Two-day Training Program Research Articles

Knowledge on prevention and management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma among medical officers: a multi-centerpre and post-test study

Background: Despite Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma being one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in India, knowledge about these diseases among healthcare professionals seems inadequate. Aims: This study aimed to assess the knowledge gained by medical and paramedical staff in the prevention and management of COPD and asthma following a two-day training program. Settings and methods: This quasi-experimental (before-after) study was carried out among medical and paramedical staff of public health systems of the government of India in three training centers in Maharashtra. Aquestionnaire was given in the form of a pre-test before a two-day training program. The training was comprised of prevention and management of COPD and asthma. After completion of training, a post-test was given, and scores were calculated. Statistical analysis: A two-tailed paired sample t-test was used to assess knowledge gain. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 77 participants completed both pre-test and post-test before and after the training programme. Twenty-Five (32.5%) were female and 52 (67.5%) were male. The mean age of participants was 42.7± 7.9 years. The majority (92.2%) of the participants were medical professionals. Only nine participants (11.7%) had ever attended a training program on COPD or asthma. The mean pre-test score was 14.68±3.88, while the mean post-test score was 25.60±6.52. There was a statistically significant improvement in knowledge scores at all three training centers, among both genders and across all qualifications (p<0.001). Conclusion: Adequate training of medical and para-medical staff in public health systems across the country can result in effective and timely diagnosis, treatment, and referral for patients with COPD and Asthma. This will ensure a reduction in the social and economic burden of disease.

Enhancing resiliency and optimizing readiness in military personnel through psychological flexibility training: design and methodology of a randomized controlled trial.

Enhancing resiliency and optimizing readiness in military personnel is a high priority for the U.S. Department of Defense. Most military resiliency-enhancement programs are evidence-informed interventions. However, few randomized studies have demonstrated efficacy of any intervention or training program to enhance resiliency and prevent the development of psychological health symptoms in military personnel when exposed to operational stressors. This manuscript provides an overview of the theoretical foundation, research design, and research methods of a preventive intervention trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of a training program to enhance resiliency and prevent psychological health symptoms in military personnel. The resiliency training intervention is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based intervention with broad empirical support for improving functioning in those living with psychological and medical conditions. This study will evaluate the efficacy of a two-day training program based on ACT for fostering psychological flexibility, the central target in ACT, for enhancing resiliency, and for preventing the development of psychological health symptoms. The research participants will be a non-clinical population of active duty military personnel (N = 600). The ACT-based training program (n = 300) will be compared to a military resiliency training as usual, known as Master Resilience Training (n = 300). Assessment measures will be administered at the baseline assessment, after training, prior to a military deployment, and after returning from a deployment. Qualitative interviews will be conducted to provide feedback on the training program.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05094115.

Evaluating the Impact of Mental Health Training on Awareness of Common Mental Disorders among Community Health Officers in Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh

Mental health constitutes an integral dimension of overall well-being, significantly influencing individuals' quality of life and societal harmony. In rural regions, like Madhya Pradesh, accessing adequate mental health care often poses substantial challenges due to various barriers. This study aims to evaluate the impact of training on the awareness of common mental disorders (CMDs) among Community Health Officers (CHOs) in Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh. Using a quasi-experimental design, 42 CHOs from Health & Wellness Centres in the Raisen district participated in a comprehensive two-day training program covering CMD identification, assessment, and management. Baseline knowledge assessment revealed a moderate pre-training score of 18.2 out of 30, while the post-training score significantly improved to 26.8. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of such training interventions in enhancing mental health care awareness and proficiency within underserved communities ultimately contributing to improved accessibility and quality of mental health care in rural settings.

