Professional Supervision Research Articles

Muscular Endurance Training: Bridging Gym Practices with Science Recommendations

This study investigated the effectiveness of training methodologies for improving muscular endurance in young adult males and whether these practices align with scientific recommendations. A cross-sectional descriptive comparative study was conducted with 115 male participants aged 18 to 26. Data on various training parameters were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The results indicated that participants exhibited discrepancies in their training practices compared to established scientific recommendations. An important percentage of study participants did not exercise according to the recommended guidelines regarding exercise sequencing, intensity, repetitions, rest periods, and training supervision. Participants who followed the recommendations regarding intensity, sets, repetitions, weekly training frequency, and supervision achieved higher objective accomplishment scores. Thus, there are notable discrepancies between everyday gym practices and scientific recommendations for improving muscular endurance in young adult men. Adherence to current recommendations and professional supervision are essential for maximizing training effectiveness, preventing injuries, and facilitating future adaptations.

Take Care of the Patient: Pharmacists Should Advocate for Overdose Prevention Centers (OPC) as Harm Reduction.

Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) are places where people can bring previously obtained substances to use under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals who are prepared to intervene in the event of an overdose. Healthcare professionals, counselors and peer support provide services including naloxone distribution, provision of sterile injection equipment, counseling services, referrals to necessary providers, and above all, a safe and compassionate space for people to get the care they need. This is a method of harm reduction that has been used globally for decades and is now gaining traction in the United States. Pharmacists play a vital role in harm reduction for patients, and they should support the legalization and establishment of overdose prevention centers across the country to extend this essential service. A compelling body of evidence shows that overdose prevention centers reduce overdose deaths, emergency department visits for overdoses, wounds relating to injection drug use and reduce emergency medical service utilization in the area surrounding the centers. They also reduce drug use and discarded hazardous drug paraphernalia in public areas. Overdose prevention centers also provide wrap-around services that aid in holistic care of the person, including referrals to inpatient substance use treatment, detoxification, primary care, transportation and housing. It is the responsibility of pharmacists to advocate for the needs of patients, and overdose prevention centers will provide an effective avenue for pharmacists to deliver counseling and medication management services as part of care of the individual.

Home infusion experience in patients with Pompe disease receiving avalglucosidase alfa during three clinical trials

During three previously reported clinical trials of avalglucosidase alfa in patients with Pompe disease, 17 out of 142 participants were considered by the investigators to be appropriate candidates for home infusion. During their respective trials, these participants received a total of 419 avalglucosidase alfa infusions at home under healthcare professional supervision. They were clinically stable with no history of moderate or severe infusion-associated reactions within at least 12 months prior to starting home infusions. As of February 25, 2022, the 15 participants with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) had received between 2 and 48 home infusions and the 2 participants with infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) had received 19 and 20 infusions. Adverse events occurred in 8 (53 %) participants with LOPD and neither of the participants with IOPD. Seven participants with LOPD had a total of 15 non-treatment-related, non-serious adverse events. One participant with LOPD experienced infusion-associated reactions of eyelid edema and flushing during the first home infusion; both were non-serious adverse events classified as grade 1 (mild). Home infusion was later resumed for this participant. Among LOPD participants, event rates for home infusions were comparable to those for clinic infusions: overall adverse events (0.028 vs 0.039 participants with events/infusion)and adverse events classified as infusion-associated reactions (0.003 vs. 0.006). No medication errors occurred during home infusion. These data suggest that infusion of avalglucosidase alfa at home is feasible and does not compromise safety for patients who have not experienced an infusion-associated reaction during the preceding 12 months of infusions in a clinical setting. Evaluation of real-world experience with avalglucosidase alfa home infusion in countries where it is already approved is ongoing.

An Overview of Health-Promoting Programs and Healthy Lifestyles for Adolescents and Young People: A Scoping Review.

