Practice Program Research Articles

Between Islands – an Intergenerational Contact and Creative Practice Program

ABSTRACT Addressing ageism is a serious social issue in need of targeted, empirically based solutions. Facilitating intergenerational contact is one promising means of reducing ageism. Between Islands was a creative practice and intergenerational contact intervention designed to promote connection while challenging stereotypes about aging and older adults. Before the intervention began, young and older adults received two 2.5 pound blocks of clay, paints, and paintbrushes. During the four-week online intervention, participants learned about the history of hand-weights and circuit training, engaged in creative practice (designed, sculpted, and decorated hand-weights), and got to know one another through group based discussion as well as smaller group prompts and zoom breakout rooms. Among young adults, paired t-tests demonstrate a significant decrease in benevolent ageism and intergenerational tension. In addition, open-ended responses illustrate how the intervention challenged stereotypes about older adults, supported the recognition of similarities between young and older adults, and facilitated connection between participants. Results from Between Islands, an intervention rooted in theory, offer promise for reducing ageism and intergenerational tensions using unique and creative programming.

Learning from doctoral supervisors’ and candidates’ reflections on a supervisory model

ABSTRACT Professional development for doctoral supervisors differs between higher education institutions (HEIs) across the globe from non-existent support to one off workshops, to mandatory programmes. Communities of practice programmes encourage supervisors to reflect on case studies and conceptual models but there is limited research which explores the learning from supervisors’ and candidates’ reflections. Using interviews with supervisors and candidates from one HEI in England, this paper explores their reflections on a model of supervisor roles and tasks. The model aided the reflections of supervisors and candidates in terms of their own preferences, but also how they responded to candidate needs or when working in supervision teams. There is complexity and fluidity in terms of the roles offered in a single meeting and a suggestion that more pastoral roles need to be added. The model could be used for discussions between supervisors and candidates or within professional development programmes.

Developing an LPN Transition to Practice Program to Support the Changing Nursing Landscape

Background: Hospitals are adjusting and changing care delivery models by adding Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) back to acute care due to the RN (Registered Nurse) nursing shortage. As this landscape and care delivery model changes, it is important to ensure there are resources in place to help support nursing teams. Many organizations have programs in place to help support RN’s as they transition into practice or referred to a nurse residency program. A Pennsylvania hospital recognized the need to add an LPN transition to the practice program to support new nurses as they transition into the acute care setting. Methods: A program was created, developed, and piloted to help support new graduate LPN’s transitioning into acute care to help support and guide them. The program was piloted for 6 months with a variety of learning experiences: shadowing experiences, content experts, simulation, and mentorship. Results: The program has proven to be successful, and an avenue was created for new graduate LPNs to feel supported during their initial months in the hospital by providing them with knowledge to develop from novice to competent nurses. Conclusion: It is important for hospitals to have support for nursing professional development opportunities for LPN’s as they transition to acute care nursing models.

Treatment Nonadherence among Multimorbid Chronic Disease Patients: Evidence from 3515 Subjects in Indonesia.

Background and Objectives: Multimorbid patients require intensive treatment for their diseases. However, little research has been given to their treatment adherence as part of its management. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of chronic disease multimorbidity in Indonesia, alongside its treatment nonadherence. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the fifth Indonesian Family Life Survey database among adult subjects aged ≥ 15 years with multimorbidity. Our descriptive and multivariate analyses include sex, age, formal education, ethnicity, geographic residence, demographic residence, household size, insurance ownership, annual income, current self-perceived health status, missing active days, smoking behavior, and body mass index. Results: We identified 3515 multimorbid patients, constituting 30.8% prevalence across chronic disease patients. Hypertension was found to be a prevalent component of multimorbidity (61.2%), followed by digestive diseases (44.5%) and arthritis (30.3%). We identified that 36.4% of the subjects were nonadherent to their chronic disease treatment. Characteristics associated with nonadherence were found to be a good self-perception of health (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.54-2.08), active smoking behavior (aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.14-1.99), no smoking behavior (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08-1.90), missing seven active/productive days or less in the past month due to poor health (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.10-1.68), no insurance ownership (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04-1.39), age of 15-65 years (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.55), income below IDR 40 million (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04-1.46), and household size of 2-6 people (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.36). Conclusions: While the prevalence of multimorbidity in Indonesia is generally similar to that observed in previous studies, we have identified patient characteristics related to nonadherence. We suggest that patient's nonadherence was primarily dictated by their self-perception of health and treatment complexity. With the longstanding issue of nonadherence, this study indicated the need to consider creating patient-tailored treatment programs in clinical practice to improve adherence by considering individual patients' characteristics.