Effectiveness and usability of real-time vibrotactile feedback training to reduce postural exposure in real manual sorting work

Vibrotactile feedback training may be used as a complementary strategy to reduce time in demanding postures in manual handling. This study evaluated the short- and medium-term effects of concurrent posture-correction vibrotactile feedback training on trunk inclination exposure in real manual sorting work. Fifteen warehouse workers completed the training and the follow-up sessions. Trunk inclination angles were recorded using the ambulatory Smart Workwear System. Questionnaires were used for assessing system usability, perceived physical exertion and work ability. The results showed reduced time in trunk inclination >30°, >45° and >60°, and reductions in the 90th, 95th and 99th percentile trunk inclination angles, when receiving feedback and immediately after feedback withdrawal. No significant reduction was retained after one and three weeks. The wearer comfort was scored high, and the feedback did not increase the perceived cognitive demands. No significant effects attributed to changed trunk inclination exposure were observed for perceived physical exertion or work ability. The training program has the potential of contributing to reduced trunk inclination exposure in the short-term. Future studies are needed to evaluate if improvements of the feedback training can transfer the short-term results to retained median- and long-term effects. Practitioner Summary: A two-day training program with concurrent posture-correction vibrotactile feedback can contribute to reduced exposure of trunk inclination in real manual sorting work in the short term. More research is needed on how to design the feedback training programs in order to be effective in the long term.

Person-centred communication with cancer survivors: Exploring the meaning of follow-up coaching conversations.

The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of a coaching intervention for cancer survivors. Cancer survivors often experience existential concerns and worries after adjuvant treatment. A number of "care transition interventions" have been developed to improve person-centred care by empowering patients. Several of these interventions include a "care transition coach". A coaching approach to communication used in health care communication have among others shown to assists in establishing confidential relationships between health professionals, increase the patient's well-being and support the patient's experience of being met and viewed as a whole person. This is a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews to explore the meaning of a coaching intervention. In analyzing and interpreting the qualitative interviews Ricoeur's theory of interpretation was applied. The intervention consisted of two parts: (1) a two-day training program in coaching for nurses and (2) a specially developed communication intervention for cancer survivors. The analysis of the transcribed interview material led to the development of two themes: (1) Support in moving forward in life, and (2) An opportunity to talk about existential thoughts and worries. Our results show how the experience of cancer, even when cured, leaves the survivors with profound existential worries. The cancer survivors described how coaching conversations allowed them to express their current concerns and provided them with an opportunity to discuss wider issues than treatment, symptoms, and after-effects, which had been the main focus during treatment. The time immediately after the end of adjuvant treatment can be challenging, with many existential concerns and opposing emotions. We found that the follow-up coaching conversations performed helped the cancer survivors to process many of these difficult thoughts and feelings.

Winning with Integrity: The Impact of Virtues Training

Can virtuous behavior be linked to concrete organizational elements? Over two years, with the theme of “winning with integrity,” the Vice President of Ethics & Integrity at a global Fortune 500 company delivered a two-day training program on the role of classical virtues in building an ethical workplace culture. Results from paired-sample t-tests and linear regressions show that organizational training positively affects the development of a growth mindset and the perceptions of the importance of classical virtues, regardless of employee nationality. This understanding creates an opportunity for organizations to take proactive approaches to strengthen the character of their employees.

It's education, Jim, but not as we know it

It's education, Jim, but not as we know it

Transforming dementia care in an NHS trust.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust was one of nine trusts selected to take part in the RCN development programme transforming dementia care in hospitals during 2013. The programme aimed to improve the experience of care for people with dementia and their carers in hospital. This article outlines a two-day training programme delivered to staff on two pilot wards with a larger cohort of adults with dementia than other wards in Manor Hospital. A range of staff were trained including nurses, clinical support workers and allied health professionals and also, in a bespoke format, housekeepers, porters and security staff. The programme has led to a noticeable cultural change and significantly improved care and management of patients with cognitive impairment and/or dementia on the two pilot wards. As a result, the training programme has been implemented more widely across the hospital.

