Professional Recognition Research Articles

Social legitimisation of social work: Strategies to further professional status and recognition in Nepal

Despite its three-decade history, social work lacks professional status in Nepal. Drawing on authors’ own critical reflection, this article documents strategies to advance social work’s professional status through a process of social legitimation. Following a brief discussion of social work in Nepal, it reports on issues pertinent to, and efforts, thus far, to professionalise social work noting strategies to advance professional identity, status and recognition in Nepal.

Disparities in Global Authorship and Data Source in the Pediatric Blood and Cancer Journal 2011-2021: Realities and Strategies for Improvement.

Research expands knowledge and improves outcomes. Research is needed in all settings, but most often occurs in high-income countries (HIC) compared to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Publication in scientific peer-reviewed journals and authorship position are important for academic/clinical advancement. We explored the current state of global authorship and data source distribution for publications in the Pediatric Blood and Cancer (PBC) journal. LMIC-affiliated author inclusion and position in selected article categories of the PBC (2011-2021) were recorded. Articles with at least one LMIC-affiliated author (first-listed affiliation) and 5% of exclusively HIC-authored articles were verified. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Of 4504 articles reviewed, 593 (13%) included at least one LMIC-affiliated author (517/593 [87%] as first author and 488/593 [82%]) as senior author. In a subset of articles with LMIC-sourced data, 148/675 (22%) included exclusively HIC authors. Within the LMIC-sourced data subset, 81/675 (12%) articles were mixed HIC/LMIC affiliation and 446/675 (66%) were exclusively LMIC-affiliated. The frequency of LMIC-affiliated authors as first or senior author within HIC/LMIC-affiliated collaborations was 31/81 (38%) and 9/81 (11%), respectively. As more than 80% of children live in LMICs and the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer is increasingly engaged across LMICs, all researchers/clinicians must justly be given an opportunity to conduct, write, publish, and be recognized for their research. PBC is uniquely poised to promote equitable publishing practices and opportunities for professional recognition by drawing on emerging best practices for equitable authorship, including potentially restructuring authorship guidelines and requirements.

WRITING AS AN INVESTMENT TO FULFILL AN INCREASE IN THE FUNCTIONAL POSITION OF LECTURER

Scientific writing has an essential role in supporting the improvement of lecturers' functional positions, where scientific publications are seen as a form of strategic investment that can encourage academic career development. Through publications, lecturers not only share their research results and intellectual ideas, but also increase their competence, credibility, and professional recognition in the world of higher education. This study aims to analyze scientific writing as a long-term investment that plays a role in fulfilling the requirements for lecturers' functional promotion, and to assess the impact of writing productivity on institutional recognition. Using qualitative methods, this study identifies motivational factors, challenges, and benefits obtained by lecturers through scientific writing and publication activities. The results of the analysis show that scientific writing productivity significantly contributes to the process of functional promotion, both through increasing the required credit score, as well as through wider recognition of lecturers' scientific contributions in the academic sphere. Thus, scientific writing and publication skills need serious attention in lecturer development programs, so that they can support the improvement of professional performance and strengthen the academic position of lecturers in higher education. Continuous efforts in improving scientific writing skills are seen as crucial as a form of investment for the future of lecturers' academic careers, which in turn can contribute to improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia.

“They are not even called by name”: Security guards in a South African psychiatric hospital

BackgroundSecurity guards (SGs) play a significant role in health care and are an integral part of many psychiatric institutions. While their main duty is to ensure service users' (SUs) and staff's safety and protect the premises, they are also called upon for other tasks, often ones for which they are not adequately trained. This study aimed to explore the roles, formal and informal tasks performed, training, working conditions and well-being of SGs working in psychiatric services. MethodsGuided interviews were conducted with n = 12 SGs and n = 18 mental healthcare providers (MHCPs) at a psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape of South Africa. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. ResultsIn addition to ensuring safety, SGs take on numerous informal tasks, often for which they are not adequately trained and which formally fall under the purview of other MHCPs, mostly nurses, including talking with SUs about their mental health issues, dressing, showering, feeding, and administering medication. SGs also serve informally as interpreters, raising ethical concerns regarding accuracy and confidentiality. SGs lack formal training for working in psychiatric services and handling aggressive SUs, which may lead to increased violence instead of de-escalation and, in the worst case, injuries. SGs work under precarious working conditions (i.e. low salary, outsourced employment, absence of labour rights and job insecurity) and lack professional recognition, potentially leading to lower job satisfaction and increased emotional distress. ConclusionAddressing the challenges outlined in the study requires collaborative efforts between government, psychiatric institutions, private security companies, SGs and MHCPs. The establishment of clear roles, implementation of comprehensive formal training, psychosocial support and improved working conditions, particularly in-house employment, higher pay, increased employee rights and job security, are needed.

