Skills Of Practitioners Research Articles

Taking knowledge exchange to practice: A scoping review of practical case studies to identify enablers of success in environmental management

AbstractA gap exists in the literature on how to implement theories of knowledge exchange (KE) into practice within an environmental management context. To support the improved practice of KE, we conducted a scoping literature review evaluating 56 empirical case studies globally to identify enabling conditions for implementing effective KE. Identified enabling conditions were organized into a core capacities framework, which highlighted essential elements of effective KE from organizational, individual, financial, material, practical, political, and social capacity dimensions. Results show that major enablers to effective KE relate to practitioners' individual and organizational capacity including the ability of practitioners (often boundary spanners) to establish trust with relevant actors through their interpersonal relationships and possessing sufficient background knowledge and skills to facilitate collaborations across disciplines and sectors. We also identified main challenges to engaging in KE (e.g., insufficient long‐ term funding for projects, lack of interpersonal skills for KE practitioners to build relationships and network, and inadequate background knowledge for practitioners to exchange knowledge in an accessible manner), and the outcomes and impacts that can emerge from effective KE work. We find that practitioners often perform quantitative evaluations that provide instantaneous and measurable impacts for the effectiveness of KE, but do not capture the impact of interpersonal relationships and trust that are best achieved through qualitative approaches. Lastly, the synthesis of enablers, challenges, outcomes, and impacts presented in this paper can be a resource for practitioners to identify what enablers may be missing from their KE strategies and in what capacity the KE work can be strengthened.

Removable partial dentures: Part 2.

The provision of removable partial dentures (RPDs) is an important skill for practitioners. It can often be challenging to make a successful prosthesis which the patient finds satisfactory. This three-part series has been designed to provide an overview of the clinical management of patients requiring RPDs. This second part discusses three clinical scenarios that may be commonly faced in general dental practice: the use of immediate dentures for patients requiring extractions; the management of patients with lone-standing teeth using windowed dentures; and the incorporation of surveyed crowns into cobalt chromium RPDs. For each clinical technique, the advantages, disadvantages and indications are summarised.

A narrative review exploring the attitudes of nursing and complementary medicine students and practitioners toward biosciences curricula

ABSTRACT A foundational understanding of the biosciences underpins most undergraduate programmes of study that lead to a career in the healthcare professions. The study of bioscience subjects including anatomy, physiology, microbiology and biochemistry has been reported to be challenging for a subset of these students with many students reporting negative attitudes. Identifying the factors that drive attitudes of students and practitioners towards the study of biosciences could inform curriculum modifications to reduce the challenges experienced by students. A review of the literature was undertaken using the search terms ‘student attitudes’, ‘biosciences’, ‘nursing’, ‘complementary medicine’, and ‘student success’. The review includes peer-reviewed primary data articles published from 1996 to 2023. The search identified 26 articles that met the inclusion criteria with the majority of published research in the nursing field. The literature review identified three major themes underpinning the attitudes towards biosciences reported by nursing and complementary medicine students and practitioners: actual or perceived intellectual difficulty of the bioscience content, a perceived lack of relevance of the bioscience subjects to their programme of study, and previous experiences studying the sciences. Negative attitudes towards the study of the biosciences can reduce engagement, create anxiety, decrease motivation to learn, and ultimately affect academic performance of students. Through identifying, acknowledging and responding to perceived challenges with bioscience subjects, educators may be able to improve engagement, performance and ultimately student success and enhanced practitioner knowledge and skills.

Removable partial dentures: Part 1.

The provision of removable partial dentures (RPDs) is an important skill for practitioners and it can often be challenging to make a successful prosthesis which the patient finds satisfactory. This three-part series has been designed to provide an overview of the clinical management of patients requiring RPDs. This first part provides a refresher of the aspects of the history and examination that are relevant to RPDs. We describe some key principles that are relevant to challenging denture cases. This will help the reader begin the treatment planning process and understand some of the factors which influence the prognosis of dentures.

