Profile and rural exposure for nursing and allied health students at two Australian Universities: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Linking enrolment and professional placement data for students' from 2 universities, this study compares characteristics across universities and health disciplines. The study explores associations between students' location of origin and frequency, duration and type of placements. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort data linkage. SETTING: Two Australian universities, Monash University and the University of Newcastle. PARTICIPANTS: Students who completed medical radiation science, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy or physiotherapy at either university between 2 February 2017 and 28 February 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Location of origin, university and discipline of enrolment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Main measures were whether graduates had multiple rural placements, number of rural placements and cumulative rural placement days. Location of origin, discipline and university of enrolment were the main explanatory variables. Secondary dependent variables were age, sex, socio-economic indices for location of origin, and available placements. RESULTS: A total of 1,315 students were included, of which 22.1% were of rural origin. The odds of rural origin students undertaking a rural placement was more than 4.5 times greater than for urban origin students. A higher proportion of rural origin students had multiple rural placement (56.0% vs 14.9%), with a higher mean number of rural placement days. Public hospitals were the most common placement type, with fewer in primary care, mental health or aged care. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive association between rural origin and rural placements in nursing and allied health. To help strengthen recruitment and retention of graduates this association could be further exploited, while being inclusive of non-rural students.

Strategies to develop student support mechanisms in medical radiation sciences clinical education.

Clinical placement experience is an important component of medical radiation science (MRS) education, equipping students to safely transition into complex healthcare environments. This commentary draws on evidence from the literature that reports challenges allied health students face in clinical environments. As several factors are implicated that could result in a higher prevalence of psychological distress and mental ill-health in MRS students, there is a need to re-emphasize the importance of developing strategies to support students in clinical education. A key recommendation is to identify associated risk factors early as they can impact on the quality of education and in severe cases be detrimental to students' psychological well-being. This requires an understanding of the full extent and nature of the challenges through partnered approaches between professional organisations, clinical departments, academics and students. Developing evidence-based strategies for improving students' well-being in clinical environments is also essential.

Screening for thyroid diseases among students of applied medical sciences at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the occurrence rate of thyroid ultrasound abnormalities in asymptomatic subjects, and describe the features of detected nodules among university students. METHODS: The study is based on an observational research design that was conducted from April 2015 to May 2015. The study included 166 individuals, aged between 19 and 23 years. The subjects had their glands examined by ultrasound (US) scanning, using Philips ultrasound machine (5-12 MHz linear transducer). RESULTS: We recruited 90 (57.8%) females and 76 (42.2%) males without any indications of thyroid disease. Data estimated that 41 (24.7%) subjects had positive results on thyroid disease screening, 24 (70.6%) participants had solitary nodules, and 10 (29.4%) had multiple nodules. Thirty-four subjects revealed nodular presentation in the screening, among which 24 (70.6%) indicated solitary nodules and 10 (29.4%) had multiple nodules. Among 3 subjects, who indicated hypoechoic nodules, 2 (66.7%) underwent US-fine needle aspiration biopsy and received histological confirmation that they had papillary carcinomas. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a useful and effective technique for screening thyroid related diseases, and can be utilized as a routine practice for general population screening.

Best Practices in Bridging Education: Multiple Case Study Evaluation of Postsecondary Bridging Programs for Internationally Educated Health Professionals.

AIMS: Bridging education for internationally trained professionals has grown in popularity, but little is known about promising practices for bridging education in allied health professions. This paper addresses this gap by examining the expected outcomes of effective bridging programs, the key features that contribute to their effectiveness, challenges faced by bridging programs, and the appropriate role of regulatory colleges, government, employers, and professional associations in bridging education. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods multiple case study analysis of seven bridging programs in Ontario, Canada, in five allied health professions: medical laboratory technology, medical radiation technology, diagnostic medical sonography, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy. RESULTS: Effective bridging programs are accessible and flexible in content and format. The key challenges include developing curricula tailored to participants' needs, identifying appropriate format for program delivery, obtaining clinical placements for participants, and achieving financial sustainability. Government, professional, and educational stakeholders should play a central role in bridging education planning and delivery. CONCLUSION: The success of a bridging program relies on two key components-program design and infrastructure. Partnerships with government, professional, and educational stakeholders facilitate the development of good bridging programs.

