Training Programs For Practitioners Research Articles

Training needs and assessment of pilot training program for assistant general practioner (3+ 2 mode) in Shanghai: questionnaire survey and in-depth interview

Objective To survey training needs and assessment of a pilop training program for assistant general practioner (3+ 2 mode) in Shanghai. Methods A qustionnaire survey and in-depth interview were conducted among 30 trainees of pilot assistant general practitioner training program of 3+ 2 mode in Jiading District of Shanghai from September to October 2012. Results Thirty trainees aged (22.6±0.7)y (5 males and 25 females) received questionnaire survey. All trainees were in favor of 3+ 2 mode, of whom 50.0% (15/30) showed willing. In intension of attending 3+ 2 mode, 40.0% (12/30) expressed and no one showed unwilling or In intension of recommending colleagues to attend 3+ 2 mode, 46.7% (14/30) were completely willing and 6.7%(2/30)were unwilling. The basic theory of family medicine was most needed for trainging contents and 63.3% showed need; other item was least needed and 41.1% showed need. In overall assessment of 3+ 2 mode, 26.7% (8/30) showed satisfied, 50.0% (15/30) showed and 23.3% (7/30) showed so-so. The highest proportion (46.7%, 14/30) scored ablities of mentors as satisfied and lowest proportion (26.7%, 8/30) thought trainging contents was very satistied. Five trainees received in-depth interview, their main points included the training content should meet needs of routine work of village clinics, the study of basic theory of family medicine lacks of practice, teachers did not have enough knowledge about general practice and income was low during training. There were different views on choice of 3+ 2 mode or diploma-upgrading courses among intervewees. Conclusions The trainees have positive attitudes and strong willingness for 3+ 2 mode. But it should be improved in training content, training method, teacher training and supporting policies. Key words: Physician assistants; General practioner; Training; Needs assessment

Lost in translation? A background to action research into teacher education and training in China through interpreters

This paper provides a background for action research in China. The context is a training programme for Chinese vocational practitioners led by British Teacher Educators, teaching through Chinese interpreters. Teacher education and training in China are outlined, and an author case study provided. Global trends in vocational education have been considered, and reference made to the Chinese government’s plans for reforming and developing education. The Vocational Education and Training (VET) programmes have been summarised to set the scene for the action research that will be reported in a further paper, which will consider the ways in which teaching through interpretation affects both learning and teaching on these programmes. In this paper, the following terms apply: the trainer is the United Kingdom (UK) Teacher Educator, the interpreter is the member of the Chinese university staff who interprets on the training programme and the teachers are the Chinese teachers attending the training.

A healthy way of learning

Nurse consultant Aileen Fraser is working to improve the co-ordination and delivery of healthcare services for older people, in part by developing staff awareness and skills. She has introduced a training programme for assistant practitioners and a system where all nurses observe and supervise a colleague three times a year. Observing others is a good way to learn about your own practice or change your approach, she believes.

A literature review of Case Formulation to inform Mental Health practice

Changes in mental health provision have led to practitioners and service providers reviewing how they incorporate service users in assessment processes and treatment decisions. Case formulation (CF) is a framework that informs a choice of psychological treatments providing a bridge between assessment and treatment phases to guide treatment options. However, CF is not routinely practised in mental health; hence this paper reviews CF literature to establish its efficacy for service users experiencing mental health issues. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy, reliability and validity of CF and its process and function in providing treatment for service users experiencing mental health issues and to explore practitioner training requirements. A systematic search of English language publications on CF and treatment frameworks from 1999-2011 was conducted searching electronic databases. Additionally, two seminal pieces of CF work were included. The findings demonstrate evidence of CF's efficacy and suggest practitioner training programmes to increase professional expertise and enhance service user outcomes. However, limited evidence exists and further research is required to address efficacy and training implications of CF.