Basic Cytogenetics and Karyotyping: Initial Step for Identification of Genetic Disease

Genetic disorders are conditions that arise from alterations in the DNA sequence, which can be inherited or occur spontaneously. These alterations may affect a single gene or multiple genes, and they can also be influenced by environmental factors. Knowledge about the importance of suitable cytogenetic tests, the challenges faced in cytogenetics, the importance of pre-investigation lab work, and post-lab communication are important for the establishment of any cytogenetic lab. Continuous medical education can help in upgrading the knowledge and skills of Medical Practitioners.

Assessing the Use of GitHub Copilot on Students of Engineering of Information Systems

This study examines the impact of AI programming assistants like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT on software engineering efficiency, an area that has seen limited empirical research. We experimentally evaluated the performance of programmers ([Formula: see text]) in Python coding tasks with and without AI assistance, measuring time-to-completion and feature implementation. Results indicate that participants utilizing AI assistance completed tasks significantly faster (p = 0.033) and implemented more required features (p = 0.012) compared to those relying solely on unaided coding. These findings offer empirical insights into the integration of AI tools in software development workflows, highlighting their potential to enhance efficiency without compromising code quality or completeness, with implications for organizational pipelines and practitioner skills. Responses to exit surveys suggest that participants without IA tools assistance encountered frustrations related to code recall, time constraints, and problem-solving, while assisted participants reported no negative experiences, focusing instead on successful completion of tasks within the allotted time.

Kampo diagnostic ability is specific in post‐clinical clerkship objective structured clinical examination: An observational study

AbstractBackgroundThe Japanese medical educational model core curriculum requires an understanding of the characteristics of Kampo medicine. However, there are few reports on the methods of evaluating the skill levels of Kampo medicine practitioners.ObjectiveThis study investigated the utility of objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for evaluating the skills of Kampo medicine practitioners, exploring its relationship with other medical skills.MethodsThe 2022 post‐clinical clerkship OSCE assessed the accuracy of Kampo‐related tasks, specifically abdominal examinations. In addition, correlation coefficients and factor analysis were used to analyze the relationship of Kampo tasks with other tasks (three clinical‐reasoning tasks, electrocardiogram attachment task, joint examination task).ResultsMedical students showed significant variation in their ability to accurately assess different abdominal regions. The epigastric region had the highest accuracy (92.0%), while the para‐umbilical region had the lowest (45.1%). Correlation analysis between Kampo tasks and other clinical tasks (clinical reasoning, electrocardiogram attachment, joint examination) yielded coefficients ranging from 0.10 to 0.19, suggesting a low relationship. Factor analysis confirmed the independence of Kampo skills from other assessed medical skills across four distinct factors.ConclusionsSince Kampo diagnostic skills are highly unique, it is possible that Western medicine OSCE tasks alone may not sufficiently assess competency in Kampo medicine. Therefore, it is necessary to consider incorporating Kampo tasks into the OSCE.

Evaluation of the McGill-Tongji Blended Education Program for Teacher Leaders in General Practice: The importance of partnership and contextualization in International Primary Care Training Initiatives.

Strong primary health care (PHC) systems require well-established PHC education systems to enhance the skills of general practitioners (GPs). However, the literature on the experiences of international collaboration in primary care education in low- and middle-income countries remains limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation and perceived impact of the McGill-Tongji Blended Education Program for Teacher Leaders in General Practice (referred to as the "Tongji Program"). In 2020-2021, the McGill Department of Family Medicine (Montreal, Canada) and Tongji University School of Medicine (TUSM,Shanghai, China) jointly implemented the Tongji Program in Shanghai, China to improve the teaching capacity of PHC teachers. We conducted an exploratory longitudinal case study with a mixed methods design for the evaluation. Quantitative (QUAN) data was collected through questionnaire surveys and qualitative (QUAL) data was collected through focus group discussions. The evaluation showed that learners in Tongji Program were primarily female GPs (21/22，95%) with less than 4 years of experience in teaching (16/22，73%). This program was considered a successful learning experience by most participants (19/22, 86%) with higher order learning tasks such as critical thinking and problem-solving. They also agreed that this program helped them feel more prepared to teach (21/22，95%), and developed a positive attitude toward primary care (21/22，95%). The QUAL interview revealed that both the Tongji and McGill organizers noted that TUSM showed strong leadership in organization, education, and coordination. Both students and teachers agreed that by adapting training content into contextualized delivery formats and settings, the Tongji Program successfully overcame language and technology barriers. Committed partnerships and contextualization were key to the success of the Tongji Program. Future research should focus on how international primary care education programs affect learners' behavior in their practice settings, and explore barriers and facilitators to change.