Teaching of infection control in undergraduate courses in health sciences: opinion of experts / Enseñanza del control de infecciones en la graduación en salud: la opinión de expertos / Ensino do controle de infecções na graduação em saúde: opinião de experts

ABSTRACT Objective: To know the perception of expert professionals in infection control and prevention on the teaching of skills for the prevention and control of infections related to health care in undergraduate courses in Health Sciences. Method: We used the Delphi technique, developed in four sequential rounds. Thirty-one nurses and eight physicians participated in the study. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis; the quantitative ones, from the descriptive statistics. Results: The importance of the courses has had teachers with expertise in infection control and prevention added to arguments about the development of the subject in the curricula by means of a specific subject or as a transversal theme. Conclusions: In order to cover the complexity of the elements that are interconnected for professional training, teaching must be based on pedagogical strategies that provoke reflection in students, encouraging them to develop critical thinking about their experiences.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Conocer la percepción de los profesionales con experiencia en prevención y control de infección sobre la enseñanza de las competencias para la prevención y control de infecciones relacionadas a la asistencia a la salud en los cursos de graduación del área de la salud. Método: Se utilizó la técnica Delphi, desarrollada en cuatro rondas secuenciales. Participaron del estudio 31 enfermeros y 8 médicos. Los datos cualitativos fueron analizados por medio del análisis de contenido y los cuantitativos, a partir de la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Ha surgido la importancia de que los cursos tengan docentes con experiencia en prevención y control de infecciones. Sumada a las argumentaciones sobre el desarrollo del tema en los currículos por medio de una disciplina específica o como tema transversal. Conclusiones: Para abarcar la complejidad de los elementos que se interconectan para la formación profesional, la enseñanza debe guiarse en estrategias pedagógicas que instiguen la reflexión en el estudiante, estimulándolo a desarrollar el pensamiento crítico sobre sus vivencias.

RESUMO Objetivo: Conhecer a percepção dos profissionais com expertise em prevenção e controle de infecção sobre o ensino das competências para a prevenção e o controle de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde nos cursos de graduação da área da saúde. Método: Utilizou-se a técnica Delphi, desenvolvida em quatro rodadas sequenciais. Participaram do estudo 31 enfermeiros e oito médicos. Os dados qualitativos foram analisados por meio da análise de conteúdo; os quantitativos, a partir da estatística descritiva. Resultados: Emergiu a importância de os cursos contarem com docentes com expertise em prevenção e controle de infecções. Somada a argumentações sobre o desenvolvimento do tema nos currículos por meio de uma disciplina específica ou como tema transversal. Conclusões: Para abranger a complexidade dos elementos que se interligam para a formação profissional, o ensino deve pautar-se em estratégias pedagógicas que instiguem a reflexão no estudante, estimulando-o a desenvolver o pensamento crítico sobre suas vivências.

Interprofessional Education in Allied Health Using Virtual Technologies.

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) is becoming increasingly prevalent in health science education, with the goal of preparing students to work collaboratively in teams within the healthcare environment. Students in our cytotechnology and radiation therapy (RT) programs used virtual technologies to demonstrate their professions using case studies. The purpose of this activity was to see if our students' knowledge of each other's professions and educational technologies increased and if the students had a better understanding of how they would work together in a healthcare team. METHODS: Participants included four cytotechnology students and five RT students. All were given a presurvey to determine their level of knowledge about each other's profession. The cytotechnology students presented cases involving gynecologic and lung cancers using virtual microscopy and explained how they screen slides and interpret cellular changes. The RT students explained how they would treat these same patients using the Virtual Environment Radiotherapy Training system (VERT), showing the cytotechnology students how the beam is guided to the exact spot for treatment. After the IPE activity, all participants were given a post-survey to determine their levels of understanding. RESULTS: The results indicated that the IPE activity increased the level of understanding regarding each other's professions and how they each fit together in the role of patient care. CONCLUSIONS: IPE activities, even on a small scale with two professions in the same college, can improve knowledge and collaboration between professions. More of these activities should be conducted for effective healthcare teams and improved patient outcomes.

A workforce in crisis: a case study to expand allied ophthalmic personnel.

