A cross-sectional survey investigating wheelchair skills training in Ireland.

PURPOSE: Wheelchair skills trainings are a vital aspect wheelchair provision yet are arguably overlooked and extent to which training is provided in the Irish context is highly variable. The primary aim of this study was to quantify whether a need exists to further develop wheelchair skills training in Ireland. METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted using SurveyMonkeyTM. Irish health professionals involved in wheelchair service delivery were asked how they offer wheelchair skills trainings and what components of wheelchair skills they train. To collect qualitative information, questions also explored how health professionals would like training to develop. RESULTS: Consensus among respondents was that training is often provided to new users (n = 91, 89%), however, it is limited to mostly transfers and simple mobility techniques. Further, it was reported that advanced mobility skills are sometimes (n = 81, 51%) or never taught (n = 81, 21%). The respondent's confidence instructing various skills corresponded with the frequency of instruction. The responses captured a shared interest in developing standardised training programs and the development of continued education training in the area. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study reinforce that a present need exists to further develop wheelchair skills training in Ireland, with the aim of improving Irish wheelchair service providers' knowledge and confidence in advanced wheelchair skills needed to mobilise and perform activities of daily living.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONCurrent clinical practice in Irish wheelchair service delivery includes basic wheelchair skills training, whereas training in advanced skills needed for improved independent mobility is highly variable.This study raises awareness that health professionals seek formal education and training in wheelchair skills to improve their knowledge and confidence in providing wheelchair skills training.There is a need to develop wheelchair skills training opportunities, both as a requirement for stakeholders involved in wheelchair provision and to address an unmet need for wheelchair users.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture Therapy on Stress in a Large Urban College Population.

This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial to study the effectiveness of acupuncture on the perception of stress in patients who study or work on a large, urban college campus. The hypothesis was that verum acupuncture would demonstrate a significant positive impact on perceived stress as compared to sham acupuncture. This study included 111 participants with high self-reported stress levels who either studied or worked at a large, urban public university in the southwestern United States. However, only 62 participants completed the study. The participants were randomized into a verum acupuncture or sham acupuncture group. Both the groups received treatment once a week for 12 weeks. The Cohen's global measure of perceived stress scale (PSS-14) was completed by each participant prior to treatment, at 6 weeks, at 12 weeks, and 6 weeks and 12 weeks post-treatment completion. While participants of both the groups showed a substantial initial decrease in perceived stress scores, at 12 weeks post treatment, the verum acupuncture group showed a significantly greater treatment effect than the sham acupuncture group. This study indicates that acupuncture may be successful in decreasing the perception of stress in students and staff at a large urban university, and this effect persists for at least 3 months after the completion of treatment.