Enhancing Occupational Therapists' Intervention Capabilities With Adolescents With Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Background. Adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have an increased risk of participation limitations. Occupational therapy faces knowledge-to-practice gaps among this population. Purpose. To examine the effectiveness of a continuing-education program for occupational therapists working with adolescents with NDDs. Methods. The study used a mixed-method design, including pre-post comparisons of competence and sense of self-efficacy of occupational therapists to work with adolescents with NDDs. Interviews regarding the program's perceived contribution to practice were conducted. Results. Post-program results showed significantly (p < .001) higher professional competence and self-efficacy for interventions and evaluation skills with NDD's adolescents and transition programs as well as higher knowledge about adolescence and NDDs characteristics. Contrary, there was no change in competence and self-efficacy regarding client-centred interventions with adolescents. Program participants increased their professional confidence and incorporated evidence-based methods into routine practice. Conclusions and Implications. The continuing-education program that was examined expanded the occupational therapy practitioner's knowledge and professional skills, resulting in a change in their capacity to practice with adolescents narrowing the knowledge-to-practice gap. Future studies involving the client perspective, regarding their participation may validate and support continuing-education program for occupational therapists.

The Feasibility of an Educational Course for General Practitioners on Otolaryngologic Morbidity.

Objective To test feasibility by enhancing the knowledge and skills of general practitioners (GPs) in managing ear, nose, and throat (ENT) morbidity within primary care settingsthrough a three-hour educational course. Methods A structured course focused on common ENT disorders was conducted. Case morbidity was selected based on appropriate criteria. The participants (n=34) were GPs randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. A questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)before and after the course using proper analysis. Results The intervention group showed significant improvement in responses within five of sixteen questions (p<0.05). Participants demonstrated greater knowledge responsiveness in relation to epistaxis and CENTOR criteria, while knowledge response improvement was poor in regard to vestibular morbidity. Overall improvement in KAP scores (p<0.05), with high effect sizes, was achieved before and after the seminar. Conclusions The three-hour ENT course for GPs was found to be feasible, emphasizing the need for targeted short-duration courses within GP educationsupported by locally relevant information on common ENT conditions. Future research should explore the long-term impact of similar collaborative interventions in primary care.

725 Delphi Consensus to Improve Patient Safety in the Aesthetic Injectables Market: Consensus, Controversies and the 5Ps Framework

Abstract Aim The rapid growth of the aesthetic injectables sector presents a public health challenge given limited regulations to date. This study aimed to establish agreed proposals from industry experts and practitioners to uphold and safeguard patient safety. Method A Delphi consensus design was adopted comprising three survey rounds. Industry practitioners and experts were invited to suggest proposals to improve patient safety. We used the MoSCoW prioritization technique to aid practitioners in attributing importance and significance to proposals. Consensus was defined a priori as 75%. Results One-hundred-and-twenty-two practitioners completed Round 1, 100 completed Round 2 and 51 completed Round 3. A total of 38 proposals were identified after consolidation and removal of duplicates from Round 1. Round 2 established consensus on 16 items, and 18 items went to Round 3 but consensus was not achieved on all these items. Of the 38 proposals initially made, a series of five overarching themes emerged as fundamental for stakeholders. Issues relating to patients, practitioner skills or competence, product type and storage, place of practice and promotion techniques were the key themes. From these we propose and evaluate the five Ps framework: Patient, Practitioner, Product, Place and Promotion. Conclusions Our Delphi consensus study establishes consensus for 16 key proposals to improve patient safety. The study also highlights areas of controversy and proposes the novel 5Ps framework to help appraise the aesthetics industry.