The health of children, adolescents, and young adults is a primary global concern. In 2021, there were 2.1 million deaths among children and adolescents. Injuries, violence, communicable diseases, nutritional deficiencies, substance use, non-communicable diseases, and mental health disorders are among the leading causes of death in this age group. Background/objectives: This scoping review aims to identify and describe health promotion and healthy lifestyle programs developed worldwide targeting adolescents and young adults. Methods: A total of 106 programs were included, of which 8 were selected through scientific databases and 98 through other research methods (e.g., government websites and other online sources). Results: The results show that Europe, North America, New Zealand, and the United States of America are the continents and countries with the highest number of programs. Most programs originated before 2020 and are aimed at children, adolescents, and young adults. Mental health, substance and non-substance dependencies, and sexual and reproductive health were the most frequent areas among the available youth programs. Most programs do not mention evaluating or monitoring the services provided. Conclusions: This work allows for a deeper understanding of the programs available for adolescents and young adults, providing an overview of their characteristics. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of increasing the number of available programs, especially in countries with higher morbidity and mortality rates among the young population. The programs must be based on population studies to better meet their needs. Lastly, programs should become sustainable and integrated into national public policies, accompanied by ongoing training, supervision, and intervision of professionals working in these contexts.

Copaiba Essential Oil: Composition, Therapeutic Actions, and Methods of Use for Health and Well-Being

Essential oils, known for their complex mixture of bioactive compounds, have long been used in traditional medicine and have shown potential in treating various diseases, including cancer. Recent studies highlight their anticancer properties, such as cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and antimetastatic effects. Essential oils contain molecules like terpenes and phenylpropanoids, which induce apoptosis in cancer cells by interfering with cellular signaling pathways. For instance, frankincense oil induces programmed cell death in breast cancer cells, while compounds like curcumin and thymol inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Additionally, certain essential oils prevent metastasis by inhibiting the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Despite promising preclinical results, the effectiveness and safety of essential oils in cancer treatment require further validation through human clinical trials. This review discusses the potential of essential oils as complementary therapies in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for cautious application under professional supervision due to their concentrated nature and possible adverse effects. The therapeutic promise of essential oils lies in their ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and prevent metastasis, underscoring the importance of rigorous research to ensure their safe and effective use in oncology.

English as a Second Language teacher training practicum – exploring Polish university students’ experiences and perceptions – in search of supportive strategies

This study examines the experiences of Polish university students during their English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Training Practicum. By examining the challenges and transformations they undergo, we aim to understand their journey towards becoming educators. Beyond students’ reflections, we explore strategies to improve their practicum experiences. Using the Inventory of Experiences and Perceptions at Teaching Practice (IEPTP), we evaluate key aspects: learning and professional growth, socialisation in professional settings, socio-emotional facets, support and supervision, and vocational development. The research highlights shifts in perceptions, emphasising areas like vocational and professional development. It suggests strategies to enhance learning and support for student teachers, emphasising the crucial role of supervisors. The findings guide institutions in refining teacher training and ensuring students become adept ESL educators.

Sono-Catalytic Tooth Whitening and Oral Health Enhancement with Oxygen Vacancies-Enriched Mesoporous TiO2 Nanospheres: A Nondestructive Approach for Daily Tooth Care.