Changes in the ultrasound presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma: a center’s three decades of experience

PurposeUltrasound (US) surveillance is a cornerstone for early diagnosis of HCC, anyway US presentation has undergone significant changes. With the aim of evaluating the effects of US surveillance program in the real-world clinical practice, we wanted to evaluate US presentation of HCCs over the last 30 years and the differences of HCCs presentation according to etiology.Methods174 patients diagnosed between 1993 and 98 (G1), 96 between 2003 and 08 (G2), 102 between 2013 and 18 (G3), were compared. US patterns were: single, multiple or diffuse nodules. The echo-patterns: iso-, hypo-, hyper-echoic, or mixed.In G1, the HCC diagnosis was mainly histologic; in G2 by EASL 2001 and AASLD 2005, in G3 AASLD 2011, EASL 2012, and AISF 2013 guidelines.ResultsHCV was the most frequent etiology, dropping between G1 (81%) and G3 (66%) (P < 0.01), metabolic increased between G1 (5%) and G3 (14%) (P < 0.01). Single HCC was more prevalent in G3 vs G1 (65.6% vs 40%) (P < 0.0001), multiple nodules in G1 (50%) vs G3 (33.3%) (P < 0.02) and diffuse in G1 (16%) vs G2 (2%) and vs G3 (1%) (P < 0.001). The most frequent echo-pattern was hypo-echoic G1 (50%) vs G2 (79%) and G1 vs G3 (65%) (P < 0.01). Iso-echoic pattern was the least frequent (7–12%). Mixed pattern decreased from G1 (28%) to G3 (12%) (P < 0.002). In G3 there were more multiple or diffuse HCCs in metabolic (P < 0.03).ConclusionUS presentation became less severe due to surveillance programs. HCV remains the most frequent cause, an increase in metabolic etiology has been shown throughout the decades.Graphical abstract

Barriers and Facilitators Affecting Long-Term Antibiotic Prescriptions for Acne Treatment

Dermatologists prescribe more oral antibiotics per clinician than clinicians in any other specialty. Despite clinical guidelines that recommend limitation of long-term oral antibiotic treatments for acne to less than 3 months, there is little evidence to guide the design and implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program in clinical practice. To identify salient barriers and facilitators to long-term antibiotic prescriptions for acne treatment. This qualitative study assessed data collected from stakeholders (including dermatologists, infectious disease physicians, dermatology resident physicians, and nonphysician clinicians) via an online survey and semistructured video interviews between March and August 2021. Data analyses were performed from August 12, 2021, to January 20, 2024. Online survey and qualitative video interviews developed with the Theoretical Domains Framework. Thematic analyses were used to identify salient themes on barriers and facilitators to long-term antibiotic prescriptions for acne treatment. Among 30 participants (14 [47%] males and 16 [53%] females) who completed the study requirements and were included in the analysis, knowledge of antibiotic guideline recommendations was high and antibiotic stewardship was believed to be a professional responsibility. Five salient themes were to be affecting long-term antibiotic prescriptions: perceived lack of evidence to justify change in dermatologic practice, difficulty navigating patient demands and satisfaction, discomfort with discussing contraception, iPLEDGE-related barriers, and the absence of an effective system to measure progress on antibiotic stewardship. The findings of this qualitative study indicate that multiple salient factors affect long-term antibiotic prescribing practices for acne treatment. These factors should be considered in the design and implementation of any future outpatient antibiotic stewardship program for clinical dermatology.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of point-of-care outcome assessment tools in Chinese palliative care clinical practice

BackgroundA standardized national approach to routinely assessing palliative care patients helps improve patient outcomes. However, a quality improvement program-based on person centered outcomes within palliative care is lacking in Mainland China. The well-established Australian Palliative Care Outcome Collaboration (PCOC) national model improves palliative care quality. This study aimed to culturally adapt and validate three measures that form part of the PCOC program for palliative care clinical practice in China: The PCOC Symptom Assessment Scale (PCOC SAS), Palliative Care Problem Severity Scale (PCPSS), Palliative Care Phase.MethodsA study was conducted on cross-cultural adaptation and validation of PCOC SAS, PCPSS and Palliative Care Phase, involving translation methods, cognitive interviewing, and psychometric testing through paired assessments.ResultsCross-cultural adaptation highlighted the need to strengthen the link between the patient’s care plan and the outcome measures to improve outcomes, and the concept of distress in PCOC SAS. Analysis of 368 paired assessments (n = 135 inpatients, 22 clinicians) demonstrated that the PCOC SAS and PCPSS had good and acceptable coherence (Cronbach’s a = 0.85, 0.75 respectively). Palliative Care Phase detected patients’ urgent needs. PCOC SAS and PCPSS showed fair discriminant and concurrent validity. Inter-rater reliability was fair for Palliative Care Phase (k = 0.31) and PCPSS (k = 0.23–0.30), except for PCPSS-pain, which was moderate (k = 0.53).ConclusionsThe Chinese version of PCOC SAS, PCPSS, and Palliative Care Phase can be used to assess outcomes as part of routine clinical practice in Mainland China. Comprehensive clinical education regarding the assessment tools is necessary to help improve the inter-rater reliability.