Development and Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy integrated Counseling Program for Reducing Suicidal Ideation

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a counseling program called Motivational Interviewing-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Integrated Counseling Program (MICBT-CP) and evaluate its effectiveness in post-case management of individuals who have attempted suicide.Methods: Twenty-eight participants with a history of suicide attempts and high scores on Beck’s Scale for Suicidal Ideation were divided into three groups: an experimental group (EG), control group 1 (CG1), and control group 2 (CG2). Each group received different interventions: MICBT-CP for the EG, cognitive-behavioral treatment-based case management (CBT-CM) for CG1, and general case management (GCM) for CG2. Measurements of suicidal ideation, depression, hopelessness, problem-solving competence, life motivation, and perceived motivation were taken at baseline (T1), 6 weeks (T2), and 18 weeks (T3).Results: Significant improvements in life motivation, perceived motivation, and problem-solving competence were observed in the EG compared to CG1 and CG2. Moreover, the EG showed significant reductions in suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and depression. The treatment of CG2 with GCM did not yield significant results, indicating the limitations of current GCM in post-suicide attempt case management.Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for effective programs such as MICBT-CP and improved practitioner skills in post-suicide case management.

Supporting practitioners to talk about sexual wellness and pleasure during radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer

IntroductionRadiotherapy treatment for gynaecological cancer has significant negative effects on sexual wellness and pleasure (1–3). Patients undergoing radiotherapy for gynaecological cancers have more sexual dysfunction and experience more sexual and depressive symptoms than those who undergo surgery alone (4). The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a crucial part of health and wellbeing and recognizes the importance of positive and respectful approaches to sexuality, alongside safe and pleasurable sexual experiences free from violence and coercion (5). MethodsTaking a sex critical approach to sexual wellness and pleasure, this project aimed to support practitioners to have improved and impactful conversations with people receiving radiotherapy treatment for gynaecological cancers. A series of three professional development workshops were held to explore language, unpack assumptions and develop key competencies for practitioners. A fourth workshop involved co-development of resources for use by other practitioners. ResultsThe group united, sharing insights, learning, and developing practices through reflection developing critical awareness about damaging silences around sexual wellness and pleasure. Co-created resources included conversation cards and a poster. ConclusionThe project aimed to build and extend research findings to develop practitioner skills in supporting sexual wellness and pleasure for people receiving gynae-radiotherapy. The study shows the benefits of discussing norms and harms associated with biomedically focused conversations in gynae-radiotherapy to acknowledge diversity and validate concerns about sexual wellbeing and pleasure. Implications for practiceA sex critical approach to sexual wellness and pleasure should be considered a core principle of care for patients during their treatment for gynaecological cancers. Conversations are a key (free) resource within the practitioner-patient relationship that can address and improve patients’ psychosocial wellbeing.

Measuring levels of family stress and engagement in child protection social work: an explorative analysis of parental stress and social worker practice skills

PurposeEffectively engaging parents under stress is a key component of skilful child welfare practice. This paper aims to investigate how social workers practice with parents with either high or normal levels of stress.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a mixed methods design including observations and audio recordings of meetings between families and social workers, interviews with parents/carers and questionnaires with social workers. Validated instruments, including the general health questionnaire (GHQ) for stress levels and the working alliance inventory (WAI), were used to explore how levels of stress influence practice.FindingsData from 366 families found twice as many parents had clinically elevated GHQ scores compared to the general population (40% to about 20%). Stressed parents reported significantly less good working relationships with social workers [WAI, for the less stressed parents/carers, M = 65.3 vs highly stressed M = 60.6, t(324) = 2.407, p = 0.017, d = 0.28]. When quality of practice was directly measured, workers showed higher level of relationship skills with the less stressed group [t(291) = 1.71, p = 0.44, d = 0.205].Originality/valueThis study explored the interaction between practitioner skills and family factors influencing engagement, such as stress and anxiety. Engagement with stressed families may be particularly challenging, making it all the more important to understand how social workers engage such families to provide effective help and support. A better understanding of the parent-worker relationship under stress can lead to the development of training and practice strategies aimed at overcoming barriers in family engagement. This study also highlights the need for practice to re-focus on the relational elements and the emotional well-being of families.