Tooth discoloration and the breeding of oral microorganisms pose threats to both one's aesthetic appearance and oral health. Clinical whitening agents based on H2O2 with high concentrations are effective in tooth whitening and bacterial elimination but may also cause enamel demineralization, gingival irritation, or cytotoxicity, necessitating professional supervision. Herein, leveraging sono-catalysis effects, a nondestructive and convenient tooth whitening strategy was developed, utilizing oxygen vacancies (OVs)-enriched mesoporous TiO2 nanospheres. The introduction of OVs leads to TiO2 bandgap narrowing, boosting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by TiO2 under ultrasound treatment. Additionally, through the chemocatalysis effect, the ROS yield can be further augmented by employing OVs-enriched TiO2 in conjunction with an extremely low concentration of H2O2 (1%) during ultrasound treatment. Hence, under ultrasound treatment simulating daily tooth brushing using an electronic toothbrush, the combination of OVs-enriched TiO2 and 1% H2O2 proves to be effective in whitening teeth stained by tea, coffee, and mix juice. Furthermore, the combination of OVs-enriched TiO2 and 1% H2O2 demonstrates potent bacterial-killing and biofilm-eradicating effects under ultrasound treatment within an extremely short duration (5 min). Additionally, given the mesoporous structure, curcumin, serving as an anti-inflammatory agent, can be efficiently loaded into OVs-enriched TiO2 and then controllably released through ultrasound treatment. The curcumin-loaded TiO2 facilitates the transition of macrophages to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, potentially alleviating oral inflammation induced by bacterial infection without showing any biotoxicity. The OVs-enriched TiO2 based sono-catalysis tooth whitening procedure provides the convenience of whitening teeth during daily brushing without requiring professional supervision.

Providers’ perspectives of barriers and facilitators to scale-up of mental health care in the public health delivery system of Mozambique: a qualitative inquiry

BackgroundA central challenge to closing the mental health treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is determining the most effective pathway for delivering evidence-based mental health services. We are conducting a cluster-randomized, Type 2 hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial across 20 districts of Mozambique called the Partnerships in Research to Implement and Disseminate Sustainable and Scalable EBPs (PRIDE) program. Following training of nonspecialized providers in facilitation of evidence-based treatments for mental health and informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we identified how PRIDE compares to care as usual and the perceived barriers and facilitators of implementation and modifications needed for widescale service delivery and scale-up.MethodsWe conducted rapid ethnographic assessment using freelisting among 34 providers, followed by four focus group discussions (n = 29 participants) with a subsample of psychiatric technicians and primary care providers from 14 districts in Nampula Province. We used Thematic Analysis to inductively apply open codes to transcripts and then deductively applied the CFIR domains and constructs to organize open codes.ResultsThe main Outer Setting constructs relevant to implementation were recognition that patient mental health needs were significant. Additionally, numerous community-level characteristics were identified as barriers, including distance between clinics; shortage of providers; and low awareness of mental health problems, stigma, and discrimination among community members towards those with mental health struggles. The PRIDE program was perceived to offer a relative advantage over usual care because of its use of task-sharing and treating mental illness in the community. PRIDE addressed Inner Setting barriers of having available resources and training and provider low self-efficacy and limited knowledge of mental illness. Providers recommended leadership engagement to give support for supervision of other task-shared professionals delivering mental healthcare.ConclusionsPrimary care providers and psychiatric technicians in Mozambique perceived the relative advantage of the PRIDE program to address mental health treatment access barriers and offered recommendations for successful sustainment and scale up of integrated mental health care.

Assessing stigma: Health and social worker regard towards working with people using illicit drugs in Athens, Greece

BackgroundAfter the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and resulting economic austerity, the rise in illicit drug use engendered an increased need for people who use drugs (PWUD) to access medical care, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows that perceptions of medical staff towards PWUD facilitate or act as a barrier to accessing health care. This study provides a better understanding of health and social work professionals’ perceptions by assessing stigma levels towards PWUD in Athens, Greece.MethodsThis is a mixed-method study. It calculates the stigma score for professionals (n = 60) and the stigma score associated with specific drugs based on the Medical Condition Regard Scale through a quantitative analysis of responses to a semi-structured online survey about attitudes of health and social work professionals towards PWUD. It draws on the qualitative analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews with 16 service managers, providers, and health services advocates working in the charity sector to determine whether perceptions of PWUD affect writing and implementing policy and protocols for services.ResultsStigma towards PWUD exists amongst health and social work professionals in Athens. Professionals who have worked with PWUD for longer periods of time, professionals who have had specific training on working with PWUD, and professionals who feel that they have the necessary training to work with PWUD all demonstrated a higher stigma score than those reporting the opposite. Cannabis and opioids were associated with lower stigma scores while shisha had the highest level of stigma associated with it. Finally, professional environments are not conducive to alleviating stigma as the lack of training specific to stigma, the lack of professional supervision, and worker burn-out are key barriers faced by professionals in their everyday practice.ConclusionsReducing and eliminating stigma towards PWUD among health and social workers requires immediate action. Measures to be taken include: introducing training programs focused on stigma towards PWUD to healthcare providers, social workers, lawyers, police, the media; increasing professional supervision on field work for health and social workers; introducing low barrier health care and specialist units. Peers and field-focused organisations should meaningfully participate in drug and alcohol policymaking, program development, and implementation.