The impact of the new Practitioner Training Programme on the clinical practitioner profession in the UK

The impact of the new Practitioner Training Programme on the clinical practitioner profession in the UK

Physical activity on prescription; an education and training program for healthcare practitioners in Vietnam

Physical activity on prescription; an education and training program for healthcare practitioners in Vietnam

Description of a Practitioner Training Program on Functional Analysis and Treatment Development

The current project examined the effectiveness of a functional analysis skills training package for practitioners with advanced degrees working within an applied setting. Skills included appropriately carrying out the functional analysis conditions as outlined by Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, and Richman (1982/1994), interpreting multielement functional analysis graphs using the methodology described by Hagopian et al. (1997), determining next steps when functional analysis data are undifferentiated, and selecting function-based interventions once functional analysis data are conclusive. The performance of three participants was examined within a multiple baseline design across participants. Although performance varied, baseline skill level was insufficient prior to intervention across participants and skill areas. Mastery was attained for all participants within four to eight training sessions per skill and the acquired skills were demonstrated effectively during generalization trials. Minimal retraining was required for some component skills at a 3-month follow up.

Evaluation of a training program for Italian general practitioners to improve substance abuse early identification and brief intervention and identification of cardiovascular risk

General practitioners (GPs) often cite inadequate training as one of the reasons for not performing early identification and brief intervention (EIBI) for substance use disorders. Providing “more” medical education on EIBI is an important step for policy makers. From an economic and public health point of view, it is important to know how much is “more.” We summarize the results of a one-day continuing medical education (CME) training of Italian GPs on EIBI, unhealthy lifestyles, and cardiovascular risk. An eight-hour CME interdisciplinary training day was offered to the 1040 GPs in the Udine region of Italy. Lessons by expert GPs, cardiologists, and public health professionals were offered on CV risk reduction by provision of EIBI and brief motivational interviewing to address unhealthy lifestyles. Video role-playing presentations were shown and discussed in the afternoon session. Of the 774 GPs who attended the training day, 563 (72.7%) completed a pre- and post-training questionnaire assessing EIBI general knowledge, self-efficacy, and professional satisfaction level using 11-point (0-10) scales. We analyzed the correlation between pre- and post-training self-efficacy on different lifestyles counseling using the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test and the correlation between professional satisfaction level and self-efficacy on lifestyles counseling using the Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient. After training, a significant improvement in general knowledge and self efficacy were demonstrated by most of the participants (p = 0.0001) . Pre- and post-training differences were all significant, but GPs showed less self-efficacy on addressing alcohol use (p = 0.5902) compared with addressing tobacco use (p = 0.8961), weight control (p = 0.3008), and physical activity (p = 0.4054). Self-efficacy was linked to professional satisfaction level. One day of interdisciplinary CME training on EIBI and cardiovascular risk reduction increased GPs’ self-efficacy, but professional satisfaction needs to also be addressed in future training programs. Practical implementation should follow a short time after training so as not to reduce the effect.

Best Cross‐Cultural Training Practices for North American and European Expatriates in China: A Delphi Study

AbstractThe deployment of expatriate managers by business leaders is expensive, with the cost reported to be in the millions of lost revenue dollars when expatriates fail at their assignment. The rate of failure, which can result in financial loss and talent depletion, necessitates an examination of successful training strategies and techniques used by North American or European expatriates, especially in China, where expatriates face many cross‐cultural challenges. The purpose of this modified Delphi study was to explore the strategies and techniques used to prepare expatriates before relocating to China and to develop consensus on the elements most necessary for a successful cross‐cultural training (CCT) program. Twenty‐three expatriates with at least one year of experience in a foreign assignment participated in the study. Three rounds of data collection and analysis resulted in consensus for the inclusion of 61 CCT outcomes, covering the seven categories for adaptation. The categories were (a) cultural shock and transition; (b) professional and working life, which was grouped into two subcategories of skills and knowledge and cultural awareness and understanding; (c) language and communication; (d) general cultural training; (e) living in China; and (f) training methods. The findings in the current study are important with respect to the identification of a multidimensional theoretical construct for the development of practitioner training programs.