The process in-between: Parents' perceptions about how practitioners promote the outcomes of the Incredible Years Basic program.

Practitioners are recognized as one of the key components that make parenting interventions meaningful and helpful to families, and the impact of practitioners' skills on the outcomes of parenting interventions has been consistently recognized in research. However, the mechanisms and ongoing processes through which the practitioners' actions and skills may impact parental engagement and other outcomes remain unknown. This qualitative study explored parents' perceptions about the processes through which specific practitioners' skills contribute to the outcomes of the Incredible Years Basic Parent Program (IYPP). Twenty-four Portuguese parents who had completed the IYPP were interviewed in four focus groups, and the data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Practitioners' skills were perceived by parents as having an impact on their engagement in the program, their process of change, and their interpersonal relationships. Practitioners were perceived to demonstrate their influence in the intervention process through six different roles: the roles of a confidant, a positive coach, a partner, a maestro, a tailor, and a congruent person. This study reinforces the prominent role of practitioners in enabling parental outcomes of an evidence-based parenting program and suggests that more attention should be paid to continuing supervision and other professional development processes.

Keratoconus in the West Region of Cameroon: Stakeholder knowledge and management

Background: Adequate knowledge and skills by eyecare personnel and administrators are essential for the early diagnosis and prompt management of keratoconus (KC).Aim: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and skills of key stakeholders on KC management in eyecare facilities of Bafoussam, West Region of Cameroon.Setting: Eyecare facilities in the West Region of Cameroon.Methods: A qualitative study, using a purposive (non-probability) sampling technique, was applied to collect data relevant to this study. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from eyecare personnel and administrators. Eyecare personnel in this study comprised optometrists, ophthalmic nurses and optometric technicians, who are trained to World Council of Optometry (WCO) competency level one or two. There were no ophthalmologists working at the study sites. Data obtained were captured, de-identified and stored in a password-protected electronic file. Data were coded and analysed applying a deductive thematic analysis approach.Results: There were 21 participants (five administrators and 16 eyecare professionals) from five facilities. Fourteen (66.6%) were males; 10 (47.6%) had 11–20 years of work experience. The majority of the participants had limited or no knowledge of KC. They reported an undersupply of KC diagnostic equipment and consumables at facilities, resulting in poor diagnosis and management of KC patients.Conclusion: The study revealed inadequate knowledge, training and skills of eyecare practitioners and administrators on KC. Deficiencies in KC diagnosis and management could cause visual impairment with a potential negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) of KC patients.Contribution: This study illustrates the need to procure basic equipment, capacitate eyecare workers with knowledge of KC and establish standard clinical protocols for the diagnosis and management of KC, including referral pathways.

Patient Satisfaction Survey in Traditional Medicine Units in Bhutan, 2023: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Assessing patient satisfaction is a vital component of any robust health service. In this study, we assessed the level of patient satisfaction with the TM services across health facilities in Bhutan in 2023. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted among adults availing TM services between March and April 2023. Patient satisfaction was scored against given statements on a Likert scale. Data were analysed to examine the overall levels of satisfaction with TM services. Results: There were 353 respondents surveyed across 46 TM units. Patients reported high satisfaction scores on the cleanliness of the health facility and its toilets, availability of sitting facilities in waiting rooms, clarity of direction and signage in the hospitals, and good communication skills of receptionists and TM practitioners. High scores were also recorded on the time provided by TM practitioners to patients and the ability to receive timely care. However, patients reported lower scores on the availability of all amenities for the drungtshos to provide the desired services to the patient. However, only 44.41% of participants reported adequate satisfaction with the services. The domain-wise satisfaction scores: satisfaction (44.19%), Physical environment (31.44%), Courtesy (52.12%), Quality of care (48.48%), Interpersonal (56.37%), Communication (56.37%), Time spent with health professionals (28.61%) and Accessibility and convenience (37.68%). Conclusions: Only four in every ten participants were highly satisfied with Traditional Medicine services at various public health facilities in Bhutan. Such patient satisfaction surveys serve as a benchmark for quality improvement initiatives.