Digitally enabled perinatal mental health programmes' role in contemporary maternity care

This article explores the use of digitally enabled programmes to support perinatal mental healthcare in the NHS. Focusing on the Perinatal Wellbeing Programme from SilverCloud® by Amwell®, participant experiences drawn from published case studies are considered. With mental health conditions recognised as a continued and significant cause of maternal death in the UK, the need for innovative, flexible and effective interventions and support has never been more important. Exploring the place of digitally enabled programmes in contemporary midwifery practice, and the need for further evidence of their efficacy, this article continues the discourse of a previously published article on digital mental health platforms.

The DNP project: Two decades of impact.

Twenty years ago, pioneer Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program students completed the first DNP projects. Today, DNP projects remain a requirement for graduation. This article illustrates how the DNP project can be integrated throughout the DNP curriculum to maximize effectiveness and promote the introduction, reinforcement, and evaluation of competencies in the new American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials.

Mentoring Models to Support Transition to Practice Programs: One Size Does Not Fit All.

One-on-one mentoring is not a fit for all transition to practice programs because of the need to recruit large numbers of mentors several times a year and the cost associated with supporting many mentor/mentee relationships. A group mentoring model is sustainable because it can foster a collaborative learning environment and emphasize knowledge sharing, skill acquisition, and emotional support within the group dynamic. Models can be replicated and applied in any setting. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(4):161-164.].

Pro-Coder: A Visual Coding Platform with Gif’s Interaction

This innovative project introduces an online platform designed to elevate practical programming skills through meticulously curated challenges across diverse programming languages. Participants engage in mini-projects that replicate real-world scenarios, enabling them to construct a tangible portfolio essential for bolstering their resumes. With challenges tailored to accommodate individuals of all skill levels, the platform fosters continuous growth and improvement. More than just honing technical proficiency, it emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, essential traits in the programming landscape. The resulting portfolio serves as a compelling asset during job interviews, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and its real-world application. By addressing the increasing demand for practical coding skills, this initiative empowers users to excel in a competitive job market and thrive in various industries. Through hands-on experience and iterative learning, individuals gain the confidence and expertise needed to navigate complex coding challenges and make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving field of technology.

Using practical programming tasks to enhance combinatorial understanding

AbstractProbability theory has extensive applications across various domains, such as statistics, computer science, and finance. In probability education, students are introduced to fundamental principles which may include mathematical topics such as combinatorics and symmetric sample spaces. Students pursuing degrees in computer science possess a robust foundation in programming, software engineering, and algorithmic thinking. Despite entering probability courses with a unique perspective and learning potential, these students encounter challenges in grasping combinatorial concepts. In this experiment, we challenged first‐year postsecondary computer science students to program a simulation of a practical combinatorics problem. Students commented on whether and how this task helped them internalize the basic concepts of combinatorics. We aim to show how utilizing programming tasks may empower students with a deeper grasp of combinatorics.

Effects of Insecurity on Teaching Practice Programme

Insecurity connotes the state of being unsafe, fearful or terrorized. It can lead to the loss of lives and properties. This study adopted a survey design to examine the effects of insecurity on teaching practice programmes in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States. Three objectives with three corresponding research questions were raised for the study. The population of the study was 2,973 participants out of which 476 were selected. Multi-stage sampling technique was used for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used in the first stage to select the three Schools of Education from the three Colleges of Education in the three States. In the second stage, a convenient sampling technique was used to select NCE II students, and in stage three, a simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the participants. A 10-item questionnaire was adopted For the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for results presentations and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software 25 was used for the analysis of data. The findings revealed that the effects of insecurity significantly affect the teaching practice programme in Colleges of Education in Sokoto Kebbi and Zamfara States. The recommendations among others are that; the state government should provide enough security personnel (local vigilantes) to all the Colleges of Education and other educational institutions to protect lecturers, teaching practice students, and of course the students from insurgent attacks.