Attitudes toward quality improvement among healthcare professionals

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to describe how the training of healthcare professionals in improvement work can be performed, and evaluate potential changes in attitude as a result of the initiative. Design/methodology/approach – The study was carried out at a University Hospital in Sweden. There were 443 participants in the study. The response rate before the intervention was 55 per cent (242 respondents) and six months later, it was 43 per cent (190 respondents). A two-day training program about quality improvement was performed on seven different occasions and after the training had been concluded, participants were encouraged to translate their newly acquired knowledge into improvement projects. Surveys on attitudes toward improvement work were completed by the participants right before the training and six months afterwards. The results were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney test. Findings – The analysis showed some statistically significant changes in attitude among the participants. There were also differences between groups of participants based on their profession and the number of years in their current position. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of the study is that it was solely based on attitudes expressed during the survey and did not include any observed changes in behavior. Another limitation is that attitudes after the intervention were only measured once. Originality/value – It is possible to use training to change attitudes toward improvement work. The result differs among groups of participants, which raises the question as to whether training should be tailored to better suit the needs of different groups to create positive change. Further research is needed regarding how to reach and fully implement a quality improvement mindset.

G151(P) Impact of a Training Programme on Non-Medical Health Workers Confidence in Managing Common Neonatal Problems in Sierra Leone

Background and AimsSierra Leone has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, with 113 out of every 1000 live births dying in their first year of life....

Peer-supported diabetes prevention program for Turkish- and arabic-speaking communities in australia.

In Australia, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are more prevalent in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities than mainstream Australians. Purpose. To develop, implement, and evaluate culturally sensitive peer-supported diabetes education program for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in high-risk middle-aged Turkish- and Arabic-speaking people. Methods. A two-day training program was developed. Ten bilingual peer leaders were recruited from existing health and social networks in Melbourne and were trained by diabetes educators. Each leader recruited 10 high-risk people for developing diabetes. Questionnaires were administered, and height, weight, and waist circumference were measured at baseline and three months after the intervention. The intervention comprised two 2-hour group sessions and 30 minutes reinforcement and support telephone calls. Results. 94 individuals (73% women) completed the program. Three months after the program, the participants' mean body weight (before = 78.1 kg, after = 77.3; Z score = −3.415, P = 0.001) and waist circumference (Z = −2.569, P = 0.004) were reduced, their diabetes knowledge was enhanced, and lifestyle behaviours were significantly improved. Conclusions. A short diabetes prevention program delivered by bilingual peers was associated with improved diabetes awareness, changed lifestyle behaviour, and reduction in body weight 3 months after intervention. The findings are encouraging and should stimulate a larger control-designed study.

Management of victimised patients in primary care settings: a comprehensive Greek educational initiative

BackgroundPrimary care providers have been criticised for inadequate routine assessment of patients' exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV).AimsTo report on the content/ methods used and experiences learned regarding three key...

Talking Cancer, Saving Lives: Breast Cancer Awareness Training for Health Professionals in Hong Kong

A two-day training program aimed at promoting breast cancer awareness and utilization of breast cancer screening in Hong Kong was presented to a group of breast cancer survivors and mid-level health and social services professionals (n = 75). Using a training of trainer model, six modules were presented covering biological, psycho-social, sexual, and quality of life issues relating to breast cancer. Self-administered pre-test, post-test, and follow-up measures were used to determine participants' knowledge about breast cancer related issues and their self-perceived competence to discuss these issues professionally. The participant demographic profile was primarily female, mostly married with mean age of 38. Most of the participants attributed the causes of breast cancer to genetic, lifestyle risk, and environmental risk factors (over 60%). Their attitude, on average, was most positive regarding the difference between a support group and psychoeducational support group (M > 8 on a 0-10 scale). Their knowledge, on average, was lowest regarding familiarity with the types and uses of alternative medicine in Hong Kong (M < 5 on a 0-10 scale). Paired t-tests comparing pre-test to the first post-test indicated a statistically significant increase in composite scores of competence, cause recognition, and suggested frequency of breast self-exam. This training proved to be a culturally competent approach that facilitates health care providers' service provision to breast cancer survivors in Hong Kong.

