Exploring the development of adaptive expertise through the lens of threshold concepts.

INTRODUCTION: While expert clinical practice requires a flexible approach to problem solving, evidence shows that medical clerks tend to focus on knowledge acquisition as the key to expertise. It is not until residency training that learners shift their understanding of expertise towards developing adaptive approaches to clinical problems. This raises the possibility that adaptive expertise is a threshold concept and that authentic clinical experiences involving complex problem solving are required to create the liminal state that enables transformation to an adaptive expertise mindset. With this possibility in mind, the current study examined the conceptualisations of expertise held by recently graduated physical therapists using the framework of threshold concepts as a sensitising lens. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study in the Constructivist Grounded Theory tradition was conducted, utilising 14 one-on-one semi-structured interviews with recently graduated physical therapists. RESULTS: Most participants were in a transitional state regarding their conceptualisation of expertise, sometimes focusing on the acquisition of knowledge and routinisation of practice as their hallmark of expertise and at other times acknowledging the need for developing more dynamic and adaptive problem-solving approaches to patient care. These mixed responses were expressed not only in their framing of patient management but also in their reasons for valuing colleagues and in their approach to continuing professional development. Notably, many participants suggested that the interview itself was a key impetus to their reflecting on these issues. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that participants were only beginning to transition into an adaptive expertise mindset upon entering practice, reinforcing the possibility that authentic practice may be an important impetus for recognising the limits of routine expertise. However, spontaneous comments from participants suggest that this transition might be better supported though active guided reflection in addition to meaningful clinical engagement with patients and colleagues.

A synonymous germline variant in a gene encoding a cell adhesion molecule is associated with cutaneous mast cell tumour development in Labrador and Golden Retrievers.

Mast cell tumours are the most common type of skin cancer in dogs, representing a significant concern in canine health. The molecular pathogenesis is largely unknown, but breed-predisposition for mast cell tumour development suggests the involvement of inherited genetic risk factors in some breeds. In this study, we aimed to identify germline risk factors associated with the development of mast cell tumours in Labrador Retrievers, a breed with an elevated risk of mast cell tumour development. Using a methodological approach that combined a genome-wide association study, targeted next generation sequencing, and TaqMan genotyping, we identified a synonymous variant in the DSCAM gene on canine chromosome 31 that is associated with mast cell tumours in Labrador Retrievers. DSCAM encodes a cell-adhesion molecule. We showed that the variant has no effect on the DSCAM mRNA level but is associated with a significant reduction in the level of the DSCAM protein, suggesting that the variant affects the dynamics of DSCAM mRNA translation. Furthermore, we showed that the variant is also associated with mast cell tumours in Golden Retrievers, a breed that is closely related to Labrador Retrievers and that also has a predilection for mast cell tumour development. The variant is common in both Labradors and Golden Retrievers and consequently is likely to be a significant genetic contributor to the increased susceptibility of both breeds to develop mast cell tumours. The results presented here not only represent an important contribution to the understanding of mast cell tumour development in dogs, as they highlight the role of cell adhesion in mast cell tumour tumourigenesis, but they also emphasise the potential importance of the effects of synonymous variants in complex diseases such as cancer.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Golden Retrievers Identifies Germ-Line Risk Factors Predisposing to Mast Cell Tumours.

Canine mast cell tumours (CMCT) are one of the most common skin tumours in dogs with a major impact on canine health. Certain breeds have a higher risk of developing mast cell tumours, suggesting that underlying predisposing germ-line genetic factors play a role in the development of this disease. The genetic risk factors are largely unknown, although somatic mutations in the oncogene C-KIT have been detected in a proportion of CMCT, making CMCT a comparative model for mastocytosis in humans where C-KIT mutations are frequent. We have performed a genome wide association study in golden retrievers from two continents and identified separate regions in the genome associated with risk of CMCT in the two populations. Sequence capture of associated regions and subsequent fine mapping in a larger cohort of dogs identified a SNP associated with development of CMCT in the GNAI2 gene (p = 2.2x10-16), introducing an alternative splice form of this gene resulting in a truncated protein. In addition, disease associated haplotypes harbouring the hyaluronidase genes HYAL1, HYAL2 and HYAL3 on cfa20 and HYAL4, SPAM1 and HYALP1 on cfa14 were identified as separate risk factors in European and US golden retrievers, respectively, suggesting that turnover of hyaluronan plays an important role in the development of CMCT.

Mastocytosis in the skin in dogs: A multicentric case series.