Interdisciplinary Education to Integrate Pathology and Epidemiology: Towards Molecular and Population-Level Health Science

In recent decades, epidemiology, public health, and medical sciences have been increasingly compartmentalized into narrower disciplines. The authors recognize the value of integration of divergent scientific fields in order to create new methods, concepts, paradigms, and knowledge. Herein they describe the recent emergence of molecular pathological epidemiology (MPE), which represents an integration of population and molecular biologic science to gain insights into the etiologies, pathogenesis, evolution, and outcomes of complex multifactorial diseases. Most human diseases, including common cancers (such as breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers, leukemia, and lymphoma) and other chronic diseases (such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, psychiatric diseases, and some infectious diseases), are caused by alterations in the genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, microbiome, and interactome of all of the above components. In this era of personalized medicine and personalized prevention, we need integrated science (such as MPE) which can decipher diseases at the molecular, genetic, cellular, and population levels simultaneously. The authors believe that convergence and integration of multiple disciplines should be commonplace in research and education. We need to be open-minded and flexible in designing integrated education curricula and training programs for future students, clinicians, practitioners, and investigators.

How prepared are rural and remote health care practitioners to provide evidence‐based management for people with chronic lung disease?

To investigate the existing experience, training, confidence and knowledge of rural/remote health care practitioners in providing management for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Descriptive cross-sectional, observational survey design using a written anonymous questionnaire. This study formed part of a larger project evaluating the impact of breathe easy walk easy (BEWE), an interactive education and training program for rural and remote health care practitioners. Rural (n = 1, New South Wales) and remote (n = 1, Northern Territory) Australian health care services. Health care practitioners who registered to attend the BEWE training program (n = 31). Participant attitudes, objective knowledge and self-rated experience, training and confidence related to providing components of management for people with COPD. Participants were from a variety of professional backgrounds (medical, nursing, allied health) but were predominantly nurses (n = 13) or physiotherapists (n = 9). Most participants reported that they had minimal or no experience or training in providing components of management for people with COPD. Confidence was also commonly rated by participants as low. Mean knowledge score (number of correct answers out of 19) was 8.5 (SD = 4.5). Questions relating to disease pathophysiology and diagnosis had higher correct response rates than those relating more specifically to pulmonary rehabilitation. The results of this study indicate that some rural and remote health care practitioners have low levels of experience, knowledge and confidence related to providing components of management for people with COPD and that education and training with an emphasis on pulmonary rehabilitation would be beneficial.

Managers’ experience of training the associate practitioner role

This paper documents findings from a service evaluation of clinical managers' (n = 5) perceptions of the assistant practitioner (AP) training programme in one National Health Service (NHS) Trust in South East England, UK. The AP has been identified in England as a means for supporting registered nurses and enhancing patient care. The development of the AP role requires managers to consider how the role will be embedded and how they work with education providers. This service evaluation interviewed five clinical managers who have supported APs in relation to their function for the specialist clinical role. The AP role should be defined by competence, boundaries and the skill mix needed for specific clinical team function. Careful recruitment is vital and mentors need clear outcomes for the AP role. Managers need to be involved in all levels of the programme, from liaison with the Higher Education Institute and Trust decisions on role job descriptions and employment. Recruitment is vital, individuals have to be flexible and responsive to change and should be used in relation to their clinical competence. A competency framework for all health-care workers was the managers' desire for job descriptions and assessment of practice so that every member of the health-care team was 'fit for purpose'. Nurse managers need to work with workforce leads when considering introduction of new roles so appropriate skill mix is achieved and the AP role is embedded.