OBJECTIVE: To examine how the development of allied ophthalmic personnel training programs affects human resource capacity. DESIGN: Using a qualitative case study method conducted at a single Ontario institution, this article describes 6 years of establishing a 2-tiered allied ophthalmic personnel training program. PARTICIPANTS: The Kingston Ophthalmic Training Centre participated in the study with 8 leadership and program graduate interviews. METHODS: To assess regional eye health workforce needs, a case study and iterative process used triangulations of the literature, case study, and qualitative interviews with stakeholders. This research was used to develop a model for establishing allied ophthalmic personnel training programs that would result in expanding human resource capacity. RESULTS: Current human resource capacity development and deployment is inadequate to provide the needed eye care services in Canada. A competency-based curriculum and accreditation model as the platform to develop formal academic training programs is essential. Access to quality eye care and patient services can be met by task-shifting from ophthalmologists to appropriately trained allied ophthalmic personnel. CONCLUSION: Establishing formal training programs is one important strategy to supplying a well-skilled, trained, and qualified ophthalmic workforce. This initiative meets the criteria required for quality, relevance, equity, and cost-effectiveness to meet the future demands for ophthalmic patient care.

Bonesetter interventions and consequences.

OBJECTIVE: Delaying the treatment of bone and tendon injuries may cause unmanageable complications. Bonesetters continue to cause delays in treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the medical outcomes of delay due to bonesetter intervention and factors affecting patient treatment preference. METHODS: Among outpatients treated at our clinic between January 2010-December 2012, bonesetter-intervened patients were included, and patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and possible social factors were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical examinations and radiological screening measurements were used to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 162 patients, 97 (59.8%) were male, and mean age was 27.5±9.4 years. Eighty-nine (54.9%) of the patients lived in a rural area, and 108 (66.7%) underwent surgery. Bonesetter preference was dictated primarily by elderly relatives (47.6%) or neighbors (33.3%). Patients with a primary school education and unemployed patients mostly preferred bonesetters (p=0.03 and p<0.01, respectively), the explanation for which was the long treatment period and concern of being disabled (p=0.04). Complication rate among patients who were evaluated at a hospital was 33.9%. CONCLUSION: Despite being medically unreliable and often times harmful, bonesetting is still accepted as an alternative treatment modality among uneducated patient and thus remains an ongoing problem in Turkey. Improvements in average education level and increased dissemination of accurate information via various media and non-governmental organizations will be effective in the correction and prevention of the afore-mentioned complications regarding bonesetter interventions.

Reflexões sobre a prática do residente terapeuta ocupacional na estratégiasaúde da família no município de São Carlos / About the therapist occupational residence practice at family healthcarestrategy in São Carlos

O olhar dos residentes egressos de Terapia Ocupacional sobre suas práticas na Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família e Comunidade da UFSCar foi o objetivo deste estudo.Durante o programa de pós-graduação “lato sensu”, de ensino em serviço, os residentes desenvolvem competências de cuidado individual e coletivo, gestão, educação permanente e pesquisa, na lógica do apoio matricial, inseridos em Unidades de Saúde da Família do município. Responderam a um questionário on-line, sete dos oito residentes formados de 2007 a 2011. O material empírico foi agrupado em blocos a partir de um entendimentoda hermenêutica dialética em diálogo com o referencial teórico e o projeto pedagógico da residência. Embora com diferenças, todos os residentes puderam reconhecer, de forma ampliada, aspráticas e os preceitos da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Nos relatos,associaram o cuidado individual e coletivo ao núcleo de saber da Terapia Ocupacional, e associaram as ações coletivas, de gestão e de educação permanente, ao campo de saber da Saúde Coletiva. Os egressos reconheceram a residência como fundamental para sua formação pessoal e profissional...

This study, based on dialectical hermeneutics, investigated the view of occupational therapists posgraduatesat University of São Carlos about their practices. During the residence, they worked in a Unit of Family Healthcare in which they are inserted in a matrix organization model and they hadpermanent education and research based in practice, learning about management of health services, individual and collective care. Seven graduates, who concluded the residence between 2007 and 2011, answered an on-line questionnaire. This materialwas grouped in accordance to comprehensive and critical social reality knowledge based in the pedagogic project and residence theory. Although each student has had different view, everyone experienced and recognized, generally, the practice accordingto Family Health Strategy precepts: comprehensive health care,interdisciplinary, intersectionality, networking, social control, co-responsibility, autonomy and protagonism. Moreover, the answers demonstrated an association between care (individual and collective) to occupational therapy center of knowledge, and groups management and permanent education were associated to community health. In conclusion, the posgraduates recognizedthe residence as a fundamental experience to their personal andprofessional formation...

