A method for providing high-volume interprofessional simulation encounters in physical and occupational therapy education programs.

With an increasing emphasis on interprofessional education within the allied health professions, simulation has potential for being a useful teaching modality for providing collaborative learning experiences for occupational and physical therapist students. However, there are many challenges associated with conducting simulations with large numbers of students. We describe the design, planning, cost, and support staff time required for conducting an interprofessional simulation of the intensive care setting, including a methodology for maximizing resources and student opportunities for participation for 64 physical and occupational therapy students over a 4-hour time period. Qualitative analyses of student experiences are also presented.

Epidemiological and follow-back study of suicides in Alaska.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct an in-depth analysis of all suicides occurring in Alaska between September 1, 2003 and August 31, 2006, and to conduct follow-back interviews with key informants for select cases. STUDY DESIGN: Suicide data were gathered from the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, law enforcement agencies and the Alaska medical examiner's office. Trained counsellors administered the 302 branching-question follow-back protocol during in-person interviews with key informants about the decedents. METHODS: Suicide death certificates, medical examiner's reports and police files were analysed retrospectively. Key informants were contacted for confidential interviews about the decedents' life, especially regarding risk and protective factors. Results. There were 426 suicides during the 36-month study period. The suicide rate was 21.4/100,000. Males out-numbered females 4 to 1. The age-group of 20 to 29 had both the greatest number of suicides and the highest rate per 100,000 population. Alaska Natives had a suicide rate that was three times higher than the non-Native population. Follow-back interviews were conducted with 71 informants for 56 of the suicide decedents. CONCLUSIONS: This research adds significant information to our existing knowledge of suicide in Alaska, particularly as it affects the younger age groups among the Alaska Native population and the role of alcohol/drugs.

Use of high fidelity human simulation to teach physical therapist decision-making skills for the intensive care setting.

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE: There is a paucity of discussion in the professional literature about the use of high fidelity human simulation (HFHS) as a teaching intervention in physical therapist educational programs. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide an example of the design and use of high fidelity human simulation (HFHS) to facilitate teaching of cardiopulmonary and intensive care concepts in a physical therapist education program. CASE DESCRIPTION: HFHS was used at the end of the fourth of 9 semesters in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. An intensive care unit case scenario was developed that required students to perform procedural skills and apply biomedical knowledge/concepts to clinical decision-making during simulated patient mobilization. OUTCOMES: Students successfully completed the HFHS session objectives, though there was variability in how quickly they recognized and responded to alarms and changes in patient status. Psychomotor performance of skills was generally correct but awkward, consistent with novice performance. Students were universally positive about HFHS as a teaching strategy for preparing for an acute care clinical education experience. DISCUSSION: One session using HFHS as a laboratory activity may have a substantial impact on students' perceptions and confidence prior to entering an acute care clinical experience. Physical therapist educational programs with access to HFHS resources should consider its incorporation into cardiopulmonary or acute care content. Given the high cost of acquiring and maintaining HFHS resources, programs without such resources should carefully consider the extent to which they would use HFHS in their curricula.

An analysis of hospital visits during the 12 months preceding suicide death in Northern Alaska.

In 2003 the age-adjusted suicide rate in Alaska (20.2 per 100,000) was the second highest in the country and nearly twice that of the U.S. all races population. The suicide rate among Alaska's Native population (35.1 per 100,000) was 1.7 times greater than the rate among all Alaskans and 3.3 times greater than the U.S. all races rate. This retrospective case-control study examined suicide among Alaska Native males living in a northern Alaska region, in an attempt to identify the frequency and nature of contact with medical staff during the 12 months preceding the cases' suicides. Results show that during the last year of life, cases were 2.75 times as likely to have any contact with medical staff, they were 3.29 times as likely to be treated for an injury, and were 22.18 times as likely to be treated for an alcohol-related event than were the matched controls.