임상실습을 경험한 간호대학생의 의사소통능력, 문제해결능력, 임상수행능력, 비판적사고능력과 인간중심돌봄역량의 관계

Purpose: This study is a descriptive research study conducted to identify the relationship and influencing factors between communication competence, critical thinking competence, problem-solving ability, clinical performance competence and person-centered care competence of nursing students who have experienced clinical practice.&#x0D; Method: The subjects of this study were students enrolled in the nursing departments of two four-year universities located in 2 areas, and the 3rd and 4th graders who had more than 1 semester of clinical practice were conveniently extracted. Data were collected from September to December 2023. Data analysis was analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 program by t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient.&#x0D; Results: As a result of the study, There were significant differences in communication competence in gender (p=.029), age (p=.039), grade (p=.030), satisfaction with nursing department (p&lt;.001), satisfaction with clinical practice (p&lt;.001), number of participation in personality-related education (p=.012), volunteer time (p=.011), the need for person-centered care at the nursing site (p&lt;.001), and the degree of interpersonal relationships (p&lt;.001). In terms of problem-solving skill, there were significant differences in grade (p=.011), religion (p&lt;.001), clinical practice satisfaction (p=.003), volunteer time (p=.003), clinical practice experience department (p=.041), the need for person-centered care at the nursing site (p&lt;.001), and interpersonal relations (p&lt;.001). In terms of clinical performance competence, there were significant differences in religion (p=.005), satisfaction with clinical practice (p&lt;.005), number of participation in personality-related education (p=.030), volunteer time (p=.002), clinical practice experience department (p=.005), the need for person-centered care at the nursing site (p&lt;.001), and interpersonal relationship (p&lt;.001). In terms of person-centered care competence of nursing, there were significant differences in gender (p=.008), religion (p=.002), satisfaction with clinical practice (p&lt;.001), volunteer time (p=.002), the need for person-centered care at the nursing site (p&lt;.001), and interpersonal relationship (p&lt;.001). Subject's communication competence averaged 4.04 out of 5, problem-solving skill was 3.87 points, clinical performance competence was 4.09, critical thinking competence was 3.87 points, and person-centered care competence was 4.21 points. Person-centered care competence was found to have a significant positive correlation with communication competence (r=.511, p&lt;.001), problem-solving skill (r=.601, p&lt;.001), clinical performance competence (r=.813, p&lt;.001), and critical thinking competence (r=.423, p&lt;.001). The more time nursing students spent volunteering, the better their interpersonal relationships, and the more they felt the need for person-centered care at the nursing site, the higher their person-centered care competence.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to induce nursing students to use a lot of volunteer programs in order to increase their person-centered care competence, and it is necessary to develop and actively guide convergence extracurricular activities linked to subjects. In the clinical field, it is necessary to develop and apply an effective clinical practice program based on a person-centered nursing model in which students analyze subjects and solve problems through the reasoning process of critical thinking.

Evaluation of the Teaching Practice Programme of Niger Delta University, Wilberfore Island Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the teaching practice programme of the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study was guided by three objectives which focused on the evaluation of the orientation, institutional support, and supervisory components of the programme. The study was further guided by the CIPP evaluation model of Stufflebeam (2003). The population of the study comprised of all students who enrolled and participated in the teaching practice programme at the Niger Delta University during the 2019/2020 academic session. From this population, 85 students were used as the sample of the study. The sample was drawn using the convenience sampling technique. A researcher-developed instrument was used for data collection, which was titled Evaluation of Teaching Practice Inventory (ETPI). Data analysis for the study was done using mean and standard deviation. Result revealed that orientation programme and institutional support were considered not adequate, while supervision was considered very adequate. Based on the results, it was recommended that the content of the teaching practice orientation programme should be enhanced to reflect current teaching methodologies, including classroom management techniques, lesson planning strategies, and student assessment methods.

