeding beyond 1 year. Benefits of breastfeeding beyond 1 year such as nutrition, strengthening of emotional bonds, development of a parenting tool, and protection of child and maternal health were identified. Our findings support the need for discussions and further research on the normalization of breastfeeding beyond 1 year in the Republic of Ireland, targeted health promotion initiatives and education programmes for healthcare professionals on supporting the continuation of breastfeeding.

EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN NINE YEARS BASIC EDUCATION SCHOOLS OF RWANDAA CASE OF NYARUGURU DISTRICT

Background: This study investigated the effect of continuous professional development on students Academic performance in nine-year basic education schools in Nyaruguru district, Rwanda. The specific objectives were to identify continuous professional development Programmes practiced in nine years basic education in Rwandan schools, to analyze the students academic performance due to continuous professional development in Rwandan schools and to assess the influence of continuous professional development on students performance in nine-year basic education schools in Rwanda. This study is useful to all stakeholders in education sector such as public institutions, decision makers, district authorities, head teachers, teachers, learners and scholars. The researcher applied a descriptive correlational study, targeting 5 head teachers, 150 teachers and 88 School based mentors. This study selected respondents and key informants purposively and randomly. A study sample of 243 respondents was obtained by use of Yamanes formula. Materials and Methods: Information was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 26.0 to generate descriptive statistics in terms of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics were produced in terms of correlation and regression coefficient for determining size effect between variables. Results:English proficiency factors indicated that 79.2% strongly agree that Educational document preparation, and 82.6% strongly agreed that Teaching techniques, 79.9% strongly agreed that Course content, 77.2% strongly agreed that Classroom management show continuous professional development Programmes in Nyaruguru District, Rwanda, Results on the students academic performance 79.4% strongly agreed that improved academic performance, 82.6% Strongly agreed that high national examination. Additionally, 77.9% Strongly agreed that improved personality development 68.5%. Strongly agreed that improved personal development, 78.5% strongly agreed that improved academic performance indicates student academic performance. Results from objective three reveal a strong positive correlation between academic performance improvement, educational document preparation, teaching techniques, course content, and slow learners treatment, suggesting effective policies and professional development time, and that they were positively and statistically correlated since most of their levels of significance were greater than 0.05 in association. Conclusion: It is advised that the Ministry of Education and the REB (Rwanda Education Board) develop effective policies and devote adequate time for CPD in schools. They should also organize school principals to enhance CPD practice. To offer effective, ongoing professional support for teachers, it is strongly suggested that certified CPD facilitators be recruited and principals skilled in educational leadership and management be hired throughout all secondary schools across different districts. Relevant professional training programs should be developed in response to the unique training requirements of professors. To do this, competent authorities at all levels must pay close attention to this issue. To improve their abilities, school principals should emphasize CPD and actively involve themselves in peer learning. There is a need to carry out a research on The study recommends more research into the effects of continuous profession development on teachers performance in teaching career.

Основные направления оптимизации процесса ресоциализации российских офицеров, уволенных в запас

This article investigates the key problems and suggestions for improving the process of officers’ adaptation to civilian life after military service. The theoretical part of the study examines the specifics of the socio-psychological state of officers, the regulatory and legal framework for resocialization, as well as international experience in this field. The analysis is based on three research directions: studying the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, identifying shortcomings in current resocialization programs, and evaluating proposals for their optimization. Obtained results indicate that for successful adaptation of officers it is necessary to pay special attention to the improvement of professional retraining programs, financial support, as well as information and organizational assistance. The author concludes that it is necessary to adapt international experience to Russian conditions and proposes specific directions for enhancing resocialization programs in Russia.