Canine cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) is rare in contrast to canine mast cell tumours. In humans, CM commonly affects children and is usually indolent with possible spontaneous resolution. Systemic mastocytosis (SM) with bone marrow involvement typically affects adults, can have a poor outcome, and often includes skin lesions. 'Mastocytosis in the skin' (MIS) is the preferred term of skin lesions, if bone marrow evaluations are not available, which is often the cases in dogs. In human SM and CM, KIT mutations are often detected. The veterinary literature suggests clinical resemblances between human and canine MIS, but data is limited, and KIT mutations are rarely assessed. This retrospective study describes clinicopathological findings, treatment and outcome of 11 dogs with suspected MIS. Dogs with multiple mast cell tumours were excluded. Histopathology reports (n = 5) or slides (n = 6) were reviewed. KIT mutation analysis including exons 8, 9, 11, 14 and 17 were analysed in eight dogs. Median age at diagnosis was 4 years (range, 1-12). Typical clinical signs included multifocal to generalised nodules and papules. Histologically, skin lesions were characterised by dermal infiltration of well-differentiated mast cells. KIT mutations were detected in 3/8 dogs (exon 9: n = 2; exon 11: n = 1). One dog had mastocytaemia suggesting possible SM. Glucocorticoids were mostly successful with lesion improvement in all treated dogs (n = 8). This cohort highlights resemblances between human and canine MIS. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and establish diagnostic criteria for CM and MIS associated with SM in dogs.

Of dogs and men: comparative biology as a tool for the discovery of novel biomarkers and drug development targets in osteosarcoma.

The similarities between human and canine osteosarcoma with regard to histology, biological behavior and molecular genetic alterations suggest that the dog provides a supplementary model for the development and preclinical testing of novel therapeutics. Counter intuitively, careful examination of the differences between OS in the two species may also be rewarding in terms of increasing our understanding of the pathogenesis of this cancer. This review will discuss the arguments in favor of the "dog model" and outline how the evaluation of treatment strategies in dogs has indicated avenues for improvement of protocols for human patients.

COVID-19 Vaccination Among Environmental Service Workers Using Agents of Change.

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier to community immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Health care workers are at risk both of infection and for nosocomial transmission, but have low rates of vaccine uptake due to hesitancy. This project sought to improve the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake among environmental services (EVS) workers at a large academic regional medical center using a community-based participatory approach (CBPA). Methods: The CBPA engaged environmental service workers from January 2021 to March 2021. Public health experts and environmental services department leaders developed a 1-hour training for peer lay health educators (N=29), referred to as agents of change (AOC). AOC were trained on COVID-19 infection, benefits of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, and techniques to address vaccine misinformation among their peers. Following the program, we conducted semistructured interviews with the AOC to document their experiences. Results: Analysis of the semistructured interviews shows that 89.6% of participants (N=26) felt the training was informative; 79.3% of participants (N=23) reported using personal testimony while engaging in discussions about vaccination with their peers, and the majority of participants (N=26, 89.6%) discussed vaccination outside of the workplace in other community settings. During the 2-month time span of the program, mRNA COVID-19 vaccination rates among the EVS staff increased by 21% (N=126 to N=189). Conclusion: Our CBPA program demonstrated an increase in mRNA COVID-19 vaccine uptake through using an AOC lay health educator model. As the need for COVID-19 vaccination continues, we must continue to investigate barriers and sources of hesitancy in order to address these through tailored interventions.

How Do I Choose a Job? Factors Influencing the Career and Employment Decisions of Physiotherapy Graduates in Canada.

Purpose: Physiotherapy is a diverse profession: there are many areas in which physiotherapists can practise. New graduates must decide in which area of physiotherapy they would like to work and with which organizations to seek employment. The purpose of this study was to describe the factors that influenced the career (area of practice, practice setting) and employment (organization) decisions of recent physiotherapy graduates. Method: Given Canada's vast expanse, we used survey methodology. We invited English-speaking physiotherapists who had completed their physiotherapy education between October 2015 and December 2017 to participate in this study. The survey was emailed to 1,442 physiotherapists in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. Results: We collected 351 responses (24%). Almost all respondents reported currently working as a physiotherapist, and the majority worked with patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Clinical education experiences were most influential in determining career decisions. Area of practice, practice setting, and mentorship were the most influential factors contributing to employment decisions. Conclusions: Clinical education experiences are influential in shaping physiotherapy students' career and employment decisions. Employers who want to recruit physiotherapy graduates may consider partnering with physiotherapy programmes to offer clinical placement experiences and develop mentorship programmes that help build novice physiotherapists' competence and confidence.