Tackling loneliness together: A three-tier social identity framework for social prescribing

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the threats to health posed by loneliness. One of the main strategies that has been recommended to address this is social prescribing (SP). This typically involves general practitioners (GPs) and other health practitioners directing clients who are experiencing loneliness and related conditions to take part in social activities—typically in recreational and community contexts. However, evidence for the effectiveness of SP is mixed—leading some to suggest that enthusiasm for it might be misplaced. In this review, we argue that a core problem with most existing approaches to SP is that they lack a strong theoretical base. This has been a barrier to (a) understanding when SP will work and why, (b) designing optimally effective SP programmes, and (c) developing practitioner skills and appropriate infrastructure to support them. As a corrective to this state of affairs, this review outlines a three-tier social identity framework for SP and five associated hypotheses. These hypotheses predict that SP will be more effective when (a) clients join groups and (b) these groups are ones with which they identify, and when SP is supported by (c) social-identity-enhancing social infrastructure, (d) a social-identity-based therapeutic alliance, and (e) identity leadership that builds and shapes this alliance as well as clients’ identification with prescribed groups. This framework is supported by a range of evidence and provides an agenda for much-needed future research and practice.

Effects of a 10-week detraining period on gross motor skills in young tricking practitioners

Effects of a 10-week detraining period on gross motor skills in young tricking practitioners

Harvard Medical School Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery Course: What is the Global Impact? Three Year’s Results

Purpose: This paper describes and documents an innovative blended learning Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery certificate training course. This course combines a two-week face-to-face training in Orvieto, Italy with a five-month follow-up online virtual training as a learning experience for global health care practitioners. Continuing medical education (CME) accreditation is offered upon completion. This course utilized an innovative blended learning model with a community of practice approach, a combination of lectures and discussions, and online in-depth group case study discussions. Methodology: Data was collected by self-reported anonymous evaluation by participants of three continuous years of the CME Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery certificate training course sponsored by Harvard Medical School. One hundred fifty-five participants (n= 39 in 2011; n = 57 in 2012; n=59 in 2013) underwent a pre- and post-course evaluation to determine sustained confidence in performing medical and psychiatric care to traumatized patients and communities, as well as to determine their learning of the Global Mental Health Action Plan (GMHAP). Results: Over the course of three independent years, a total of 155 participants were evaluated. There was evidence for significant improvement in their confidence levels in all clinical areas (diagnosis; treatment of trauma; use of psychotropic medication) when comparing baseline to completion of the six-month course. All ten dimensions of the GMHAP and nine medical and psychiatric aspects of treatment revealed significant improvement in confidence levels. Regression analysis also indicated similar results after the adjustment of demographic covariates. Physicians and participants with mental health and social work background had significantly higher confidence. Participants who were MD’s or psychiatrists had higher confidence in most of the categories of confidence except for self-care, understanding culture, collaboration, and policy and financing. The model showed no difference in learning based upon gender and level of development of country of origin. Conclusion: The evaluation of this blended learning CME program provides evidence of significant enhancement of clinical practice and planning skills in health care practitioners working with highly traumatized patients and communities worldwide. This successful training over the past 18 years has gone far to achieve the health and mental health capacity building as requested by the Ministers of Health from post-conflict societies in the historic Rome meeting in 2004.