Pandemic and Politicisation in Argentina: Nursing Professional Trajectories in the Conurbano Bonaerense Region

The article analyses the politicisation of nursing personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina, focusing on the trajectories of nurses trained in the public universities of the so-called ‘conurbano bonaerense’, especially in the young universities of the ‘Bicentenario’, rooted in a territory with strong traditions of popular political participation. The pandemic context accelerated the struggles for professional recognition among nurses. Analysing this process constitutes a significant contribution to the social studies of health and illness in Latin America, particularly regarding the role of gender. The pandemic has highlighted the necessity of making the history and demands of the nursing profession visible. Against this background, this article emphasises the challenging working conditions and lack of recognition faced by the nursing profession in Argentina, both materially and symbolically. Based on the analysis of narratives provided by nurses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the article analyses three politicisation trajectories of nursing graduates of Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche, on the conurbano bonaerense, the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires. We demonstrate the importance of the institutional context of the universities in this territory and underline its significance for the politicisation process we have observed.

Unveiling the Core Competencies in Neuroscience Nursing Within the Context of Italy: A Qualitative Phenomenological Analysis.

Background: In 2008, the European Association of Neuroscience Nursing (EANN) initiated the NeuroBlend™ project, which aimed to delineate the roles and competencies of neuroscience nurses across Europe. This project resulted in the development of the European Competence Profile (ECP), intended to standardize educational pathways and professional recognition for this specialized field. Aim: This study examines the relevance of neuroscience nursing practices to the competencies outlined in NeuroBlend™ across different Italian care settings, including multiple sclerosis, pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric neurology, Alzheimer's disease, and substance addiction. Methods: A phenomenological approach was employed, utilizing focus groups to gather the perspectives of nurses on the competencies defined by the NeuroBlend™ model. The focus groups were conducted from May 2022 to September 2022. The data collected from the focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Thirty nurses participated in the focus groups. Thematic analysis revealed the core competencies, such as communication, empathy, flexibility, and reflective skills, as critical in all care settings. The main themes that emerged were relationships with patients and families, personalized care, and continuity of care. Conclusions: The competencies outlined in the NeuroBlend™ framework are vital to the role of neuroscience nurses in the settings studied and remain highly relevant in the context of Italian healthcare.

How policies created without early childhood educator input create toxic working environments that objectify educators

Through the lens of objectification and toxic workplace theory, this article critically examines Ontario, Canada's policies and regulations on early childhood education and care (ECEC). In the context of Canada's transition to universal child care and the persistent workforce crisis in the ECEC sector, this article highlights how registered early childhood educators (RECE) workplace challenges, including poor working conditions, low wages, and a lack of professional recognition, are theorized within objectification and toxic workplace theory. Specifically, the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and the Ontario Early Year Framework, which establish the standards and regulations for licensed childcare providers, are analyzed to determine how they objectify RECEs and create toxic workplaces. Grounded in advocacy to improve working conditions in ECEC, this article provides a unique framework for understanding and interrupting how RECEs are not considered in creating government regulations, how individual centers and organizations can interpret the current rules to continue to devalue the contributions of RECEs to the sector, and how and why this continuation of devaluation is affecting the well-being and working conditions of RECEs.

Pharmacists' Professional Satisfaction and Challenges: A Netnographic Analysis of Reddit and Facebook Discussions.

Pharmacists, essential healthcare providers, face significant challenges in professional satisfaction and well-being. This study investigates the factors influencing pharmacists' professional satisfaction, mainly focusing on workload, organizational support, job autonomy, work-life balance, and resilience against burnout. Data were collected from relevant online forums on Facebook and Reddit using a netnographic methodology. The data were anonymized and thematically coded to identify key themes from 23 conversation threads, primarily involving or concerning Romanian pharmacists. The analysis revealed several critical issues: widespread dissatisfaction with salaries, challenges in professional recognition, and the demanding nature of university education. Additional themes included economic and financial insights, global trends and technological impacts, personal experiences and satisfaction, professional growth and education, regulatory and market environment, and workplace dynamics. Findings indicate these factors significantly impact pharmacists' job satisfaction and overall well-being. The study concludes that addressing these issues through targeted interventions, such as policy reforms, educational updates, and enhanced organizational support, can improve the professional lives of pharmacists, thereby enhancing their contributions to healthcare outcomes.

Challenges and Opportunities to Work and Industry Practice in Occupational Therapy: A Practitioner Survey.

