Role Of Staff Research Articles

Understanding weight management in adult secure mental health services: findings from a mixed-methods study in Northern England

PurposeObesity and associated morbidity and mortality are major challenges for people with severe mental illness, particularly in secure (forensic) mental health care (patients who have committed a crime or have threatening behaviour). This study aims to explore experiences of weight management in secure mental health settings.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a mixed-methods approach, involving thematic analysis. A survey was delivered to secure mental health-care staff in a National Health Service (NHS) mental health trust in Northern England. Focus groups were conducted with current and former patients, carers and staff in the same trust and semi-structured interviews were undertaken with staff in a second NHS mental health trust.FindingsThe survey received 79 responses and nine focus groups and 11 interviews were undertaken. Two overarching topics were identified: the contrasting perspectives expressed by different stakeholder groups, and the importance of a whole system approach. In addition, seven themes were highlighted, namely: medication, sedentary behaviour, patient motivation, catered food and alternatives, role of staff, and service delivery.Practical implicationsSecure care delivers a potentially “obesogenic environment", conducive to excessive weight gain. In future, complex interventions engaging wide-ranging stakeholders are likely to be needed, with linked longitudinal studies to evaluate feasibility and impact.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to involve current patients, former patients, carers and multidisciplinary staff across two large NHS trusts, in a mixed-methods approach investigating weight management in secure mental health services. People with lived experience of secure services are under-represented in research and their contribution is therefore of particular importance.

Perceptions of theatre team members to robotic assisted surgery and the aid of technology in colorectal surgery.

The implementation of robotic assisted surgery (RAS) has brought in a change to the perception and roles of theatre staff, as well as the dynamics of the operative environment and team. This study aims to identify and describe current perceptions of theatre staff in the context of RAS. 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted in a tertiary level university hospital, where RAS is utilised in selected elective settings. Interviews were conducted by an experienced research nurse to staff of the colorectal department operating theatre (nursing, surgical and anaesthetics) with some experience in operating within open, laparoscopic and RAS surgical settings. Thematic analysis on all interviews was performed, with formation of preliminary themes. Respondents all discussed advantages of all modes of operating. All respondents appreciated the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, in the reduced physiological insult to patients. However, interviewees remarked on the current perceived limitations of RAS in terms of logistics. Some voiced apprehension and anxieties about the safety if an operation needs to be converted to open. An overarching theme with participants of all levels and backgrounds was the 'Teamwork' and the concept of the [robotic] team. The physical differences of RAS changes the traditional methods of communication, with the loss of face-to-face contact and the physical 'separation' of the surgeon from the rest of the operating team impacting theatre dynamics. It is vital to understand the staff cultures, concerns and perception to the use of this relatively new technology in colorectal surgery.

Techs as Teachers: A Decade’s Experience Utilizing Pharmacy Technicians in a Doctor of Pharmacy Program

Pharmacy technician responsibilities, certifications, and duties across pharmacy settings have evolved in recent years, allowing them to potentially become a valuable resource for skills-based pharmacy education. Our institution has employed pharmacy technicians since 2014. This brief commentary addresses the training and roles of pharmacy technician staff in our skills-based education curriculum.

Power Dynamics Perpetuate DEI Inaction: A Qualitative Study of Community Health Clinic Teams.

Despite increased clinician awareness of systemic racism, lack of substantial action toward antiracism exists within health care. Clinical staff perspectives, particularly those of racial-ethnic minorities/persons of color (POC) who disproportionately occupy support staff roles with less power on the team, can yield insights into barriers to progress and can inform future efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI, also referred to as EDI) within health care settings. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of staff members on race and role power dynamics within community health clinic teams. We conducted semistructured 45-minute interviews with staff members working in community health clinics in a large urban health care system from May to July 2021. We implemented purposeful recruitment to oversample POC and support staff and to achieve equal representation from the 13 community health clinics in the system. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed over 6 months using a critical-ideological paradigm. Themes reflecting experiences related to race and role power dynamics were identified. Our cohort had 60 participants: 42 (70%) were support staff (medical assistants, front desk clerks, care navigators, nurses) and 18 (30%) were clinicians and clinic leaders. The large majority of participants were aged 26 to 40 years (60%), were female (83%), and were POC (68%). Five themes emerged: (1) POC face hidden challenges, (2) racial discrimination persists, (3) power dynamics perpetuate inaction, (4) interpersonal actions foster safety and equity, and (5) system-level change is needed for cultural shift. Understanding the race and role power dynamics within care teams, including experiences of staff members with less power, is critical to advancing DEI in health care.