Understanding the Standard for Tele-Services as Part of Hearing Aid Fitting Management

Recently, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO 21388-2, which focuses on tele-services as part of hearing aid fitting management (tHAFM). This report introduces the fundamental aspects of ISO 21388-2 for tele-services in hearing aid fitting to assist in the proper adoption and utilization of tHAFM services in South Korea. The primary goal of tHAFM is to achieve the highest rehabilitation outcomes for hearing aid users, equivalent to those of traditional face-to-face services. It specifies the precondition requirements and general frameworks for tele-service delivery. As there is still a lack of reporting on the provision of tele-services related to hearing aid fitting in South Korea, future research should focus more on providing and validating the effectiveness of tele-services for domestic hearing aid users. Additionally, there is a need to establish step-by-step guidelines and professional education programs based on the ISO 21388-2 standard for the utilization of tHAFM. It is expected that the ISO 21388-2 standard will serve as a fundamental guideline for hearing aid professionals in effectively providing tele-services to achieve these goals.

Потенциал использования технологии искусственного интеллекта при обучении физике в школе

This article examines the problem of using the potential of neural network technologies available in Russia for enhancing secondary school physics education. The relevance of the addressed issue is justified through an analysis of regulatory documents shaping Russia’s economic and educational strategies, scientific research in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and their application to improve educational processes. In addition, сurrent challenges in teaching the subject “Physics” are also considered. Results from a mini-study surveying physics teachers’ attitudes towards the adoption of new tools – AI technologies – are presented. The range of opportunities afforded by neural networks open up for both teachers and students is revealed. Сhallenges and risks that should be considered and necessary actions taken to minimize them are outlined. Fragments of an additional professional program (advanced training) “The use of Russian neural networks in the school educational process”, as well as fragments of practical work performed by physics teachers who attended the course, are presented. The conclusions of this article emphasize the methodological component of the application of AI technologies.

Exploring the Impact of Generation Status on Pharmacy Admissions: A Comparative Study of First-Generation and Continuing-Generation College Students

ObjectiveFirst-generation college students (FGCSs) comprise a large demographic of health professions programs. Although FGCSs in pharmacy education have been studied, robust data describing FGCSs who pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree are sparse. The objective of this study was to describe the FGCS applicant population within pharmacy education from 2017 to 2023 and compare them with continuing-generation college student (CGCS) applicants. MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using national Doctor of Pharmacy application data from the Pharmacy College Application Service between 2017 and 2023. ResultsOf the 83,446 applicants, 26% identified as an FGCS, with analysis demonstrating the breadth of differences between FGCS and CGCS. FGCSs were found to be older, more likely of minority status, and more likely to come from disadvantaged backgrounds. FGCSs also submitted a greater number of applications per student, were less likely to matriculate, and were more likely to be denied by at least 1 program. ConclusionImportant differences between FGCSs and CGCSs in the pharmacy school applicant pool were identified. These differences highlight the importance of studying recruitment strategies and support programs for FGCS pharmacy applicants, strategies to increase completed applications, and decrease melt in FGCSs once they are accepted into programs.

Transforming healthcare: A pilot study to improve primary healthcare professionals’ self-management support behaviour through blended learning

BackgroundSelf-management of a chronic condition is a complex but increasingly important issue. However, a supportive attitude and behaviour among healthcare professionals is hampered by a lack of awareness, knowledge and motivation. In addition, the role of professionals in supporting self-management seems unclear.MethodsA blended learning program for primary healthcare professionals was developed to strengthen self-management support in primary care. The program was piloted in community health centres and multidisciplinary medical practices in Flanders. Using the Kirkpatrick model, the impact on healthcare professionals’ reaction, learning and behaviour regarding self-management support was evaluated.ResultsA total of 60 healthcare professionals registered for the educational program. Post-learning questionnaires and verbal feedback showed a positive response, with professionals highly appreciating the innovative blended learning approach. In terms of learning, participants showed a good understanding of self-management support, although nuances were observed in the application of acquired knowledge to practice scenarios. Finally, preliminary insights into behavioural change were explored, revealing a positive impact of the intervention on participants’ supportive self-management behaviours in healthcare practice.ConclusionsOur study provides preliminary insights into the outcomes of a blended learning program designed to increase awareness and knowledge of self-management support among professionals. The program needs to be refined for general implementation in primary care.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Supply Chain Efficiency in Turkey

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of artificial intelligence on supply chain efficiency in Turkey. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced supply chain efficiency in Turkey. AI applications such as predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and optimization algorithms have streamlined operations, reduced costs, and improved decision-making. Automation of repetitive tasks through AI has increased productivity and accuracy in inventory management and logistics. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-based view (RBV) theory, dynamic capabilities theory & technology acceptance model (TAM) may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of artificial intelligence on supply chain efficiency in Turkey. Invest in continuous training and development programs for supply chain professionals to effectively utilize AI tools. Develop industry standards and regulatory frameworks for the ethical use of AI in supply chains. These policies should address data privacy, security, and the responsible use of AI technologies to protect stakeholders.