Work and industry (W&I) is a vital yet underrepresented area of occupational therapy practice. Describing the current practice trends, challenges, and opportunities in W&I provides a foundation for future development and advancements. To describe the state of W&I occupational therapy practice and to identify challenges and opportunities in this specialty practice area. Cross-sectional survey conducted June 12 to July 17, 2020. Online survey distributed through direct email invitations and online platforms (i.e., CommunOT, LinkedIn). One hundred twenty occupational therapy practitioners who had worked in W&I within the most recent 5 yr. We used 30 multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and free-response questions across three topics: (1) training, resources, and research; (2) challenges and barriers; and (3) opportunities. Most respondents were occupational therapy practitioners working in clinical settings with >5 yr of experience; 29.2% identified as male. The most frequently provided services were ergonomic consultation and worksite evaluation; clinic-based W&I services were less frequently provided. Workplace injury prevention, management of psychosocial issues, and employee wellness programs were ranked as the top opportunities for occupational therapy in W&I. A shortage of accessible training and resources to support W&I practice was found, particularly mentoring and occupational therapy-focused research evidence. Maintaining referrals, competition from other professions, and limited support from professional organizations were key challenges. This study illustrates the evolution of W&I occupational therapy practice and highlights an urgent need for increased professional recognition and educational support to maintain occupational therapy's presence in this practice area. Plain-Language Summary: In this study, we describe the current practice trends in work and industry occupational therapy practice. We identify challenges related to resources and training in this practice area and provide insights into opportunities for future development. The study findings show the evolution of work and industry occupational therapy practice and highlight an urgent need for more professional recognition and educational support to maintain occupational therapy's presence in this practice area.

Analysis of Sharia Accounting Students' Perceptions of the Public Accounting Profession

The main task of the public accounting profession is to examine financial reports. Students in the general accounting and sharia study program are at a linear level of education with the public accounting profession. This research aims to examine and analyze perceptions of the work environment, financial rewards, social values, market considerations, professional recognition, and personality towards the public accounting profession. The research sample was Sharia Accounting students at the Syarifudin Lumajang Islamic Institute using a purposive sampling method. The results of research using the partial test (t test) show that the variables of perception of the work environment and market considerations influence the public accounting profession. The variables financial rewards, social values, professional recognition and personality have no effect on the public accounting profession. The results of the simultaneous test (f test) show that together, the independent variables have a significant influence on the dependent variable.

Factors contributing to the fostering of resilience among final-year nursing students in challenging situations: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundDuring the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, final-year nursing students in our country volunteered to join the healthcare workforce, and the challenges they faced were considerable. AimTo explore the factors that foster resilience among final-year nursing students that joined the healthcare workforce during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignDescriptive qualitative study with thematic analysis. ParticipantsNewly graduated nurses who had volunteered to join the health workforce during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic as final-year bachelor of nursing students. MethodsTwenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted during January and February 2021. Interviews were conducted by nursing students as part of their final-year dissertation with the supervision of a researcher with experience on qualitative data collection methods. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was performed using Weft QDA 1.0.1. ResultsThe analysis revealed two main themes that described newly graduated nurses views regarding the factors that had enabled them to develop resilience when working on the frontline as final-year nursing students: (1) factors that helped them cope with adversity related with the identification and use of personal resources, feeling supported from others and professional recognition; and (2) factors that promoted learning such as guided reflection and the opportunity to share peer experiences. ConclusionThe identification and use of personal resources, recognition and support from others, guided reflection and sharing peer experiences appear to be the key factors in helping nursing students develop resilience in the face of challenging situations. Promoting these factors in the context of nurse education programmes will help to ensure that future professionals are better prepared to deal with the challenges that nurses face in clinical practice in their early career.

Work Motivation and Principal Supervision Perception

Teachers are a key element in the education system. Other components, such as curriculum, infrastructure, and funding, become meaningless without quality teachers. This study aims to analyze the influence of teachers' work motivation and their perception of school principal supervision on teacher performance at SMPN 1 Bone-Bone. The research employs an ex-post facto design with a population of 49 teachers. All are included as samples (total sampling). Data were collected via a questionnaire covering work motivation, perception of supervision, and teacher performance and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results show that teachers' work motivation and perception of school principal supervision are in the medium category, with average scores of 90.531 and 71.571, respectively. Teacher performance varies more widely, with an average score of 142.367. Regression analysis indicates a significant influence of work motivation and perception of school principal supervision on teacher performance. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing teachers' work motivation and the quality of school principal supervision to improve teacher performance, suggesting strategies such as professional development, recognition, and support from school principals.