The role of clinic-based breastfeeding peer counseling on breastfeeding rates among low-income patients

BackgroundDespite the benefits of breastfeeding (BF), rates remain lower than public health targets, particularly among low-income Black populations. Community-based breastfeeding peer counselor (BPC) programs have been shown to increase BF. We sought to examine whether implementation of a BPC program in an obstetric clinical setting serving low-income patients was associated with improved BF initiation and exclusivity.MethodsThis is a quasi-experimental time series study of pregnant and postpartum patients receiving care before and after implementation of a BPC program in a teaching hospital affiliated prenatal clinic. The role of the BPC staff included BF classes, prenatal counseling and postnatal support, including in-hospital assistance and phone triage after discharge. Records were reviewed at each of 3 time points: immediately before the hire of the BPC staff (2008), 1-year post-implementation (2009), and 5 years post-implementation (2014). The primary outcomes were rates of breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity prior to hospital discharge, secondary outcomes included whether infants received all or mostly breastmilk during inpatient admission and by 6 weeks post-delivery. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were utilized as appropriate.ResultsOf 302 patients included, 52.3% identified as non-Hispanic Black and 99% had Medicaid-funded prenatal care. While there was no improvement in rates of BF initiation, exclusive BF during the postpartum hospitalization improved during the 3 distinct time points examined, increasing from 13.7% in 2008 to 32% in 2014 (2009 aOR 2.48, 95%CI 1.13–5.43; 2014 aOR 1.82, 95%CI 1.24–2.65). This finding was driven by improved exclusive BF for patients who identified as Black (9.4% in 2008, 22.9% in 2009, and 37.9% in 2014, p = 0.01).ConclusionInpatient BF exclusivity significantly increased with the tenure of a BPC program in a low-income clinical setting. These findings demonstrate that a BPC program can be a particularly effective method to address BF disparities among low-income Black populations.

Challenges and Facilitators in Implementing Remote Patient Monitoring Programs in Primary Care

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in greater use of remote patient monitoring (RPM). However, the use of RPM has been modest compared to other forms of telehealth.ObjectiveTo identify and describe barriers to the implementation of RPM among primary care physicians (PCPs) that may be constraining its growth.DesignWe conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with PCPs across the USA who adopted RPM. Interview questions focused on implementation facilitators and barriers and RPM’s impact on quality. We conducted thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews using both inductive and deductive approaches. The analysis was informed by the NASSS (non-adoption and abandonment and challenges to scale-up, spread, and sustainability) framework.ParticipantsPCPs who practiced at least 10 h per week in an outpatient setting, served adults, and monitored blood pressure and/or blood glucose levels with automatic transmission of data with at least 3 patients.Key ResultsWhile PCPs generally agreed that RPM improved quality of care for their patients, many identified barriers to adoption and maintenance of RPM programs. Challenges included difficulties handling the influx of data and establishing a manageable workflow, along with digital and health literacy barriers. In addition to these barriers, many PCPs did not believe RPM was profitable.ConclusionsTo encourage ongoing growth of RPM, it will be necessary to address implementation barriers through changes in payment policy, training and education in digital and health literacy, improvements in staff roles and workflows, and new strategies to ensure equitable access.

Characterisation of Portuguese radiotherapy departments: Organisation, occupational exposure values and diagnostic reference levels for breast and prostate computed tomography planning

IntroductionPortugal currently hosts 24 active radiotherapy departments, 8 public and 16 privates, presenting potential radiation exposure risks to multidisciplinary teams. Patients in these treatments also face ionising radiation during treatment planning and verification. MethodsAuthorisation and ethical approval were secured for a national online survey, disseminated to radiotherapy departments across Portugal. The survey encompassed three sections: equipment, staff, and radiographer role characterisation; occupational exposure values for one month; and exposure parameters, including computed tomography (CT) dose values [CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP)] for breast and prostate cancer CT planning. Local Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) derived were based on the 75th percentile of median dose values. ResultsThe study garnered a 50% response rate from public institutions, 12,5% from private and 25% from all active radiotherapy institutions in Portugal. All departments employ Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D–CRT) and incorporate Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and/or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) irradiation techniques. Additionally, half of the departments also perform Brachytherapy (BT). Radiographers demonstrated an occupational dose of zero mSv. CT planning dose values were 13 mGy and 512 mGy cm for breast CT and 16 mGy and 689 mGy cm for prostate CT, pertaining to CTDIvol and DLP, respectively. ConclusionMost aspects of national radiotherapy characterisation align with the established literature. Occupational exposure values exhibited consistency across radiotherapy modalities. An approach to national DRLs was formulated for breast and prostate CT planning, yielding values congruent with recent European studies. Implications for practiceThis study offers vital insights for analysing occupational contexts and risk prevention, serving as the initial characterisation of the national radiotherapy landscape. It also pioneers the calculation of DRLs for CT planning in radiotherapy to optimise procedures.