Towards a comprehensive framework to support project studies in the context of university research centres: a design science research

PurposeKnowledge production in project studies is continuously challenged to combine scientific rigour and practical relevance, and a professional graduate programme in Project Management is a suitable environment for addressing this issue. This research aims to generate a framework of the Ecosystem of a University Research Centre in Project Studies (URC-PS) to enhance the benefits of research developed in a professional graduate programme.Design/methodology/approachThe research was developed under the paradigm of Design Science and operationalised through a method of Design Science Research. The prescriptive approach was used to identify, design, develop, demonstrate, and evaluate the framework.FindingsThe framework comprises four macro-elements: Project Studies; Impact Generation Process; Circumstances, Governance and Management; and Context, broken into sixty elements. It provides a structure that is simultaneously holistic, integrative, and procedural. It also develops a perspective of knowledge co-creation between academics and practitioners in an engaged scholarship approach.Practical implicationsThe framework provides a more thorough understanding of the ecosystem university management to the research centre itself, to engaged academics, and to external actors, which allows them to discuss, plan, execute, and evaluate the co-creation of knowledge in Project Studies.Originality/valueThe framework contributes to Organisational Knowledge Creation Theory by including and discussing outcomes and impacts from co-created knowledge in a URC-Project Studies environment. It also explores the concept of “Ba” in its proposal for structuring, organising, and operationalising the “Ba”.

Making family medicine work: Rural community-based and interprofessional medical education.

At the University of the Free State, the 5-year MBChB curriculum had to be complemented with community-based education exposure to meet the requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Following the faculty leadership's vision, an interprofessional training experience was conceptualised and implemented by a project team from the three schools in the Faculty of Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, and Health and Rehabilitation Sciences). For the past decade, 4th-year medical students participated in the 2-week rotation in the rural southern Free State province, of which 1 week is spent with students from other health professions programmes in a structured interprofessional learning experience. The other week focuses on the realities of nurse-driven primary healthcare services in a resource-deprived area, including exposure to the programme-guided care for patients with tuberculosis (TB) or chronic diseases, care for pregnant women and for babies, including vaccinations.

Evaluation of alternate form reliability for the 9-item versions of the interprofessional socialization and valuing scale (ISVS-9A/9B)

BackgroundThe Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS) was developed to measure interprofessional socialization as one adopts and integrates learning into practice. While items for the ISVS-9A and 9B were drawn from three subscales of the original 24-item tool, these parallel forms were validated as a unidimensional measure using Canadian health professional and student populations. ObjectivesThe aim was to investigate if the ISVS-9A and ISVS-9B forms are interchangeable and examine their internal structure. DesignStudents completed an 18-question survey that included the nine items from the ISVS-9A followed by the nine items for ISVS-9B. SettingsTwo U.S. academic health science centers provided longitudinal interprofessional education (IPE) in a classroom setting. Participants625 students representing 13 programs from one institution and 512 students representing 7 health professions programs from the second institution were included in the study. MethodsParticipants completed the ISVS-9A and 9B as a single form. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals were calculated to measure the absolute agreement between the scores from the ISVS-9A and 9B forms. A factor analysis considering the original tool's three subscales was conducted. Results592 responses from one institution and 500 responses from the second institution were analyzed. ICC for the ISVS total scores demonstrated good reliability (0.75–0.90). However, the internal structure of the three factors demonstrated moderate reliability (0.5–0.75) and may need further investigation. ConclusionsThis study confirms the use of the ISVS-9A and 9B total score to measure interprofessional socialization in health professional students attending U.S. institutions. Additional research is needed to determine potential reasons for mixed outcomes from studies using ISVS-9A and 9B parallel forms.