Inpatient Suicides in Swedish Psychiatric Settings – A Retrospective Exploratory Study from a Nursing Perspective

In Sweden, approximately 1,200 individuals die by suicide annually. Inpatient suicide is considered rare, but death by suicide still occurs when admitted to a psychiatric hospital. This study was part of a national retrospective project covering data from all patients’ medical records for the 2 years before death by suicide in 2015. In this study, 41 patients who died by suicide while being admitted to psychiatric care were identified. The aim was to retrospectively identify documentation of suicide risk, safety measures, and comparisons between those with and without suicide attempts for patients who died by suicide during psychiatric inpatient care. There was documentation of suicidal variables in 80% of the patients; 59% had a previous known suicide attempt, 63% were diagnosed with mood disorders, and 41% were assessed for elevated suicide risk. The most common suicide method was hanging, suffocation (68%), and 22% had died by suicide within 24 h after admission. Almost three-quarters were on voluntary care. No patients had constant professional supervision on a one-to-one basis, and 17% had 15-minute checks. One-third were on agreed leave at the time of the suicide. These results emphasise the lifesaving role of high-level supervision in the early stages of inpatient care.

Exercise for patients with low back pain

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common symptom that imposes a significant socioeconomic burden. Appropriate exercises that enhance the recovery of anatomical structures using biomechanical methods and improve lumbar stability are recommended for patients with LBP. Therefore, clinicians should prescribe appropriate exercises to alleviate LBP, improve function, and prevent recurrence.Current Concepts: Individualized and structured multimodal exercises (strengthening, aerobic, core stability exercises, and stretching) under the supervision of healthcare professionals are recommended for patients with LBP. It is preferable to focus on isometric trunk muscle exercises for strengthening, and strengthening the large muscles (back and gluteal muscles) attached to the thoracolumbar fascia is recommended rather than exercises that involve repeated extension and flexion of the trunk muscles. Individualized aerobic and core stability exercises are recommended, and stretching exercises focusing on extension movements are preferred. It is also important to educate patients regarding the etiology of LBP, harmful postures for LBP, and methods to maintain lumbar lordosis in daily life.Discussion and Conclusion: An appropriate exercise prescription can contribute to better clinical outcomes in patients with LBP. Although exercise is important for recovery and prevention of recurrence, inappropriate exercise can potentially exacerbate LBP; therefore, careful consideration is required.

Radiation therapists' perceptions of participating in Professional Supervision - a pilot study.

Professional Supervision (PS) is a common approach used to reduce the fallout from stress and burnout. It involves monthly face-to-face meetings between a supervisor and supervisee to address well-being and professional goals. This pilot study examines 12 radiation therapists (RTs) perceptions of participating in PS. Conducted in the Christchurch Radiation Oncology Centre, this mixed-methods pilot study introduced PS in March 2022. In August 2023, 12 RTs completed a QUALTRICS online questionnaire consisting of 33 questions, including the Supervisor Working Alliance Inventory (SWAI). The SWAI assessed the alliance of supervision from a supervisee's perspective and comprised of 19 questions on a 7-point Likert scale and nine yes/no statements with optional comments. Five demographic questions were also included. All 12 RTs completed the questionnaire, with quantitative results indicating a positive alliance between supervisors and supervisees. RTs found PS to be a safe and comfortable space for reflective practice and support. Thematic analysis of qualitative data from additional comments revealed PS enabled RTs to reflect on career achievements, appreciate highlights of being an RT and consider future career paths within the profession. Radiation therapists responded positively to PS, suggesting its potential in managing workplace stressors, promoting career advancement and providing dedicated time for reflection, support and guidance. RTs endorsed the efficacy of PS in enhancing their practice and advocated for its widespread adoption among RTs.