Percepção de estudantes do curso de fisioterapia sobre sua formação profissional para atuação na atenção básica no Sistema Único de Saúde / Perception of Physical Therapy students about their training to work for the Brazilian Unified Health System / Percepción de estudiantes del curso de fisioterapia sobre su formación profesional para actuación en la atención básica en el Sistema Único de Salud

A implantação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e a busca dos seus princípios têm suscitado mudanças nas práticas de saúde, promovendo alterações no processo de formação e desenvolvimento de profissionais da área. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a percepção de estudantes do Curso de Fisioterapia de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior (IES) pública, na cidade de Teresina (PI), sobre sua formação para prestação de serviços na área de atenção básica no SUS. Estudo transversal com aplicação de questionário especificamente elaborado para o estudo. A amostra foi composta por 42 dos 54 acadêmicos do Curso de Fisioterapia, matriculados do 6º ao 10º período. Os resultados mostram que 81% dos alunos afirmaram ter conhecimentos sobre o SUS proporcionados pela IES. Observou-se que somente os alunos integrantes da amostra que cursavam o 10º período (28,6%) realizaram estágio em saúde coletiva e fisioterapia comunitária. Foi verificado que 91,7% dos alunos do último ano e 43,3% dos alunos representativos dos demais períodos se julgaram aptos para atuar no sistema de saúde. Assim, constatou-se que, em sua maioria, os acadêmicos entrevistados detêm conhecimentos sobre o SUS, adquiridos em sua graduação, e acreditam estar preparados para atuar no sistema, principalmente após a realização do estágio supervisionado...

The implementation of the Unified Health System in Brazil (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS) and the search for its principles have led to changes in health practices, promoting alterations in the formation and development processes of the professionals of the field. In this context, this study aims to determine the perception of Physical Therapy students from a Higher Education Institution in the city of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, on their training to provide services for SUS, by means of the application of a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. The research sample was composed of 42 out of the 54 students of Physical Therapy enrolled from the 6th to the 10th periods, which is also the last period of the course. The results show that 81% of academicians reported knowing something about SUS because of higher education institution. It was observed that only members of the sample attending the 10th period (28.6%) were interns in the public health system and community physical therapy. It was found that 91.7% of students from the 10th period and 43.3% of the students representing the other periods judged themselves to be able to work with the system. Thus, it appears that most interviewed students are aware of SUS, because of graduation, and believe to be prepared to work with the health system, especially after the supervised internship...

La implantación del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) y la búsqueda de sus principios han suscitado cambios en las prácticas de salud, promoviendo alteraciones en el proceso de formación y desarrollo de profesionales del área. En ese contexto, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo verificar la percepción de estudiantes del Curso de Fisioterapia de una Institución de Enseñanza Superior (IES) pública, en la ciudad de Teresina (PI), sobre su formación para prestación de servicios en el área de atención básica en el SUS. Estudio transversal con aplicación de cuestionario específicamente elaborado para el estudio. La muestra fue compuesta por 42 de los 54 académicos del Curso de Fisioterapia, matriculados del 6º al 10º período. Los resultados muestran que 81% de los alumnos afirmaron tener conocimientos sobre el SUS proporcionados por la IES. Se observó que solamente los alumnos integrantes de la muestra que cursaban el 10º período (28,6%) realizaron pasantía en salud colectiva y fisioterapia comunitaria. Fue verificado que 91,7% de los alumnos del último año y 43,3% de los alumnos representativos de los demás períodos se juzgaron aptos para actuar en el sistema de salud. Así, se constató que, en su mayoría, los académicos entrevistados poseen conocimientos sobre el SUS, adquiridos en su graduación, y creen estar preparados para actuar en el sistema, principalmente después de la realización de la pasantía supervisada...