The Overview Literature Review on Competence-Based Education in The Industrial Engineering Using PRISMA 2020

Structured methods for the methodical re-alignment of professional education programs are needed for the comprehensive integration of the human workforce in digital and sustainable manufacturing and logistics systems. It is believed that investing in engineering education is essential to the advancement of both industry and society. Future engineers, though, will need more than simply a solid foundation in technology. The focus on competence-orientation is often neglected, particularly in the field of Industrial Engineering (IE), and empirically proven success criteria that support the holistic reorientation of engineering education are usually studied. The authors of this work perform a thorough literature review on engineering education, focusing on competence-based engineering education within the field of IE. Additionally, the writers offer beneficial implications for the competence-based for Industrial Engineering students and lectures writings.

Analysis of Skills Needed by Unemployed Fresh Graduates in Business Administration: Evidence from Oman

The authors consider the increasing unemployment rate for fresh graduates from business administration majors in developing countries, such as Oman. The abilities and skills students need to obtain employment after graduating from postsecondary education institutions are the subject of this study. The aim of this study was to identify the skills required by the Omani labor market as well as the employability skills gap among recent business administration graduates. The relevance of this study relies on proposing an evaluation model to assess the skills required by employers, specifically in the private sector, from fresh graduates of business schools. The authors adopted a quantitative research method to achieve the study’s objectives. The data were collected through a survey which was distributed to 101 fresh graduates from two higher education institutions. The findings reveal that soft skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, dedication to work, a positive attitude, leadership, communication, critical thinking, negotiation, and pursuit of learning, are the most needed by graduates in all aspects. The study concluded that there is a demand for different types of soft and technical skills that are important for future jobs in the private sector. The study recommends more collaboration between universities and various stakeholders to review current academic programs and design more professional and vocational training programs. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the promotion of an entrepreneurial mindset to prepare graduates to develop creative business ideas and innovation to create their jobs.

Exploring the effects of a graduate level trauma-informed care education program for child welfare professionals

The national child welfare agency in Ireland identified the integration of trauma-informed practices as a service need, in the current significantly challenging practice climate. A promising program that meets the need of child welfare professionals to support need has been developed and is reported on in this paper. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a newly developed post-graduate level trauma-informed care program for professionals in the national child welfare agency in Ireland. Study participants were 41 child welfare professionals that included front-line practitioners, supervisors, and senior managers. A pretest–posttest study design was used, data was collected over three-time points to measure the effects of the program on pre-defined outcomes of Trauma-informed Knowledge, Professional Self-efficacy, Professional Quality of Life, and Intention to Leave. Statistically significant positives effects were found in trauma-informed knowledge, professional confidence, burn-out and compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress, with effect sizes ranging from medium-large to large (η2=.133toη2=.721) across the intervention time period. The positive impacts arising from the program were sustained for 3 months post-intervention. The results of this initial evaluation are promising in supporting child welfare professionals’ capacity to integrate trauma-informed practices and addressing the need for trauma informed practitioners. The need for further research is highlighted.

Ethical consideration in programme evaluation for health professional education programmes.

To explore the ethical considerations and measures of quality assurance during data-collection for programme evaluation in health professional education. The qualitative case study was conducted at Bahria University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from August to November 2023, and comprised faculty members involved in programme evaluation for at least two years having done a minimum two audit cycles. System thinking philosophical framework was used during the data-collection phase. A diverse sample was selected to ensure representation from different sectors and roles within the teams. Data was collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data was subjected to thematic analysis. There were 7 faculty members who were interviewed individually twice in addition to 4 focus group discussion. Members of quality assurance team were experts in their respective fields, but were not found to be wellversed in terms of ethical considerations that should guide data-collection. This lack of knowledge may inadvertently lead to ethical lapses in the evaluation process. Another ethical challenge seen was bias in the data-collection phase. Faculty members integral to programme evaluation efforts were found to lack knowledge regarding ethical considerations in data-collection, which can pose significant risks.