Dissemination of Skills Training

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article LettersFull AccessDissemination of Skills TrainingRobert Paul Liberman, M.D., Charles J. Wallace, Ph.D., and Mary Jane Robertson, M.S.Robert Paul LibermanSearch for more papers by this author, M.D., Charles J. WallaceSearch for more papers by this author, Ph.D., and Mary Jane RobertsonSearch for more papers by this author, M.S.Published Online:1 Feb 2002https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.53.2.215AboutSectionsView EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail To the Editor: In the September issue, Schoenwald and Hoagwood (1) provided a thoughtful and well-organized overview of factors that influence the transportability of mental health innovations in effectiveness and dissemination studies. They quite rightly highlighted the importance of the intervention's complexity, organizational support, and a favorable therapeutic or ideological climate among clinicians who are asked to use the innovation. Our own work in the design of modules for teaching social and independent living skills to persons with serious and persistent mental disorders has proceeded from validating these interventions in efficacy studies, demonstrating their effectiveness in field studies, and then disseminating them throughout the world.The first generation of modules, which was developed in the crucible of an ordinary community mental health center, were shown to have efficacy and to be associated with consumer satisfaction (2). The next step was to select six modules that appeared to be most applicable to the full range of U.S. community mental health centers and to offer them to 40 such centers in 22 states. These centers were chosen on the basis of the enthusiasm expressed by staff and administrators from more than 100 centers that asked to participate in the dissemination program. After one year, we found significant improvements in their attitudes toward the modules and their familiarity with the principles on which the modules are based (3). In addition, in contrast to the 10 percent adoption rate reported in the Fairweather Lodge dissemination effort, our two-day training program followed by six peer-mediated in-service training sessions led to an adoption rate of 67 percent.A second generation of modules, designed to be even more user-friendly, have been shown to be efficacious (4) and to be effective in field studies when used with fidelity (5). They have been disseminated to several hundred mental health facilities in the United States and elsewhere, with only minor language and cultural adaptations for use in 26 countries using 17 languages, including Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, French, Dutch, German, Spanish, and Swedish.Key elements in the successful dissemination of the modules have included live demonstrations of the intervention at the site where the clinicians were considering adoption, identification of "internal champions" for the innovation at each site and ongoing consultation with them, mobilization of top and middle managers to visibly and tangibly support use of the modules, provision of feedback and support to clinicians through newsletters and meetings, and encouragement of clinicians to "reinvent" the modules to fit their own circumstances, needs, and constraints.Schoenwald and Hoagwood carefully articulated these factors in their article (1). They also made sound recommendations to promote action research that builds collaborations between the researchers who design novel, evidence-based interventions and the managers and clinicians who are expected to adopt them. We intend to develop and maintain such collaborations in the next phase of our studies on dissemination of skills training programs for people with mental disabilities.The authors are affiliated with the department of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine.

Return on Quality at Chase Manhattan Bank

A method called “return on quality (ROQ)” has been proposed to evaluate the financial impact of efforts to improve service quality. It quantifies the projected net present value of an improvement project and calculates return on investment. During 1995 and 1996, Chase Manhattan Bank applied the method in a controlled experiment with four test branches and four control branches within the retail banking network, with a two-day training program aimed at enhancing service delivery and customer satisfaction. Its primary purpose was to assess the usefulness of the ROQ approach in improving customer service. Largely because of the bank's merger with Chemical Bank, the study was not executed as planned. Despite this, the study showed favorable results from the training effort. The ROQ model facilitated interpretation of the study and appears useful for estimating the financial returns arising from service quality initiatives.