Examining Front-Line Administrative Services in a Selected Public Higher Education Institution

The South African government’s commitment to people-friendly public service since 1994 has influenced the quality of service provided by front-line administrative staff in public higher learning institutions. This study explores the experiences of front-line administrative staff at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), focusing on the challenges faced and their impact on teaching, learning, and overall academic activities. Against the backdrop of public higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa, the study addresses the persistent challenges in service delivery and the crucial role of front-line administrative staff. Employing a post-positivist paradigm, the research adopts a hybrid methodological approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. A survey design is utilized to gather data from first-time entry students (FTENs) enrolled in the Business and Information Management program at DUT, employing convenience sampling and a self-administered questionnaire. The study’s findings illuminate the inefficiencies in front-line administrative services, elucidating their impact on diverse stakeholders and emphasizing the pressing need for enhancement. The study found that the majority of students perceived the services positively, with only a small number expressing dissatisfaction and nearly all participants noted the institution’s adherence to the Batho Pele Principles positively, though a few had contrasting experiences. The findings further revealed areas of improvement for the service. By focusing on the experiences of FTENs, the study contributes to the broader discourse on enhancing service delivery in public higher learning institutions. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the fulfilment of the core mission of HEIs providing quality education and fostering a positive learning environment.

Maryland School Health partners' Perspectives on the Impact of COVID-19 on School Health Services for Grades K-12.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine school operations, including school health programs. This study aims to describe the pandemic's impact on school health service delivery from the perspective of Maryland school health partners. We conducted semi-structured interviews with health service representatives from public schools (K-12) between July and December 2021. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded through an iterative process to develop analytic themes. Twenty school health partners from 15 Maryland school districts participated. Participants identified key impacts of COVID-19 on school health: (1) COVID-19 disrupted delivery of services such as dental, mental health, and preventative care, (2) COVID-19 necessitated changes in service delivery platforms, (3) COVID-19 affected school health staff through increased responsibilities and staffing shortages, and (4) COVID-19 prompted schools to become hubs for community outreach and health education. Consideration of school health service disruptions and the increased demands on service providers may inform future priorities for school administrators, health departments, and policymakers. COVID-19 impacted the timing and method of service delivery as well as the roles of school health staff and schools themselves in public health and education.

Contextual Factors Relevant to Implementing Social Risk Factor Screening and Referrals in Cancer Survivorship: A Qualitative Study.

Social risk factors such as food insecurity and lack of transportation can negatively affect health outcomes, yet implementation of screening and referral for social risk factors is limited in medical settings, particularly in cancer survivorship. We conducted 18 qualitative, semistructured interviews among oncology teams in 3 health systems in Washington, DC, during February and March 2022. We applied the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment Framework to develop a deductive codebook, performed thematic analysis on the interview transcripts, and summarized our results descriptively. Health systems varied in clinical and support staff roles and capacity. None of the participating clinics had an electronic health record (EHR)-based process for identifying patients who completed their cancer treatment ("survivors") or a standardized cancer survivorship program. Their capacities also differed for documenting social risk factors and referrals in the EHR. Interviewees expressed awareness of the prevalence and effect of social risk factors on cancer survivors, but none employed a systematic process for identifying and addressing social risk factors. Recommendations for increasing screening for social risk factors included designating a person to fulfill this role, improving data tracking tools in the EHR, and creating systems to maintain up-to-date information and contacts for community-based organizations. The complexity of cancer care workflows and lack of reimbursement results in a limited ability for clinic staff members to screen and make referrals for social risk factors. Creating clinical workflows that are flexible and tailored to staffing realities may contribute to successful implementation of a screening and referral program. Improving ongoing communication with community-based organizations to address needs was deemed important by interviewees.