〈사례보고〉 경상남도 지역 간 건강불평등 완화사업: 건강플러스 행복플러스 사업

'건강 플러스 행복 플러스 사업'은 경상남도의 높은 표준화사망률을 감소시키고 지역 간 건강불평등을 완화하기 위하여 표준화사망비가 구조적으로 높은 40개 읍면동을 대상으로 수행되는 사업이다. 본 사업은 영국의 헬스 액션 존 사업의 방법론을 기반으로 하여 참여, 파트너쉽, 자원의 집중을 사업의 기본 원칙으로 설정하고 2010년부터 시작되었으며 2017년까지 진행될 예정이다. 총 사업비는 56억원이며, 2010년에는 17개 읍면동, 2011년에는 12개 읍면동, 2012년에는 11개 읍면동에 사업이 개시되었거나 개시될 예정이다. 2010년 사업의 경우, 사업대상지역인 17개 읍면동에 예산이 배정되었고, 관련 수단 및 지역 차원의 사업진행 틀을 만드는 과정을 거쳤다. 또한 사업대상지역의 건강결정요인을 파악하기 위하여 지역 사회조사를 실시하였으며 사업에 대한 교육훈련지원 및 기술지원을 위하여 교육훈련지원단과 사업운영지원단이 설치되었다. 그 결과 사업 인력들과 코디네이터에 대한 교육이 실시되었으며, 사업대상지역에는 사업팀과 사업추진위원회가 결성되었다. 지역사회조사 이후에는 지역사회조사결과 보고회를 통하여 지역의 건강결정요인과 건강수준을 지역주민들과 함께 공유하였으며 최종적으로 사업 관련 주민자치조직인 건강위원회가 17개 읍면동에서 출범하였다. 본 사업은 지역사회 참여 및 파트너쉽의 구축과 관련하여 아직 해결해야 될 과제들이 많으나 원칙에 근거한 사업이 지속적으로 진행될 수 있다면 경상남도의 건강불평등 완화를 통한 표준화사망률 감소 및 사업대상지역 주민들의 안녕 수준 향상에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 판단된다. Objectives: This study was conducted to implement Health Plus Happiness Plus projects in Gyeongsangnam-Do and assess the policy implications of initiatives to address regional health inequalities. Methods: Health Plus Happiness Plus projects were started as strategies to address regional health inequalities in Gyeongsangnam-Do. The principles of these projects are taken from the Health Action Zones initiatives in England: participation, partnership, resource concentration in project areas. The time period for these projects is from 2010 to 2017, and the total budget is 5.6 billion won. In 2010, a 6.8 hundred million won total budget was invested in 17 project areas. Such investments fell into four broad categories: establishment of the means and local framework; survey development to analyze the health determinants; development of an education and training center; and establishment of a technical support center. Results: Education and training programs for practitioners and coordinators were provided, and project teams and project promotion committees were established in project areas. Health survey result briefing meetings were held, and 17 health committees were established in project areas. Conclusions: Health Plus Happiness Plus projects have some problems in relation to participation and partnerships, however, if these principled projects are performed continuously, they will contribute to a reduction of standardized mortality rate and regional health inequalities in Gyeongsangnam-Do and the improvement of residents' well-being in project areas.

Attitudes about psychotherapy: A qualitative study of introductory psychology students who have never been in psychotherapy and the influence of attachment style

Design: Interviews about attitudes about psychotherapy with 12 undergraduate students who had never been in psychotherapy were analysed using consensual qualitative research. Results: Participants believed that the client role is to disclose, be receptive, and be motivated; that the therapist role is to listen, support, and give advice; and that the therapeutic relationship should be close and personal. Participants had ideas about the benefits (a healing therapeutic relationship, personal and interpersonal changes) and the barriers (self‐stigma and public stigma, difficulty revealing, need to solve problems on own, cost) associated with seeking therapy, and they disliked the idea of being diagnosed. In contrast with participants who were securely attached, those who were insecurely attached more often wanted a professional therapeutic relationship, wanted the therapist to ask questions, mentioned fewer benefits to therapy, and thought that they would have difficulty disclosing to a therapist. Discussion: Implications for changing attitudes about psychotherapy and improving training programs for practitioners are discussed.

Why and How to Make Plant Conservation Ecosystem-Based

Compared to other groups of organisms, plants require distinctive approaches in their conservation because of their keystone roles in ecosystems and economies. The state of the whole plant cover of the Earth should be of concern to conservationists – for its capacity to ensure the survival of plant species, deliver ecosystem services (locally to globally) and provide produce from plants in ecologically sustainable ways. The primary targets of attention in ecosystem-based plant conservation are the relationships between people and plants, as relevant to every locality, rather than the species-centric approach of conventional plant conservation. Moving plant conservation to an ecosystem-based approach will require the development of training programmes for field practitioners and of information systems for their use.