MULTIPROFESSIONAL ICU TEAM AND UNDERSTANDING OF INSTITUTIONAL WELCOME AND CARE PRACTICES

The study aimed to analyze how the multidisciplinary team working in the ICU understands institutional reception and care practices. This is qualitative research, conducted with nine members of the multidisciplinary team who work in the ICU of a hospital in Recife/PE, aged between 22 and 52 years old, mostly married and with children. The responses to the questionnaires and interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to the thematic analysis technique suggested by Minayo. The results revealed that professionals' understanding of institutional reception and care practices is affected by several factors: triple working hours, daily contact with imminent death, limited understanding of the National Humanization Policy - PNH, lack of attention to psychosocial needs of professionals, use of defensive behaviors in relation to finitude and death, resistance to seeking emotional support, aspects related to the lack of professional recognition and few collaborative actions of multi-professional integration. It is concluded that it is crucial to create an environment for listening and psychoeducation of the multidisciplinary team according to the management and health care practices recommended by the PNH, which are still scarce in the Intensive Care Unit - ICU.

Age and expertise: The effects of ageism on professional recognition for senior nurses

This study explores the dual challenges of ageism and professional recognition faced by senior nurses in healthcare settings. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 registered nurses aged 50 and older in Abha City, Saudi Arabia. The analysis revealed four key themes: experiences of ageism, its impact on professional roles, discrimination and stigmatization, and the need for organizational support. Findings indicate that age-related biases lead to significant professional marginalization, reduced job satisfaction, and emotional distress among senior nurses. The study highlights the critical need for comprehensive policies, organizational support, and cultural changes to address ageism and recognize the valuable contributions of senior nurses. Promoting an inclusive work environment and equitable professional development opportunities can enhance the overall quality of care and job satisfaction for older nurses.

Neuro and Psychomotor Therapist of Developmental Age Professional in Italy: An Anomaly or an Opportunity?

The aim of this work is to explore the distinct role of the Neuro and Psychomotor Therapist of Developmental Age (TNPEE) within the Italian health care system, examining challenges in recognizing and comparing this profession with international counterparts, particularly physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The historical evolution and educational framework, integrated into the Italian university model, provide a foundation for TNPEE's competencies in rehabilitation and habilitation. The TNPEE operates within the bio-psycho-social model, addressing the developmental age range with a holistic approach. Despite its unique contributions, TNPEE faces challenges internationally because of its exclusive presence in Italy. Unlike other health care professions, TNPEE lacks a standardized international equivalent, complicating professional comparisons and mobility. This anomaly hinders the global recognition and integration of TNPEE professionals, posing a challenge to the academic medicine community in terms of standardizing and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. This communication concludes by proposing mechanisms to facilitate TNPEE's recognition and integration into international health care frameworks. By addressing these challenges, the work contributes to the broader discourse on the cultural context in shaping effective therapeutic interventions, highlighting the need for an inclusive approach to health care education and practice worldwide.

Are Medical Students and Primary Health-care Professionals Aware of Neonatal Cholestasis and Acholic Stool.

Early diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) and the timing of Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy are associated with improved survival rates of the native liver. Acholic stool is a major and earliest sign of BA. We evaluated the awareness and recognition of medical students and primary health care professionals (PHCPs) about neonatal cholestasis and acholic stool as a marker of BA. The knowledge of students and PHCP about prolonged jaundice and acholic stool was evaluated through a questionnaire. In the first step, 5 questions evaluating the knowledge of prolonged jaundice were asked. The sixth question was "Have you ever seen acholic stool before?" Following this question, stool color cards with 9 colors were shown, and participants were asked "Which of the following stool pictures would you define as acholic?" A total 724 students and 88 PHCPs were included in the study. In both groups, about half of the participants could not answer the first 4questions related to prolonged jaundice and cholestasis correctly. Twenty-four percent of the students and 11.4% of PHCP answered correctly to all of the stool colors. The rate of correct answers to acholic stool colors were approximately 43.9%-87.6% and 23.9%-86.4% for students and PHCP, respectively. Whitish acholic stool colors were better known than mild yellowish pale stool colors. The percentages of recognition were less than about 50% for these stool colors. This study showed that recognition and awareness of prolonged jaundice are low, and acholic stool is not well known. This may lead to delay in diagnosis. Considering the international success of stool color cards, using stool color cards will improve the outcomes of biliary atresia in our country as well.

Presenting a Framework to Professionalize Health Supply Chain Management.