Interest-Based Negotiation: A Case Study

In September 1995, the city manager of San Marino decided to take a new approach to upcoming negotiations between management and the firefighters association. In the past, relationships had been, at a minimum strained, and at times, strongly adversarial. The city manager felt that this year would be a good time to work on a new contract with the hope of rebuilding relationships for the long term. He contacted the author/consultant, who enlisted the help of a colleague with expertise in this area, and the decision was made to at least explore an interest-based negotiation approach between the city council and the fire association. The city manager met with the president of the firefighters association to determine his willingness to consider a new approach; he was willing. A proposal was then made to city council to bring in an outside consultant to work with the city to train representatives of both management and firefighters association representatives in the interest-based negotiation process, and for the consultants to facilitate at least four days of the negotiation - city council approved it. Introductory Meeting We first held a 1.5 hour meeting with the combined representatives from management and the firefighter association to introduce them to the basic premises of interest-based negotiation. This meeting was not only informational, but it also gave the trainers/facilitators the opportunity to build rapport with participants, and for everyone to be together. All participants were encouraged to voice any initial concerns and questions; after the informational part of the meeting, future interviews were scheduled, and the meeting was concluded with a group luncheon. Background Information Although we met individually with management representatives, the firefighter representatives preferred meeting as a group. We emphasized that interviews were confidential. Our goals were to understand the history of city/firefighter negotiations, and to learn any concerns or reservations they had about the process. We collected valuable information that made us aware of areas where we might experience roadblocks or conflict during the training and negotiation. The Training Following the introductory meeting and interviews, the two-day training program was scheduled two-and-one-half weeks later to accommodate schedules. Two consecutive training days were scheduled to assist in transfer of training from the first day, which was primarily informational, to the second day, which included extended practice exercises in negotiation. The first day of training began with an introduction to the training objectives: to introduce participants to the premises of interest-based negotiation; to develop the skills of participants in using the interest-based negotiation process; and to improve relationships between management and the firefighter association, not just for the labor negotiation process, but over the long term. After a trust-building exercise, we reviewed the premises of interest-based negotiation, such as principles, assumptions of the approach, steps comprising the process (see Figure 1), and the techniques used during the negotiation. We also conducted skill building exercises in brainstorming, group memory, process checking, listening, and consensus-building. Exercises using the skills and techniques they had learned the first day comprised the entire second day. Both interpersonal and process skills were emphasized; for several exercises, the groups were mixed (participants from management and labor), and people were also asked to take the role of the other side in one exercise. Throughout the training, participants were reminded that our goal was to help them build better relationships over the long term in the overall organization, not just in the negotiation. As a final note, participants were asked to prepare for the first day of the negotiation by writing an opening statement, and identifying the issues and interests they wanted to address. …

Joint training for mental health key workers: part 1.

This is the first of two articles on training for key workers in mental health. In this article, current mental health policy is examined and the conflicts this may cause for mental health key workers are discussed. The author also describes a two-day training programme that has been set up to help key workers manage the conflicts of their role. Next week, participants' impressions of the programme to date and the implications of their responses will be explored, highlighting issues for further debate.

The effects of a short-term death training program on nursing home nursing staff.

This study examines the effects on nursing home nurses of a two-day training program concerned with nurses and their response to the dying patient. Utilizing the Solomon four-group design, the study investigates whether exposure to information on death and dying (a) results in the acquisition of greater knowledge about death and dying, (b) is accompanied by a more positive attitude toward the elderly, and (c) is accompanied by a change in anxiety about death. Based on t tests and one-way analyses of covariance, the results point up the mixed nature of short-term training programs. It was found that there was a significant increase in the nurses' knowledge about death and dying, there was no change in their attitudes toward the elderly, and there was a significant increase among the nurses in the death anxiety experienced. This is not to suggest that training programs of this sort should not be conducted with nursing home staff. On the one hand such programs provide information useful for job performance. On the other hand they create some sensitization to death, which at the very least could give nurses greater insights into the concerns of the patients and perhaps stimulate empathetic responses.