Objectif : la physiothérapie est une profession diversifiée : les physiothérapeutes peuvent exercer dans divers domaines. Les nouveaux diplômés doivent décider celui dans lequel ils désirent travailler et dans quelles organisations solliciter un emploi. La présente étude visait à décrire les facteurs qui avaient influé sur les décisions des récents diplômés en physiothérapie pour leur choix de carrière (domaine et milieu d'exercice) et d'emploi (organisations). Méthodologie : étant donné l'immensité du Canada, les chercheurs ont opté pour la méthodologie du sondage. Ils ont invité les physiothérapeutes anglophones qui avaient terminé leurs études entre octobre 2015 et décembre 2017 à participer. Ils ont posté le sondage à 1 442 physiothérapeutes de la Colombie-Britannique, de l'Alberta, de la Saskatchewan, du Manitoba, de l'Ontario et de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Résultats : les chercheurs ont colligé 351 réponses (24 %). Presque tous les répondants ont déclaré travailler comme physiothérapeutes, la majorité auprès de patients ayant des troubles musculosquelettiques. Les expériences cliniques pendant leurs études avaient été déterminantes dans leur choix de carrière. Le domaine et le milieu d'exercice et le mentorat étaient les facteurs qui avaient le plus influencé leurs décisions en matière d'emploi. Conclusions : les expériences cliniques pendant les études contribuent à orienter les décisions des étudiants en matière de carrière et d'emploi. Les employeurs qui souhaitent recruter des diplômés en physiothérapie peuvent envisager de s'associer à des programmes de physiothérapie pour offrir des expériences de stage clinique et créer des programmes de mentorat qui contribueront à accroître les compétences et la confiance des physiothérapeutes novices.

Nurse Educator Pathway Project: a competency-based intersectoral curriculum.

In this paper, we begin by providing an overview of the Educator Pathway Project (EPP), an education infrastructure that was developed in response to emerging critical nursing workplace issues, and the related demand for enhanced workplace education. We then describe the EPP competency-based curriculum designed to prepare nurses as preceptors, mentors, and educators to lead learning with diverse learner groups. This competency-based curriculum was developed through a collaboration of nurse leaders across practice, academic, and union sectors and drew from a widely embraced curriculum development model (Iwasiw, Goldenberg, & Andrusyzyn, 2005). The goal of the curriculum was to prepare nurses through a four-level career pathway model that contextualized practice and education theory to various education-related roles and levels of experience within the practice setting. Over 1,100 nurses participated in this innovative intersectoral nursing initiative.

Teaching professionalism: some features in Canadian physiotherapy programs.

The role of "professionalism" is core to many health professions including Physical Therapy (PT), and the development of competence in professionalism is a key requirement of entry-to-practice PT programs. However, the actual curriculum, teaching methodologies, and evaluation methods currently used to develop professional competence during PT training programs in Canada are unclear. This study explored current teaching practices, evaluation and curricular content related to professionalism in Canadian entry-to-practice PT programs. Results showed that teaching practices related to professionalism were not necessarily congruent with methods promulgated by educational theory and relied heavily on lecture, while more appropriate strategies such as simulation and role play were under-utilized. The numbers of different teaching methods utilized for specific aspects of professionalism were variable. Emphasis on different curricular areas related to professionalism also varied: communication was given the most emphasis while change management was under-represented. It is posited that teaching methods related to professionalism could be improved and curricular content and emphasis should also be reconsidered.

Use of topical corticosteroids in the management of static wounds.

This article describes how to assess static wounds and discusses the use of topical corticosteroids as a treatment option.

Response, disease-free interval and overall survival of cats with nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma treated with a fractionated vs a single-dose protocol of strontium plesiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of the study was to establish response, disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival of cats with nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with Sr90 plesiotherapy. A secondary aim was to determine whether a fractionated protocol is more effective than a single-dose protocol in terms of response, DFI and overall survival. The third aim was to evaluate whether we can identify prognostic factors that influence overall survival. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included cats with a diagnosis of nasal planum SCC treated with Sr90 plesiotherapy at a single institution. RESULTS: Seventy-four cats were included in the study. Thirty-two were treated with a fractionated protocol and 42 with a single-dose treatment. Sr90 plesiotherapy was able to induce complete response in 74% of cats with nasal planum SCC. The median DFI was 780 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 383-1177), with 17% of cats experiencing local recurrence. The overall survival for all cats was 1039 days (95% CI 55-1528). The DFI of cats treated with the fractionated Sr90 was significantly longer compared with the single-dose treatment, whereas response and overall survival were not statistically different. Other prognostic factors that influenced the overall survival were early-stage disease, absence of concurrent problems and complete response to the treatment. Acute and long-term toxicity associated with the treatment were minimal and the aesthetic outcome was pleasing in almost all cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Strontium plesiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment of nasal planum SCC in cats.