Percepción de competencias en epidemiología en México y Colombia durante la epidemia de influenza A (H1N1) entre estudiantes de salud pública / Perception of epidemiological competencies by public health students in Mexico and Colombia during the influenza A (H1N1) epidemic

OBJETIVO: Conocer la percepción que los estudiantes de salud pública en México y en Colombia tuvieron sobre el manejo de la epidemia de influenza A (H1N1), como una forma para indagar qué contenidos curriculares pueden ser mejorados en la formación en epidemiología. MÉTODOS: Encuesta durante la epidemia, entre junio y agosto de 2009, a estudiantes de posgrado. Se evaluaron las 30 competencias epidemiológicas del Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists para "epidemiólogos intermedios". Se describieron los resultados estratificando por covariables, y se identificaron las competencias con menor desarrollo mediante análisis factorial exploratorio. RESULTADOS: Participaron 154 estudiantes, de los cuales 55,8 por ciento estaban en México. Se observaron diferencias importantes en el perfil de los estudiantes de ambos países, lo cual explica parcialmente la percepción de respuesta a la epidemia. En el análisis factorial el primer factor, que explica 21,5 por ciento de la varianza, presentó menores puntajes y se asoció con competencias relacionadas con el vínculo entre el personal sanitario y la comunidad, donde resultan relevantes conocimientos de ciencias sociales y habilidades de comunicación. CONCLUSIONES: Los estudiantes percibieron que la respuesta frente a la epidemia podría haber sido mejor. Se sugiere incorporar en la educación de los recursos humanos en salud pública temáticas sobre cultura y sus efectos sobre conductas y pensamientos, el reconocimiento de los prejuicios de los expertos, la comunicación efectiva con las comunidades, y la habilidad para adaptarse ante nuevas situaciones. El "experimento natural" de la epidemia facilitó la identificación de áreas de oportunidad para mejorar la enseñanza de la epidemiología ante contingencias sanitarias.

OBJECTIVE: Learn about the perception of public health students in Mexico and Colombia regarding the management of the influenza A (H1N1) epidemic to determine which curriculum contents in epidemiological education can be improved. METHODS: Survey administered to graduate students during the epidemic, from June to August 2009. The 30 epidemiological competencies for "intermediate epidemiologists" of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists were evaluated. The results were described through stratification by covariables, and the less developed competencies were identified through exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: A total of 154 students participated, 55.8 percent of whom were in Mexico. Significant differences in the student profile from each country were observed, which partially explains the perception of response to the epidemic. The first factor, which explains 21.5 percent of the variance, had lower scores in the factor analysis. This factor was associated with competencies related to the links between health personnel and the community, in which knowledge of the social sciences and communication skills are relevant. CONCLUSIONS: The students perceived that the response to the epidemic could have been better. It is suggested that public health human resources education include subjects related to the impact of culture on behavior and thinking, recognition of the prejudices of experts, effective community-level communication, and the ability to adapt to new situations. The "natural experiment" of the epidemic facilitated the identification of areas of opportunity to improve the teaching of epidemiology to health personnel.

Practice education learning environments: the mismatch between perceived and preferred expectations of undergraduate health science students.

BACKGROUND: Practical hands-on learning opportunities are viewed as a vital component of the education of health science students, but there is a critical shortage of fieldwork placement experiences. It is therefore important that these clinical learning environments are well suited to students' perceptions and expectations. PURPOSE: To investigate how undergraduate students enrolled in health-related education programs view their clinical learning environments and specifically to compare students' perception of their 'actual' clinical learning environment to that of their 'preferred/ideal' clinical learning environment. METHOD: The Clinical Learning Environment Inventory (CLEI) was used to collect data from 548 undergraduate students (55% response rate) enrolled in all year levels of paramedics, midwifery, radiography and medical imaging, occupational therapy, pharmacy, nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy and social work at Monash University via convenience sampling. Students were asked to rate their perception of the clinical learning environment at the completion of their placements using the CLEI. RESULTS: Satisfaction of the students enrolled in the health-related disciplines was closely linked with the five constructs measured by the CLEI: Personalization, Student Involvement, Task Orientation, Innovation, and Individualization. Significant differences were found between the student's perception of their 'actual' clinical learning environment and their 'ideal' clinical learning environment. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of a supportive clinical learning environment that places emphasis on effective two-way communication. A thorough understanding of students' perceptions of their clinical learning environments is essential.