Professional Nurse Coach Supervision: Relationships, Responsibilities, and Requirements.

Professional Nurse Coach Supervision: Relationships, Responsibilities, and Requirements.

Assessing the quality of AI information from ChatGPT regarding oral surgery, preventive dentistry, and oral cancer: An exploration study

AimEvaluation of the quality of dental information produced by the ChatGPT artificial intelligence language model within the context of oral surgery, preventive dentistry, and oral cancer. MethodologyThis study adopted quantitative methods approach. The experts prepared 50 questions (including dimensions of, risk factors, preventive measures, diagnostic methods, and treatment options) that would be presented to ChatGPT, and its responses were rated for their accuracy, completeness, relevance, clarity or comprehensibility, and possible risks using a standardized rubric. To carry out the assessment of the responses by ChatGPT, a standardized scoring rubric was used. Evaluation process included feedback concerning the strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas of improvement in the responses provided by ChatGPT. ResultsWhile achieving the highest score for preventive dentistry at 4.3/5 and being able to communicate the complex information coherently, the tool showed lower accuracy for oral surgery and oral cancer, scoring 3.9/5 and 3.6/5, respectively, with several gaps for post-operative instructions, personalized risk assessments, and specialized diagnostic methods. Potential risks, such as a lack of individualized advice, were shown in 53% of the oral cancer and in 40% of the oral surgery. While showing promise in some domains, ChatGPT had important limitations in specialized areas that require nuanced expertise. ConclusionThe findings point to the need for professional supervision while using AI-generated information and ongoing evaluation as capabilities evolve, for the assurance of responsible implementation in the best interest of patient care.

Comparison of user interfaces for measuring the matrix sentence test on a smartphone

Objective Smartphone-based self-testing could facilitate large-scale data collection and remote diagnostics. For this purpose, the matrix sentence test (MST) is an ideal candidate due to its repeatability and accuracy. In clinical practice, the MST requires professional audiological equipment and supervision, which is infeasible for smartphone-based self-testing. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the feasibility of self-administering the MST on smartphones, including the development of an appropriate user interface for the small screen size. Design We compared the traditional closed matrix user interface (10 × 5 matrix) to three alternative, newly-developed interfaces (slide, type, wheel) regarding SRT consistency, user preference, and completion time. Study sample We included 15 younger normal hearing and 14 older hearing-impaired participants in our study. Results The slide interface is most suitable for mobile implementation, providing consistent and fast SRTs and enabling all participants to perform the tasks effectively. While the traditional matrix interface works well for most participants, some participants experienced difficulties due to its small size on the screen. Conclusions We propose the newly-introduced slide interface as a plausible alternative for smartphone screens. This might be more attractive for elderly patients that may exhibit more challenges with dexterity and vision than our test subjects employed here.

A case management strategy to reduce falls in older people with a history of falls: A randomized controlled trial

The present study aimed to determine whether a remotely delivered intervention, based on an individual case management, can reduce falls and their consequences in community-dwelling older people with a history of multiple falls. In this randomized controlled trial, 32 participants were randomized to the intervention group, which comprised a 16-week case management program involving a multidimensional assessment, targeted interventions according to the identified fall risk factors, and development of individualized care plans. The intervention was performed by trained gerontologists, under weekly supervision of professionals with experience in falls. The control group (n = 30) received usual care. Falls were monitored over 12 months with monthly falls calendars and telephone calls. Remotely delivered case management presented an 82 % uptake of recommendations. There was a trend toward a reduced fall incidence in the intervention vs control group, with lower fall, fall injury and fracture rates in the intervention group compared with the control group at both the 16-week and 12-month time-points, with the difference statistically significant for injurious fall rates at 12 months - IRR=0.18 (95 % CI = 0.04 to 0.74).