Internet health scams-Developing a taxonomy and risk-of-deception assessment tool.

The prevalence of health scams in Canada is increasing, facilitated by the rise of the Internet. However, little is known about the nature of this phenomena. This study sought to methodically identify and categorise Internet-based Health Scams (IHS) currently active in Canada, creating an initial taxonomy based on systematic Internet searches. A five-step Delphi approach, comprised of a multidisciplinary panel of health professionals from the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, Canada, was used to establish consensus. The resulting taxonomy is the first to characterise the nature of IHS in North America. Five core areas of activity were identified: body image products, medical products, alternative health services, healthy lifestyle products, and diagnostic testing services. IHS purveyors relied on social expectations and psychological persuasion techniques to target consumers. Persuasion techniques included social engagement, claims of miraculous effects, scarcity, and the use of pseudoscientific language. These techniques exploited personality traits of sensation seeking, needing self-control, openness to taking risks, and the preference for uniqueness. The data gathered from the taxonomy allowed the Delphi panel to develop and pilot a simple risk-of-deception tool. This tool is intended to help healthcare professionals educate the public about IHS. It is suggested that, where relevant, healthcare professionals include a general discussion of IHS risks and marketing techniques with clients as a part of health promotion activities.

Identification of molecular genetic contributants to canine cutaneous mast cell tumour metastasis by global gene expression analysis.

Cutaneous mast cell tumours are one of the most common canine cancers. Approximately 25% of the tumours metastasise. Activating c-kit mutations are present in about 20% of tumours, but metastases occur in the absence of mutations. Tumour metastasis is associated with significantly diminished survival in spite of adjuvant chemotherapy. Available prognostic tests do not reliably predict whether a tumour will metastasise. In this study we compared the global expression profiles of 20 primary cutaneous mast cell tumours that metastasised with those of 20 primary tumours that did not metastasise. The objective was to identify genes associated with mast cell tumour metastatic progression that may represent targets for therapeutic intervention and biomarkers for prediction of tumour metastasis. Canine Gene 1.1 ST Arrays were employed for genome-wide expression analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsies of mast cell tumours borne by dogs that either died due to confirmed mast cell tumour metastasis, or were still alive more than 1000 days post-surgery. Decreased gene expression in the metastasising tumours appears to be associated with a loss of cell polarity, reduced cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion, and increased cell deformability and motility. Dysregulated gene expression may also promote extracellular matrix and base membrane degradation, suppression of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Down-regulation of gene expression in the metastasising tumours may be achieved at least in part by small nucleolar RNA-derived RNA and microRNA-effected gene silencing. Employing cross-validation, a linear discriminant analysis-based classifier featuring 19 genes that displayed two-fold differences in expression between metastasising and non-metastasising tumours was estimated to classify metastasising and non-metastasising tumours with accuracies of 90-100% and 70-100%, respectively. The differential expression of 9 of the discriminator genes was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR.

Canine mast cell tumors: correlation of apoptosis and proliferation markers with prognosis.

The Patnaik histologic grading system is commonly used to predict the behavior of cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) in dogs, but it is less useful for grade 2 MCTs because they exhibit considerable variation in biological behavior. In this retrospective study, immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and survivin and a standardized argyrophilic staining of nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) protocol were performed on 121 archived paraffin-embedded specimens of canine cutaneous MCTs, for which clinical follow-up data were available. Cox regression models indicated that the Ki-67 score (hazard ratio, 1.92; P < .001) and mean AgNOR score (hazard ratio, 2.57; P < .001) were significantly associated with Patnaik grade and survival time. A binary Ki-67 variable (cutoff point Ki-67 score = 1.8) was a significant predictor of survival for dogs with grade 2 MCTs. The estimated 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival probabilities for dogs with grade 2 MCTs and Ki-67 scores less than 1.8 were 0.92, 0.86, and 0.77, respectively (SEs, 0.08, 0.14, and 0.23, respectively; median not estimable). The corresponding survival probabilities for dogs with grade 2 MCTs and Ki-67 scores higher than 1.8 were 0.43, 0.21, and 0.21, respectively (SEs, 0.19, 0.18, and 0.18, respectively; median survival time, 395 days). No significant association was identified between survival and survivin score or PCNA score. This study shows that both mean AgNOR score and Ki-67 score are prognostic markers for canine MCTs. The Ki-67 score can be used to divide Patnaik grade 2 MCTs into 2 groups with markedly different expected survival times.