Anticipatory prescribing of injectable controlled drugs (ICDs) in care homes: a qualitative observational study of staff role, uncertain dying and hospital transfer at the end-of-life

BackgroundThe anticipatory prescribing of injectable controlled drugs (ICDs) by general practitioners (GPs) to care home residents is common practice and is believed to reduce emergency hospital transfers at the end-of-life. However, evidence about the process of ICD prescribing and how it affects residents’ hospital transfer is limited. The study examined how care home nurses and senior carers (senior staff) describe their role in ICDs prescribing and identify that role to affect residents’ hospital transfers at the end-of-life.Methods1,440 h of participant observation in five care homes in England between May 2019 and March 2020. Semi-structured interviews with a range of staff. Interviews (n = 25) and fieldnotes (2,761 handwritten A5 pages) were analysed thematically.ResultsSenior staff request GPs to prescribe ICDs ahead of residents’ expected death and review prescribed ICDs for as long as residents survive. Senior staff use this mechanism to ascertain the clinical appropriateness of withholding potentially life-extending emergency care (which usually led to hospital transfer) and demonstrate safe care provision to GPs certifying the medical cause of death. This enables senior staff to facilitate a care home death for residents experiencing uncertain dying trajectories.ConclusionSenior staff use GPs’ prescriptions and reviews of ICDs to pre-empt hospital transfers at the end-of-life. Policy should indicate a clear timeframe for ICD review to make hospital transfer avoidance less reliant on trust between senior staff and GPs. The timeframe should match the period before death allowing GPs to certify death without triggering a Coroner’s referral.

Recognition Strategy and Performance of Non-Teaching Staff at University of Eldoret in Kenya

Non-academic staff contribute significantly to the effective functioning of universities across the globe, supporting the institution's mission of education, research, and service to society. Their roles are diverse and essential, helping to create a supportive and conducive environment for academic excellence and student success. Their performance is aligned with broader national development priorities and the global agenda set forth by the SDGs. Their contributions are essential for advancing education, fostering innovation, promoting sustainable development, and building inclusive societies. By recognizing and supporting the role of non-academic staff, governments and institutions can better harness their potential to contribute to positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes. By facilitating access to quality education, they help build the knowledge and skills necessary for individuals to participate effectively in society and contribute to economic development. Unlike academic staff, whose work is more closely tied to research and teaching, the roles of non-academic staff, may not always be as directly connected to the core mission of the institution. This disconnect has led to several challenges that demotivate the work of non-teaching staffs. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which employee recognition strategy has influenced the performance of non-academic staff in the UOE, in Kenya. The study based on a quantitative research approach and underpinned by Maslow Theory of Motivation. The researcher used a correlational research design to establish the relationship between the study variables. The target population of this study comprised all the 208 permanent non-teaching staff in the university of Eldoret from which 137 were picked as sample size of the study Yamane formula. Stratified random sampling and simple random samplings were used to select respondents for the study. The study used structured self-administered questionnaires as its main primary data collection tool. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics included percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Inferentially, regression analysis was applied to get the changes in dependent variable caused by the influence of independent variables. Analyzed data was presented in form of tables, suitable graphs based on the APA format. The study results revealed that there was positive linear effect of influence of recognition on employee’s performance (β1=0.798, p=0.000 < 0.05). The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between recognition and performance of non-academic staff in the University of Eldoret.

Breaking barriers: Exploring female-specific health challenges affecting performance in an elite multisport training environment

ObjectivesFemale-specific issues, such as breast injuries, pelvic floor dysfunctions, saddle sores, and menstrual symptoms, can significantly impact female athletes. This study examined the prevalence, perceived impact on performance, and role of the support staff in addressing and managing these issues in elite athletes based at a multisport training centre. DesignAnonymous online questionnaire. MethodsA total of 180 female athletes from various sport disciplines at the Dutch Olympic Training Centre were invited to participate in the study. An anonymous, 39-item questionnaire was developed and hosted on Qualtrics collecting data on respondents' characteristics, breast injuries, pelvic floor dysfunctions, saddle sores, menstrual symptoms, contraceptive use, and communication about these issues. ResultsA total of 105 valid responses were analysed. The findings revealed that athletes regularly experience breast injuries (15.2 %), urinary incontinence (29.5 %), other pelvic floor problems (21.0 %), saddle sores (65.7 %), and menstrual cycle-related symptoms, with negative performance effects. Communication with support staff remained limited, with only 23.8 % of athletes discussing any of these issues, often due to concerns about understanding, shame, or a lack of opportunity for easy communication. ConclusionsThe findings underscore the crucial role of creating a supportive environment, promoting early intervention, and utilising multisport centres to comprehensively address these concerns, emphasising the need for open communication, education, and support to enhance female athletes' performance and well-being.