Revolução nos cuidados cirúrgicos: explorando os componentes essenciais dos programas de recuperação melhorados após a cirurgia

Background: Surgical care has evolved significantly over the years, with the introduction of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs emerging as a transformative approach. This literature review delves into the essential elements of ERAS, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of its impact on perioperative care and patient outcomes. Main Body: The preoperative phase of ERAS involves meticulous patient preparation, encompassing strategies such as preoperative counseling, carbohydrate loading, and minimizing bowel preparation. These components collectively contribute to reducing preoperative anxiety, enhancing nutritional status, and mitigating the adverse effects of fasting, ultimately facilitating a smoother transition to surgery. Intraoperative considerations within ERAS focus on techniques that minimize surgical stress, optimize fluid management, and implement pain control protocols. These critical interventions help to reduce surgical complications, accelerate postoperative recovery, and lessen the duration of hospital stays. The postoperative phase is a cornerstone of ERAS, emphasizing early mobilization, optimized nutrition, and multimodal pain management. By incorporating these elements, ERAS programs aim to expedite recovery, decrease the risk of complications, and enhance patient satisfaction. However, despite the evident benefits, implementing ERAS programs in clinical practice is not without challenges. This review discusses the barriers to ERAS adoption, including resistance to change, resource allocation, and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion: Thence, ERAS represents a revolution in surgical care, offering a holistic approach to enhance patient outcomes, reduce complications, and shorten hospital stays. By exploring the key components of ERAS, this literature review provides valuable insights into the potential for widespread adoption and the imperative need to overcome implementation barriers. Ultimately, ERAS holds the promise of revolutionizing the future of surgical care, redefining standards, and improving the overall quality of patient experiences.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Teaching Practice Programme from the Perspective of Fourth Year Students, Faculty of Education, Ibb University

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Teaching Practice Programme from the Perspective of Fourth Year Students, Faculty of Education, Ibb University

Evidence-based practice criteria’s effect on the implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act in Nebraska and Colorado

Child abuse, particularly neglect, is often preventable because many causes of harm stem from poverty, lack of social connections, substance use disorders, mental illness, lack of childcare, and other family support shortages. Prevention of child abuse and neglect starts with family support in these areas. The federal government recognized this need for prevention, and through considerable bipartisan support, passed the Family First Prevention Services Act on February 9, 2018. The Family First Prevention Services Act was designed to divert investment away from long-term foster care and toward programs that prevent unnecessary placement and child protective services interventions. The Family First Prevention Services Act restricts the state’s use of federal funds for institutional foster care placements and uses those savings to fund reimbursements for evidence-based family preservation. The requirement for evidence-based prevention is a first in child-welfare federal law, and compliance with this requirement requires public-private partnership with agencies implementing the models, infrastructure, and evaluation standards that most states must build to be eligible for the new funding. This evaluation research analyzed how the stringent guidelines for prevention funding and the requirement of federally approved evidence-based practice programming affect the implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act in Nebraska and Colorado.

Effects of a program of body practices on depression levels and quality of life of depressive women

The study aimed to compare the quality of life and depressive symptoms before and after a body practices program for women with depression, as well as to correlate depressive symptoms with quality of life. For that, a quantitative intervention methodology was used, with a sample of 12 women from a Basic Health Unit. Data were analyzed by paired Student's t test and also by Pearson's Linear Correlation. A statistical significance level of 5% was adopted. It was evident that after the body practices program, women with depression improved in the psychological domain of quality of life (pre test= 3.33±0.62; post test= 3.47±0.71; p=0.126) and that the higher the level of depression, the lower the quality of life of these women (C=0.001* and p= -0.817). In addition, that there is a strong relationship between the total result of quality of life and domain 1 (r&gt;0.8) with depressive symptoms and a moderate relationship between domain 3 (r&gt;0.4) with depressive symptoms. It is concluded that the levels of depression and quality of life are inversely proportional, and that body practices can help in the psychological domain of people with depression.

Development of a University-Government Partnership for Public Health Response and Workforce Development in the State of Oregon.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated a public health workforce shortage and national strategies have called for the development of clear occupational pathways for students to enter the public health workforce and meaningful public health careers. In response to the immediate need for public health workers during the pandemic, several universities and academic hospitals rapidly mobilized students and employees and partnered with local or state health departments. However, many of those partnerships were based on short-term volunteer effort to support critical COVID-19 public health efforts. In this article, we document the development of Oregon's Public Health Practice Team, a student, staff, and faculty workforce developed at the Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University (OHSU-PSU) School of Public Health in close collaboration with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). This project contributed significant effort to several phases of Oregon's statewide public health response to COVID-19, and over time developed into a lasting, multi-purpose, inter-agency collaborative public health practice program. Health equity has been centered at every stage of this work. We describe the phases of the partnership development, the current team structure and operations, and highlight key challenges and lessons learned. This provides a case-study of how an innovative and flexible university-government partnership can contribute to immediate pandemic response needs, and also support ongoing public health responses to emerging needs, while contributing to the development of a skilled and diverse public health workforce.