Mental health surveillance in elite Para athletes: early identification and follow-up of athletes at risk of mental health problems

ObjectiveThere is a lack of prospective data on mental health of elite Para athletes. The objective was to identify and follow elite Para athletes at risk of mental health problems.MethodsIn...

Challenges in implementing instructional leadership: Insights from Turkish school principals

The growing international literature on instructional leadership notes that its implementation often varies depending on cultural and contextual factors. Previous studies have indicated that while Turkish school principals demonstrate some instructional leadership behaviours, they frequently do not practice its key components such as shaping teacher professional development, goal setting, curriculum development and instructional supervision. This study used qualitative research methods, including interviews with 33 school principals, to identify and understand the major barriers hindering the implementation of instructional leadership in Türkiye. Factors such as a lack of authority, beliefs about the profession, workload, community context, inadequate resources and principal competency are key influences affecting the implementation and effectiveness of instructional leadership in Türkiye. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of the nature of instructional leadership in diverse cultural contexts.

Effectiveness, acceptability, and potential of lay student vaccinators to improve vaccine delivery

SettingTask sharing can fill health workforce gaps, improve access to care, and enhance health equity by redistributing health services to providers with less training. We report learnings from a demonstration project designed to assess whether lay student vaccinators can support community immunizations.InterventionBetween July 2022 and February 2023, 27 undergraduate and graduate students were recruited from the University of Toronto Emergency First Responders organization and operated 11 immunization clinics under professional supervision. Medical directives, supported with online and in-person training, enabled lay providers to administer and document vaccinations when supervised by nurses, physicians, or pharmacists. Participants were invited to complete a voluntary online survey to comment on their experience.OutcomesLay providers administered 293 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines without adverse events. A total of 141 participants (122 patients, 17 lay vaccinators, 1 nurse, and 1 physician) responded to our survey. More than 80% of patients strongly agreed to feeling safe and comfortable with lay providers administering vaccines under supervision, had no concerns with lay vaccinators, and would attend another lay vaccinator clinic. Content and thematic analysis of open-text responses revealed predominantly positive experiences, with themes about excellent vaccinators, organized and efficient clinics, and the importance of training, communication, and access to regulated professionals. The responding providers expressed comfort working in collaborative immunization teams.ImplicationsLay student providers can deliver vaccines safely under a medical directive while potentially improving patient experiences. Rather than redeploying scarce professionals, task sharing strategies could position trained lay vaccinators to support immunizations, improve access, and foster community engagement.

Abortion, decriminalisation and the medico-legal paradigm

The medico-legal paradigm enmeshes legal with medical power, making abortion lawfully available only under the supervision of medical professionals. This article examines the recent parliamentary debates over abortion decriminalisation in New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, to argue that the decriminalisation of abortion in Australia represents a continuance with, rather than a break from, the medico-legal paradigm. The medical power embedded in laws that criminalised abortion in the nineteenth century, and liberalised abortion in the twentieth century, was not the same as that imagined by parliamentarians debating decriminalising abortion in the twenty-first century. Norms constituting abortion seekers and their doctors have shifted significantly. Nevertheless, the medico-legal paradigm continues to govern how lawful abortion is imagined. The medico-legal paradigm converts abortion seekers' desires for abortion into a need for healthcare and imagines the autonomy and agency of abortion seekers as enabled only through their subjection to medical power. This conversion, I suggest, dampens the potential abortion holds to open up and challenge norms of gender, sexuality and reproduction.