Many countries have an insufficient supply of adequately skilled supply chain workers to manage health commodities, and no global standards in education or experience exist for the supply chain management (SCM) workforce managing health products. We present a professionalization framework for the health SCM workforce that provides a systematic process that countries can use to standardize and elevate the health SCM profession. In 2019, semistructured interviews were conducted with individuals from 10 leading organizations supporting in-country public health supply chains to explore approaches for an SCM professionalization framework. Interview data were analyzed using direct thematic analysis. Findings were then validated through a validation workshop with 11 individuals from 8 leading SCM organizations. Four associated components of this framework were developed: (1) The Library of Competencies and Designations contains management competencies grouped in 7 domains and supply chain technical competencies assigned to 5 professional designations; (2) The Collection of Roles and Job Descriptions contains 96 sample job descriptions; (3) The Mapping of Education displays the education offerings relevant to each competency across the 5 professional designations; and (4) The Implementation Approach for Health Supply Chains leads project teams to systematically apply these 3 tools in the supply chain context of a country. The SCM Professionalisation Framework provides a valuable tool to increase the supply of and demand for health SCM workers, increasing the recognition and use of SCM professionals within national health systems. Its utilization is a critical step in addressing the current workforce gap, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and ensuring that the health SCM workforce possesses the right competencies, skills, and qualifications to fulfill its roles. The comprehensive framework can be used by governments, employers, and education institutions to define and align SCM professional standards, competencies, and curricula with job requirements.

Confronting the challenges faced by senior high school mid-level academic managers

Middle leadership has become increasingly important in the growth and development of educational institutions. However, as the demand of mid-level managers increase, so do their development needs, specifically their professional and leadership development. This study, focused on basic education, identifies the challenges faced by senior high school mid-level academic managers (MLAMs) and their coping strategies. This study used a phenomenological qualitative design, where 11 senior high school academic coordinators were interviewed. The results from the interview showed three challenges that MLAMs have encountered, namely: transition to MLAM position, management, and personal challenges. MLAMs cope with these challenges by relying on their support system, gaining assistance from their institution, establishing self-discipline, and embracing their call as mid-level managers. Despite these challenges, they gain personal and professional growth, institutional recognition, and fulfillment from their pivotal leadership roles. These results can serve as a reference for a professional development plan for MLAMs in the basic education.

RESEARCH ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDY TRAVEL INSTRUCTORS IN CHINESE HIGHER VOCATIONAL COLLEGES

<p>As key members of study travel teams, the competency levels of study travel instructors directly impact the quality of study travels. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with five higher vocational college teachers specializing in study travels and five employees from study travel companies to explore the current state and future pathways for cultivating study travel instructors in Chinese higher vocational colleges. The findings reveal that while higher vocational college-trained study travel instructors have a high level of professional recognition, their competency alignment is relatively low. There are several issues identified, such as the lack of practical experience, insufficient professional knowledge, inadequate creativity, and a weak sense of responsibility. It is recommended that higher vocational colleges collaborate closely with enterprises to plan talent cultivation pathways and restructure the curriculum for study travel instructor programs, based on the competency requirements for study travel instructors.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0715/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Beyond bones, joints and muscles: can physiotherapists have a role in identifying and supporting domestic violence victims?

Purpose Domestic violence (DV) is a pervasive global issue affecting people across all demographics. Physiotherapists, due to their close patient contact, may be ideally positioned to identify and support victims. However, their preparedness for this role is shown to fall short of needs via a study that aimed to determine physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with DV in Estonia, Greece, Cyprus, and Spain. Methods An online questionnaire via the LimeSurvey® platform assessed the experiences of 167 physiotherapists across the four countries. The survey covered respondent demographics, training received on DV identification and referral procedures, self-reported confidence in identifying and referring DV victims, and the frequency of encountering suspected cases. Results The findings revealed a substantial gap between the legal mandates for healthcare professionals to address DV (as outlined in the Istanbul Convention and a 2024 EU Directive) and the preparedness of physiotherapists. Only 13.2% of respondents had received any DV training, and less than half felt confident making referrals to support services. However, there is an evident association between experience and awareness – physiotherapists with more years of experience, particularly those specialising in paediatrics or chronic conditions, are more likely to have encountered and reported suspected DV cases. Conclusions The study’s generalisability may be limited due to the sample size and the selection process (social media outreach and professional networks). Additionally, self-reported data can be prone to bias. Nonetheless, these findings highlight a critical need for integrating DV training modules into physiotherapy education curricula, both at the entry-level and throughout continuing education programs. The Online Professional Education for Physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals on DV (OPEP) project, in response to this gap, has developed a comprehensive online training resource specifically for physiotherapists on DV identification and referral protocols. This initiative aligns with the growing recognition of healthcare professionals’ role in combating DV and can play a vital role in supporting victims and survivors.