Myeloma-related disorders in cats commonly present as extramedullary neoplasms in contrast to myeloma in human patients: 24 cases with clinical follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Myeloma-related disorders (MRD) are rare neoplasms of plasma cells. Published case reports describe a diversity of clinical presentations with confusing terminology and diagnostic criteria as a consequence of the assumption that MRD in cats are analogous to those in dogs or humans. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe clinical, clinicopathologic and imaging findings, response to treatment, survival and possible associations with other diseases or vaccination in a large case series. A priori hypotheses were that cats with MRD commonly present with extramedullary involvement and uncommonly have radiographic bone lesions, in contrast to human patients. ANIMALS: Twenty-four cats with MRD confirmed by cytology or histopathology and immunohistochemistry. METHOD: A multicenter retrospective study was performed. RESULTS: Two types of clinical presentation were observed. The first group (n = 17) had neoplasia involving abdominal organs, bone marrow, or both. All developed systemic clinical signs and paraproteinemia. Five of 7 cats that received chemotherapy improved clinically or had decreased serum globulin concentration (median survival, 12.3 months; range, 8.5-22 months). The second group comprised 7 cats with skin masses, 2 of which were paraproteinemic and developed rapidly worsening systemic signs. In cats without systemic signs, excision of the skin masses appeared to be associated with prolonged survival (up to 2.4 years). Cats with MRD commonly presented with extramedullary involvement (67%), versus humans with MRD (5%) (P < .001), and uncommonly presented with radiographic bone lesions (8%) versus humans with MRD (80%) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic bone lesions are uncommon in cats with MRD and extramedullary presentation is common, relative to human myeloma.

A retrospective study of (90)Strontium plesiotherapy for feline squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum.

The responses of 15 cats with histologically (n=14) or cytologically (n=1) confirmed nasal squamous cell carcinoma treated with (90)Strontium plesiotherapy were reviewed retrospectively. Cats were treated such that a total dose of 50Gy was delivered at a depth of 2mm, administered in five fractions over a 10-day period. Of the cats, 11 were stage T(2), three were T(is) and one had only a cytological diagnosis precluding staging. Eleven of the cats achieved complete response (no visible lesion after 6-8 weeks) following the first cycle of therapy, and two cats with partial response achieved complete response with a second cycle of therapy. The remaining two cats achieved partial response following therapy, but further intervention was declined. Euthanasia was performed in these two cats because of progressive disease after 81 and 142 days. Of the 85% of cats that achieved a complete response, there was no recurrence of disease during a follow-up period of 134-2,043 days (median 652 days). In addition to prolonged disease-free survivals, (90)Strontium therapy produced excellent cosmetic results from the owners' perspective. These results demonstrate that superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the feline nasal planum responds excellently to (90)Strontium plesiotherapy, and this form of therapy may offer advantages over other alternatives currently available.

Raising the Priority of Lifestyle-Related Noncommunicable Diseases in Physical Therapy Curricula.

Given their enormous socioeconomic burdens, lifestyle-related noncommunicable diseases (heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity) have become priorities for the World Health Organization and health service delivery systems. Health care systems have been criticized for relative inattention to the gap between knowledge and practice, as it relates to preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases. Physical therapy is a profession that can contribute effectively to patients'/clients' lifestyle behavior changes at the upstream end of prevention and management. Efforts by entry-to-practice physical therapist education programs to align curricula with epidemiological trends toward best health care practices are varied. One explanation may be the lack of a frame of reference for reducing the knowledge translation gap. The purpose of this article is to provide a current perspective on epidemiological indicators and societal priorities to inform physical therapy curriculum content. Such content needs to include health examination/evaluation tools and health behavior change interventions that are consistent with contemporary values, directions, and practices of physical therapy. These considerations provide a frame of reference for curriculum change. Based on 5 years of experience and dialogue among curriculum stakeholders, an example of how epidemiologically informed and evidence-based best health care practices may be systematically integrated into physical therapy curricula to maximize patient/client health and conventional physical therapy outcomes is provided. This novel approach can serve as an example to other entry-to-practice physical therapist education programs of how to align their curricula with societal health priorities, specifically, noncommunicable diseases. The intentions are to stimulate dialogue about effectively integrating health-based competencies into entry-level education and advancing best practice, as opposed to simply evidence-based practice, across professions and health services and to establish accreditable, health promotion practice standards for physical therapy.