[Education of cytotechnologists--are we satisfied with what we had, what we have, and what we want?]. / Edukacija citotehnologa--jesmo li zadovoljni s onim sto smo imali, sto imamo, a sto bismo zeljeli?

Our aim is to present training of cytotechnologists in Croatia as it looked in the past, as it appears at present, and our desires, needs, and upcoming changes necessary in future education of cytotechnologists. Education in cytotechnology begins at the School of Health Technicians, where the first organized training of cytotechnologists was held in 1968/1969, thanks to the efforts invested by Professor Inga Crepinko. After a period of training in a six-month course, during the 1981-1992 period training took place in the form of a one-year program evaluated as education level V. Since then, efforts to establish education at all academic institutions in Croatia have failed. At Medical College, one-year training was introduced in 1993, however, for only one generation. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Croatian Society of Clinical Cytology of the Croatian Medical Association, 5 one-year courses with 630 hours of theoretical classes with practical work and 200 hours of practical training in cytologic activities have been held since 2000. Now, we ask ourselves was there any reason for us to be satisfied in the past and is it there now. In Croatia, there is the need of optimized and standardized training of cytotechnologists at the university level, with a valid certificate in European countries and a curriculum that will meet the needs of new technologies (molecular techniques, LBC, HPV testing, etc.).

An online learning module focused on smoking education and prevention for college students: implications for college health instructors and allied health professionals.

The purpose of this research was to pilot-test the effectiveness of an online learning module focused on smoking for an undergraduate general education fitness and wellness course. Students enrolled in a required fitness and wellness course were given the opportunity to participate. Participants (n = 510) completed a brief demographic questionnaire and a 10-question pretest about the effects of smoking before viewing a 15-minute presentation about the effects of smoking and completing the same 10 questions as a post-test. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate knowledge gains. An overall time effect was observed (pretest score 4.9 +/- 1.3, post-test score 7.2 +/- 2.1). Significantly greater knowledge gains were found in nonsmokers (2.1 +/- 2.2) than in smokers (1.1 +/- 2.2). Females (2.3 +/- 2.3) had significantly greater knowledge gains than males (1.5 +/- 2.2). Evidence supporting the effectiveness of the online learning module included significant knowledge gains for both smokers and nonsmokers, and the participants who smoked agreed the online learning module encouraged them to quit. In this research, students were also grouped by major (health-related majors vs non-health-related). There were 118 health-related majors in the sample, with 110 of those students completing the entire learning module. In this research, a learning module for college students was developed, but practical applications are provided not only for college health instructors but also for allied health professionals.

Transdisciplinary assignments in graduate health education as a model for future collaboration.

Transdisciplinary health care continues to be at the forefront of patient treatment in the medical arena, in part due to escalating health care costs, an increasing aging population, and the development of multiple chronic diseases. Gaining the knowledge, experience, and principles associated with transdisciplinary teamwork to successfully prepare for modern-day practice is therefore essential for individuals of various health care professions. This report describes an assignment developed and implemented to facilitate professional interaction between graduate physical therapy, nutrition, and nursing students. The objectives of this assignment were to determine through student evaluation the effects of a transdisciplinary experience on students' understanding of the role of another discipline and students' communication skills across disciplines. When evaluating the assignment, students most often remarked that they developed a greater understanding of the roles of the included disciplines and reported a significant increase in communication skills. However, some students did not concur that this assignment was effective due to the scheduling conflicts and lack of teamwork that can occur during a collaborative project. The students' reports of their experiences in completing the assignment provide valuable insights for implementing and/or updating a preparatory transdisciplinary education component in other settings. Additional research can focus on the challenges faced by the majority of the students venturing into actual health care or "real-world" settings for comparative studies.

Assessment of alcohol and other drug use behaviors in health professions students.