Effectiveness of an Online Knowledge Training and Assessment Program for Stop Smoking Practitioners

In English National Health Service (NHS) stop smoking services, stop smoking practitioners (SSPs) provide behavioral support and medication to support smokers wanting to quit. This study aimed to evaluate an evidence-based national online knowledge training program for SSPs developed by the NHS Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT). Knowledge required to deliver effective stop smoking interventions was assessed using 25 multiple-choice questions drawn randomly from a common larger pool at baseline and after use of the training program in 778 consecutive users. Change in knowledge and association of this change with time spent on the training were assessed. Baseline and change in knowledge of SSPs with different amounts of experience, prior training, and time dedicated to smoking cessation were compared. Knowledge improved from 64.4% correct to 77.7% (p < .001). Time spent on the training predicted improvement. Pretraining knowledge scores differed with experience, prior training, and time practicing. Training improved even the highest performing SSPs and minimized differences between groups. Knowledge required to deliver effective stop smoking intervention is improved efficiently by using the NCSCT online training program for English smoking cessation practitioners. SSPs with all levels of prior knowledge benefit.

The invisible man – Development of a national men’s health training programme for public health practitioners: Challenges and successes

To develop a national men's health training programme for healthcare and social care practitioners to address gender health inequalities and facilitate the effective delivery of health services to men. A 1-day training course, that combined epidemiological data with the social and behavioural context of men's health behaviour and attitudes, was developed and delivered to 38 public health practitioners working in primary care trusts, local authorities and charities. A post-training questionnaire was completed by all participants to evaluate the efficacy of the training, levels of satisfaction and impact on future work practice. The training was well received and met participants' requirements in terms of content and delivery. The combination of clinical information, practical examples of men's health initiatives and interactive scenario-based tasks increased knowledge and assisted reflective practice. Following the training, all participants intended to adopt a male-gendered approach into their work practice, and stated that they would recommend the course to other public health colleagues. The evaluation highlights the potential of delivering men's health training to increase public health practitioners' knowledge of men's health inequalities, and to promote the development of gender-sensitive services. Future development could incorporate a 'train the trainer' element to maximize capacity building and enhance sustainability. Longer-term follow-up may be required to determine the continuing impact on public health practice.

Indigenous Traditional Medical Practitioners’ Lack of Formal Medical Education Impacts their Choices of Information Resources for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia

Indigenous Traditional Medical Practitioners’ Lack of Formal Medical Education Impacts their Choices of Information Resources for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia

NCAT/MSC Radiotherapy Physics Practitioner Training Programme

NCAT/MSC Radiotherapy Physics Practitioner Training Programme

Attitudes to work and health in doctors in training

To date initiatives about work and health issues have been focused on general practitioners (GPs). The recent change to sickness certification (fit note) now requires all hospital doctors to provide patients in their immediate care with a MED 3 where necessary. To investigate the attitudes and behaviours of hospital-based trainees to the management of work and health in their consultations and their sickness certification practices to inform future training in this area. A questionnaire was developed to gather information on the attitudes of trainees to the assessment and provision of advice about fitness for work and the frequency of providing sickness certificates. This electronic survey was sent to trainees from the London and Wales deaneries. Nine hundred and eighteen trainees were recruited to the study across 23 specialities. 85% of the sample responded that they rarely or never wrote certificates. Over 70% suggested that it was important to consider work and health as part of their rehabilitation plan. However, 69% suggested that they were not confident in assessing a patient's fitness to work (FTW). Over 70% of trainees reported not having sufficient knowledge or training to assess and manage a patient's FTW. This evaluation has demonstrated that trainees recognize the importance of addressing heath and work, but lack the confidence to do this effectively. They recognize their lack of knowledge in this area. This highlights the need to address current training programmes for secondary care practitioners.