Breaking the access barrier: evaluating an asthma center's efforts to provide education to children with asthma in schools.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an asthma education program for children with asthma that is delivered in their school by certified asthma educators from a local hospital-based asthma center. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Twenty-six elementary schools located in a suburb of Toronto. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 256 children in grades 2 to 5 with asthma and their parents were randomized to control and experimental groups. INTERVENTION: Children in the experimental group received the "Roaring Adventures of Puff" asthma education program over the course of six weekly 1-h sessions. Those in the control group continued receiving usual care. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Data collection involved measuring asthma quality of life, self-efficacy for managing asthma, school absenteeism, days of interrupted activity, health services use, and parental loss of time from work. Quality of life and self-efficacy data were collected from the children at baseline and 2 months. Telephone parental interviews conducted over 1 year were used to collect data on the remaining variables. Unpaired t test, analysis of variance, and chi2 test were used to determine whether differences existed between the groups. The results are reported as the mean +/- SD. The experimental group demonstrated higher scores than the control group for self-efficacy (3.6 +/- 0.7 vs 3.8 +/- 0.9, respectively; p < 0.05) and quality of life (5.0 +/- 1.4 vs 5.5 +/- 1.4, respectively; p < 0.05). At 1 year, the experimental group demonstrated fewer mean urgent health-care visits (2.5 +/- 2.5 vs 1.7 +/- 1.9 visits per year, respectively; p < 0.01), days of missed school (4.3 +/- 5.7 vs 3.0 +/- 4.4 days per year, respectively; p > 0.05), and days of interrupted activity (9.1 +/- 10.5 vs 6.2 +/- 7.3 days per year; p < 0.01) related to asthma than the control group. There were no differences between the groups for parental work absenteeism or scheduled asthma visits. CONCLUSION: Providing an asthma education program to children in their school can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the burden of childhood asthma.

Standardized Patients versus Volunteer Patients for Physical Therapy Students' Interviewing Practice: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of standardized patients (SPs) and volunteer patients (VPs) for physical therapy students' interviewing practice in terms of students' perception and overall costs. METHODS: Students in the Master of Physical Therapy programme (n=80) at a Canadian university were divided into 20 groups of 4 and were randomly assigned to interview either an SP (10 groups) or a VP (10 groups). Students completed a survey about their perception of the usefulness of the activity and the ease and depth of information extraction. Survey responses as well as costs of the interview exercise were compared between SP and VP groups. RESULTS: No statistically significant between-groups difference was found for the majority of survey items. The cost of using an SP was $148, versus $50 for a VP. CONCLUSIONS: Students' perceptions of the usefulness of the activity in helping them to develop their interview skills and of the ease and depth of extracting information were similar for both SPs and VPs. Because the cost of using an SP is about three times that of using a VP, using VPs seem to be a more cost-effective option.

Objet : Comparer le recours aux patients normalisés (PN) et aux patients bénévoles (PB) par des étudiants en physiothérapie qui s'exercent à réaliser des entrevues en ce qui concerne la perception des étudiants et les coûts généraux. Méthodes : Des étudiants à la maîtrise en physiothérapie (n=80) d'une université canadienne ont été divisés en 20 groupes de 4 personnes et on leur a aléatoirement attribué soit un PN (n=10 groupes), soit un PB (n=10 groupes) à interviewer. Les étudiants ont répondu à un sondage sur leur perception de l'utilité de cette activité, de la facilité avec laquelle l'information avait été obtenue et du niveau de détail de l'information obtenue. Les réponses au sondage ainsi que les coûts de l'exercice d'entrevue ont été comparés entre les groupes de PN et de PB. Résultats : Aucune différence importante sur le plan statistique entre les deux groupes n'a été relevée pour la majorité des points du sondage. Le cours du recours à un PN était de 148 $, tandis qu'il était de 50 $ pour un PB. Conclusions : La perception des étudiants en ce qui concerne l'utilité de l'activité pour les aider à parfaire leurs techniques d'entrevue ainsi que la facilité d'obtenir de l'information et le niveau de détail de l'information obtenue était similaire pour les patients normalisés et les patients bénévoles. Puisque le coût du recours à un PN est environ trois fois celui du recours à un PB, les patients bénévoles semblent être un choix plus rentable.