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use behaviors of health professions students (HPS) were assessed by surveying both university-based HPS and other nursing programs in a Midwestern state in 1999. Response was 2,646 (56.4%) of surveyed students. Family history of alcohol-related and drug-related problems were reported by 39.8% and 13.9%, respectively, with 42.6% of respondents reporting one or both. Among nursing respondents, 48.1%, 19.2% and 51.1%, respectively, reported family problems with alcohol, drugs, or one or both. Past-year alcohol use was comparable to undergraduate college students (UCS) nationally (83%); heavy drinking, tobacco and recreational drug use by HPS were lower. Past year drug use was highest among medical students. Marijuana was the predominant illicit drug; medical students and males most often reported use. Health professions educational systems should proactively address student AOD prevention, education and assistance needs.

The perioperative specialist practitioner: developing and evaluating a new surgical role.

INTRODUCTION: This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of a new professional role in surgery. The role of the perioperative specialist practitioner (PSP), conceived as a response to the Working Time Directive, provides integrated preoperative and postoperative care to patients undergoing surgery in hospital. METHODS: A 1-year training programme was designed, dealing with a wide range of knowledge, skills and attitudes. Effective communication was a key component. Nine intensive 5-day modules at Imperial College London (London, UK) alternated with supervised experience of the surgical team at each participant's home trust. Detailed evaluation of the role and the training programme was provided by an independent research team, using an interview-based qualitative approach. Observational data were provided by the project team. Data were analysed using standard qualitative methods. RESULTS: 27 PSPs across 12 National Health Service trusts took part in two PSP training programmes. A total of 124 interviews (94 individual and 30 group) were carried out with PSPs and their colleagues. Overall, the role was seen as successful and positive, with great potential for dealing with reductions in junior medical cover. Each site encountered different opportunities and problems. Lack of mentorship was a key issue, and the role provoked considerable opposition in trusts. The training programme was viewed as highly successful. DISCUSSION: PSPs can provide high levels of expertise, but within clear limits. Our training programme has been effective and is perceived to be of high quality. However, introducing a new role requires time and sensitivity if opposition is to be minimised.

Distributed perfusion educational model: a shift in perfusion economic realities.

In recent years, a steady decline in the number of perfusion education programs in the United States has been noted. At the same time, there has been a parallel decline in the number of students graduated from perfusion educational programs in the United States. Also, as noted by several authors, there has been an increase in demand for perfusion graduates. The decline in programs and graduates has also been noted in anesthesia and surgical residency programs. The shift is caused by a combination of economic and clinical factors. First, decreased reimbursement has led to reallocation of hospital resources. Second, the original enthusiasm for beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery was grossly overestimated and has led to further reallocation of hospital resources and denigration of cardiopulmonary bypass. This paper describes two models of perfusion education programs: serial perfusion education model (SPEM) and the distributed perfusion education model (DPEM). Arguments are presented that the SPEM has some serious limitations and challenges for long-term economic survival. The authors feel the DPEM along with dependence on tuition funding can survive the current clinical and economic conditions and allow the profession to adapt to changes in scope of practice.

Using CD-ROM technology to increase folic acid knowledge among physician assistant students.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of incorporating CD-ROM technology to increase the knowledge of folic acid among physician assistant students. Participants included 76 first-year physician assistant students enrolled in a Women's Health course. A pretest and posttest was used to evaluate the knowledge gain after viewing the CD-ROM over a 2-week period. Of the 76 students in the course, 73 completed the pretest and the post-test. Posttest scores were significantly better than pretest scores (t = -11.83; p < or = 0.001), with means 68.63% and 46.18%. Knowledge scores increased by 22.45% from pre-test to posttest. Student evaluation results suggested that the CD-ROM (1) provided folic acid information in a clear and effective manner, (2) adequately covered the folic acid information, (3) increased student awareness and knowledge about folic acid, and (4) may promote early commitment by students to recommend daily folic acid intake to their patients.

Health human resources: consider the health technology professions.

Any analysis of health human resources must take into account the critical shortages in the health technology professions, such as medical laboratory technology, medical radiation technology, respiratory therapy and other allied health professions. These professions are often overlooked or invisible to patients, but they provide a vital role in diagnostic and therapeutic services. If projected shortages are not addressed, there will be a major impact on patient care. Accurate human resources information about these professionals must be collected; funding for additional spaces in educational institutions is essential; and a reconsideration of scopes of practice to allow more effective utilization of health technologists' knowledge and skills should be initiated as soon as possible.