The implementation of the CDS-quiz, a novel educational method, in augmenting the knowledge and competence of pharmaceutical technical personnel

Background: Pharmaceutical personnel are crucial to therapy implementation within healthcare facilities. The predicament lies in optimising the role of pharmaceutical technical staff within clinical pharmacy services, acting as a support system for pharmacists. The impediment to achieving higher satisfaction is attributable to pharmaceutical personnel's inadequate knowledge and skills. Therefore, a need arises for an efficient educational method to enhance their knowledge and proficiency. Objective: To examine the implementation of the CDS-Quiz for enhancing patient knowledge and satisfaction. Method: Over 90 day-research was conducted employing ceramah-, discussion-, and skill-quiz (CDS-Quiz). The respondents consisted of ten PTPs in healthcare facilities. The assessment of patient contentment was undertaken before and following the intervention. Result: After implementing the CDS-Quiz, there was a statistically significant enhancement in PTPs’ knowledge and proficiency (p < 0.001). These include a substantial upswing in patient contentment levels concerning reliability (68.8% to 89.6%), responsiveness (71.1% to 88.8%), and empathy (81.2% to 92.6%) in the provision of pharmaceutical services within the healthcare facility. There was also an increase in assurance (88.2% to 95.5%) and tangible (86% to 91.7%). Conclusion: The CDS-Quiz method proved the enhancement of the knowledge and skills of PTPs in healthcare services and can be applied to maximise pharmaceutical services.

139 Adapting Center for Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) Mentor Training for Clinical Research Professionals: A Process Description

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Learn how the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) adapted the Center for Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) NIH-funded evidenced-based mentor training curriculum for research development professionals and how the curriculum will be further adapted for clinical research professionals. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: NORDP pioneered the adaptation of the CIMER curriculum for professional research staff. In addition to revamping the case studies and ensuring the curriculum was appropriately staff-centric, the NORDP team developed best practices for adapting the curriculum. This approach included four phases: (1) developing expertise in mentor training, (2) adapting curriculum for staff, (3) creating role-specific case studies, and (4) integrating mentor training with institutional or professional association-based mentoring programs. In collaboration with CIMER and units at the University of Minnesota (UMN), the mentor training model for research development will be further adapted for clinical research staff, i.e. coordinators, regulators, facilitators. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: This poster will discuss the preliminary work of adapting the curriculum for clinical research professionals by the UMN’s Departments of Family Medicine and Community Health and Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s Translational Workforce Development team. The anticipated short to mid-term outcomes of this work include: (1) improved research professionals mentoring knowledge and skills, (2) diversity addressed across research roles, (3) reduced staff turnover and associated costs, (4) increased staff job satisfaction and moral, and (5) research culture changed to value mentoring excellence across the academic enterprise. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Research mentoring has traditionally been focused on faculty and trainees. Given the unique skill sets and increasing complexity of research staff roles, mentoring can increase job satisfaction and reduce the overall costs related to turnover, i.e. research productivity, loss of institutional knowledge, hiring costs, etc.

Challenges And Strength: A Scoping Review On Online Assessment Practices In Healthcare Professions

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to carry out a systemic search of published articles to identify and explore the strengths and challenges encountered by students, teachers, and administrative staff in the realm of online assessment, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, taking into consideration the needs and requirements in online education. Method: This review adhered to the Arksey and O’Malley framework, incorporating data from four databases. It focused on studies related to online assessment during and after the COVID-19 pandemic within the past three years. A total of 11 articles met the inclusion criteria, and the QualSyst appraisal tool was applied for methodological assessment. The synthesis of data resulted in the presentation of findings, reflecting the contemporary evolution of online assessment methodologies. Result: Diverse challenges and strengths associated with online assessment were identified and categorized based on the roles of students, teachers, and administrative staff. Students faced challenges like internet connectivity and distractions, while faculty dealt with increased screen time and invigilation difficulties. Similarly, administrative staff had a heavier workload, however, students appreciated transparency, faculty valued reduced marking loads, and IT staff saw fewer cheating chances and the benefit of recording availability for review. Conclusion: This scoping review serves as a valuable resource for medical schools, offering insights into the challenges and strengths of online assessment during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. The adaptation of diverse modalities is poised to enhance the popularity and effectiveness of online assessment in the future years. Keywords: E-learning, Digital evaluation, Online assessment, Synchronous, Asynchronous.

