Family adaptation in families of individuals with Down syndrome from 12 countries.

Our current understanding of adaptation in families of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is based primarily on findings from studies focused on participants from a single country. Guided by the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation, the purpose of this cross-country investigation, which is part of a larger, mixed methods study, was twofold: (1) to compare family adaptation in 12 countries, and (2) to examine the relationships between family variables and family adaptation. The focus of this study is data collected in the 12 countries where at least 30 parents completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were generated, and mean family adaptation was modeled in terms of each predictor independently, controlling for an effect on covariates. A parsimonious composite model for mean family adaptation was adaptively generated. While there were cross-country differences, standardized family adaptation mean scores fell within the average range for all 12 countries. Key components of the guiding framework (i.e., family demands, family appraisal, family resources, and family problem-solving communication) were important predictors of family adaptation. More cross-country studies, as well as longitudinal studies, are needed to fully understand how culture and social determinants of health influence family adaptation in families of individuals with DS.

Experiential Learning of Childhood Growth and Development Through a Pediatric Play Project.

ABSTRACT: The adoption of a new undergraduate nursing curriculum granted the opportunity to develop a new method for teaching growth and development. The Pediatric Play Project was designed as part of clinical experience where students explored principles of growth and development by designing a toy or play activity for a hospitalized pediatric patient. Students exhibited immense creativity while meeting learning outcomes, and the project received positive feedback from students and faculty. With minor refinement of the project, students will continue to gain understanding of the nurse's role in promoting growth and development for the hospitalized child.

Collaborative online international learning in undergraduate nursing education: from inspiration to impact.

OBJECTIVES: Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is an innovative teaching pedagogy involving faculty collaboration and student co-learning across global partner schools. Guided by the cross-cultural alignment model, the purpose of this educational research project was to analyze the impact of COIL on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nursing students in two global partner schools and to determine if groups of students were impacted differently. METHODS: Students engaged in synchronous and asynchronous learning sessions using a secure digital platform over several weeks. Data was gathered from students using an optional, anonymous, online, retrospective pre-posttest survey. RESULTS: COIL enhances student understanding of key global nursing concepts and culturally responsive care. Differences across schools were observed. CONCLUSIONS: COIL is a feasible and cost-effective way to integrate global education into the curriculum of undergraduate nursing education. Recommendations for future COIL experiences are made.

A Mixed Methods Analysis of Care Coordination Needs and Desirable Features of an M-Health Application to Support Caregivers of Children With Down Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Care coordination is critical for the management of health care needs of children with Down syndrome by encompassing management of health information and linking of providers. This study was designed to identify caregiver and health care provider experiences of care coordination to inform the development of an m-health application. METHOD: In this mixed methods study, caregivers completed survey materials addressing the child's health care needs, m-health use, and care coordination experiences. A sample of caregivers and health care providers were interviewed to further understanding. RESULTS: Most caregivers reported having a primary health care provider but wanted increased communication and help with care coordination. Interview data identified themes related to care coordination challenges, including information management, information sharing, use of health care guidelines, tracking health data, resources, technology use, previous application use, and coordination of schedules. DISCUSSION: Qualitative themes were linked to desired features of an m-health application to aid in development.