Embracing the impact from instrumented mouthguards (iMGs): A survey of iMG managers' perceptions of staff and player interest into the technology, data and barriers to use.

Instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) are a novel technology being used within rugby to quantify head acceleration events. Understanding practitioners' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to their use is important to support implementation and adoption. This study assessed men's and women's rugby union and league iMG managers' perceptions of staff and player interest in the technology, data and barriers to use. Forty-six iMG managers (men's rugby union and league n=20 and n=9 and women's rugby union and league n=7 and n=10) completed an 18-question survey. Perceived interest in data varied across staff roles with medical staff being reported as having the most interest. The iMG devices were perceived as easy to use but uncomfortable. Several uses of data were identified, including medical applications, player monitoring and player welfare. The comfort, size and fit of the iMG were reported as the major barriers to player use. Time constraints and a lack of understanding of data were barriers to engagement with the data. Continued education on how iMG data can be used is required to increase player and staff buy-in, alongside improving comfort of the devices. Studies undertaken with iMGs investigating player performance and welfare outcomes will make data more useful and increase engagement.

Left out of the Room Where it Happens: Barriers to Serving in Senior Congressional Staff Roles May Limit “Representative” Science Policymaking

Policymakers are expected to represent the constituents of their districts and states. Given that the individual life histories and experiences of congressional staffers may influence their attitudes and decisions, it is crucial to understand more about the people serving in these roles, their diversity, and which communities are and are not well-represented. By conducting interviews with twenty-six current and former senior legislative staffers in the United States House of Representatives and Senate involved in drafting science policy, this study examines challenges to acquiring and maintaining key positions in scientific policymaking at the federal level. The results shed light on why some individuals have an unequal advantage to obtain senior staff roles while others struggle to stay in Congress long enough to achieve elite legislative positions. They also suggest that a lack of opportunities for already marginalized communities may lead to inadequate representation in decision-making, especially on science policy issues related to justice and equity. Ultimately, this article makes policy recommendations to foster greater diversity in senior staff roles and to bring the perspectives of more Americans into the science policy decision-making process.

Safe and Inclusive School Bus Transportation System for Special Needs Children

This white paper does a thorough analysis of school-age special needs children, the current challenges, and surveys a list of all the resources, guidelines, bodies, policies, and best practices that need to be followed in conjunction with each other for this to be successful. It discusses various policies and programs, including those established by the US Department of Health and Welfare (HHS), the U.S. Department of Education, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the NHTSA regarding children with special needs, the categorization of disabilities in children, and their various health care requirements. The article then discusses the functions of other bodies, starting with the IEP (Individualized Education Program), which is tailored to each kid and includes details on the services and goals that each student will get in terms of education. Besides these regulations and guidelines, the white paper also discusses experiential-based industry best practices in special education student transportation and emphasizes how the parents, the school bus contractor services with its bus services and equipped fleet, the school bus driver, and the accompanying attendant/monitor with the child, the vehicle - school bus /van, the equipment on the bus, the kind of training that needs to be imparted to all these bodies and also the role of school administrators and staff - all in conjunction with each other is so important and that all these need to come together to give special needs kids the best school bus transportation.

Social network analysis and educational change: unravelling the role of innovative teaching staff in a higher education environment

ABSTRACT As the higher education landscape has shifted and calls for change and improvements have grown louder, researchers have turned to empirical investigations of what makes change possible in higher education. Recent studies on the impact of informal interactions for promoting change have given impetus to social network analysis as an approach to studying higher education change. However, the relationship between teachers’ social network characteristics and their disposition to adopt changes remains largely unknown. In this study, we describe the characteristics of teaching networks and explain the network characteristics of the most innovative teaching staff. By capturing whole teaching and research networks within a STEM discipline department at a Norwegian university, we show that teachers tend to speak to the same colleagues about both research and teaching, and that teaching communities are constrained by departmental sub-units (i.e. research groups). Furthermore, by combining the network data with a survey on diffusion of innovation, we find that the most innovative teachers (1) are central in the network, having the largest personal networks, (2) have a substantial reach to the rest of the network, and (3) are highly interconnected. This paper contributes to the understanding of change theories in higher education and discusses how these results can inform the practice of change agents and educational developers. In addition to confirming the presence of a research-teaching nexus, we discuss why leveraging the networks of the most innovative teaching staff would be a promising strategy for facilitating change in higher education.